Romantic movies based on books create magical cinematic experiences that capture hearts worldwide. These adaptations transform beloved literary romances into visual masterpieces that resonate with audiences for generations.

From classic Jane Austen novels to contemporary bestsellers, book-to-film romances offer deeper emotional connections than original screenplays.

Must-See Book-to-Movie Romance Collections for Your Watchlist

Literary adaptations provide rich storytelling foundations that Hollywood directors use to craft unforgettable romantic experiences. Romance films adapted from novels consistently outperform original scripts because they’re built on proven emotional frameworks.

These movies offer viewers the chance to see their favorite fictional couples come alive on screen with stunning cinematography and powerful performances.

Classic Literature Romantic Movies That Started the Trend

1. Pride and Prejudice (2005) – Jane Austen’s Timeless Romance

Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth Bennet redefined classic romance movies based on books for modern audiences worldwide. Joe Wright’s adaptation captured Austen’s wit while adding breathtaking cinematography that elevated the source material beyond expectations.

The film grossed $121 million globally, proving that period romance book adaptations could attract contemporary viewers. Knightley’s performance earned her an Academy Award nomination, establishing her as a leading lady in literary adaptations.

Pride and Prejudice demonstrates how faithful book-to-film translations can enhance rather than diminish beloved source material. The movie’s success sparked renewed interest in Austen novels and inspired numerous television adaptations worldwide.

Wright’s direction emphasized emotional authenticity over period accuracy, making Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship accessible to 21st-century audiences. The film’s costume design and musical score created an immersive experience that honored Austen’s social commentary.

2. Jane Eyre (2011) – Charlotte Brontë’s Gothic Love Story

Mia Wasikowska brought fierce independence to Brontë’s mysterious heroine in this haunting gothic romance film adaptation. Director Cary Fukunaga crafted a visually stunning interpretation that emphasized the novel’s darker psychological elements.

Michael Fassbender’s Rochester delivered brooding intensity that matched Brontë’s complex characterization perfectly. The film received critical acclaim for its atmospheric cinematography and faithful adherence to the source material’s tone.

Jane Eyre showcases how romantic movies adapted from classic books can explore themes of feminism and social inequality. The 2011 version earned praise for its authentic Victorian settings and outstanding production design work.

Fukunaga’s interpretation highlighted the novel’s exploration of class differences and women’s autonomy in restrictive societies. The film’s success demonstrated that audiences appreciate intelligent adaptations of challenging literary works.

3. Sense and Sensibility (1995) – Austen’s Tale of Two Sisters

Emma Thompson’s Academy Award-winning screenplay transformed Austen’s novel into one of the most beloved romantic book-to-movie adaptations. Thompson also starred as Elinor Dashwood alongside Kate Winslet’s passionate Marianne in their breakout performance.

Ang Lee’s direction balanced period authenticity with emotional accessibility for contemporary audiences worldwide. The film earned seven Academy Award nominations and established the template for successful Austen adaptations.

Sense and Sensibility proved that classic romance films based on novels could achieve both critical acclaim and commercial success. The movie grossed $134 million worldwide while earning praise for its ensemble cast performances.

Thompson’s screenplay cleverly condensed Austen’s complex plot while preserving the novel’s social commentary and romantic elements. The film’s success launched a decade of Jane Austen adaptations across film and television.

4. Wuthering Heights (2011) – Emily Brontë’s Passionate Obsession

Andrea Arnold’s bold interpretation of Brontë’s tumultuous love story emphasized raw passion over traditional romantic conventions. The film’s naturalistic approach and handheld cinematography created an intimate viewing experience unlike previous adaptations.

Kaya Scodelario and James Howson brought fierce intensity to Catherine and Heathcliff’s destructive relationship. Arnold’s version focused on the novel’s exploration of obsession, revenge, and social class conflicts.

Wuthering Heights demonstrates how romantic movies based on classic books can be reimagined for modern sensibilities. The film’s unconventional narrative structure and visual style challenged audience expectations while honoring Brontë’s vision.

Arnold’s adaptation emphasized the Yorkshire moors’ wild landscape as a character itself, reflecting the protagonists’ untamed emotions. The film received praise for its authentic period details and powerful emotional performances.

