Nothing Like The Movies: Everything You Need To Know About The Better Than The Movies Series Sequel And Adaptation Rumors

The *Better Than the Movies* series, a sensation that took BookTok by storm, has officially expanded, giving fans of the quintessential Young Adult (YA) romantic comedy everything they could have hoped for and more. As of today, December 11, 2025, the newest installment is a must-read for anyone who loves the "enemies-to-lovers" and "boy-next-door" tropes.

The original 2021 novel, *Better Than the Movies*, captivated readers with its heartfelt story of Liz Buxbaum and Wes Bennett, setting a new standard for modern rom-com literature. The latest and most significant update is the release of the highly anticipated sequel, *Nothing Like the Movies*, which continues the story of the beloved couple after high school and expands the universe created by #1 *New York Times* bestselling author, Lynn Painter.

The Complete Lynn Painter Better Than the Movies Series: Characters and Reading Guide

The world of Liz Buxbaum is filled with classic romantic comedy tropes, witty banter, and profound moments of grief and self-discovery. Lynn Painter has carefully crafted a series that feels both nostalgic and incredibly fresh. To maintain topical authority, here is a breakdown of the core characters and the complete reading order, including the new sequel and all related short stories.

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Meet the Core Characters

• Liz Buxbaum: The idealistic, movie-obsessed protagonist. Liz views her life through the lens of classic romantic films, often trying to force her own "meet-cute" and "grand gesture." She is coping with the loss of her mother, which fuels her desire for a perfect, cinematic ending.
• Wes Bennett: The sarcastic, perpetually messy boy-next-door. Initially positioned as Liz's nemesis, Wes is the quintessential "golden retriever boyfriend" who is always there for her, embodying the "he's been there all along" trope. He is the main love interest and the source of much of the series’ signature witty banter.
• Michael Young: Liz's childhood crush who returns to town. Michael represents the "perfect" romantic lead Liz believes she needs to fulfill her cinematic destiny, serving as a classic romantic foil to Wes.
• Rory: Liz's best friend, who provides much-needed grounding and comic relief.

Official Better Than the Movies Reading Order

For the most complete experience, fans should read the series in the following order, which includes the main novels and the official novella:

1. *Better Than Before* (Novella, #0.5): Released in 2023, this short prequel is a must-read, providing a deeper look into Wes and Liz’s early, antagonistic relationship and setting the stage for the main novel.
2. *Better Than the Movies* (Novel, #1): The original 2021 *New York Times* bestseller that introduces Liz’s quest for a perfect senior prom date with Michael Young, only to find an unexpected connection with her neighbor, Wes Bennett.
3. *Nothing Like the Movies* (Novel, #2): Released on October 1, 2024, this highly anticipated sequel continues Liz and Wes’s journey as they navigate their relationship post-high school, dealing with the struggles of college life, long-distance, and the reality that life is, well, *nothing like the movies*.

Note on Short Stories: Lynn Painter has also released several very short, delightful snippets—often referred to as "Book 1.x" entries—including *Liz's Proposal*, *The Party*, *Basketball Night*, and *Wes Bennett's Vivid Dream*. These are fun, non-essential bonus scenes that further enrich the Liz and Wes relationship for dedicated fans.

The Latest Buzz: Nothing Like the Movies Plot and Adaptation Rumors

The sequel, *Nothing Like the Movies*, has been a major topic of discussion since its release, offering a new chapter for the beloved couple. While the first book focused on the classic high school rom-com experience—the pursuit of the perfect prom night and the realization of true love—the sequel delves into more mature themes.

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The new novel explores the challenges of a relationship after the "happily ever after" of the first book. It tackles the complexities of maintaining a connection while attending different colleges, the pressure of new environments, and the inevitable growing pains that come with young adulthood. The central tension revolves around whether Liz and Wes can make their love story work when the cinematic grand gestures of high school are replaced by the everyday realities of college life.

Is a Movie Adaptation Really Happening?

Given that the book itself is a love letter to the romantic comedy genre, the question of a film or TV adaptation has been a constant source of fan curiosity. As of the current date, there is no official, confirmed movie or series adaptation announced by Lynn Painter or a major studio. However, the rumors are stronger than ever.

Industry chatter and fan speculation have been fueled by reports of a trademark filing for the title under a major studio's name. In the world of publishing and film, a trademark filing often signals that a project is in the very early stages of pre-production or optioning, meaning the rights to the book have likely been acquired. While not a guarantee, this development is the most substantial evidence to date that a *Better Than the Movies* adaptation could be on the horizon, potentially as a streaming series or a feature film.

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• Fan Casting: The BookTok community is constantly debating the perfect cast, with popular suggestions often including actors who can capture the witty banter and boy-next-door charm of Wes Bennett and the vibrant, determined personality of Liz Buxbaum.
• The Appeal: The novel's structure, which pays homage to classic rom-coms like *When Harry Met Sally*, *10 Things I Hate About You*, and *Sleepless in Seattle*, makes it perfectly suited for a screen adaptation, promising a delightful viewing experience for fans of the genre.

Topical Authority: The Tropes That Made the Series a Phenomenon

The enduring success of the *Better Than the Movies* series is rooted in Lynn Painter’s masterful use of classic and beloved romance tropes, which she executes with a modern, heartfelt twist. The density of these entities is what gives the series its distinct flavor and high re-readability.

The Essential Rom-Com Entities

The following tropes and entities are central to the narrative and are key to understanding the series’ appeal:

• Enemies-to-Lovers: The primary trope that drives the initial conflict and witty banter between Liz Buxbaum and Wes Bennett. Their constant sparring is a thinly veiled form of romantic tension.
• Boy-Next-Door: Wes Bennett is the ultimate example of this trope, literally living next door to Liz and being a constant, if initially irritating, presence in her life.
• He's Been There All Along: A deeply satisfying romantic trope where the protagonist realizes that the person they are meant to be with has been a steady, supportive presence in their life all along.
• Fake Dating/Fake Relationship: While not a central plot point, Liz's attempt to use Wes to get closer to Michael Young flirts with the idea of a fake relationship setup.
• Witty Banter: The dialogue between Liz and Wes is sharp, funny, and incredibly engaging, a hallmark of the best romantic comedies.
• The Grand Gesture: Liz’s obsession with this cinematic moment, contrasted with Wes’s quiet, consistent acts of service, is a major theme. The climax of the first book features a truly memorable, movie-worthy rain declaration.
• Grief and Healing: The underlying emotional core of the series is Liz’s journey to process the death of her mother, adding emotional depth to the otherwise lighthearted romantic plot.
• Classic Rom-Com References: The book is packed with references to iconic films like *You've Got Mail*, *Say Anything*, and *The Princess Bride*, which serve as a narrative framework for Liz's life.

By blending these familiar elements with genuine emotional stakes—particularly the themes of grief, growing up, and the difference between cinematic fantasy and real-life love—Lynn Painter has created a series that is, ironically, truly better than the movies it celebrates. With the recent release of *Nothing Like the Movies*, the Liz and Wes saga is far from over, promising more heartfelt moments and signature banter for years to come.