Best and worst young adult book-to-film adaptations

By Wonderwall.com Editors 8:02am PDT, Jun 9, 2020

A lot of young adult fiction has been adapted into movies we know and love, and "Artemis Fowl" is the latest! The popular YA fantasy novel by Eoin Colfer — which tells the story of 12-year-old whiz kid Artemis, who tries to rescue his father from a gang of fairies — debuts on Disney+ on June 12, 2020. To celebrate, Wonderwall.com is taking a look at other books-turned-movies from the YA genre that we've loved. Keep reading to see what made the list…

No. 33: "The Sun Is Also a Star"

Individually, Yara Shahidi and Charles Melton are charming. But together, they're an absolute delight! "The Sun Is Also a Star" — the 2019 film based on Nicola Yoon's 2016 YA novel of the same name — centers on teens Daniel Bae and Natasha Kingsley, who meet by happenstance the day before Natasha's family is set to be deported to Jamaica. Set in New York City, the film follows these two characters over the course of one day. Despite initially having disparate outlooks on love and fate, they eventually realize their true feelings for each other. The film adaptation received generally positive reviews and earned $6.8 million at the worldwide box office.

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No. 32: "Ready Player One"

The 2018 Steven Spielberg-directed flick "Ready Player One" centered around a young hero on an action-packed quest for a digital Easter egg in a dystopian future. Fans noted some departures from the book, but overall, the film received rave reviews.

No. 31: "Paper Towns"

Adapted from the John Green novel of the same name, 2015's "Paper Towns" tells the story of Quentin "Q" Jacobsen as he journeys to find Margo Roth Spiegelman, his childhood sweetheart. The coming-of-age film, which stars Nat Wolff and Cara Delevingne, received mixed reviews. It grossed $85 million worldwide.

No. 30: "A Wrinkle in Time"

Directed by Ava DuVernay, Disney's 2018 adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's 1962 novel "A Wrinkle in Time" boasted a star-studded cast. Led by Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Storm Reid, Zach Galifianakis and Chris Pine, the film follows a young girl who goes on a journey through time and space to find her father. The sci-fi fantasy film made history — "A Wrinkle in Time" was the first $100 million budget live-action feature film to be directed by a black woman. However, it was considered a box office bomb as it made only $133.4 million worldwide against a production and marketing budget of $250 million. Despite being commended for its celebration of female empowerment, it received mixed reviews due to its immense reliance on CGI and convoluted plot.

No. 29: "Before I Fall"

Based on the 2010 novel by Lauren Oliver, "Before I Fall" centers on high school student Samantha Kingston (Zoey Deutch), who re-lives the exact same day repeatedly until she's able to do everything correctly. The teen drama, which made its debut at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, received mixed reviews and earned $18 million globally.

No. 28: "The Mortal Instruments City of Bones"

Jamie Campbell Bower and Lily Collins starred in the film adaptation of the first book in the wildly popular "The Mortal Instruments" series. The books, by Cassandra Clare, are some of the most popular in the paranormal romance genre, but the story surprisingly didn't click on the big screen. 2013's "The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones," though intended to be the first in a series of films, unfortunately did horribly at the box office, failing to even recoup its budget. This disastrous showing resulted in the cancellation of production of the second film. Strangely, the tale did translate well on the small screen — Freeform's "Shadowhunters," based on the books, is in its third season and remains a huge hit with fans. It picked up the Choice TV: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show prize at the 2018 Teen Choice Awards.

No. 27: "The NeverEnding Story"

We're sure you remember this white dragon from your childhood. "The NeverEnding Story" was adapted from German author Michael Ende's novel of the same name. The 1984 movie is about a boy who stops a dark storm called the Nothing from engulfing a mystical world. Fantasy-filled and fun, "The NeverEnding Story" was commercial and critical success that grossed over $100 million worldwide and spawned two sequels. It seems the only person who didn't like the film was the book's author. Michael felt the adaptation was so far removed from his book that he requested that production be halted or the film's title be changed. The film's producers did neither.

