
If, just like me, you fell head over heels for Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter, you're definitely not alone. With its hilarious banter, swoon-worthy romance, lovable characters, and countless rom-com references, it quickly became one of the most beloved young adult romances.
The good news? There are plenty of books that capture the same heart-fluttering magic. So, if you're looking for enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, childhood friends, slow-burn romance, or another funny contemporary YA story, you'll find your next favorite read here.
Here are the best books like Better Than the Movies that most definitely deserve a spot on your TBR.
Looking for a specific trope?
- 💕 Fake dating → The Fill-In Boyfriend
- 💬 Best banter → Today Tonight Tomorrow
- 🌊 Summer vibes → The Summer of Broken Rules
- 💌 Sweet romance → P.S. I Like You
17 Books Like Better Than the Movies That Will Give You All the Rom-Com Feels
Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter
If you couldn't get enough of Liz and Wes in Better Than the Movies, then Nothing Like the Movies should be your very next read. This heartfelt sequel reunites readers with the beloved couple as they navigate the challenges of growing up, changing dreams, and the realities of first love after high school. While it delivers the same witty banter and romantic tension that made the first book so memorable, it also explores a more emotional and mature side of their relationship.
Why you'll love it:
🎬 Continues Liz and Wes's love story
✨ Funny, heartfelt dialogue and plenty of romantic moments
🎬 Strong character growth and emotional depth
✨ Perfect for readers who weren't ready to say goodbye after Better Than the Movies
Tropes:
🍿 Second-chance romance
📽️ Childhood friends to lovers
🍿 Slow burn romance
📽️ Miscommunication
🍿 First love
📽️ Emotional healing
Perfect for readers who love:
✨ Feel-good YA contemporary romances
🍿 Beach reads with heart
✨ Character-driven coming-of-age stories
🍿 Emotional yet uplifting love stories
✨ Books with unforgettable summer settings
The Upside of Falling by Alex Light
If you loved the fake dating, romantic tension, and heartwarming moments in Better Than the Movies, The Upside of Falling deserves a place on your TBR. When Becca, a hopeless romantic who has never actually been in love, pretends to date Brett to keep up appearances, what starts as a harmless arrangement slowly turns into something much more real. Filled with sweet moments, emotional growth, and plenty of chemistry, this charming YA romance is perfect for fans of lighthearted love stories.
Why you'll love it:
📚 A lovable fake dating romance with plenty of swoon-worthy moments
☀️ Charming characters you'll quickly become invested in
📚 Funny, heartfelt dialogue and relatable emotions A satisfying slow-burn romance with a feel-good ending
Tropes:
🌻 Fake dating
💞 Slow burn
🌻 Opposites attract
💞 High school romance
🌻 Friends to lovers
Perfect for readers who love:
☀️ Sweet YA rom-coms
💞 Character-driven contemporary fiction
☀️ Feel-good romances
💞 Light emotional drama Happy endings
P.S. I Like You by Kasie West
If you adored the witty banter, sweet romance, and lovable characters in Better Than the Movies, P.S. I Like You is another delightful YA rom-com to add to your reading list. When Lily writes song lyrics on her desk at school, she's surprised to find someone has written back. What begins as an anonymous exchange of letters soon blossoms into an unexpected romance, proving that sometimes love appears in the most unexpected places. With its charming humor, heartfelt moments, and irresistible slow-burn relationship, this novel perfectly captures the magic of first love.
Why you'll love it:
🎵 Clever anonymous letter exchanges that create irresistible romantic tension
💫 A sweet, slow-burn romance filled with humor and heart
🎵 Relatable characters who grow throughout the story
💫 Plenty of witty dialogue and feel-good moments
Tropes:
💕 Anonymous pen pals
🎤 Slow burn
💕 High school romance
🎤Enemies to lovers
💕 Opposites attract
Perfect for readers who love:
💕 Sweet YA contemporary romances
🎵 Clever romantic comedies
💕 Funny, character-driven stories
🎵 First-love romances
💕 Feel-good books with happy endings
Tweet Cute by Emma Lord
If the witty banter and enemies-to-lovers romance in Better Than the Movies stole your heart, Tweet Cute is a perfect next read. Pepper and Jack become rivals when their families' businesses start a social media feud, exchanging hilarious tweets without realizing they also share a genuine connection offline. Packed with sharp humor, unforgettable chemistry, and plenty of heart, this YA rom-com is as charming as it is entertaining.
