Filmmaking has steadily evolved over the years, from the beginning days of early Hollywood pictures to modern blockbusters on IMAX screens, but one constant in the industry has remained relatively the same: adapting novels into feature films. The method allows for written words to be translated onto the big screen, full of unique visuals and new details that aim to entice the novel’s readers and new fans alike. From the ever-popular Harry Potter series to Mary Harron’s American Psycho, many of film’s most beloved and cherished films have been adapted from literature.
The young adult (YA) genre has become a highly profitable sector of literature over the years as adult themes of sexuality, gender roles, friendship, and drugs get written for a younger, teen audience. When it came to adapting these books onto the big screen, no era was as rampant with its adaptations as the 2010s. The decade saw not only saw the birth of the desire for more YA dystopian stories, but also saw many popular YA novels get adapted onto the big screen.
From The Hate U Give (2019) and The Fault in Our Stars (2014) to Love, Simon (2019) and The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012), many YA adaptations became box office successes during the 2010s. However, many films managed to fly under the radar and stand out among the vast array of adaptations as some of the decade’s greatest. Here are 10 YA adaptations released in the 2010s that are severely underrated.
Every Day (2018)
The YA genre is known for its many romance novels; however, David Levithan’s novel, Every Day, was released in 2012 and uniquely tackles the concept. The book is told from the perspective of A, a spirit who wakes up in a different body every day, as they fall in love with Rhiannon, a teenage girl. Throughout the novel, A must juggle sticking with the routines of the body they inhabit each day and trying to pursue their love for Rhiannon.
The film adaptation is told from the perspective of Rhiannon (Angourie Rice), akin to the original novel’s companion book Another Day, as she interacts with A in a variety of bodies. It is a lighthearted watch that features rising stars like Debby Ryan and Justice Smith as some of the characters A’s spirit possesses.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)
Based on Jesse Andrews’ debut novel of the same name, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a quintessential Gen Z movie that is the perfect blend of comedy and emotional sincerity. The film follows Greg Gaines (Thomas Mann) and his best friend Earl Jackson (RJ Cyler) as they befriend a classmate, Rachel (Olivia Cooke), who they find out is battling leukemia. Greg and Earl decide to cheer Rachel’s spirits by making a movie for her, causing the film’s coming-of-age story to blossom as the trio learn to accept one another.
Mann, Cyler and Cooke give phenomenal performances as their bond as a trio grows throughout the film, and Andrews’ screenwriting elevates his characters. While the film received critical acclaim and even won the Grand Jury Prize in the Dramatic category at Sundance Film Festival, the charming film is often overlooked as one of the best YA adaptations, and movies, of the decade.
Flipped (2010)
Rob Reiner’s 2010 adaptation of the novel, Flipped, shares an interesting look at the concept of “right person, wrong time.” Madeline Carroll plays Juli Baker, an eighth grader who had a crush on her childhood friend Bryce Loski (Callan McAuliffe) when they were children. Years later, Bryce has strong feelings for his friend, a “flipped” perspective, and the film follows the duo as they tackle these feelings throughout high school.
Despite the poor reception the film received critically and at the box office, the underrated film explores the childhood worries many wished they relive effortlessly. The film is fun and nostalgic, tackling teenage innocence in a charming love story.
Dumplin’ (2018)
Despite the company’s reputation faltering over the years, Netflix has not been a stranger to producing quality content — and the 2018 adaptation of Julie Murphy’s Dumplin’ is no exception. The film follows Willowdean "Dumplin'" Dickson (Danielle Macdonald), the plus-size teenage daughter of Jennifer Aniston’s Rosie Dickson, as she enters a beauty pageant against her mother’s wishes.
The act of rebellion not only inspires other children to do the same but transforms Willowdean’s relationship with her mother and evokes an opportunity for love. The film provides a perfect portrayal of body positivity and sends home the idea that one's authenticity is the most important.
