By Sierra Credico
Since the YA romance novel by Jenny Han, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, has turned into a massive hit on Netflix, I decided to compile a list of some of my other absolute favorite YA novels that should also become their own films!
(PS: minor spoilers ahead!)
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Anna Oliphant and Etienne St. Clair are, in my opinion, the best couple in YA romance. Their friendship is so genuine, their chemistry is so palpable, and they’re both so funny! This story could easily become our generation’s When Harry Met Sally. Anna and Etienne are the perfect friends to lovers- I can’t even believe how cute their flirty banter and insane connection would be on the big screen! Plus, the set would be incredible, as their love story is set in the actual City of Love. A few of Paris’s major landmarks play key roles in the story, like Point Zero and the Notre Dame, so it’d be awesome to see live-action Anna and Etienne being adorable against the stunning backdrop of Paris!
The Selection by Kiera Cass
The Selection movie is already in the works with Warner Bros Pictures, but how could I not include this Bachelor-esque brawl for Prince Maxon Schreave’s heart-and the crown- on this list? First of all, if you thought you liked Peter Kavinsky, wait until you meet Maxon Schreave. He’s sweet, caring, and so, so easy to fall in love with. Did I mention he’s a legit prince? Also, America Singer is such a strong and fierce main character! Her simple beauty and her strong-willed personality are comparable to other admirable dystopian leads like Katniss Everdeen and Tris Prior. AND THE COSTUMES. Can you imagine? The movie would be filled with stunning gowns and elaborate makeup and hairstyles. Somebody better make this movie, and quick.
Six of Crows Duology by LeighAnn Bardugo
The Six of Crows duology seriously delivers on dark-yet-lovable anti-heros thing, and watching this devious group of six defy all odds in an impossible heist would be an absolute treat. The story is twisty and suspenseful, perfect to keep an entire movie theatre on their toes the whole time. The cast and storylines are also very diverse with an Indian female lead, Inej, and the relationship between Jesper and Wylan. The romances are slow-burning and keep audiences begging for more. Plus, since it’s a duology, it could even be made into multiple movies!
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
If you’re currently reading this in a bedroom covered in Harry Styles posters, this one is for you. Cath, the main character and a popular fan-fiction writer, is so relatable and real. I think everyone can relate to at least one of Cath’s quirks, whether it’s her truly impressive fan-girling skills or her struggles with social anxiety. She’s a very honest, strong, and complex female lead, which is important and seriously hard to find in a lot of films today. And, honestly, her relationship development with her roommate and Levi are just plain sweet.
Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
After I read this book, I felt truly inspired to peace out for a few weeks and drive around the country, eating greasy burgers and listening to rock music. It would make such a good film and an even better soundtrack! Amy and Roger’s strangers-to-lovers trope is one of my favorites in the YA genre, and their relationship naturally builds during their few days locked in a car together. I think audiences would enjoy travelling from California to Connecticut with these two, their banter, and their admittedly amazing playlists.
Not That Kind of Girl by Siobhan Vivian
A steamy romance, a sweet and attractive love interest, a flawed protagonist, and seriously amazing feminist undertones? Sounds fake, but trust me when I say, Not That Kind of Girl expertly portrays every single one of these. The story of good girl Natalie, her best friend Autumn, and her newest, wildest friend, Spencer, is something every single teenage girl needs to experience. While the romance is very romantic and complicated, the heart of the story lies in it’s message: that we, as women, shouldn’t judge others for their sexuality or their interactions with men. I think making this particular story into a film and further popularizing the idea of empowering fellow women is so incredibly important, especially in today’s climate. It’s relatable, fun to watch, and holds true to a very important cause.