Why you'll love it:
📱Hilarious banter and an irresistible enemies-to-lovers romance
🌸 Memorable characters with authentic chemistry
📱 A perfect blend of humor, romance, and heartfelt moments
🌸 A modern love story featuring social media, family, and friendship
Tropes:
💘 Enemies to lovers
⭐ Anonymous friendship
💘 Rivals
⭐ Slow burn
💘 High school romance
Perfect for readers who love:
💘 Funny YA romantic comedies
📱 Smart, witty dialogue
💘 Character-driven contemporary fiction
📱 Sweet romances with emotional depth
💘 Feel-good books that will make you smile
To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
If you fell in love with the sweet romance, lovable characters, and heart-fluttering moments in Better Than the Movies, To All the Boys I've Loved Before is an essential read. When Lara Jean's secret love letters are unexpectedly mailed to all of her former crushes, her quiet life is turned upside down. To save face, she enters a fake relationship with the charming Peter Kavinsky, but what begins as pretend soon develops into something much more real. Filled with humor, heartfelt moments, and unforgettable chemistry, this beloved YA romance is a modern classic.
Why you'll love it:
💌 An irresistible fake dating romance that slowly turns into genuine love
🪻 Lovable characters you'll be rooting for from beginning to end
💌 A perfect balance of humor, romance, and emotional moments
🪻 A cozy, feel-good story with plenty of swoon-worthy scenes
Tropes:
✨ Fake dating
💖 First love
✨ High school romance
💖 Friends to lovers
✨ Coming of age
Perfect for readers who love:
✨ Sweet YA contemporary romances
💌 Romantic comedies with unforgettable characters
✨ Slow-burn relationships
💌 Feel-good coming-of-age stories
✨ Books with happily-ever-afters
The Do-Over by Lynn Painter
If your favorite part of Better Than the Movies was Lynn Painter's signature humor, witty banter, and unforgettable romance, The Do-Over is a must-read. After an embarrassing Valentine's Day goes completely off the rails, Emilie finds herself reliving the same day over and over. As she tries to break the time loop, she discovers new perspectives, unexpected friendships, and the possibility of a romance she never saw coming. It's funny, heartwarming, and full of the charm that makes Lynn Painter's books so addictive.
Why you'll love it:
⌛ The same witty writing and lovable characters Lynn Painter is known for
🌹 A unique time-loop premise that keeps the story fresh and entertaining
⌛ Plenty of laugh-out-loud moments balanced with heartfelt emotion
🌹 A sweet, slow-burn romance with an unforgettable ending
Tropes:
✨ Time loop
🦋 Slow burn
✨ High school romance
🦋 Self-discovery
✨ Friends to lovers
Perfect for readers who love:
🦋Funny YA rom-coms
⌛ Character-driven contemporary stories
🦋 Romantic comedies with a unique twist
⌛ Emotional coming-of-age novels
🦋 Feel-good happily-ever-afters
Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson
If your favorite part of Better Than the Movies was watching a shy protagonist grow in confidence while finding love, Since You've Been Gone is a perfect follow-up. After her best friend Sloane mysteriously disappears for the summer, Emily is left with nothing but a list of thirteen unexpected challenges. As she completes each task, she steps outside her comfort zone, makes new friends, and discovers that the best adventures—and romances—often begin when you take a chance. Heartwarming, funny, and full of unforgettable summer moments, this novel is a celebration of friendship, self-discovery, and first love.