Monster (2018)
Walter Dean Myers’ New York Times bestselling novel Monster, released in 1999, has become a highly regarded novel in recent years. The book has acquired countless accolades, including a Michael L. Printz Award and a nomination for the Coretta Scott King Award for Authors, and is regarded as a thoughtful, provocative experience. It is no surprise that when the film was being adapted into live-action, viewers may find it hard to live up to the novel’s success, but the 2018 adaptation of it released on Netflix begs to differ.
Kelvin Harrison Jr. portrays Steve Harmon, a 17-year-old student who gets charged with felony murder. The film journeys Steve’s progression through the court in a legal drama that could ultimately shape his future in impactful ways. Exploring themes of race, power dynamics and masculinity, Monster showcases a world many may not experience in their lifetimes. The film honors the accolades and acclaim of Myers’ novel with effortless ease, becoming an underrated gem of the late 2010s with the emotional performances of its stacked cast.
How I Live Now (2013)
Upon first glance, the post-apocalyptic setting of the big screen adaptation of How I Live Now may seem reminiscent of many prominent YA adaptations during the decade, like The Hunger Games and Divergent. However, the film strays far from the rebellious nature of its predecessor and successor with an emotional story of familial connections.
Saoirse Ronan stars as the lead character, Daisy, who is sent to live with her cousins after another nuclear war is set to commence. With supporting performances by George MacKay, Harley Bird and Tom Holland in one of his best performances, family bonds stand strong as Daisy and her family gripe with their innocence being stripped away as they struggle to reunite with one another.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018)
The 2018 adaptation of Emily M. Danforth’s The Miseducation of Cameron Post by director Desiree Akhavan showcases one of Chloe Grace Moretz’s most emotional performances in her career. Moretz plays the titular Cameron Post, a teenage girl who gets sent to a conservation camp after she is caught with another girl. Throughout the film, Cameron explores her life with a fellow group of young, queer individuals as they struggle against the leadership at the conservation camp.
Akhavan’s direction of the exploration of sexuality and identity from the perspective of Cameron provides a detailed look into the difficult circumstances the film presents of its characters. While the film did garner $2 million against its $900,000 production budget, the gem of a film is often overlooked as one of the best depictions of LGBTQ themes for teenagers in film.
The Sun is Also a Star (2019)
Back in the late 2010s, it was hard to find anyone who was not talking about how great Nicola Yoon’s novel, The Sun is Also a Star, was. The 2016 release tackles the complexities of love between two teenagers: Natasha Kingsley and Daniel Bae, and the fear of deportation for Natasha, who is an immigrant from Jamaica.
The story juggles the two concepts effortlessly and made its adaptation into a motion picture even more exciting. The Ry Russo-Young directed story transforms these characters and ideas into the big screen, with pleasant chemistry between leads Yara Shahidi and Charles Melton.
Before I Fall (2017)
The Groundhog Day trope of characters reliving the same day repeatedly took center stage for the 2017 adaptation of Lauren Oliver’s novel, Before I Fall, released in 2010. The film follows Samantha Kingston (Zoey Deutch), a teenage girl forced to relive her death day over and over again. As Samantha is forced to relive her trauma, she grips with the preciousness of time and her reluctance to its importance. Deutch portrays the lead character with an emotional punch, which elevates the film to emotional heights.
While critics have been mixed toward the film over time, this underrated depiction of the Groundhog Day trope is sure to add another emotionally compelling story to the list.
Geography Club (2013)
When it comes to true underrated YA adaptations of the 2010s, the hidden gem of Geography Club may take the cake. The 2013 film is an adaptation of the 2003 novel of the same name and centers around a group of outsiders at their high school. The group meets up with one another under the guise of the Geography Club, which masquerades as a support group for its LGBTQ+ members.
The film is a witty, passionate portrayal of the benefits of individuality and is perfect for any fan of YA adaptations looking for a relatable story.
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