Top 10 Best YA Movie Adaptations of All Time
We're looking at some of the best adaptations of young adult novels, taking into account how they tackled adolescent issues, their overall production value and, most importantly, their handling of the source material. For the record, we'll also be including adaptations of novels that are technically considered "Middle Years" and not exclusively YA, as the two categorizations tend to overlap. Join MsMojo as we countdown our picks for the Top 10 BEST YA Movie Adaptations of ALL TIME.
#10: “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” (2018)
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This adaptation of the Jenny Han novel premiered on Netflix in August of 2018. It quickly surprised people with its charming and unique story, as well as its relatable and heartwarming characters. Not only that, but with a Asian-American female lead and a plot that didn’t revolve around her ethnic background, “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”’s success demonstrated how there continues to be an audience for teen-rom-coms and that representation matters. Though the casting of the boys that Lara Jean’s loved before has received some criticism due to 80% of them being Caucasian, the fact that they’ve cast multi-ethnic actors like Jordan Fisher and Ross Butler for the sequel - which is also based on another of Han’s books - bodes well.
#9: “The Spectacular Now” (2013)
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Party animal Sutter Keely is a high school student who spends most of his time partying. After getting dumped by his girlfriend and spending a night crashing bars, he wakes up outside the home of Aimee Finecky, a homebody who doesn’t do much outside of working and studying. You can guess where this is heading, but while the premise sounds about as cliche as any run-of-the-mill teen rom-com, “The Spectacular Now” stands out from the crowd. It knows when to be funny and when to be sensitive. It also presents a lesson that may help teens understand the importance of planning for the future.
#8: “The Hunger Games” franchise (2012-15)
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In this post-apocalyptic world, selected teenagers are forced to compete in an annual event where they must kill each other until only one is left standing. When her younger sister is chosen to compete, Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence, steps up to take her place. Having grossed nearly three billion dollars worldwide, the franchise undeniably connected with audiences, much like the books did with readers before its jump to the big screen. Despite “Mockingjay” being a bit of a misstep (according to fans, in any case), the movies have remained consistently high quality, delivering stylish visuals, tense drama, and compelling performances.
#7: “Love, Simon” (2018)
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“Love, Simon” tells the story of Simon Spier and his struggle with his “huge ass secret”. When a classmate anonymously reveals their homosexuality on social media, Simon reaches out, and the two begin taking steps to come out to their friends and family. However, things take a turn for the worst when one of Simon’s peers discovers his emails and uses them as blackmail. In addition to being an overall entertaining film, “Love, Simon” tackles the hardships of coming out head-on, showing many different facets of the struggle, such as reactions from family and friends as well as crushes from the opposite gender. Funny, unapologetic, and endearing, this film adaptation of Becky Albertalli’s “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” could not have come at a better time.
#6: “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” (2015)
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When a former childhood friend is diagnosed with leukemia, Greg Gaines is forced by his parents to start visiting her. Yes, things are awkward at first, but the two quickly rekindle their friendship through movies and pillow talk - no joke, there’s literal pillow talk… Despite its depressing title, “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” is actually a film made up of many funny moments, from how Greg describes his views on people to a scene where he and Earl “accidentally” get high. Of course, it’s all of these high points that make the central premise all the more heartbreaking, and we wouldn’t have this flick without Jesse Andrews’ debut novel.
#5: “The Fault in Our Stars” (2014)
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Adapted from John Green’s 2012 novel, “The Fault in Our Stars” tells the story of Hazel, a 16-year-old girl diagnosed with thyroid cancer. When her mother makes her start attending a local support group, Hazel ends up falling in love with Augustus, a young man who had his leg amputated after suffering from bone cancer. As one would expect from a story like this, it’s an emotional rollercoaster. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll be utterly captivated by the chemistry between Hazel and Augustus. There are dozens of movies that try to be sensitive, romantic, and charming, but “The Fault in Our Stars” pulls it off in such a way that it’s almost difficult to describe.
#4: “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” (2005)
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This film franchise may have taken a nosedive and petered out, but “The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe” remains memorable for many reasons. After being evacuated from their home during World War II, four children discover a magical wardrobe in their caretaker’s house that leads to a fantastical realm known as “Narnia.” It isn’t long until they find themselves entangled in a battle against the devious White Witch. While this isn’t the first time the story has been adapted, this 2005 rendition proves to be one of the best thanks to its breathtaking cinematography, spectacular special effects and CGI, and exceptional cast.
#3: “Paper Towns” (2015)
Though it was written first, this 2008 John Green novel only got its own movie adaptation one year after “The Fault in Our Stars” went and made the whole world cry. “Paper Towns” follows Quentin “Q” Jacobsen, a young man who has been crushing super hard on his former childhood pal for years. After a night of helping her get revenge on her former friends, Q learns she has disappeared and sets out to find her. Between charming romance and lighthearted humor, “Paper Towns” is brilliantly written and boasts excellent performances from its young cast. It also presents an important lesson about stepping outside your comfort zone and chasing your ambitions...assuming they’re not just about chasing after someone.
#2: “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012)
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Ever knew someone who stayed in the background, not wanting to draw attention to themselves? Well, that’s the type of person we focus on in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Charlie Kelmeckis is worried about starting his first year of high school given his history with anxiety and depression. As he takes his first steps however, we get to see Charlie experience friendship, love, and acceptance. In addition to addressing topics like bullying, trauma and mental illness, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is both a wonderful and sorrowful representation of modern high school life, showing the good, the bad, AND the ugly sides of growing up. Before we reveal our top pick, here are a few Honorable Mentions… “Holes” (2003) “It’s Kind of a Funny Story” (2010) “If I Stay” (2014) “Bridge to Terabithia” (2007) “The Outsiders” (1983)
#1: “Harry Potter” franchise (2001-11)
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What can we say that hasn’t already been said about “Harry Potter”? Do we geek out over the fantastical world built by J.K. Rowling and its intriguing characters? Why not discuss how the movies successfully translated the stories from page to screen? Should we go over how the franchise grew up with its fans and touched on mature themes? Or the fact that people still talk about the motion pictures despite Harry’s story having ended years ago? If the “Fantastic Beasts” spin-off series and Universal Orlando park didn’t solidify “Harry Potter” as a cultural phenomenon, what will? A podcast? Welp, there are plenty of those too. But second only to the books, it’s the films that people hold most dear.
