10 Best Romance Movies Based on Books, Ranked

Those who have ever finished a romance novel and immediately wished they could see their favorite couple come to life already understand the irresistible allure of book-to-movie adaptations—often featuring all the longing, banter, and soon-worthy moments, especially in the romance genre.

For some reason, there is something exceptionally exciting about watching characters we have visualized in our minds leap from the page to the silver screen, and romance novels are practically tailor-made for such a transition. Packed with heart, humor, and just enough angst to keep audiences reaching for the tissues, these are some of the best book-to-screen romance adaptations that capture the essence of the original while adding a fresh spark and beautiful visuals.

10

‘The Fault in Our Stars’ (2014)

Directed by Josh Boone

Back when it was released, Josh Boone‘s movie did not just tug at heartstrings; it reshaped the way young adults engaged with themes of love, mortality, and vulnerability by presenting them through relatable characters and a moving narrative. Suddenly, YA romance wasn’t about vampires or dystopian rebels, but about real teens in the face of unimaginable odds. Adapted from John Green’s bestselling novel, the movie depicts the relationship between Hazel (Shailene Woodley), a teen living with cancer, who meets the endlessly charming Augustus (Ansel Elgort) at a support group.

Anchored by great chemistry, The Fault in Our Stars charmed audiences back when it was released by not shying away from depicting the unfair realities of illness and young love. It finds beauty in fleeting moments, reminding audiences that some infinities are better than others and that sometimes the most unforgettable love stories are the ones that don’t last.

9

‘Gone With the Wind’ (1939)

Directed by Victor Fleming

The granddad of all sweeping Hollywood romances—culturally influential, melodramatic, and undeniably lavish—Victor Fleming‘s Gone With the Wind is adapted from Margaret Mitchell‘s bestselling novel and follows the fiery Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh) and the rakish Rhett Butler (Clarke Gable) as they spar and scheme against the backdrop of the Civil War.

Gone With the Wind deserves a spot on the list for all its cinematic grandeur and influence. However, Gone With the Wind is regarded as a problematic film for its romanticized vision of the antebellum South, along with its portrayal of slavery. Despite its grandiosity and impact on pop culture, it’s arguably not the kind of film that has aged incredibly well, and the ongoing conversation around it proves this. Nonetheless, it remains a cinematic milestone when it comes to book-to-screen adaptations.

8

‘Emma.’ (2020)

Directed by Autumn De Wilde

Starring Anya Taylor-Joy in the lead role, Emma. is Jane Austen with a pastel-colored twist—witty, visually lush, and delightfully self-aware, Autumn De Wilde‘s movie stands out for its production design and Oscar-nominated costumes. The story follows the wealthy titular character as she turns her matchmaker’s attention to Harriet Smith (Mia Goth), a sweet but naive girl.

Emma. is not just eye candy; it is packed with sly humor and an entertaining period piece narrative. But above all, De Wilde’s adaptation does not shy away from Austen’s critique of class and privilege, always doing so with a light and comedic touch that helps make the film as clever as it is utterly charming.

7

‘Love, Simon’ (2018)

Directed by Greg Berlanti

Adapted from Becky Albertalli‘s beloved YA novel Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, Love, Simon is a coming-of-age romantic comedy that puts a closeted gay teen (Nick Robinson) front and center—a first for a major Hollywood studio production. Simon’s life is seemingly perfect, but he’s hiding a secret that leaves him feeling anxious and isolated.

Greg Berlanti‘s adaptation of the bestselling novel gives the coming-of-age genre a fresh, inclusive twist, delivering more than just a charming rom-com. At its heart, Love, Simon is a vibrant, funny, and genuinely moving film that balances lightheartedness with the stakes of coming out. With a strong supporting cast including Jennifer Garner, this upbeat romance is equal parts universal and unforgettable.

6

‘The Notebook’ (2004)

Directed by Nick Cassavetes

Although it does have its share of flaws, it’d be impossible not to mention The Notebook in such a list. Adapted from Nicholas Sparks’ iconic novel and directed by Nick Cassavetes, this sweeping and decades-spanning romance is as much about memory as it is about love. The movie depicts an elderly man named Duke (James Garner) as he reads to a fellow resident (Gena Rowlands, Cassavetes’ mother) from a notebook about two young lovers: working-class Noah (Ryan Gosling) and spirited heiress Allie (Rachel McAdams).

