3 romance novel adaptations that failed & 3 that lived up to the hype, based on Rotten Tomatoes score

Good romance novels create that feeling of deep emotional connection with the reader while weaving an engaging storyline to tug at the heart. Translating these elements into film can often be challenging.

If done well, a movie adaptation will retain the spirit of its source material in the story that is given to the audience, connecting with them for a long time. If done badly, however, the work will turn into a hollow adaptation, failing to pay homage to the original work, as it would eventually disappoint the fans and critics alike.

Quite often, such adaptations rise or fall with good casting, direction, screenplay, and just how faithful the film is to the book with thematic adherence.

Here, we explore three romance novel adaptations that flopped and three that lived up to the hype, as judged by their Rotten Tomatoes scores.

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3 romance novel adaptations that flopped

1) The Choice (2016) (Rotten Tomatoes Score: 11%)

The Choice (image via Lionsgate)

Hired out of Nicholas Sparks' romance novel, The Choice dived into being distinctly unoriginal. Critical reception faulted predictable storylines and poor love chemistry between the two central actors.

The rather poor response to this film shows just how hard it is to bring out the emotional stories of Sparks onto the screen. The movie is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+.

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2) The Lucky One (2012) (Rotten Tomatoes Score: 20%)

The Lucky One (image via Warner Bros entertainment)

This Nicholas Sparks' romance novel adaptation, The Lucky One, observed vital reviews against its very predictable plot and shallow emotional reach. The uninspired performances lacked nuance, leading right to disappointment among critics and audiences alike—failing to evoke the depth and connection found in the novel.

The movie is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+.

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3) Endless Love (2014) (Rotten Tomatoes Score: 16%)

Endless love (Image via Universal Pictures)

This 1981 remake was panned unanimously for a melodramatic and thin take on source material. Critics have mentioned the over-the-top romantic features and ill development of characters, which lent to the film a tone more uninspired and thin.

Endless Love is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and Apple TV+.

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3 romance novel adaptations that lived up to the hype

1) Pride and Prejudice (2005) (Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%)

Pride and prejudice (image via Universal Pictures)

This adaptation of the Austen classic romance novel did well in its fidelity and fine performances, particularly on the part of Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. Beautifully photographed and true to the period, this version was outstanding for both fidelity to source material and visuals.

It is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+.

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2) The Notebook (2004) (Rotten Tomatoes Score: 53%)

Rhe Notebook (Image via Gran Via)

The movie brought mixed reviews from critics; however, The Notebook struck a chord deep inside viewers due to the very poignant storyline and strong on-screen chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.

It is this emotional depth that became a living memory for one of the greatest romantic movie classics. The movie is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+.

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3) To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018) (Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%)

To all the boys I've love before (Image via Overbrook Entertainment)

Based on a romance novel by Jenny Han, it was hailed for its irresistibly sweet and utterly endearing story. What set this offering apart from others within the teen romance film genre, and rounded out by two fantastic performances—Lana Condor and Noah Centineo, in particular—was what made this movie stand out. It managed to convey the feel of the book with a new spirit that would appeal right now.

It is available to watch on Netflix.

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The difference between success and failure with an adaptation of romance novels lies mostly in the degree to which a film represents the spirit of the original work and conveys it onto the screen. Some do not quite succeed, while others—those doing it well—can deliver compelling, faithful portrayals that live up to their hype.

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