Nicholas Sparks is one of the world’s most beloved storytellers. All of his books have been New York Times bestsellers, with over 105 million copies sold worldwide, in more than 50 languages. 11 of his bestselling novels have been adapted to film, on all of which he served as a producer. Let’s take a look at all of his ultimate love stories that translated from pages to the screen.
The Notebook (2004)
Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling
As teenagers, Allie and Noah begin a whirlwind courtship that soon blossoms into tender intimacy. The young couple is quickly separated by Allie’s upper class parents who insist that Noah isn’t right for her. Several years pass and when they meet again, their passion is rekindled, forcing Allie to choose between her soulmate and class order. This beautiful tale has a particularly special meaning to an older gentleman who regularly reads the timeless love story to his aging companion. Based on the bestselling novel by Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook is at once heartwarming and heartbreaking and will capture you with its sweeping and emotional force.
A Walk To Remember (2002)
Starring: Mandy Moore, Shane West
Set in a small town during the 1950s, A Walk to Remember is the story of an only son of a wealthy family that finds true love with the most unexpected person. Jamie, the daughter of a baptist minister meets Landon and the story takes us through hard times, love and bitter sweet passion. This great love story shows us that it all comes down to who is by your side and who is willing to stand up for love even when it seems impossible.
The Longest Ride (2015)
Starring: Britt Robertson, Scott Eastwood
Based on the bestselling novel by master storyteller Nicholas Sparks, The Longest Ride centers on the star crossed love affair between Luke, a former champion bull rider looking to make a comeback, and Sophia, a college student who is about to embark upon her dream job in New York City’s art world. As conflicting paths and ideals test their relationship, Sophia and Luke make an unexpected and fateful connection with Ira, whose memories of his own decades long romance with his beloved wife deeply inspire the young couple. Spanning generations and two intertwining love stories, The Longest Ride explores the challenges and infinite rewards of enduring love.
Dear John (2010)
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Channing Tatum
Dear John tells the story of John, a young soldier home on leave, and Savannah, the idealistic college student he falls in love with during her spring vacation. Over the next seven tumultuous years the couple is separated by John’s increasingly dangerous deployments. While meeting only sporadically, they stay in touch by sending a continuous stream of love letters overseas, a correspondence that eventually triggers fateful consequences.
Safe Haven (2013)
Starring: Julianne Hough, Josh Duhamel
An affirming and suspenseful story about a young woman’s struggle to find love again after she arrives in a small North Carolina town. When Katie, a mysterious young woman, arrives in a small North Carolina town, her reluctance to join the tight knit community raises questions about her part. Slowly, she begins putting down roots and gains the courage to start a relationship with Alex, a widowed store owner with two young children. But dark secrets intrude on her new life with such terror that she is forced to rediscover the meaning of sacrifice and rely on the power of love in this deeply moving romantic thriller.
The Best of Me (2014)
Starring: Michelle Monaghan, James Marsden
The Best of Me tells the story of Dawson and Amanda, two former high school sweethearts who find themselves reunited after 20 years apart, when they return to their small town for the funeral of a beloved friend. Their bittersweet reunion reignites the love they’ve never forgotten, but soon they discover the forces that drove them apart twenty years ago live on, posing even more serious threats today. Spanning decades, this epic love story captures the enduring power of our first true love and the wrenching choices we face when confronted with elusive second chances.
The Choice (2016)
Starring: Teresa Palmer, Benjamin Walker
The Choice tells the story of Travis and Gabby, who meet first as neighbors in a small coastal town and end up pursuing a relationship that neither could have foreseen. Spanning a decade and tracing the evolution of a love affair that is ultimately tested by life’s most defining events, this story features a memorable ensemble of friends and family in Sparks’ beloved North Carolina setting, culminating in the question that every couple must ask themselves: how far would you go to keep the hope of love alive?
The Lucky One (2012)
Starring: Taylor Schilling, Zac Efron
U.S. Marine Sergeant Logan returns from his third tour of duty in Iraq with the one thing he credits with keeping him alive, a photograph he found of a woman he doesn’t even know. Learning her name is Beth and where she lives, he shows up at her door and ends up taking a job at her family run local kennel. Despite her initial mistrust and the complications in her life, a romance develops between them, giving Logan hope that Beth could be much more than his good luck charm.
The Last Song (2010)
Starring: Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth
Based on bestselling novelist Nicholas Sparks’ novel, The Last Song is set in a small Southern beach town where an estranged father gets a chance to spend the summer with his reluctant teenaged daughter Veronica, who’d rather be home in New York. He tries to reconnect with her through the only thing they have in common, music, in a story of family, friendship, secrets and salvation, along with first loves and second chances.
Nights in Rodanthe (2008)
Starring: Diane Lane, Richard Gere
Paul is a surgeon who long ago unwittingly traded family for career. Adrienne is a devoted mother trying to move on after her husband’s infidelity and struggling with his desire to return to their marriage. At a remote inn on the Outer Banks, both separately expect to do some serious soul searching. But an approaching storm forces each turn to the other for strength, setting the stage for a life resonating romance.
Message in a Bottle (1999)
Starring: Robin Wright, Kevin Costner
Grieving widower Garret builds boats for a living. Rebuilding his life, that’s another matter. But that’s before Theresa comes to his North Carolina village. Theresa, a lonely divorcee and researcher for the Chicago Tribune, knows that Garret is the author of the message she found inside a bottle on a Cape Code beach. And she knows the message spoke to her in away that profoundly touched her heart. “You choose, the past or the future. Pick one and stick with it,” Garret’s father advises. The advice sticks. So does the impact of this tender, movingly filmed tale.