More Posts:The 25+ Most Romantic Songs of All Tie for Love, Passion & Memories

Contemporary Romance Books Turned Into Blockbuster Films

5. The Notebook (2004) – Nicholas Sparks’ Heart-Wrenching Epic

Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams created one of cinema’s most iconic couples in this contemporary romance book adaptation. Director Nick Cassavetes transformed Sparks’ novel into a multi-generational love story that resonated with audiences worldwide.

The film grossed $117 million globally and established the template for successful Nicholas Sparks adaptations. The Notebook became a cultural phenomenon that redefined expectations for romantic movies based on bestselling books.

Cassavetes’ direction emphasized emotional authenticity over glossy production values, creating genuine chemistry between the lead actors. The movie’s dual timeline structure effectively conveyed the enduring power of true love across decades.

The Notebook’s success demonstrated that audiences craved authentic emotional connections in romance films adapted from novels. The film’s impact extended beyond box office numbers, inspiring countless marriage proposals and anniversary celebrations.

6. Dear John (2010) – Military Romance That Defined a Generation

Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried brought Nicholas Sparks’ military romance to life during wartime America. The film explored themes of sacrifice, duty, and love’s ability to transcend physical separation.

Dear John earned $114 million worldwide while addressing contemporary issues facing military families. The movie’s timing coincided with ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, adding emotional weight to its narrative.

Director Lasse Hallström crafted a visually stunning adaptation that honored Sparks’ exploration of long-distance relationships. The film’s portrayal of autism through Richard Jenkins’ character added depth beyond typical romance conventions.

Dear John proved that romantic book-to-film adaptations could address serious social issues while maintaining commercial appeal. The movie’s success continued Hollywood’s investment in Nicholas Sparks properties throughout the 2010s.

7. A Walk to Remember (2002) – Teen Romance With Emotional Depth

Mandy Moore and Shane West delivered heartbreaking performances in this early Nicholas Sparks adaptation that launched both actors’ careers. The film tackled themes of faith, forgiveness, and mortality within a teenage romance framework.

A Walk to Remember grossed $47 million against a modest budget while establishing Sparks as Hollywood’s premier romance novelist. The movie’s success with young audiences created a template for teen romance movies based on books.

Director Adam Shankman balanced the novel’s religious themes with universal messages about personal transformation and unconditional love. The film’s authentic small-town setting enhanced its emotional impact and relatability.

A Walk to Remember demonstrated that romantic films based on young adult novels could address mature themes without alienating teenage audiences. The movie’s enduring popularity on streaming platforms proves its lasting emotional impact.

8. The Last Song (2010) – Father-Daughter Bonds and First Love

Miley Cyrus made her dramatic debut in this Nicholas Sparks adaptation that explored family relationships alongside teenage romance. The film balanced coming-of-age themes with environmental conservation messages set against coastal Georgia’s backdrop.

Liam Hemsworth’s debut performance as Will created real-life chemistry with Cyrus that enhanced the film’s authenticity. The Last Song earned $89 million worldwide while addressing themes of forgiveness and family healing.

Director Julie Anne Robinson crafted a visually beautiful adaptation that captured the novel’s exploration of music’s healing power. The film’s soundtrack became a commercial success, enhancing its emotional resonance with audiences.

The Last Song proved that romantic movies adapted from contemporary books could successfully launch young actors’ careers. The film’s focus on environmental themes added social relevance to its romantic storyline.

Young Adult Romance Movie Adaptations That Broke Box Office Records

9. The Fault in Our Stars (2014) – John Green’s Cancer Love Story

Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort delivered powerhouse performances in this young adult romance book adaptation that redefined teen love stories. Director Josh Boone crafted an emotionally authentic film that honored Green’s complex exploration of mortality and love.

The film grossed $307 million worldwide, proving that YA romantic movies based on books could achieve massive commercial success. The Fault in Our Stars became a cultural phenomenon that sparked important conversations about terminal illness.

Boone’s direction emphasized character development over typical teen movie tropes, creating a mature exploration of first love. The film’s authentic portrayal of cancer treatment and its effects on relationships earned praise from medical professionals.