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No. 26: "If I Stay"

"If I Stay" is a beautiful movie (and novel) that celebrates all the ups and downs of teen romance. The 2014 movie stars Chloe Grace Moretz and Jamie Blackley as lovers who have to overcome family tragedy to be together. "If I Stay" received mixed reviews from critics, but was loved by audiences. The drama grossed over $78 million worldwide.

No. 25: The "Divergent" series

"Divergent" is one of the best YA book franchises that never reached its full adaptation potential. The 2014 dystopian sci-fi drama stars Shailene Woodley as Beatrice "Tris" Prior, a rebel who fights against an unjust post-apocalyptic society, and Theo James as Tri's lover and co-fighter. The movie was a huge success, spawning two sequels that grossed over $765 million worldwide. Unfortunately, the series was cut short when the final film — based on the second half of the "Allegiant" book — was cancelled after the poor performance of the third film. There have been talks to turn the final film into a television series, so here's hoping!

No. 24: "To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You"

Fans were delighted when they found out that they'd be receiving another dose of Lara Jean Covey and Peter Kavinsky! Based on Jenny Hahn's popular YA romance novel — a sequel to the first book in the series, "To All The Boys I've Loved Before" — "To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You" hit Netflix in February 2020 and saw Lara Jean in a love triangle with Peter and her crush from Model U.N., John Ambrose McClaren (Jordan Fisher). While the sequel failed to capture the same magic of the first film, it still served up some pretty swoon-worthy LJ and Kavinsky moments… so we can't complain!

No. 23: "Bridge to Terabithia"

"Bridge to Terabithia" was a go-to book in elementary and middle school, and the movie definitely lived up to its source material. The 2007 flick of the same name received rave reviews from critics who praised its dynamic visuals, natural performances and faithful storyline. "Bridge to Terabithia," starring AnnaSophia Robb, Josh Hutcherson and Zooey Deschanel, went on to gross $138 million worldwide on a $20 million budget.

No. 22: "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events "

Coming in at No. 5 is "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events." The 2004 movie is based on the first three "Unfortunate Events" novels — "The Bad Beginning," "The Reptile Room" and "The Wide Window." The movie — which perfectly cast Jim Carrey as antagonist Count Olaf — received positive reviews from critics and audiences who loved Jim's performance. "Unfortunate Events" grossed $209 million worldwide and even won an Academy Award for best makeup.

No. 21: "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants"

"The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" is a story about loving female friendships that is perfect in both book and film form. The 2005 flick is based on the teen novel of the same name and stars Amber Tamblyn, Blake Lively, America Fererra and Alexis Bledel in the main roles. "Sisterhood" was a major critical and commercial success, grossing $42 million worldwide and spawning a sequel. The film also established Amber, Blake, America and Alexis as a tight friend circle. In fact, the ladies just had a reunion in January 2018 to celebrate America's pregnancy! Adorbs!

No. 20: "To All the Boys I've Loved Before"

The popular Jenny Han book "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" was adapted and released on Netflix in August 2018 to rave reviews. The teen rom-com made instant stars of Lana Condor (who played Lara Jean) and Noah Centineo (who played her love interest, Peter Kavinsky). Within weeks of release, it was already one of Netflix's most watched original movies of all time.

No. 19: "The Book Thief"

"The Book Thief" is an international bestseller that was adapted into an Academy Award-nominated film. The 2013 movie is about a young girl in the Nazi era who lives with her adoptive German family, who begins sharing books with a Jewish refugee. The touching movie was a big critical and commercial success, grossing over $76 million worldwide on a $19 million budget. In addition to an Oscar, "The Book Thief" was also nominated for a Golden Globe and a BAFTA prize.

No. 18: "The Perks of Being a Wallflower"

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" is an impressive coming-of-age book and film that connected with audiences nationwide. Based on a 1999 novel of the same name, "Wallflower" deals with mental health, teenage relationships and family drama. The 2012 movie starring Emma Watson and Ezra Miller received positive reviews from critics and grossed over $33 million worldwide.

