Better Than the Movies (2025) K-Drama
Table of Contents
The year 2025 has gifted K-Drama fans with a groundbreaking adaptation of “Better Than the Movies”, originally a best-selling romantic novel by Lynn Painter. Reimagined for Korean television, the show blends classic romance tropes, witty dialogue, and a visually striking aesthetic. The series didn’t just captivate local fans—it exploded internationally through Netflix’s global K-Drama push.
📌 Overview Table: Better Than the Movies K-Drama (2025)
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Better Than the Movies |
| Release Year | 2025 |
| Genre | Romantic Comedy, Coming-of-Age |
| Based On | Novel by Lynn Painter (YA Romance) |
| Director | Kim Ji-hoon (renowned for “My Youthful Diary”) |
| Main Cast | Kim Se-jeong, Rowoon, Park Solomon, Go Youn-jung |
| Streaming Platform | Netflix (worldwide), TVING (Korea) |
| Number of Episodes | 16 |
| Language | Korean (with multilingual subtitles) |
| Filming Locations | Seoul, Busan, Jeju Island |
| Production Budget | $14 million USD |
🎬 Plot Summary: What Is ‘Better Than the Movies’ About?
Set in the vibrant neighborhoods of Seoul, Better Than the Movies follows Lee Liz, a hopeless romantic high school senior obsessed with finding her K-Drama-worthy happily ever after. Her childhood nemesis, Oh Michael, suddenly becomes her unlikely partner-in-crime as she attempts to win over her crush, the aloof heartthrob Han Will.
But what begins as a fake dating scheme soon turns into something deeply real. As prom night approaches, Liz must decide whether she wants the movie-perfect romance or something even better than the movies.
💫 Main Characters & Cast Breakdown
| Character | Actor/Actress | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lee Liz | Kim Se-jeong | Dreamy, awkward, obsessed with romcoms |
| Oh Michael | Rowoon | Confident, charming childhood frenemy |
| Han Will | Park Solomon | Quiet, mysterious crush |
| Yoon Hae-rin | Go Youn-jung | Liz’s best friend and no-nonsense realist |
| Teacher Kim | Ryu Seung-ryong | Hilariously supportive English literature teacher |
🎥 Why ‘Better Than the Movies’ Became a Global Hit
✅ Emotional Relatability
Even though it’s set in Korea, Liz’s journey to find self-love and romance speaks to audiences worldwide.
✅ YA Nostalgia & Tropes
Locker scenes, school dances, heart-fluttering glances—it delivers everything fans of YA love.
✅ High-Quality Production
From pastel-toned cinematography to an OST featuring BTS’s Jungkook and IU, every detail screams premium.
✅ Perfect Casting
Kim Se-jeong and Rowoon’s chemistry is off the charts—netizens already dubbed them “2025’s favorite onscreen couple.”
📺 Where to Watch ‘Better Than the Movies’ Online
| Platform | Region | Subscription Needed | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Global | Yes (Standard/Premium) | Jan 18, 2025 |
| TVING | South Korea | Yes | Jan 18, 2025 |
| Viki | Southeast Asia | Yes | Feb 2025 |
| Rakuten Viki | Europe | Yes | Feb 2025 |
🎶 Original Soundtrack (OST) Highlights
| Track Title | Artist | Scene Highlighted |
|---|---|---|
| “Always You” | Jungkook (BTS) | First snowfall confession scene |
| “Not a Maybe” | IU | When Liz realizes her feelings for Michael |
| “Better Than Words” | Seventeen | Prom dance scene |
| “Rewrite the Ending” | Taeyeon | Finale kiss scene |
🏆 Awards & Accolades (So Far)
- Baeksang Arts Awards 2025: Best Drama, Best Actress (Kim Se-jeong)
- Blue Dragon Series Awards: Best Couple, Best Soundtrack
- Netflix Top 10 Global List: No. 1 for 4 consecutive weeks
✨ Critical Reception
Critics and fans alike have praised Better Than the Movies for striking a perfect balance between romantic fluff and meaningful storytelling. It became an instant classic for fans of:
- To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
- Extraordinary You
- Love Alarm
Rotten Tomatoes (K-Drama Division): 94%
IMDb: 8.8/10
Naver Rating: 9.6/10
📊 Viewer Reactions: Global Audience Data
| Country | Popularity Rank | Viewer Rating |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | 1st | 9.6/10 |
| United States | 3rd | 8.9/10 |
| Philippines | 1st | 9.7/10 |
| Indonesia | 2nd | 9.4/10 |
| Brazil | 4th | 8.8/10 |
🔚 Conclusion: Is It Really Better Than the Movies?
Yes—if you’re a fan of romantic K-Dramas, Better Than the Movies (2025) is the must-watch of the year. With top-tier acting, heartfelt storytelling, and dreamy visuals, it lives up to its name and perhaps even surpasses the expectations of the original novel. It sets a new bar for YA adaptations in K-Drama form.
Whether you’re in it for the slow-burn romance or the heartwarming friendships, this show offers more than a movie-perfect ending—it offers a real one.
❓ FAQ: Better Than the Movies (2025) K-Drama
Q1: Is ‘Better Than the Movies’ based on a book?
Yes, it’s based on Lynn Painter’s bestselling YA romance novel.
Q2: Is it available on Netflix?
Yes, it premiered on Netflix globally in January 2025.
Q3: How many episodes are there?
There are 16 episodes, each about 50–60 minutes long.
Q4: Is there an English dub?
Yes, Netflix offers English, Spanish, and French dubs along with subtitles.
Q5: Will there be a Season 2?
There are no official announcements, but fan demand is high. A spin-off or movie finale is rumored.