The Fault in Our Stars demonstrated that young adult audiences craved intelligent, emotionally complex romantic films based on popular novels. The movie’s success launched both lead actors into prominent Hollywood careers.

10. Me Before You (2016) – Jojo Moyes’ Life-Changing Romance

Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin brought Moyes’ controversial love story to life with remarkable chemistry and emotional depth. The film tackled difficult themes surrounding disability, assisted suicide, and personal autonomy within a romantic framework.

Me Before You earned $208 million globally while sparking important discussions about quality of life and individual choice. Director Thea Sharrock crafted a visually stunning adaptation that balanced humor with heartbreaking emotional moments.

The film’s portrayal of disability received both praise and criticism from advocacy groups, highlighting the complex issues surrounding representation. Me Before You demonstrated that romantic book adaptations could address controversial social topics.

Clarke’s performance showcased her range beyond Game of Thrones, establishing her as a leading lady in romantic dramas. The movie’s success proved that audiences appreciated complex moral questions within love stories.

11. If I Stay (2014) – Gayle Forman’s Musical Love Triangle

Chloë Grace Moretz delivered a powerful performance in this music-themed romance movie based on a book that explored life-and-death decisions. The film’s unique narrative structure, told from a coma patient’s perspective, created an innovative viewing experience.

If I Stay grossed $78 million worldwide while addressing themes of family, music, and choosing between different life paths. Director R.J. Cutler balanced supernatural elements with realistic emotional conflicts effectively.

The film’s classical music focus distinguished it from typical teen romance adaptations, appealing to audiences seeking intelligent entertainment. If I Stay showcased how YA romance book-to-movie adaptations could explore serious themes.

Moretz’s performance demonstrated her ability to carry dramatic weight as a leading actress in young adult films. The movie’s exploration of music as emotional expression added artistic depth to its romantic storyline.

More Posts:15 Romantic Excerpts From Romance Novels Perfect for Love and Intimacy

12. The Kissing Booth (2018) – Beth Reekles’ Netflix Phenomenon

Joey King and Jacob Elordi brought Reekles’ Wattpad success story to Netflix in this teen romance streaming adaptation. The film’s social media origins reflected changing patterns in how young adult literature reaches audiences.

The Kissing Booth became Netflix’s most-watched teen movie, spawning two sequels and launching both lead actors’ careers. The film proved that romantic movies based on online novels could achieve mainstream success.

Director Vince Marcello crafted a lighthearted adaptation that emphasized fun over serious themes, appealing to younger audiences. The movie’s success demonstrated streaming platforms’ power in distributing book-based romantic films.

The Kissing Booth trilogy’s popularity highlighted the importance of social media marketing for contemporary romance adaptations. The films’ success created opportunities for other Wattpad stories to receive film treatments.

Historical Romance Films Based on Beloved Novels

13. Outlander (2014-2022) – Diana Gabaldon’s Time-Traveling Epic

Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heughan brought Gabaldon’s complex time-travel romance to television in this award-winning historical romance series adaptation. The show’s success across six seasons proved that epic romance books could sustain long-form storytelling.

Outlander earned critical acclaim for its authentic historical details, stunning Scottish locations, and complex character development. The series demonstrated how romantic book adaptations could explore themes of feminism, war, and cultural differences.

Starz’s investment in high production values created a visually spectacular series that honored Gabaldon’s extensive research. Outlander’s success launched a tourism boom in Scotland and renewed interest in historical romance novels.

The series’ portrayal of an 18th-century marriage challenged modern relationship expectations while maintaining romantic appeal. Outlander proved that time-travel romance adaptations could achieve both critical and commercial success.

14. The English Patient (1996) – Michael Ondaatje’s War-Torn Romance

Ralph Fiennes and Kristin Scott Thomas delivered unforgettable performances in this World War II romance book adaptation that won nine Academy Awards. Director Anthony Minghella crafted a visually stunning epic that honored Ondaatje’s complex narrative structure.

The English Patient earned $231 million worldwide while exploring themes of identity, betrayal, and forbidden love during wartime. The film’s non-linear storytelling challenged audiences while rewarding careful attention with emotional payoffs.

