Colleen Hoover’s Books Sell Millions—Why Aren’t Her Movies as Popular?

Colleen Hoover’s novels have become a publishing phenomenon, consistently topping bestseller lists and igniting passionate discussions online. But while her books fly off shelves – she sold more copies in 2022 than the Bible, according to Rolling Stone – her film adaptations haven’t quite captured the same magic. With her third novel, Reminders of Him, hitting theaters March 13, 2026, the question remains: can Hoover’s signature blend of trauma and romance translate to the large screen?

Hoover, the #1 New York Times and International bestselling author of twenty-five novels and novellas, publishes through Atria Books, Grand Central Publishing, Montlake Romance, and HarperCollins Publishers (Colleen Hoover official website). Her work spans New Adult and Young Adult contemporary romance, as well as psychological thriller, a genre-bending approach that’s clearly resonated with readers. She’s as well expanded into producing, co-founding HeartBones Entertainment, and even writing screenplays herself, starting with Reminders of Him.

From Page to Screen: A Mixed Record

The journey from Hoover’s novels to film has been…complicated. It Ends With Us, starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, grossed $205 million on a $25 million budget in 2024, a solid return. However, the film was quickly overshadowed by legal battles. Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and creating an unsafe work environment, leading to lawsuits from both actors (Baldoni’s suit was dismissed, Lively’s is set for trial next year, per Rolling Stone). The controversy, coupled with criticism of the film’s handling of its abusive relationship storyline, muddied the waters.

Regretting You, released in 2025, fared similarly. While it earned $90 million on a $30 million budget, many fans rejected the adaptation for downplaying the darker aspects of the story, with some even posting viral videos on TikTok of audiences laughing at melodramatic scenes. This disconnect between the source material’s intensity and the films’ execution seems to be a recurring issue.

Reminders of Him: A Potential Turning Point?

Reminders of Him, starring Maika Monroe and Rudy Pankow, offers a slightly different tone. The story centers on Kenna Rowan, a newly released inmate attempting to connect with the five-year-old daughter she’s never met. Set in a small town, the film delves into themes of grief, forgiveness, and the complexities of the criminal justice system. While it’s still early, initial reactions suggest this adaptation might be Hoover’s most successful yet.

The film distinguishes itself with a more restrained approach to its central romance, layering in grief without veering into melodrama. Notably, it also touches upon the failings of the U.S. Prison system, a surprisingly nuanced element for a Hoover adaptation. As Rolling Stone notes, the film is “a 114-minute speedrun through family trauma, grief, and the carceral state.”

The Allure of Hoover’s Books: Why the Obsession?

Hoover’s success isn’t accidental. Her books tap into a unique formula: unexpected plot twists, emotionally charged narratives, and a willingness to explore difficult themes. She doesn’t adhere to a single genre, seamlessly blending romance, mystery, and thriller elements. One book might feature a woman falling in love with a DEA agent while escaping a drug-dealing boyfriend; another, a summer fling intertwined with a father’s mysterious death. This unpredictability, combined with her often-shocking dialogue, has cultivated a devoted fanbase, particularly on BookTok.

The author’s popularity exploded during the pandemic, fueled by BookTok users recommending her novels and dissecting their most outlandish moments. This created a cycle of engagement: people bought Hoover’s books to understand the hype, and even those who disliked them contributed to the conversation. As The New Yorker points out, Hoover’s books inspire “obsession, rage, devotion,” driving readers to purchase limited edition copies or publicly declare themselves her biggest haters.

The Challenge of Adaptation: Capturing the Spark

So, why aren’t Hoover’s films replicating the success of her books? Part of the problem lies in translating the internal experience of reading to the visual medium of film. Hoover’s novels often rely on internal monologue and emotional nuance, which can be difficult to convey on screen. The films also seem to shy away from the more controversial or disturbing elements of the source material, potentially alienating the core fanbase.

The controversies surrounding It Ends With Us further complicated matters, creating a negative association with the adaptations. The backlash against Regretting You demonstrated that fans are discerning and won’t accept a watered-down version of their favorite stories.

What’s Next for Colleen Hoover on Screen?

Hoover’s momentum in Hollywood isn’t slowing down. Verity, starring Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson, is slated for release in October 2026. With a high-profile cast and a compelling premise – a struggling writer discovers an autobiography filled with shocking confessions – Verity has the potential to break the adaptation curse. Whether it will capture the raw emotional power of the novel remains to be seen, but the industry is certainly paying attention. For now, all eyes are on Reminders of Him, hoping it signals a turning point for Colleen Hoover’s cinematic universe.