Download this Better Than the Movies movie list PDF Printable to watch the rom-com movies after you read the Lynn Painter book. We have included every quote!
It is no secret that I am a sucker for a YA romance, and this year my daughter and I both discovered Lynn Painter and fell in love with the Better Than the Movies book.
The novel pays homage to all your beloved rom-com movies, featuring delightful throwbacks and clever quotes at the beginning of the chapters.
Most of the films were ones my daughter hadn’t seen or was unfamiliar with, and we spent our summer together going through the Better Than the Movies film recommendations.
And honestly, it might be one of my favorite memories that we have shared.
As we prepare for next year’s college adventures, I’m savoring these memories together, and I wanted to inspire your next mother-daughter movie night.
I am sure Lynn Painter has no idea how much she has meant to our family, but I’m so thankful for every moment we have shared over her senior year.
As she’s off to study UX Design, I begged her to do one last project for our website and make a movie checklist I could share with you so YOU can replicate this moment with your teenager.
Synopsis of Better Than the Movies Book
Better Than the Movies is an endearing teen rom-com that you won’t be able to put down.
Liz Buxbaum always considered her next-door neighbor, Wes Bennett, the least likely candidate for her romantic fantasies.
He’s been a constant annoyance since they were kids, pulling pranks like putting a frog in her Barbie Dreamhouse and hiding a severed lawn gnome head in their neighborhood book exchange.
But now, as Liz’s forever crush, Michael, returns to town and unexpectedly bonds with Wes, she needs his help to get noticed.
Teaming up with Wes, they concoct a fake dating plan to make Liz stand out to Michael and secure a prom date.
But, as their scheming unfolds, Liz finds herself surprisingly drawn to Wes, leading her to question her beliefs about love and the true meaning of a Happily Ever After.
Meet Lynn Painter
Lynn Painter is my favorite YA writer, and I’d love to introduce you to her writing for you or your teenager because her books have incredible crossover appeal for adult readers.
Lynn Painter writes cute romance novels for both teenagers and grown-ups.
She wrote books like Better Than the Movies, Mr. Wrong Number, The Do-Over, Betting on You, and Nothing Like the Movies.
She also writes articles for the Omaha World-Herald newspaper.
Lynn lives in Nebraska with her husband and children and has an addiction to rom-com movies- which is quite evident in this book.
Is it Worth it To Read Better Than the Movies?
ABSOLUTELY! I’ve read almost all of Lynn Painter’s novels, and this is the best Lynn Painter book.
This novel is also the best book club book to try with your teen.
Thanks to how the novel incorporates music and film into each chapter, you can both indulge in pop culture references.
More importantly, this novel explores mother-daughter relationships.
Liz’s mother has passed away and was a screenwriter who happened to love romcom films.
Liz gets her love for these movies from her mom, so she imagines any potential romance in light of her favorite romantic comedy movies.
We love page-turners about motherhood and this fits the young adult book bill perfectly!
As a reader, you will notice that each chapter starts with an iconic rom-com moment.
Since Liz is navigating senior year without her mom, there are some poignant scenes as she navigates significant senior milestones.
For example, prom dress shopping without her mom becomes a pivotal plot point.
If you are a stepmom, you will find that this relationship has also been tricky for Liz.
A strong relationship that blossoms between the two enhances this story a lot.
There isn’t a better book to dive into with your teen daughter or son!
Is Better Than the Movies Spicy?
This novel is recommended for grades 7-9 but will equally appeal to an adult reader.
Common Sense Media recommends this young adult novel for readers 14 years old and over.
For content warnings, readers can expect some swearing and occasional references to underage drinking, kissing, and sexual innuendos.
Lynn Painter writes both young adult and adult books, so we have separated those into two categories on our Lynn Painter books list to make finding books for your teen easier.
I will keep this updated with new releases as they are announced.
Download the Better Than the Movies Soundtrack
You’ll find a special treat at the end of the book with a curated soundtrack of all the songs lovingly referenced within the story.
Lynn Painter has made the soundtrack available online and subtitled it “The Soundtrack of Wes and Liz.”
Where Can I Read the Better Than the Movies Bonus Chapter?
Lynn Painter offers bonus chapters for readers.
On Lynn Painter’s website, you can read Wes Bennett’s Vivid Dream, Wes POV- Party Scene Wes and Liz’s College Road Trip, & Wes Pov- Liz’s Proposal. Download those PDF bonus chapters here.
Readers can also read Better Than the Prom (Better Than the Movies #1.5), a 30-page prequel short story, to immerse themselves further in their love story.
Where are the Better Than the Movies quotes?
I’ve included each quote and corresponding chapter under each film’s descriptions.
In some cases, films are highlighted in two chapters, and these have been noted below.
Is There a Better Than the Movies Sequel?
Good news! There is a Better than the Movies series!
Lynn Painter has announced that there will be a Better Than the Movies sequel coming in October 2024.
