Lynn Painter has become one of BookTok's brightest success stories, turning heartfelt romance and swoon-worthy banter into page-turners that readers cannot stop recommending. Better Than the Movies sits at the heart of that phenomenon, earning a loyal fan base that has long imagined its characters on screen. Now, Netflix is finally giving those daydreams a cinematic home.

The wait for Liz and Wes is officially underway, and while there is still plenty to learn, here is everything confirmed so far about Netflix's adaptation.

One of the biggest questions surrounding the adaptation is also the easiest to answer for now. Netflix has not announced any cast members for Better Than the Movies. No actors have been officially attached to portray fan favorites Liz Buxbaum, Wes Bennet, or Michael, leaving BookTok readers busy creating dream casts across social media. What has been confirmed is the creative team behind the camera. Julia Hart is directing the romantic comedy while also co-writing the screenplay alongside Jordan Horowitz, the Oscar-winning producer of La La Land, and Heather Flanders. 

Before casting steals the spotlight, it is the beloved love story itself that has readers counting down the days.

Based on Lynn Painter's bestselling young adult novel of the same name, Better Than the Movies follows hopeless romantic Liz Buxbaum, whose life has always felt like it belongs inside the perfect romantic comedy. When her longtime crush Michael returns to town, Liz is determined to make him finally notice her, even if that means teaming up with the one person she never expected to trust, her mischievous next-door neighbor Wes Bennet. And naturally, what begins as a carefully planned scheme slowly transforms into something much more genuine.

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As Liz and Wes spend more time together, the line between fake partnership and real feelings begins to blur. The novel has become a BookTok favorite because it embraces classic rom-com tropes while giving them fresh emotional depth, balancing witty banter, childhood rivalry, and heartfelt coming-of-age moments. Netflix's adaptation is expected to stay faithful to that central story while bringing Painter's fan-favorite characters to life.

According to What's on Netflix and production listings, filming is scheduled to begin in Chicago, Illinois, on September 3, 2026, with production expected to continue through October 21, 2026, although those dates remain subject to change. Chicago provides a fitting backdrop for the story's suburban charm and high school romance, offering the seasonal atmosphere that readers associate with the novel.

Netflix has not announced an official release date, but the production timeline points toward a Summer or Fall 2027 premiere after filming and post-production are completed. More clarity is expected when Netflix unveils its 2027 film slate next year. Until then, BookTok fans will be watching closely for casting announcements that could arrive in the coming months.

With filming about to begin and an acclaimed creative team leading the adaptation, Better Than the Movies is taking its first steps from beloved novel to Netflix romance. If it captures even a fraction of the charm that made Lynn Painter's story a BookTok sensation, it could become one of the streamer's most anticipated YA releases.

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What are your hopes for Netflix's Better Than the Movies? Share your dream cast and expectations for the adaptation in the comments.