that is most definitely neo-liberal propaganda.
In many situations throughout history anarchism/communism were literally the only viable option.

If communism didn't work then why does the US have to invade and disrupt every communist movement, even in other countries?

Here is a link on just some of the situations it has worked, in the form of a book explaining each aspect individually.

https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/peter-gelderloos-anarchy-works

Also what you said at the end was basically the goal of communism. Communism is simply worker control of the means of production, nothing more to it. That situation can only happen if the workers control the means of production and use it for their own needs.