Honestly, it’s no surprise that Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing is getting a live-action adaptation! It feels like romantasy is everywhere right now, and a lot of that is thanks to her and Sarah J. Maas. Whether it’s a romance with dragons or fae, this genre is seriously having a moment, and I’m here for it!
Even so, it’s important for fans to remember the many supernatural romance movies that came before Fourth Wing. These films essentially created the foundation for the book series, and the series can’t really compare to that history.
Twilight’s Romance Created Pop Culture Hysteria
As a film buff, it’s tough to really grasp the sheer excitement around when this movie first came out in 2008. People now appreciate the franchise for its impact on pop culture, but even back then, it totally hit the spot with its story of a love that was both captivating and tragically impossible.
The story of Twilight is a famously dramatic romance between a human and a supernatural being, and it knowingly plays into those dramatic tropes. While it didn’t always feel like it, Twilight has become a lasting cultural phenomenon, and it remains to be seen if Fourth Wing will have the same enduring impact. Twilight is undeniably iconic, and its influence is hard to ignore.
Mortal Instruments Had More Impressive Lore
Unfortunately, the movie The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones didn’t live up to expectations. This was disappointing, given its unique and creative world-building. The film was intended to launch a series about a teenager who discovers she comes from a family of angel-human warriors called the Nephilim.
The love story between Clary and Jace is memorable, but what really makes City of Bones special is its incredibly detailed and imaginative world-building. With angels, demons, and a unique system of runes, this fantasy story stands out from the rest.
Stardust Puts the Adventure in Fantasy-Adventure
While many recent fantasy romance stories feel similar to others, the 2007 film Stardust stands out as original. It features a charming romantic lead alongside witches, pirates, and stars who have taken human form. Stardust skillfully combines familiar fantasy elements with a fresh and unique approach.
The movie is lighthearted and tells a genuinely romantic love story, avoiding the common trap of pretending to be one. It uses fantasy to enhance the story, rather than simply as a setup for a predictable romance.
I Am Dragon Does What Fourth Wing Was Afraid to Do
I’m totally obsessed with dragons right now, especially since Fourth Wing came out! It feels like everyone is into these amazing creatures. Fourth Wing has romance with dragons as a cool background, but it’s really unique because the story actually features a love connection with a dragon. And I just discovered this awesome 2015 Russian film, I Am Dragon, that does exactly that – a beautiful love story with a dragon, set in this incredible world inspired by Eastern and Scandinavian mythology!
Princess Miroslava expects the worst when a dragon kidnaps her, but she’s shocked to discover the dragon is actually the handsome Arman. Arman is cursed to transform into a dragon against his will, and this sets the stage for a captivating and unusual love story. I Am Dragon offers a bolder and more original take on dragon romances than many other stories currently popular in books and movies.
Beautiful Creatures Doesn’t Need a Love Triangle to Be Compelling
Released during the early 2010s boom of supernatural romance stories, the movie Beautiful Creatures unfortunately didn’t receive the attention it deserved. Based on the popular novel, the film centers on a Southern teenager who falls for a mysterious new girl at school named Lena. Interestingly, the story flips the typical trope – the boy is human, and the girl possesses supernatural powers.
Ethan discovers that Lena is a witch, called a Caster, and on her sixteenth birthday, she’s destined to choose between good and evil, following either the positive or negative path of her family. The movie Beautiful Creatures is better than the book it’s based on because it understands itself well and doesn’t rely on a predictable love triangle for excitement. It’s a genuinely enjoyable and romantic film, although it could have been even more impactful.
Crimson Peak Is Edgier Than It Has Any Right to Be
Guillermo del Toro is known for beautifully portraying dark and unsettling themes, and Crimson Peak is a perfect example of his love for classic Gothic romance stories. The movie centers around Edith, a young writer who starts seeing ghosts after marrying Thomas and moving with him and his sister, Lucille, to their eerie mansion, Crimson Peak.
The estate holds a troubled history linked to Edith’s family. The story bravely explores difficult themes, something not often seen in romantic fantasy. The surprising ending makes Edith a particularly strong and memorable heroine within the genre.
Beastly Has a Grounded Aesthetic Appeal
Movies with dragons often rely heavily on computer-generated imagery. While a potential adaptation of Fourth Wing will likely follow that trend, the 2011 fantasy romance Beastly—starring Vanessa Hudgens and Alex Pettyfer—proved it wasn’t necessary. The film offered a contemporary take on…
Alex Pettyfer stars as Kyle, a handsome but conceited high school student who earns the wrath of a witch. The film’s impressive makeup and special effects transformed what could have been a standard teen romance into a truly memorable story. Though it followed familiar tropes, Kyle’s unique scars and tattoos created a striking visual experience unlike anything else.
Vampire Academy Wasn’t Handcuffed By Romance Tropes
Many new fantasy romance stories feel very similar, but the 2014 film, Vampire Academy, stood out. It was based on a young adult novel series that created a detailed world of vampires. In this world, vampires are born, not turned, and a special group called dhampirs – who are half-human, half-vampire – protect the powerful vampire families.
The adaptation was fun and engaging because it didn’t try to be overly dramatic, and it was strengthened by the genuine friendship between Rose and Lissa. While both girls faced romantic challenges, the storylines weren’t cliché or predictable.
The Shape of Water Wasn’t Afraid to Get Weird
Guillermo Del Toro appears on this list again thanks to his knack for blending romance with horror. His film, The Shape of Water, is a particularly moving example. Set in the 1960s, it tells the story of a woman who can’t speak and finds a connection with a mysterious amphibian creature, who seems to truly understand her.
The unique relationship between a woman and an aquatic creature makes this Oscar-winning film a standout in Guillermo del Toro’s impressive body of work. It’s a film with a strong, original vision that isn’t afraid to be different.
Wicked’s Romance Had High Stakes
Although the musical features a love triangle, the story’s most powerful moments happen towards the end of the second act. That’s when Elphaba fully embraces her abilities, leading people to see her as a villain. Glinda tries to keep things as they are, but Fiyero refuses to believe Elphaba is truly evil.
In the musical Wicked, Fiyero and Elphaba risk everything – even their lives – to be with each other. The story offers a powerful social message, a depth that’s often missing in today’s fantasy tales. It truly pushes the boundaries of the classic ‘dying for love’ trope, going further than many stories have before.
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2026-05-03 04:40