No. 17: "The Lovely Bones"

"The Lovely Bones" somehow perfectly combines murder, the afterlife, teenage angst and family heartache. The 2009 movie tells the story of Susie Salmon, a girl who is murdered and watches over her family from the in-between though she's torn between seeking vengeance and allowing her family to heal. "Bones" is based on the best-selling novel of the same name and stars Academy Award-nominated actress Saoirse Ronan in one of her most acclaimed roles. The movie was a box-office hit, grossing over $93 million worldwide.

No. 16: "I Know What You Did Last Summer"

Coming in at No. 11 is one of the biggest '90s movies ever made: "I Know What You Did Last Summer." The classic 1997 slasher film is actually based on a 1973 book of the same name. "Last Summer" centers on four friends who are being stalked by a killer one year after covering up a car accident they were involved in. The movie — which stars '90s favorites Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. — was a huge success and pop culture phenomenon that grossed over $125 million and spawned two sequels.

No. 15: "The Maze Runner" series

We've made it to the top 10! "The Maze Runner" film series is based on the novels of the same name and is one of the highest grossing YA film adaptations of all time, grossing over $944 million worldwide. The dystopian sci-fi movies started with "The Maze Runner" in 2014 followed by "Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials" in 2015 and "Maze Runner: The Death Cure" in 2018. Audiences and critics alike enjoyed the series, praising the films for their strong performances, entertaining scenes and dark, thrilling storylines.

No. 14: "The Miseducation of Cameron Post"

Chloë Grace Moretz shines in "The Miseducation of Cameron Post." Adapted from the 2012 novel of the same name by Emily M. Danforth, the drama tells the story of Cameron Post, a teenager during the '90s who's forced to go to a gay conversion therapy center. The coming-of-age indie film, which has been commended for its poignant and witty commentary, made its debut at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.

No. 13: "Matilda"

"Matilda" has it all: superpowers, family drama and crazy principals! The 1996 flick is based on author Roald Dahl's 1988 novel of the same name and was revered as a classic from the moment it hit theaters. Critics absolutely loved the film about a young girl with telekinesis powers and viewers (including us!) did too. "Matilda" grossed more than $62 million worldwide and is remembered today as one of the most charming and fun adaptations of all time.

No. 12: "Little Women"

Not all young adult film adaptations come from literary works of the 20th century. Some — like "Little Women" — are based on works released decades (and decades) before. The 1994 film "Little Women" is based on Louisa May Alcott's 1868 novel of the same name. The story of four sisters is regarded as one of the best American novels of all time and the movie definitely lives up to its source material. The film — which stars an A-list cast that includes Winona Ryder, Trini Alvarado, Kirsten Dunst, Susan Sarandon and Claire Danes — grossed more than $50 million worldwide. "Little Women" is also a critical darling with nearly perfect reviews.

No. 11: "Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist"

Michael Cera and Kat Dennings are the ultimate indie co-stars in this film based on a Rachel Cohn and David Levithan novel. "Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist" focuses on the two titular characters, who work together and travel around New York City to find the location of their favorite band's secret show. As the night progresses, sparks begin to fly between the two college-bound teens. After premiering at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival, it went on to gross $33.5 million worldwide. The romantic comedy earned mostly positive reviews from critics and an MTV Movie Award nomination.

No. 10: "The Fault in Our Stars"

"The Fault in Our Stars" starring Ansel Elgort and Shailene Woodley is regarded as one of the best adaptations of all time due to its enthralling, unconventional love story and strong performances. The 2014 flick about two teens with cancer who fall in love was a surprise blockbuster that opened at No. 1 and grossed more than $307 million worldwide against a $12 million budget!

No. 9: "The Princess Diaries"

"The Princess Diaries" is another beloved film adaption that takes us right back to our pre-teen days. The 2001 movie about a teen girl who discovers she's a princess stars Hollywood royalty — Julie Andrews, Academy Award winner Anne Hathaway and A-lister Mandy Moore as well as indie fave Heather Matarazzo. The film, based on the bestselling teen novel of the same name, received rave reviews from critics. Audiences also adored the film: "The Princess Diaries" grossed more than $165 million on a $26 million budget and buzz from the movie generated a sequel.