Titled Nothing Like the Movies, readers are promised more adventures with Wes Bennett and Liz Buxbaum.
Nothing Like the Movies will be on store shelves in October 2024.
Be sure to visit my complete list of Lynn Painter books and where to read them. We have included her young adult and adult books with recommended age ratings.
Books Like Better Than the Movies
We promise to make a more formal list later, but I recommend checking out Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum as a beautiful look-alike recommendation.
Don’t miss my Julie Buxbaum interview about her inspiration for this young adult book and the parallels it shares with this book.
As a person who loves Julie and Lynn- is it possible that the author created her character’s last name from the author? I am dying to know!
If you click on any of these films, it will take you to Prime Video for streaming but don’t forget to check your DVD collection like we did for several of these films.
You can also visit our guide to Outdoor Movie Night Ideas for your whole family which includes lots of movie snack options.
SCROLL DOWN FOR THE PRINTABLE VERSION!
Better Than the Movies Movie List
Are you looking for the Better Than the Movies movie list from the book?
We have you covered with this list that you can browse online or print the free PDF checklist we designed for Lynn Painter fans!
This includes the movie ratings and where to stream the films.
If you love this checklist, please share this resource!
Notting Hill
The Better Than the Movies prologue features, "I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her."
This charming romantic comedy is about an ordinary man who finds himself unexpectedly entangled with a famous actress, navigating the challenges of love and fame.
Starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, this film offered an iconic bookshop moment we adored, as well as an iconic one-bed trope movie moment.
WHERE TO STREAM NOTTING HILL: Prime Video or Apple TV
Rated: PG-13
Related- One-Bed Trope Books
Sweet Home Alabama
Chapter One features this iconic quote, "Nobody finds their soul mate when they're ten. I mean, where's the fun in that, right?"
This heartwarming films features a New York fashion designer who returns home to find herself and love.
This small-town romance stars Reese Witherspoon and Patrick Dempsey.
WHERE TO STREAM SWEET HOME ALABAMA: Prime Video or Apple TV
Rated: PG-13
When Harry Met Sally
Chapter Two begins with this quote from my favorite film. "A woman friend. This is amazing. You may be the first attractive woman I have not wanted to sleep with in my entire life."
Later, in Chapter Sixteen, Painter uses this quote for inspiration, "When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."
Who can resist the chemistry between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan?
This story follows the decades-long friendship of Harry and Sally as they question whether men and women can be platonic friends or if love always gets in the way.
This film ended up being my daughter’s all-time favorite from this movie list.
WHERE TO STREAM WHEN HARRY MET SALLY: Prime Video or Apple TV
Rated: R
Related- 17 Stunning Friendship Stories
Pretty Woman
Chapter Three of the novel celebrates this quotable Pretty Woman sequence:
"You're late."
"You're stunning."
"You're forgiven."
This modern-day Cinderella story has some of the most iconic moments with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.
In this movie, a wealthy businessman falls for a vibrant and spirited female escort.
As you can imagine, this love story challenges societal norms!
WHERE TO STREAM PRETTY WOMAN: Hulu, Prime Video, or Apple TV
Rated: R
10 Things I Hate About You
Lynn Painter chose this memorable quote from this film for Chapter 4, "You're not as vile as I thought you were."
Later, she revisits this movie in Chapter Ten, sharing, "But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you. Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all."
This high school romance offers a twist: a rebellious girl's younger sister can only date if her older, anti-social sister does.
This teen rom-com film stars Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles.
WHERE TO STREAM 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU: Hulu, Prime Video, or Apple TV
Rated: PG-13
(500) Days of Summer
This film happens to be one of my favorite films, so I loved the quote she chose for Chapter 5:
"Just because she likes the same bizarro crap you do doesn't mean she's your soul mate."
If you love an unconventional love story, this story is told non-chronologically and explores the 500 days of a failed romance.
Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel, the movie moments in Ikea and the soundtrack are two reasons to watch this one.
WHERE TO STREAM 500 DAYS OF SUMMER: Hulu, Prime Video, or Apple
Rated: PG-13
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
The quotable moment for Chapter Six is, "When I'm around you, I feel like I'm on drugs. Not that I do drugs. Unless you do drugs, in which case, I do them all the time. All of them."
It is a quirky and visually stunning tale of Scott Pilgrim's quest to win the heart of his dream girl by defeating her seven evil exes in epic video-game-style battles.
This film stars Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Kieran Culkin.
WHERE TO STREAM SCOTT PILGRIM VS THE WORLD: Prime Video or Apple TV
Rated: PG-13
The Wedding Date
"I'd rather fight with you, than make love to anyone else," is the quoted moment for Chapter 7 in this story.
Debra Messing stars in this romantic comedy.
Kat hires a man (played by Dermot Mulroney) to accompany her to her sister's wedding in England.
As they navigate the event together, unexpected feelings emerge, leading to romantic complications in this transaction.
