Revisit time when YA novels ruled blockbuster landscape
The release of “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” a prequel to the hit book and movie series “The Hunger Games,” is a reminder of the not-too-distant past, when adaptations of young adult novels ruled the blockbuster landscape.
With a potential new appetite for that genre in mind, here’s a list of YA movie adaptations of the recent past and where to stream them now.
We have to start with “The Hunger Games,” the 2012 film adapted from the Suzanne Collins book, which ushered Jennifer Lawrence into true movie stardom over the course of four films. Set in the distant future, Lawrence plays Katniss Everdeen, a young woman who competes in the televised event in which teenagers fight to the death. Stream the whole series of films — which includes “The Hunger Games,” “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” and “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Parts 1 and 2” — on Peacock, or rent them on all digital platforms.
But before “The Hunger Games” took over, there were vampires. Stephenie Meyer’s book “Twilight” transported readers to the Pacific Northwest, where a vampire falls in love with a human girl. The 2008 movie adaptation made
Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson instant movie stars. It is the 15th anniversary of the movie’s release date in November, so ring in the occasion with a rewatch. Stream “Twilight” on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi, or rent it elsewhere.
We can’t forget the other dystopian teen movies that
“The Hunger Games” begot, including 2014’s “Divergent,” starring Shailene Woodley and Theo James. Based on the book series by Veronica Roth, the story takes place in post-apocalyptic Chicago, where people are strictly divided into factions. While the series fizzled out, the first film showed promise. Stream it on Tubi or rent it elsewhere.
There was also the lively “Maze Runner” series based on the books by James Dashner and starring Dylan O’Brien. These movies are a bit more muscular and action-packed as the post-apocalyptic teens have to escape from a maze while also trying to establish a functioning society. The whole series is quite entertaining, especially the sequel “The Scorch Trials.” Stream “The Maze Runner” (2014) on Max, and rent “The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials” on all digital platforms. Completists can stream the third film, “Maze Runner: The Death Cure” (2018), on Hulu.
But it’s not all dystopia and monsters in young adult literature. There’s also romance, like in the enormously charming “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.” The 2018 adaptation of Jenny Han’s book, starring Lana Condor and Noah Centineo, is streaming on Netflix. There’s also romance among sick teens, a whole subgenre that was kicked off by the success of “The Fault in Our Stars” (2014). Based on the book by John Green, the film starring Woodley and Ansel Elgort is streaming on Disney+, Hulu or Amazon Prime Video.
In addition, there are films on social issues, like “The Hate U Give,” which is about a young girl growing up in Los Angeles, grappling with the death of her friend in a racially motivated police shooting. Adapted from the novel by Angie Thomas, the film stars Amandla Stenberg. Stream it on Tubi, or rent it elsewhere.
Then there are films about sexuality, including the 2018 movie “Love, Simon.” Based on the book “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli, the film starring Nick Robinson is about a queer teen coming out to his family and friends. Stream it on Hulu.
Finally, for a bit of stylized period fantasy adventure, check out “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.” Adapted from the Ransom Riggs book, the 2016 film is directed by Tim Burton and stars Eva Green. Stream it on Disney+, or rent it elsewhere.