Lynn Painter’s Novel ‘Better Than the Movies’ is Becoming a Netflix Movie—Everything to Know About the Adaptation
Get the scoop about the book-to-film adaptation, including who could potentially play Wes and Liz!
Key Takeaways
AI-generated summary reviewed by our editorial team.- Netflix greenlit the film: Julia Hart will direct and co-write the adaptation.
- Rom‑com plot: Liz and Wes fake‑date so she can win back her former crush, Michael.
- Casting buzz: fans have long suggested young stars; no official cast yet.
Liz Buxbaum and Wes Bennett are officially heading to the screen in the Better Than the Movies film adaptation—and if you love a good rom-com as much as Liz does, you already know this is major. The 2021 novel by Lynn Painter quickly became a go-to for YA romance fans, even landing a spot as a New York Times #1 bestseller.
Basically a love letter to all things rom-com, the story follows movie-obsessed high school senior Liz and her annoyingly charming and cute neighbor Wes as they strike up a fake-dating scheme to catch her crush’s attention. Naturally, things get messy, swoony and very movie-worthy. Packed with nods to iconic romantic comedies, it’s the kind of story that feels like your favorite comfort watch—just in book form.
Want the details on the film adaptation, dream casting picks for Liz and Wes, and which actors fans are already rooting for? We’ve got you.
About the film adaptation
On May 5, it was announced that Better Than the Movies will officially be adapted into a Netflix film. Speculation about the novel becoming a movie has been circulating for years but nothing was ever official until yesterday. Julia Hart, who is known for her work on I’m Your Woman (2020) and Stargirl (2020), has been appointed by Netflix to direct the feature adaptation.
Hart will also co-write the script, along with her husband and partner, Jordan Horowitz. The two have completed one draft together and writer Heather Flanders has also written a draft of the film.
This is the second of Lynn Painter’s novels set to become a movie. The first announcement came in March 2026 for her recent novel, Fake Skating, which will be adapted with Sony Pictures and Will Gluck’s Olive Bridge Entertainment.
What is ‘Better Than the Movies’ about?
One of the most beloved parts of the Better Than the Movies book is the relatability of the main character, Liz Buxbaum. The high school senior is obsessed with romantic comedies and secretly hopes to live out her own. So when her former crush, Michael, moves back to town, Liz sees an opportunity to win his attention—and potentially a prom date.
But the only way to do this is by enlisting the help of her next door neighbor, the annoying but good-looking Wes Bennett, who seems to have an in with Michael.
Although the two aren’t considered friends—thanks to Wes’ childhood pranks—Liz and Wes enter into a fake dating scenario and she soon realizes he might not be as obnoxious as she once thought. As they grow closer, Liz has to reexamine everything she thought she knew about love and what she might want.
Who will star in the film?
As of now, no cast members have been announced, so the jury is still out for who will portray Liz and Wes. Fans of the novel have been sharing their dream casting for these characters over the past five years, nominating several actors and actresses for the roles.
For Liz Buxbaum, fans have suggested actresses such as Sadie Sink, best known for Stranger Things, The Summer I Turned Pretty‘s Lola Tung or Saylor Bell (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series). Sink has been a top contender for fans, with many saying she is perfect to portray the slightly quirky, adorable lead.
A few actors have been considered by fans to play Wes, including Joshua Bassett (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series), Louis Partridge (Enola Holmes), Jack Champion (Scream VI and Avatar) and David Iacono (The Summer I Turned Pretty).
Stay tuned for more information about Better Than the Movies and casting announcements as they are shared!
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