Netflix Doubles Down on Romance Author Emily Henry's Stories
The streaming giant moves forward with two more film adaptations from the bestselling romance novelist, shifting one project from series to movie format after early success.
The streaming platform is making a major push into Emily Henry's literary world. Two additional movie projects based on the romance writer's novels are now in active development at Netflix.
This expansion comes right after People We Meet on Vacation launched on the service January 9, 2026. The film stars Emily Bader and Tom Blyth in what critics are calling a modern take on When Harry Met Sally. Reviews have been strong, with the movie earning an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
New Projects Take Shape
Netflix secured film rights to Funny Story, which entered development back in 2024. The company also made a strategic shift with Happy Place, converting the previously planned TV series into a feature film instead.
The deal closed January 8, 2026, just one day before People We Meet on Vacation hit screens. Alex Black from Lyrical Media, the production house behind Funny Story, shared his excitement about the collaboration.
"Emily Henry has a gift for creating characters that truly connect with audiences, and it's no surprise her books have resonated with so many," Black said. "We're excited to be following up People You Meet on Vacation and collaborating with her on Funny Story — it's going to be such a thrill bringing her beloved characters to the big screen."
Story Details Emerge
Funny Story centers on Daphne, a children's librarian whose engagement falls apart when her fiancé Peter realizes he still loves his childhood friend Petra. Stuck in Peter's lakeside town, Daphne ends up rooming with Miles, who happens to be Petra's ex-boyfriend.
The two decide to team up against their former partners. Their revenge plot takes an unexpected turn when real feelings develop between them. Henry is penning the screenplay herself, though no director or cast members have been announced yet.
Happy Place Gets Film Treatment
Happy Place hit bookstores in April 2023. The story follows Harriet and Wyn, a recently broken-up couple who fake being together during one final summer vacation with their friend group. The trip becomes a journey of discovering what truly makes them happy.
Bridgerton producer Leila Cohan was originally attached as showrunner for the series version. Her involvement in the film adaptation remains unclear. Jennifer Lopez's Nuyorican Productions continues as a producing partner on the project.
Henry has become a powerhouse in contemporary romance literature. She's claimed the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance five consecutive years, starting with People We Meet on Vacation in 2021 and most recently with Great Big Beautiful Life. Both Happy Place and Funny Story also won this award in 2023 and 2024.
While Netflix is betting heavily on Henry's work, 20th Century Studios managed to snag rights to Beach Read, one of her most popular titles. That adaptation is currently moving through development.