Elevated by Gosling and McAdams’ combustible chemistry, The Notebook has viewers swooning to this day. Whether it’s the kind of summer fling that you really only see in the movies (or novels), a love so intense it survives years of separation and war itself, or the devastatingly real performances, Cassavetes’ fan-favorite has become the ultimate forbidden love book-to-screen adaptation.

5

‘Silver Linings Playbook’ (2012)

Directed by David O. Russell

Far from your typical rom-com, Silver Linings Playbook is a heartfelt and whip-smart dance through the messiness of life and the struggles of mental health. Based on Matthew Quick’s novel, it introduces audiences to Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper), fresh out of a mental health facility and determined to win back his ex-wife. Jennifer Lawrence’s Tiffany Maxwell, on the other hand, is a witty widow with her own emotional baggage who offers to help Pat reconnect with his past lover if he partners with her in a local dance competition.

What’s charming about this unconventional romantic comedy is its unpredictability and authenticity. With Cooper and Lawrence’s amazing central chemistry and a strong supporting cast that includes Robert De Niro, Silver Linings Playbook proves that love isn’t about grand gestures or perfect people, but rather about finding someone who truly understands you.

4

‘Carol’ (2015)

Directed by Todd Haynes

A staple among LGBTQ+ movies, Todd Haynes’ Carol sets the bar for what a forbidden love story can be. Adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s novel The Price of Salt, the movie follows the intriguing relationship between Rooney Mara’s Therese Belivet, a young department store clerk and aspiring photographer, and the enigmatic Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett), an older woman stuck in an unhappy marriage.

This beautiful book-to-screen adaptation is the perfect pick for those enamored by stolen glances and hushed conversations; it’s a breathtaking meditation on the glittering but repressive 1950s, with sumptuous period detail and stunning cinematography that makes every frame feel more absorbing. With its exploration of love, identity, and sacrifice, this masterclass in restraint and longing easily ranks among the best book-to-screen adaptations.

3

‘Atonement’ (2007)

Directed by Joe Wright

For those who enjoy heartbreaking takes on the romance genre, Joe Wright’s Atonement, adapted from Ian McEwan’s acclaimed novel, is a stylish, heart-shattering piece. Opening with a stunning, sun-drenched English countryside scenario, the movie goes on to illustrate the devastating consequences of a single, fateful misunderstanding. At the center of the drama is Cecilia Tallis (Keira Knightley), whose strong connection with Robbie Turner (James McAvoy) is interrupted by a young girl’s (Saoirse Ronan) lie.

Equally elegant and devastating, Wright’s direction presents both sweeping landscapes and war-torn France; settings that are just as unforgettable as its performances. At its core, Atonement is a masterclass in how to turn a story about love, guilt, and the passage of time into an immersive cinematic experience that sticks with audiences.

2

‘Rebecca’ (1940)

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

A cornerstone of classic cinema, Alfred Hitchcock‘s Rebecca remains the blueprint for Gothic romance brought to the big screen—and understandably so. The 1940 film, adapted from Daphne du Maurier‘s novel, is a haunting masterclass in suspense and psychological intrigue, following the timid and unnamed new Mrs. de Winter (Joan Fontaine) as she’s swept into the world of her enigmatic husband’s (Laurence Olivier) estate and the shadow of his first wife, Rebecca.

Rebecca is a clear standout when it comes to book-to-screen adaptations, with slow-burning tension and meticulous direction that create an immersive world where every wall hides a secret. It is the perfect pick for those who enjoy classics and want to deep dive into a captivating exploration of identity, jealousy, and the seemingly inescapable pull of the past.

1

‘Pride and Prejudice’ (2005)

Directed by Joe Wright

While Atonement is a great showcase of the filmmaker’s talents, Wright’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s timeless classic remains superior—it doesn’t just make it to the list, but it also waltzes to the top. The now-iconic, quintessential enemies-to-lovers tale follows Elizabeth Bennett (Knightley in yet another iconic period role) and the mysterious Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen). When the wealthy and aloof character arrives in her community, their initial encounters are marked by mutual disdain and wit, only for an unlikely bond to blossom between the two.

Both leads share electric chemistry, blessing the screen with a wind-whirling romance that sweeps audiences off their feet. Elevated by Wright’s lush direction and Dario Mairanelli’s sweeping score, Pride and Prejudice is a captivating film in many ways: not only do the leads fascinate, but its supporting cast—including Dame Judi Dench and Donald Sutherland—does as well. Add that to the story’s timeless themes and ability to capture Austen’s biting social commentary and immaculate period detail, and it’s not exactly difficult to grasp why it ranks in first place.

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