Minghella’s adaptation successfully condensed Ondaatje’s literary complexity into accessible cinematic storytelling without losing thematic depth. The English Patient became the gold standard for literary romance film adaptations.

The film’s desert cinematography and musical score created an immersive experience that enhanced the novel’s exploration of memory. The English Patient demonstrated how war romance movies based on books could achieve artistic excellence.

15. Cold Mountain (2003) – Charles Frazier’s Civil War Love Story

Jude Law and Nicole Kidman brought Frazier’s Civil War odyssey to life in this period romance epic adaptation. Director Anthony Minghella crafted a visually stunning film that explored themes of survival, loyalty, and enduring love.

Cold Mountain earned $173 million worldwide while showcasing the brutality and humanity of America’s Civil War period. The film’s authentic period details and powerful performances earned three Academy Award nominations.

Minghella’s direction emphasized the physical and emotional journeys that war forces upon lovers separated by conflict. Cold Mountain proved that historical romance book adaptations could address serious historical themes.

The film’s portrayal of Southern society during wartime added social commentary to its romantic storyline. Cold Mountain demonstrated how Civil War romance movies could appeal to contemporary audiences.

16. Doctor Zhivago (1965) – Boris Pasternak’s Russian Revolution Romance

Omar Sharif and Julie Christie created one of cinema’s most iconic couples in this Russian literature romance adaptation. Director David Lean crafted an epic film that captured Pasternak’s sweeping portrayal of love during revolutionary upheaval.

Doctor Zhivago earned $111 million in its initial release and won five Academy Awards for its technical achievements. The film’s success proved that foreign literature adaptations could achieve mainstream American success.

Lean’s direction emphasized the contrast between intimate personal relationships and massive historical events. Doctor Zhivago became a template for epic historical romance films based on novels.

The film’s memorable musical score and stunning cinematography created lasting cultural impact beyond its romantic storyline. Doctor Zhivago demonstrated how classic literature adaptations could achieve both artistic and commercial success.

International Romantic Book Adaptations Worth Watching

17. Like Water for Chocolate (1992) – Laura Esquivel’s Magical Realism

Lumi Cavazos brought Esquivel’s magical realism to life in this Mexican romance film adaptation that blended cooking, family, and forbidden love. Director Alfonso Arau crafted a sensual film that celebrated Mexican culture and traditions.

Like Water for Chocolate earned critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of early 20th-century Mexican society and revolutionary politics. The film proved that international romance book adaptations could find global audiences.

Arau’s direction emphasized the connection between food preparation and emotional expression, creating a unique cinematic experience. Like Water for Chocolate demonstrated how magical realism romance films could translate effectively to screen.

The film’s success launched interest in Latin American literature adaptations and showcased Mexican cinema internationally. Like Water for Chocolate became a beloved example of cultural romance storytelling.

18. One Day (2011) – David Nicholls’ Two-Decade Journey

Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess brought Nicholls’ innovative love story structure to life in this British romance adaptation. The film’s unique concept of checking in with characters on the same day across twenty years created compelling storytelling opportunities.

One Day grossed $59 million worldwide while exploring themes of friendship, missed opportunities, and life’s unpredictable nature. Director Lone Scherfig crafted an emotionally complex film that honored the novel’s innovative structure.

The film’s portrayal of British society’s changes from the 1980s through 2000s added social commentary to its romantic storyline. One Day proved that contemporary British romance adaptations could appeal to international audiences.

Hathaway’s accent work and both leads’ aging makeup challenged audience expectations while serving the story’s ambitious timeline. One Day demonstrated how innovative romance book adaptations could experiment with narrative structure.

19. The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009) – Audrey Niffenegger’s Sci-Fi Romance

Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana brought Niffenegger’s complex time-travel love story to life in this science fiction romance adaptation. Director Robert Schwentke crafted a film that balanced supernatural elements with authentic emotional relationships.

The Time Traveler’s Wife earned $101 million worldwide while exploring themes of destiny, free will, and love’s ability to transcend time. The film’s non-linear structure challenged audiences while rewarding attention with emotional payoffs.

Schwentke’s direction emphasized the emotional consequences of Henry’s time-traveling condition on his marriage to Claire. The Time Traveler’s Wife proved that sci-fi romance book adaptations could achieve mainstream success.

