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I hope you have all of January blocked off on your calendar. Heck, just block all of winter 2026. Pop the popcorn and grab a cold soda because the romance adaptations are in, and they are fresh. For the romantics, there’s nothing better than watching your darlings on screen, even if it means getting your heart broken alongside your favorite characters.
While romance fiction tends to be quite diverse, screen adaptations of romance novels have a way to go when it comes to diversity. This list comprises titles by white authors, but these adaptations would not have been possible without the countless actors, crew members, writers, and producers of color who contributed to these productions. Since it’s still early in the year, we may see more diverse romance adaptations to come.
Let’s fall in love with love in 2026 with these recent and upcoming romance adaptations.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Directed by Brett Haley, Screenplay by Yulin Kuang
January 9, 2026 (Netflix)
Emily Henry fans can calm down (I am talking to myself, here!), as Emily Bader and Tom Blyth are starring as Poppy and Alex in the beloved author’s first film adaptation. The story follows travel writer Poppy and English teacher Alex over the course of 12 years of friendship and shared vacations. After a disastrous trip to Croatia, they stop speaking until Poppy decides to reach out again. Since the novel is told in a non-linear fashion, I’m interested to see how the film handles it.
Fun fact: People We Meet on Vacation screenwriter, Kuang, has her own romance novel, too: How To End A Love Story!
While we don’t have a release date yet, Emily Henry’s next adaptation, Beach Read, is expected to be released soon.
An Offer From A Gentleman by Julia Quinn
Bridgerton TV Series Created by Chris Van Dusen
January 29, 2026 (Netflix)
Bridgerton season four continues Benedict Bridgerton’s romance with Sophie Baek (known as Beckett in the books). Sophie has lived the life of a servant under the cruelty of her stepmother. When she has the chance to sneak out for Lady Bridgerton’s masquerade ball, she meets Benedict, who treats her like a princess. Yerin Ha, Katie Leung, Michelle Mao, and Isabella Wei join the Bridgerton cast as Sophie and her stepfamily. I can’t wait to see all the gowns and fanciful hairstyles this season!
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Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Directed by Emerald Fennel, Screenplay by Emerald Fennel
February 13, 2026 (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Yearners,