WHERE TO THE WEDDING DATE: Hulu, Prime Video or Apple TV
Rated: PG-13
Related- The Best Books About Weddings
Bridget Jones's Diary
The quotable movie moment for Chapter Eight is, "I like you very much. Just as you are."
Chapter Thirteen circles back with, "Nice boys don't kiss like that."
"Oh, yes, they f--ing do." (parents- this is spelled out!)
Finding herself single again in her forties, Bridget decides to prioritize her career.
However, life takes an unexpected turn when she learns of her pregnancy but is unsure of the true identity of the baby's father.
Based on the book by Helen Fielding, this movie stars Rene Zellweger as Bridget.
WHERE TO STREAM BRIDGET JONE’S’ DIARY: Prime Video or Apple TV
Rated: PG-13
27 Dresses
In Chapter Nine, the movie quote is, "Love is patient, love is kind, love means slowly losing your mind."
Katherine Heigl stars as Jane, a perpetual bridesmaid who has served as a bridesmaid 27 times.
Her world turns upside down when she falls for her sister's fiancé, played by James Marsden, leading to a whirlwind of romantic mishaps during the festivities.
WHERE TO 27 DRESSES: Prime Video or Apple TV
Rated: PG-13
Love Actually
Chapter Eleven begins with this movie quote, "If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around."
Later in Chapter Eighteen, the movie quotes, "But you know, the thing about romance is, people only get together right at the very end."
This ensemble film is my favorite Christmas movie, weaving interconnected love stories together during the holiday season.
This one is stellar because it also weaves in love for our family too.
Rated: R
WHERE TO STREAM LOVE ACTUALLY: Prime Video or Apple TV.
Note- this also becomes available to stream around the holiday season on Netflix!
Related- The Best Found Family Trope Books
The Sandlot
Chapter Twelve shares this adorable quote, "He had kissed her long and good. We got banned from the pool forever that day, but every time we walked by after that, the lifeguard looked down from her tower, right over at Squints, and smiled."
Relive the adventures of a group of young baseball enthusiasts during a memorable summer as they learn about friendship, teamwork, and the bittersweet journey of growing up.
WHERE TO STREAM THE SANDLOT: Prime Video or Apple TV
Rated: PG
How to Lose A Guy In 10 Days
Chapter Fourteen kicks off the chapter with this movie scene:
"I am not running away."
"Bullshit."
A hilarious battle of the sexes unfolds when an ambitious woman tries to drive away a man within ten days, not realizing he's simultaneously trying to make her fall for him.
WHERE TO STREAM HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN 10 DAYS: Prime Video or Apple TV
Rated: PG-13
My Best Friend's Wedding
Chapter Fifteen begins with a beautiful quote from this film. "I love you. I've loved you for nine years, "I've just been too arrogant and scared to realize it, and...well, now I'm just scared. So, I realize this comes at a very inopportune time, but I really have this gigantic favor to ask fo you. Choose me. Marry Me. Let me make you happy. Oh, that sounds like three favors, doesn't it?"
Julia Roberts stars in this iconic film role when she realizes she might be in love with her best friend who's about to get married.
Prepare for lots of musical moments and laughs with your Gen Z kid!
WHERE TO STREAM MY BEST FRIEND’S WEDDING: Prime Video or Apple TV
Rated: PG-13
Long Shot
The quote chosen for Chapter Seventeen from this hilarious film is, "Here's the deal, I love you. I know I do. Because I've never been so scared in my entire life. And I once shared an elevator with Saddam Hussein. Just me and Saddam. And this is way scarier. I love you."
We watched this film three times, and I would watch it again today. It may be the most underrated rom-com movie on this list.
This unlikely romantic pairing follows a daring journalist and a female politician who rekindle their friendship, leading to a hilarious and heartfelt romance.
Seth Rogan and Charlize Theron have surprising chemistry.
Did I mention the Boyz 2 Men cameo with an unbelievable soundtrack? You really should watch this one!
WHERE TO STREAM LONG SHOT: Prime Video or Apple TV
Rated: R
He's Just Not That Into You
For our final quote in the epilogue, "A girl will never forget the first boy she likes."
In the bustling city of Baltimore, a group of friends in their 20s and 30s navigate the complexities of modern love.
This movie boasts an all-star cast, including Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck, Ginnifer Goodwin, and Drew Barrymore.
WHERE TO STREAM HE’S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU: Prime Video or Apple TV
Rated: PG-13
We can all agree that Lynn Painter has impeccable movie taste.
And for fans of the book, Lynn Painter adds a final “movie moment” in the epilogue.
In response to this movie quote- “A girl will never forget the first boy she likes,” Liz Buxbaum adds her own personal quote- “But she’ll also never forget the first boy she hates.”
So grab some popcorn and screen these beautiful movies together to create some of your very own movie moments with your kid!
TELL ME: What movie is your favorite from this list? Did you love the Better Than The Movies book? Let us know what Lynn Painter books you enjoyed reading.