The film’s portrayal of genetic disorders and their impact on relationships added scientific authenticity to its fantastical premise. The Time Traveler’s Wife demonstrated how complex romance novels could translate to accessible cinema.

20. PS I Love You (2007) – Cecelia Ahern’s Grief and Healing

Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler brought Ahern’s exploration of grief and healing to life in this Irish-American romance adaptation. Director Richard LaGravenese crafted an emotionally powerful film that addressed themes of loss, friendship, and moving forward.

PS I Love You grossed $156 million worldwide while showcasing both Irish and American cultural perspectives on love and loss. The film proved that international romance book adaptations could achieve significant commercial success.

LaGravenese’s direction balanced heartbreaking moments with humor and hope, creating an emotionally satisfying viewing experience. PS I Love You demonstrated how grief romance films could provide healing through storytelling.

The film’s ensemble cast, including Lisa Kudrow and Gina Gershon, added depth to its exploration of female friendship. PS I Love You proved that widow romance adaptations could appeal to diverse audiences.

Fantasy Romance Movies Adapted From Popular Book Series

21. Twilight Saga (2008-2012) – Stephenie Meyer’s Vampire Romance

Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson created a global phenomenon in this vampire romance book series adaptation. The five-film saga grossed $3.3 billion worldwide, establishing the template for young adult fantasy romance franchises.

Twilight revolutionized vampire mythology for teenage audiences while launching both lead actors into superstardom. The franchise proved that paranormal romance book adaptations could achieve unprecedented commercial success.

Directors Catherine Hardwicke, Chris Weitz, David Slade, and Bill Bannerman each brought unique visual styles to different installments. Twilight’s success demonstrated how fantasy romance series could sustain audience interest across multiple films.

The franchise’s cultural impact extended beyond cinema, influencing fashion, tourism, and vampire literature for over a decade. Twilight became the most successful supernatural romance adaptation in film history.

22. Beautiful Creatures (2013) – Kami Garcia’s Southern Gothic Magic

Alice Englert and Alden Ehrenreich brought Garcia’s Southern Gothic romance to life in this atmospheric adaptation. Director Richard LaGravenese crafted a visually stunning film that blended supernatural elements with authentic Southern culture.

Beautiful Creatures earned praise for its authentic South Carolina locations and complex exploration of good versus evil themes. The film proved that witch romance book adaptations could offer sophisticated storytelling beyond typical teen fare.

LaGravenese’s direction emphasized the novel’s exploration of family curses, personal choice, and breaking destructive cycles. Beautiful Creatures demonstrated how Southern romance adaptations could showcase regional culture authentically.

The film’s ensemble cast, including Jeremy Irons and Emma Thompson, added gravitas to its supernatural romance storyline. Beautiful Creatures showed how gothic romance films could appeal to mature audiences.

More Posts:18+ Romantic Master Bedroom Decorating Ideas for a Cozy & Elegant Space

23. City of Bones (2013) – Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunter Chronicles

Lily Collins and Jamie Campbell Bower brought Clare’s urban fantasy romance to life in this demon-hunting adaptation. Director Harald Zwart crafted an action-packed film that balanced supernatural warfare with romantic relationships.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones showcased elaborate fight choreography and stunning visual effects in its portrayal of hidden magical worlds. The film proved that angel-demon romance adaptations could create compelling action sequences.

Zwart’s direction emphasized the novel’s exploration of identity, family secrets, and forbidden love across species boundaries. City of Bones demonstrated how urban fantasy book adaptations could blend multiple genres effectively.

The film’s production design created an immersive shadowhunter world that honored Clare’s detailed mythology. City of Bones showed how fantasy romance franchises could establish complex fictional universes.

24. Warm Bodies (2013) – Isaac Marion’s Zombie Love Story

Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer brought Marion’s zombie romance to life in this genre-bending adaptation. Director Jonathan Levine crafted a unique film that combined horror elements with romantic comedy and social commentary.

Warm Bodies grossed $116 million worldwide while challenging audience expectations about zombie mythology and romantic possibilities. The film proved that unconventional romance book adaptations could find mainstream success.