Why you'll love it:
📝 A heartfelt coming-of-age story with a sweet, slow-building romance
🩷 Lovable characters who grow throughout the novel
📝 An unforgettable summer setting filled with adventure
🩷 A perfect blend of humor, friendship, and emotional moments
Tropes:
🫶 Summer adventure
🗺️ Friends to lovers
🫶 Self-discovery
🗺️ Coming of age
🫶 First love
Perfect for readers who love:
🫶 Character-driven YA contemporary fiction
📝 Emotional stories about friendship and personal growth
🫶 Slow-burn romances
📝 Feel-good summer reads
🫶 Books that leave you smiling
Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon
If the witty banter and romantic tension in Better Than the Movies kept you turning the pages, Today Tonight Tomorrow is a must-read. On the last day of high school, academic rivals Rowan and Neil spend one unforgettable night competing in a citywide senior scavenger hunt. As old rivalries fade and unexpected feelings begin to surface, they discover there's a fine line between love and hate. Full of clever dialogue, laugh-out-loud moments, and a wonderfully slow-burn romance, this YA contemporary is impossible to put down.
Why you'll love it:
🔥 Fantastic enemies-to-lovers chemistry with witty, playful banter
🌼 A heartfelt romance that develops naturally over one unforgettable night
🔥 Relatable characters with meaningful personal growth
🌼 The perfect balance of humor, romance, and emotion
Tropes:
💞 Enemies to lovers
⚡ Academic rivals
💞 Slow burn
⚡ Forced proximity
💞 One-night adventure
Perfect for readers who love:
🔥 Smart YA romantic comedies
💞 Character-driven contemporary fiction
🔥 Slow-burn romances with plenty of banter
💞 Coming-of-age stories Feel-good books with emotional depth
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
If you loved the sweet romance, lovable characters, and heartfelt humor in Better Than the Movies, The Distance Between Us is another YA contemporary romance you'll want to pick up. Seventeen-year-old Caymen Meyers has always believed relationships only lead to disappointment, but everything changes when she meets Xander, a wealthy and charming boy who challenges her assumptions. As their connection deepens, Caymen must decide whether she's willing to let love into her carefully guarded life. With its witty dialogue, slow-burn romance, and emotional depth, this novel is a perfect choice for fans of feel-good YA love stories.
Why you'll love it:
☀️ A charming opposites-attract romance with plenty of chemistry
💳 Funny dialogue and relatable, well-developed characters
☀️ A heartfelt story about love, family, and finding your own path
💳 A satisfying balance of humor, romance, and emotional moments
Tropes:
💎 Opposites attract
🔥 Slow burn
💎 High school romance
🔥 Family expectations
💎 Coming of age
Perfect for readers who love:
💳 Sweet YA contemporary romances
🔥 Character-driven love stories
💳 Witty banter and slow-burn relationships
🔥 Emotional coming-of-age novels
💳 Feel-good romances with happy endings
Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett
If you loved the witty humor, slow-burn romance, and movie references in Better Than the Movies, Alex, Approximately is an excellent next read. Bailey is moving to a California beach town to finally meet her online movie-buff friend, Alex, but instead finds herself constantly clashing with the annoyingly charming Porter Roth. As Bailey navigates new friendships, family struggles, and her growing feelings for Porter, she begins to realize that love isn't always what—or who—you expect. Packed with clever banter, beach-town vibes, and plenty of romantic tension, this YA contemporary is both funny and heartfelt.
