Hollywood’s Romance Revival: From ‘Wuthering Heights’ to ‘BookTok’ Sensations

After a period of dominance by superhero franchises and recycled intellectual property, Hollywood is experiencing a significant resurgence in the romance genre. Recent box office and streaming successes, fueled by passionate fan bases and the influence of online communities like “BookTok,” are driving studios to invest heavily in adaptations of popular romance novels.

The Box Office and Streaming Bloom

The trend is evident in recent releases. “Wuthering Heights,” starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, debuted at number one at the box office as of February 16, 2026. On the streaming front, “People We Meet on Vacation,” adapted from Emily Henry’s novel, topped Netflix’s movie list in January. “Heated Rivalry,” a television adaptation of a gay hockey romance, has quickly become a cultural phenomenon.

The Power of the Core Audience and Author Deals

Industry professionals attribute this revival to studios recognizing the power of the dedicated audience cultivated by romance authors. Producers, agents and executives report that studios are now offering six- to seven-figure deals to secure the rights to popular romance novels, recognizing authors as key assets in attracting viewers. “Audiences seek to feel the yearn,” says Lauren Levine, the producing partner of bestselling author Colleen Hoover .

‘BookTok’ and the Rise of “Smut”

A significant driver of this trend is “BookTok,” the vibrant online community on TikTok where readers share reviews and recommendations. This community particularly embraces the romance genre, often referred to as “smut” due to the inclusion of explicit scenes. The enthusiastic support of BookTok has propelled many authors to bestseller lists almost overnight. The community gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a space for connection when other options were limited.

Financial Success and Production Budgets

The financial success of romance adaptations is undeniable. The film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s “It Ends With Us,” with a production budget of approximately $25 million, grossed over $351 million worldwide. Her upcoming film, “Reminders of Him,” is slated for release by Universal Pictures in March . While “Wuthering Heights,” directed by Emerald Fennell, has a higher budget closer to $80 million, many romance adaptations typically fall within the $25 million to $40 million range, making them comparatively less expensive than other genres.

Casting and Authenticity

Producers emphasize the importance of casting choices that will resonate with fans of the source material. While A-list stars aren’t always necessary, chemistry and authenticity are crucial. The casting of Tom Bateman, husband of Daisy Ridley (known for her role in “Star Wars”), in the adaptation of “The Love Hypothesis” generated significant excitement among fans, though it wasn’t the primary reason for his selection .

Expanding the Genre: Romantasy and Rewatchability

The romance genre is also expanding to include “romantasy,” a blend of romance and fantasy. Examples include the upcoming Amazon Prime series based on Rebecca Yarros’ “Fourth Wing” and the Netflix adaptation of “Quicksilver.” The enduring appeal of classic romantic comedies from filmmakers like Nancy Meyers and Nora Ephron, consistently rewatched on streaming platforms, further demonstrates the audience’s continued appetite for the genre. Warner Bros. Has greenlit a new romantic comedy from Meyers, scheduled for release on Christmas Day 2027.