Levine’s direction used zombie apocalypse settings to explore themes of communication, empathy, and human connection. Warm Bodies demonstrated how horror romance adaptations could transcend genre limitations.

The film’s humor and heart transformed potentially disturbing subject matter into uplifting entertainment about love’s transformative power. Warm Bodies showed how creative romance adaptations could reinvent familiar tropes.

Recent Romance Book-to-Movie Adaptations Dominating Streaming

25. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018) – Jenny Han’s Netflix Trilogy

Lana Condor and Noah Centineo created a beloved couple in this Asian-American romance adaptation that dominated Netflix’s most-watched lists. Director Susan Johnson crafted a charming film that celebrated diversity while honoring classic romance conventions.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before spawned two sequels and launched both lead actors into prominent careers. The trilogy proved that streaming romance adaptations could achieve massive cultural impact without theatrical releases.

Johnson’s direction emphasized authentic family dynamics and cultural identity within traditional teen romance frameworks. To All the Boys demonstrated how diverse romance book adaptations could appeal to global audiences.

The film’s success on Netflix proved that streaming platforms could effectively distribute contemporary YA romance adaptations. To All the Boys became a template for successful streaming romance franchises.

26. The Half of It (2020) – Alice Wu’s Modern Cyrano Story

Leah Lewis delivered a breakthrough performance in Wu’s LGBTQ+ romance adaptation that reimagined classic love triangle dynamics. Director Alice Wu crafted an intelligent film that explored themes of identity, friendship, and unrequited love.

The Half of It earned critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of small-town life and complex romantic relationships. The film proved that queer romance book adaptations could achieve both artistic and commercial success.

Wu’s direction emphasized character development over typical romantic comedy tropes, creating a mature exploration of sexuality. The Half of It demonstrated how coming-of-age romance adaptations could address serious themes.

The film’s success on Netflix highlighted the platform’s commitment to diverse storytelling and underrepresented communities. The Half of It became an important example of inclusive romance filmmaking.

27. Purple Hearts (2022) – Tess Wakefield’s Military Contract Marriage

Sofia Carson and Nicholas Galitzine brought Wakefield’s military romance to Netflix in this controversial adaptation. The film sparked discussions about politics, healthcare, and marriage while achieving massive streaming success.

Purple Hearts became one of Netflix’s most-watched films despite receiving mixed critical reception. The movie proved that contemporary military romance adaptations could generate significant audience engagement.

Director Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum crafted a film that addressed current issues facing military families and healthcare access. Purple Hearts demonstrated how social issue romance adaptations could spark important conversations.

The film’s musical elements and Carson’s performance showcased how singer-actress romance adaptations could leverage star power effectively. Purple Hearts showed that controversial romance films could achieve streaming success.

28. After (2019) – Anna Todd’s Wattpad Success Story

Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin brought Todd’s digital-first romance to theaters in this bad boy adaptation. The film’s social media origins reflected changing patterns in how romance literature reaches audiences.

After earned $69 million worldwide and spawned multiple sequels, proving that Wattpad romance adaptations could achieve theatrical success. The franchise demonstrated how fan fiction origins could translate to mainstream entertainment.

Director Jenny Gage crafted a film that honored the source material’s passionate intensity while adapting for broader audiences. After proved that online romance communities could influence traditional publishing and filmmaking.

The film’s success created opportunities for other digital-first romance stories to receive film treatments. After became a significant example of social media literature adaptations.

Streaming Platforms Revolutionizing Romance Book Adaptations

Streaming romance adaptations have transformed how book-to-film projects reach audiences, eliminating theatrical distribution limitations that previously restricted romantic film releases.

Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other platforms invest heavily in romance content because these films generate consistent viewership across demographics.

The success of streaming-first romance adaptations like “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” proves that digital platforms can launch successful franchises without traditional theatrical releases.

Conclusion

Romantic movies based on books continue captivating audiences because they combine proven storytelling with visual spectacle that brings beloved characters to life. These adaptations offer deeper emotional connections than original screenplays while providing studios with reduced financial risks through pre-existing fan bases.

The evolution from classic literature adaptations to contemporary streaming successes demonstrates the enduring power of book-to-film romance storytelling across all platforms and generations.