Why you'll love it:
🌴 A charming enemies-to-lovers romance filled with witty banter
💬 A beautiful beach setting that makes for the perfect summer read
🌴 Memorable characters with authentic emotional growth
💬 A delightful blend of romance, humor, and coming-of-age themes
Tropes:
💕 Enemies to lovers
🎥 Online friendship
💕 Hidden identity
🎥 Slow burn
💕 Summer romance
Perfect for readers who love:
💕 YA romantic comedies
🌴 Beach reads with heart
💕 Character-driven contemporary fiction
🌴 Slow-burn romances
💕 Feel-good stories with happy endings
Begin Again by Emma Lord
If you loved the heartfelt romance, witty dialogue, and lovable characters in Better Than the Movies, Begin Again is another delightful contemporary romance to add to your TBR. After deciding to transfer to a new college for a fresh start, Andie Rose finds herself rebuilding her life, making unexpected friendships, and slowly falling for the charming and supportive Milo. Emma Lord combines humor, emotional depth, and a swoon-worthy romance to create a story about finding yourself and embracing new beginnings.
Why you'll love it:
🎓 A sweet, slow-burn romance with plenty of chemistry
✨ Emma Lord's signature witty dialogue and lovable characters
🎓 A heartwarming story about self-discovery and second chances
✨ The perfect mix of humor, romance, and emotional growth
Tropes:
🌻 Fresh start
💖 Slow burn
🌻 Friends to lovers
💖 Self-discovery
🌻 College romance
Perfect for readers who love:
🎓 Character-driven contemporary romances
💖 Funny and heartfelt love stories
🎓 Slow-burn relationships
💖 Coming-of-age novels
🎓 Feel-good books with satisfying endings
The Summer of Second Chances by K. L. Walther
If you loved the heartfelt romance, emotional depth, and unforgettable summer atmosphere of Better Than the Movies, The Summer of Second Chances is a wonderful book to add to your reading list. After a family tragedy, sixteen-year-old Emma returns to the lakeside town where she spent her childhood summers. Reconnecting with old friends—and her first love, Henry—forces her to confront the past while discovering that second chances can lead to the most meaningful new beginnings. With its lovable cast, nostalgic setting, and tender romance, this YA contemporary is both emotional and uplifting.
Why you'll love it:
🍉 A touching second-chance romance with plenty of heart
🩴 A nostalgic summer setting that feels warm and inviting
🍉 Believable characters navigating grief, healing, and first love
🩴 A perfect balance of romance, family, friendship, and personal growth
Tropes:
💕 Second-chance romance
🍦 Childhood friends
💕 Summer romance
🍦 Grief and healing Coming of age
Perfect for readers who love:
🍦 Emotional YA contemporary romances
🍉 Character-driven coming-of-age stories
🍦 Sweet, slow-burn love stories
🍉 Books set during unforgettable summers
🍦 Feel-good novels with hopeful endings
Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
If you loved the heartwarming romance and feel-good charm of Better Than the Movies, Love & Gelato is a book you won't want to miss. After her mother's dying wish sends her to Tuscany, Lina expects to spend the summer counting down the days until she can return home. Instead, she discovers her mother's journal, uncovers long-hidden family secrets, and finds herself falling for the charming Ren while exploring the breathtaking Italian countryside. Filled with romance, humor, self-discovery, and unforgettable travel adventures, this novel is the perfect escape for readers who love stories that blend first love with wanderlust.
Why you'll love it:
🍨 A sweet romance set against the stunning backdrop of Tuscany
💖 A heartfelt story about love, family, and self-discovery
🍨 Beautiful travel descriptions that make you want to book a trip to Italy
💖 The perfect mix of humor, emotion, and unforgettable summer vibes
Tropes:
🛵 Summer romance
🌞 Friends to lovers
🛵 Travel adventure
🌞 Family secrets
🛵 Coming of age
Perfect for readers who love:
🛵 YA contemporary romances
🍨 Books set in beautiful destinations
🛵 Character-driven coming-of-age stories
🍨 Sweet first-love romances
🛵 Feel-good summer reads
The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West
If you loved the sweet romance, lovable characters, and laugh-out-loud moments in Better Than the Movies, The Fill-In Boyfriend is another irresistible YA rom-com to add to your TBR. When Gia's boyfriend breaks up with her just before prom, she convinces a handsome stranger to pretend to be her date. What begins as a simple favor quickly turns into something much more complicated as Gia starts to question what she's really looking for in a relationship. Filled with witty banter, heartfelt moments, and undeniable chemistry, this charming novel is a perfect pick for fans of lighthearted contemporary romance.
