Image: Julia Hart (left) directing the adaptation of Lynn Painter’s Better Than the Movies (right)
Netflix is adapting Lynn Painter’s best-selling YA novel better than movies! Directed by Julia Hart, who most recently directed Netflix’s don’t say good luckFilming is scheduled to begin on September 3, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Although the cast hasn’t been announced yet, here’s everything we know so far about the Netflix adaptation. better than movies.
better than movies is an upcoming Netflix Original romantic comedy film directed and co-written by Julia Hart. The film is an adaptation of Lynn Painter’s best-selling YA novel of the same name. Hart co-wrote the screenplay with Jordan Horowitz (La la Land) and heather flanders (iCarly).
This is the third film Hart has been attached to direct for Netflix; was the first my lovely wife (which is in limbo since 2023), and the second is don’t say good luckwhich will be released on netflix 14 August 2026.
Image: Sadie Sandler (left) and Julia Hart (right) on the set of Don’t Say Good Luck – Netflix
Shauna Phelan (snow day) And Jordan Horowitz has been confirmed as a producer on the film, with the original HQ production studio at the helm.
what is the plot of better than movies?
The film’s synopsis is from Production Weekly:
“The teen rom-com follows a hopelessly romantic teen girl and her cute but obnoxious neighbor as they scheme to get her noticed by her untouchable crush. Always daydreaming Liz Buxbaum gave her heart to Michael a long time ago. But her quiet, forever-aside crush has never seen her before she moved away. Now that he’s back in town, Liz will do anything to get on his radar – and maybe get him to Wes Bennett might even be friends with her. The annoyingly charming neighbor may have been a problem for Liz since childhood. Pranks involving frogs and decapitated lawn gnomes can’t make a go of it, which means Wes is into Liz. As Liz and Wes plan to get Michael’s attention so she can have her magical prom moment, she is shocked to discover that she loves being around Wes and as they grow closer, she must re-examine everything she thought about love – and rethink her ideas of what happily ever after should look like.
Who are the actors? better than movies?
At the time of writing, there is no confirmed cast for the film. However, we hope casting news will be announced soon.
What is the production status of better than movies?
Development
filming scheduled
filming going on
post production
Production Weekly reported in issue 1513 that better than movies Filming begins on September 3, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Shooting will last for several weeks before ending on October 21, 2026.
Filming dates are subject to change.
when will it happen better than movies Will it be released on Netflix?
With filming ending before the end of October 2026, it’s likely we’ll see the film released on Netflix sometime in summer or fall 2027.
We’ll hopefully learn more when Netflix releases its 2027 film early next year.
We’ll know more once Netflix releases its 2027 film slate early next year
Are you curious to watch? better than movies On Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!
