One of the most adored romance novels among young adults in recent times has been Lynn Painter’s Better Than the Movies, which features a romance friends-to-lovers plot line, pop culture references, and a poignant depiction of first love. Published in 2021, Better Than the Movies has become a cult classic over the years due to its continuous success on BookTok and other social media platforms. This bestselling book will finally become a movie on Netflix. With the adaptation now moving into production, fans are eager to learn when the film will arrive, who will bring the beloved characters to life, and what to expect from the story.

As anticipation builds, many are wondering when Netflix plans to bring the beloved romance to audiences.

Netflix has yet to announce an official release date for the Better Than the Movies adaptation. The film, however, is still scheduled to premiere in 2027, and production has not yet been completed. With the filming of the adaptation of Lynn Painter’s bestselling young adult romance fast approaching, anticipation continues to build.  

Primary shooting on Better Than the Movies is scheduled to begin in Chicago, Illinois, from September 3 to October 21, 2026. However, Lynn Painter's book was published on May 4, 2021. As production begins, more casting announcements and the first official look at the adaptation are expected in the coming months. 

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Alongside production updates, Netflix has also revealed the first major casting announcements for the adaptation. 

Netflix has only announced the lead stars of Better Than the Movies. As of now, they are the only cast members officially announced, with more casting expected as production continues. Julia Hart will direct the adaptation and co-write the screenplay with Jordan Horowitz and Heather Flanders. The experienced creative team behind the project is working to bring Netflix viewers the heartwarming romance and humor that made the book a favorite among young adult readers. 

Beatrice Kitsos will portray Liz Buxbaum, a high school senior who's a hopeless romantic with a love for classic romantic comedies.

David Iacono has been cast as Wes Bennett, Liz’s charming but frustrating next-door neighbor who suddenly becomes her love interest. 

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Now with the lead cast in place, people are wondering about the plot of the novel, specially those, who have not read the novel. 

Better Than the Movies revolves around the life of Liz Buxbaum, who is an incorrigible romantic in the last year of her high school life and has always dreamed of winning the heart of her beloved, Michael. She tries to get closer to Michael, but for that purpose, she is forced to work with her sweet but irritating neighbor, Wes Bennett. As the act of deception becomes friendship between the two, Liz comes to know that real love is never perfect like those romantic movies she watches.

Better Than the Movies is likely to become one of Netflix’s most highly anticipated YA adaptations, just like The Map of Longing. Having a well-received source book and a skilled creative crew, along with interesting casting of the lead roles, the movie has already rose considerable interest among the bibliophiles. Though there are still several years to go before the movie hits the screens in 2027, the filming is scheduled to start very soon, and more casting information and images will follow.

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Are you excited to see Better Than the Movies come to Netflix, and do you think Beatrice Kitsos and David Iacono are the right choices to bring Liz and Wes to life? Let us know in the comments.