Why you'll love it:
💃 A fun fake dating romance with plenty of swoon-worthy moments
✨ Relatable characters who grow throughout the story
💃A perfect balance of humor, romance, and emotional depth
✨ Fast-paced, addictive writing that keeps the pages turning
Tropes:
👑 Fake dating
🎒 High school romance
👑 Opposites attract
🎒 Self-discovery
👑 Popular girl × ordinary boy
Perfect for readers who love:
👑 Feel-good YA contemporary romances
💃 Romantic comedies with witty dialogue
👑 Sweet, slow-building love stories
💃 Character-driven coming-of-age novels
👑 Happy endings
The Summer of Broken Rules by K. L. Walther
If you loved the charming romance and emotional depth of Better Than the Movies, The Summer of Broken Rules is the perfect summer read. Set during a family wedding on the picturesque island of Martha's Vineyard, the story follows Meredith as she takes part in a game of Assassin, forms an unexpected connection with a charming groomsman, and begins to heal after a heartbreaking loss. Filled with laughter, family traditions, swoon-worthy romance, and unforgettable summer vibes, this novel is both heartwarming and deeply moving.
Why you'll love it:
💍 A sweet summer romance with undeniable chemistry
🌺 A beautiful balance of humor, romance, and emotional healing
💍 Lovable characters and a close-knit family dynamic
🌺 An idyllic beach setting that feels like a vacation
Tropes:
🦋 Summer romance
💛 Family wedding
🦋 Forced proximity
💛 Grief and healing
🦋 First love
Perfect for readers who love:
💍 Feel-good YA contemporary romances
🦋 Beach reads with heart
💍 Character-driven coming-of-age stories
🦋 Emotional yet uplifting love stories
💍 Books with unforgettable summer settings
When You Get the Chance by Emma Lord
If you loved the witty banter, heartfelt romance, and lovable characters in Better Than the Movies, When You Get the Chance also deserves a spot on your TBR. Seventeen-year-old Millie Price dreams of becoming a Broadway star, but when she discovers her father's old journal, she embarks on a mission to find her mother. Along the way, she forms new friendships, experiences first love, and learns that life rarely follows the script you expect. Filled with humor, family secrets, and a charming romance, this feel-good YA contemporary perfectly captures the warmth and emotional depth that fans of Lynn Painter adore.
Why you'll love it:
🎭 A heartwarming romance filled with witty banter
💘 Lovable, memorable characters you'll quickly root for
🎭 A touching story about family, identity, and following your dreams
💘 The perfect blend of humor, romance, and emotional growth
Tropes:
🗝️ First love
🎶 Family secrets
🗝️ Self-discovery
🎶 Performing arts
🗝️ Coming of age
Perfect for readers who love:
🎶 YA contemporary romances with heart
🎭 Character-driven coming-of-age stories
🎶 Funny, feel-good romances
🎭 Books featuring theatre and music
🎶 Stories about chasing your dreams
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
If you loved the unforgettable romance, lovable characters, and butterflies-inducing chemistry in Better Than the Movies, Anna and the French Kiss is a must-read. When Anna is unexpectedly sent to a boarding school in Paris for her senior year, she's anything but thrilled. But as she explores the City of Light, she forms lasting friendships and grows closer to the charming Étienne St. Clair. Filled with humor, heartfelt moments, and one of YA's most beloved romances, this novel perfectly captures the magic of first love and finding yourself far from home.
Why you'll love it:
🗼 A swoon-worthy slow-burn romance with unforgettable chemistry
🧳 A charming Paris setting that feels wonderfully immersive
🗼 Funny, relatable characters with authentic friendships
🧳 A heartfelt coming-of-age story about love, courage, and self-discovery
Tropes:
🥐 Boarding school
💋 Slow burn
🥐 Friends to lovers
💋 First love
🥐 Study abroad
Perfect for readers who love:
🗼 YA contemporary romances
💋 Books set in beautiful destinations
🗼 Character-driven coming-of-age stories
💋 Sweet, slow-burn relationships
🗼 Feel-good romances with memorable characters
Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is Better Than the Movies?

