Nicholas Sparks’ love stories have been Hollywood catnip for decades—big stars, big feelings, and a reliable mix of romance and heartbreak. In fact, Entertainment Weekly notes that Sparks movie adaptations have collectively grossed more than $750 million worldwide, even as critical reception has often been mixed.
Below is the full ranking as laid out by Entertainment Weekly in its 2025 roundup—running from its top pick (The Notebook) down to its lowest-ranked entry (Safe Haven).
1) The Notebook (2004)
EW puts Sparks’ most iconic adaptation at the top, citing its enduring cultural footprint and the emotional power of its framing story.
2) Message in a Bottle (1999)
A classic Sparks setup—love, loss, and longing—elevated by its central performances, which EW calls a key reason it lands near the top.
3) A Walk to Remember (2002)
EW highlights the sincerity and chemistry of the leads as what makes this one of the standout tearjerkers in the canon.
4) Nights in Rodanthe (2008)
Even with familiar Sparks beats, EW credits the star chemistry for keeping the film watchable and emotionally engaging.
5) The Longest Ride (2015)
EW calls it a “two-for-one” romance that still delivers the sentimental payoff—even if it’s not the most original entry in the lineup.
6) The Lucky One (2012)
A rare Sparks adaptation with a comparatively upbeat finish, though EW considers it lighter and less memorable than the heavy-hitters.
7) Dear John (2010)
EW points to the structure (and long stretches of separation) as a reason the central romance doesn’t land as strongly as it could.
8) The Choice (2016)
EW knocks it for thin chemistry and a story that leans more “made-for-TV” than sweeping romance.
9) The Best of Me (2014)
EW argues the film has the bones of a winning melodrama, but a late narrative swing undercuts the impact.
10) The Last Song (2010)
EW describes it as heavy on sentiment but uneven in execution, placing it near the bottom of the pack.
11) Safe Haven (2013)
EW ranks it last, largely due to a twist it says derails the story’s emotional logic.