No. 8: "Freaky Friday"

Based on the 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers, "Freaky Friday" tells the now classic tale of a mother and daughter who switch bodies after ingesting magical fortune cookies. The 2003 Disney film adaptation starred Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan as the mother-daughter duo who eventually learned to overcome their differences. The sci-fi comedy makes our list for numerous reasons but mostly because of how downright fun it is! Jamie and Lindsay shine as the film's protagonists. "Freaky Friday" received rave reviews and earned a whopping $160 million globally on a $26 million budget.

No. 7: "Twilight"

Anticipation for "Twilight" was huge before it debuted in 2008 — and upon its release, the movie sold out theaters everywhere. The vampire flick starring Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart — which was based on author Stephenie Meyer's novel of the same name — went on to become a global phenomenon that spawned four sequels that grossed over $3.3 billion worldwide! In fact, the "Twilight" film series is the second-highest grossing YA adaptation series of all time. Though a few of the franchise flicks fell flat critically (we're looking at you, "New Moon"), overall, the box office spoke for itself. Fans loved the franchise and the films broke records, including the largest midnight release and the biggest single-day opening for "New Moon."

No. 6: "The Outsiders"

"The Outsiders" is a classic as well as one of the best movies of all time. The 1983 flick established the beloved group known as the Brat Pack and jump-started the careers of quite a few future A-listers including Tom Cruise, Emilio Estevez, Matt Dillon, Patrick Swayze, Diane Lane and Rob Lowe. The coming-of-age film — which is based on the novel of the same name — was a critical and commercial success that grossed $33 million.

No. 5: "Love, Simon"

Based on the novel "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" written by Becky Albertalli, the 2018 coming-of-age film "Love, Simon" captured audiences' hearts. The film stars Nick Robinson as Simon Spier, a closeted gay teenager who deals with friendship, high school and a blackmailer who threatens to out him — all while secretly falling in love with an anonymous classmate via e-mail. The film, which grossed $66 million worldwide, received rave reviews from critics and was compared to popular John Hughes romantic comedies. Tender, heartfelt and incredibly charming, "Love, Simon" is a film worth watching (and rewatching).

No. 4: "The Chronicles of Narnia" series

Another billion-dollar film series comes in at No. 2: "The Chronicles of Narnia." "The Chronicles of Narnia:The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" has everything you need in an adaptation: beautiful sets, stunning costumes, strong acting, amazing visual effects and wonderful source material. The 2005 movie is based on "The Chronicles of Narnia," a series of novels by C. S. Lewis. The film franchise featuring three movies earned fabulous reviews from critics and grossed over $1.5 billion worldwide!

No. 3: "The Hunger Games" series

"The Hunger Games" film series cracks our top 3 thanks to its amazing acting, impressive special effects and an enthralling storyline. The 2012 movie started what would be become a global phenomenon: After the "The Hunger Games" came "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" in 2013, "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1" in 2014, and "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2" in 2015. All in all, the film series grossed $2.9 billion worldwide and helped to establish its star, Jennifer Lawrence, as an in-demand Hollywood A-lister.

No. 2: "Little Women"

While the 1994 film adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's 1868 novel is already on this list, the 2019 film adaptation deserves a spot too. Written and directed by Greta Gerwig, this version of "Little Women" offers a modernized take on the classic book. With Greta's exceptional storytelling abilities and knack for writing compelling dialogue, the characters feel grounded and refreshed. The film received six nominations at the 2020 Oscars including best picture, best actress (for Saoirse Ronan), best supporting actress (for Florence Pugh) and best adapted screenplay (for Greta). Globally, the film grossed $206 million on a budget of $40 million.

No. 1: The "Harry Potter" series

Of course the "Harry Potter" film series comes in at No. 1! The eight-movie franchise did more than adapt J.K. Rowling's novels to the screen — it helped to establish a global fandom that has gone unmatched. Each film in the series can boast its own beauty, excitement, drama and laughs. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" started it all in 2001 and was followed by seven equally amazing movies. The entire film series is the second-highest grossing film series of all time and the highest grossing YA film adaption series ever with $7.7 billion worldwide! "Harry Potter" also helped to establish the careers of Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, the development of the Pottermore digital world and a Universal theme park legacy.