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter is a young adult contemporary romance. It combines romantic comedy, coming-of-age themes, witty banter, and emotional character growth, making it one of the most beloved YA rom-coms in recent years.
If you're wondering wether you should read it, I have just the perfect article for you: 12 Reasons to Read Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter.
Is Nothing Like the Movies a sequel?
Yes! Nothing Like the Movies is the official sequel to Better Than the Movies. It reunites readers with Liz and Wes as they navigate college, changing dreams, and the challenges of growing up while trying to hold onto the love story fans fell in love with.
What is Lynn Painter's best YA romance?
While every reader has a favorite, Better Than the Movies is widely considered Lynn Painter's most popular YA romance thanks to its unforgettable chemistry, hilarious dialogue, and nostalgic rom-com references. Other fan favorites include Nothing Like the Movies and The Do-Over, both feature on this list.
Are there books with the same enemies-to-lovers vibe?
Absolutely! If you loved the playful rivalry and slow-burn chemistry between Liz and Wes, you'll enjoy books like Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon, Tweet Cute by Emma Lord, Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett, and The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West. They all feature witty banter, romantic tension, and memorable relationships.
What should I read after Better Than the Movies?
If you're looking for books with the same feel-good romance, lovable characters, and emotional depth, start with Nothing Like the Movies, The Do-Over, The Summer of Broken Rules, Tweet Cute, Love & Gelato, and Anna and the French Kiss. Each captures the charm, humor, and heart that made Better Than the Movies so unforgettable.
If You Love Heartfelt YA Romance, You Might Also Enjoy My Novel

If you love YA contemporary romances filled with emotional moments, unforgettable characters, and the journey of finding yourself, you might enjoy my own novel, Just for a While.
Inspired by the heartfelt stories that made me fall in love with YA romance, this book follows a journey of self-growth, friendship, and unexpected love. Like many of the books on this list, it explores the messy, beautiful moments of growing up and discovering that sometimes the people who challenge us the most can also change our lives.
Fans of character-driven YA romance, emotional connections, books like Better Than the Movies and stories about second chances may find a new favorite in Just for a While.
Final Thoughts - 17 Books Like Better Than the Movies That Will Give You All the Rom-Com Feels
Certainly, there is something incredibly special about books like Better Than the Movies. They remind us of the excitement of first love, the butterflies of unexpected connections, and the comfort of finding characters who feel like old friends. If you enjoy witty banter, slow-burn romance, fake dating, or stories filled with laughter and heart, these YA romances capture that same magical feeling of falling in love with a story.
While I am fully aware that nothing can quite replace the experience of reading Better Than the Movies for the first time, I sincerely hope this list helps you discover your next favorite romance. From unforgettable summer adventures to heartfelt coming-of-age stories, there are many beautiful YA books waiting to make you smile, cry, and maybe even believe in love a little more.
If you're still looking for your next read, you might also enjoy my other YA romance recommendations, including 10 Things I Absolutely Love About Sarah Dessen´s YA Contemporary Books, Best YA Contemporary Romance with Found Family & Loyal Friend Groups, and Books Like The Summer I Turned Pretty You’ll Fall in Love With.
Now grab a cozy blanket, add a few of these books to your TBR, and get ready for your next unforgettable reading adventure. Happy reading! 💕
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About Me

📍Dumbo - New York
I'm Zøe!
I write heartfelt, character-driven fiction featuring resilient teenage heroines navigating personal challenges and striving to become their best selves. Beyond my novels, I love storytelling in all its forms. On this blog, I share narrative-rich travel pieces, offering glimpses into my favorite places, hidden corners, and unforgettable encounters around the globe.
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