To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before Book to Movie Adaptation
About the Adaptation
Initially, Overbrook Entertainment (co-founded by Will Smith) acquired the film rights. The movie was later produced by Awesomeness Films, with Netflix securing distribution rights and releasing it globally.
Thanks to its built-in fanbase, relatable themes, and charming tone, the story was a perfect fit for Netflix’s growing library of teen-focused original content. Its success helped reignite the popularity of rom-coms on streaming platforms.
When To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before first came out, it wasn’t just another teen romance novel. Jenny Han managed to write something honest — a story that felt like it got what it means to fall in love for the first time, to feel awkward, invisible, and completely overwhelmed by your own feelings. It struck a chord.
Lana Condor as Lara Jean? Perfect.
Noah Centineo as Peter Kavinsky? Unexpectedly charming.
The fake-dating setup? Still irresistible.
Lara Jean Covey writes secret love letters to every boy she’s loved—letters never meant to be sent. When they mysteriously get mailed, her world is turned upside down.
Themes: First love, self-discovery, sisterhood, vulnerability
Notable: Sets up the fake relationship trope between Lara Jean and Peter Kavinsky.
Lara Jean and Peter are no longer pretending—but real relationships are more complicated. When another past crush, John Ambrose McClaren, reenters her life, Lara Jean’s heart is torn.
Themes: Jealousy, trust, emotional growth, navigating love triangles
Notable: Introduces a new romantic dilemma, deepens character development.
As senior year ends, Lara Jean faces big decisions about college, love, and what kind of future she wants—with or without Peter.
Themes: Change, commitment, growing up, independence
Notable: A mature and heartfelt conclusion to the series, wrapping up Lara Jean’s coming-of-age story.
About the 3 Book (By Jenny Han)
Lara Jean Covey writes secret love letters to every boy she’s ever had a crush on—five in total—but never intends to send them. One day, the letters are mysteriously mailed out, turning her quiet high school life upside down.
To save face and manage the fallout, she enters a fake relationship with one of the boys, Peter Kavinsky. But as pretend feelings start to feel real, Lara Jean finds herself caught between past crushes and present emotions.
What makes this special?
Initial Release: 2014
Rating: 8.1/10 Stars
Novel By: Jenny Han
“I simply love this movie. Although it’s of course got a typical teenage unrealistic storyline, it quickly won me over with the great lead performances from Lana Condor and Noah Centineo, as you can almost see and experience them falling in love throughout the film. Particularly Lana Condor though, she basically made the movie what it is, and although her character didn’t seem to have many quirks to her, she portrayed her in such a likeable, relatable way that drew me in.”
Google User
Sophie Sewell
3 Movie Adaptations
Netflix brought Lara Jean’s world to life in 2018 — and made the story a global sensation. Directed by Susan Johnson and adapted by Sofia Alvarez, the film adaptation of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before turned Jenny Han’s heartfelt YA novel into a sleek, funny, and stylish romantic comedy that struck gold with both teens and adults.
And the casting? Spot-on.
Lana Condor perfectly captured Lara Jean’s shy charm and quiet confidence.
Noah Centineo gave Peter Kavinsky a swagger and warmth that made the internet collectively swoon.
The film nailed the tone: pastel dream sequences, hand-written notes, awkward silences, and real teen feelings — without veering into cringe. It was a rom-com with soul.
Director: Susan Johnson
Writers: Sofia Alvarez, Jenny Han
Budget & Box Office: The movies stream exclusively on Netflix, so exact figures aren’t public. However, the success of the film launched a full trilogy and spin-offs, making it one of Netflix’s most successful teen franchises.
Released on August 17, 2018
Lara Jean Covey’s quiet high school life turns upside down when her secret love letters — written for every boy she’s ever had a crush on — are mysteriously mailed out.
To save face and avoid drama with her sister’s ex, she enters a fake relationship with popular guy Peter Kavinsky. But as they pretend to date, real feelings begin to blossom.
Released on February 3, 2020
Lara Jean and Peter are officially a couple, but their new relationship is tested when John Ambrose, another recipient of her old love letters, reenters her life.
As she reconnects with John, Lara Jean starts questioning what love really means and whether she’s truly over her past. A heartfelt story about insecurities, first love, and emotional growth.
Released on February 12, 2021
In their final year of high school, Lara Jean and Peter are dreaming of a future together — especially college. But when plans don’t go as expected, Lara Jean must decide between following Peter or forging her own path.
This movie is about growing up, long-distance love, and making choices that shape who you become.
Cast
Lana Condor
as Lara Jean
Noah Centineo
as Peter
Janel Parrish
as Margot
Anna Cathcart
as Kitty
Did You Know? There’s a Spinoff Too!
The To All the Boys universe expanded with a Netflix spinoff series called “XO, Kitty.” The show follows Lara Jean’s younger sister, Kitty Song Covey, as she moves to Korea to attend the same boarding school her late mom once did — and to pursue her long-distance crush.
Packed with romance, culture shocks, and self-discovery, XO, Kitty brings a fresh, fun twist while staying connected to the beloved Covey family world.
Learn More
Book vs. Movie Comparison
While the To All the Boys movies stay true to the heart of Lara Jean’s story, the books dive deeper into her thoughts, emotions, and family dynamics.
| Feature | Book | Movie |
| Lara Jean’s Personality | More introspective | Slightly more expressive |
| Love Triangle | Subtle | More dramatized |
| Sister Dynamics | Deeply explored | Shortened for runtime |
| Peter’s Character | Reserved, thoughtful | Charismatic and confident |
Some characters are more developed in the books, and a few scenes and plot points play out differently — especially in how relationships evolve. The movies streamline the story for screen, but the books offer a more intimate, layered experience of Lara Jean’s journey.
Love the movies? The books are even better!