The Best Lara Jean Covey Movies to Watch: A Definitive Guide to the Trilogy

The best Lara Jean Covey movies to watch are the three films comprising the Netflix original trilogy: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018), To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You (2020), and To All the Boys: Always and Forever (2021). These films follow the romantic and personal evolution of Lara Jean Covey and should be viewed in chronological order.

As of 2026, the Lara Jean Covey film franchise stands as a cornerstone of the modern young adult (YA) romantic comedy revival. Based on the bestselling novels by Jenny Han, these movies revitalized the "high school romance" genre for a global audience, launching the careers of Lana Condor and Noah Centineo. The trilogy is praised for its vibrant aesthetic, authentic portrayal of sisterhood, and its nuanced take on the "fake dating" and "coming-of-age" tropes.

The Foundation of the Lara Jean Covey Cinematic Experience

To understand why these movies are essential viewing, one must look at the source material and the cultural climate in which they were released. Before Lara Jean became a household name on Netflix, she was the protagonist of Jenny Han’s book series. The transition from page to screen was handled with a specific focus on visual storytelling that mirrored the "sweet but grounded" tone of the books.

The franchise revolves around Lara Jean Song Covey, a shy, half-Korean, half-white teenager who writes secret love letters to her crushes but never sends them. When these letters are mysteriously mailed out, her quiet life is thrown into chaos. This premise sets the stage for a three-film arc that explores identity, grief (following the death of her mother), and the complexities of choosing a life path that balances personal desires with romantic commitments.

1. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)

The first film, directed by Susan Johnson, is widely considered the strongest entry and a "must-watch" for anyone entering the franchise. It establishes the "fake dating" trope that would become a hallmark of the series. After her letters are sent, Lara Jean enters into a contract with Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo) to pretend they are dating—she wants to avoid a crush on her sister’s ex-boyfriend, and he wants to make his ex-girlfriend jealous.

Narrative Significance and Character Dynamics

This movie succeeds because it treats teen emotions with sincerity rather than mockery. The chemistry between Lana Condor and Noah Centineo became a viral sensation, but the film's technical depth lies in its production design. The use of a teal and pink color palette, the "Cozy-core" aesthetic of the Covey household, and the emphasis on Lara Jean’s vintage-inspired fashion created a visual language that defined the series.

Key themes in this installment include:

• The Fear of Vulnerability: Lara Jean’s letters are a defense mechanism; they allow her to experience love without the risk of rejection.
• Sisterly Bonds: The relationship between the three Song sisters (Margot, Lara Jean, and Kitty) serves as the emotional anchor of the film.
• The Deconstruction of the "Jock": Peter Kavinsky is introduced as a typical popular athlete but is quickly revealed to be sensitive, mourning his father’s departure and valuing Lara Jean’s intellect.

2. To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You (2020)

Directed by Michael Fimognari, the second film explores the "After Ever After." While the first movie ends with Lara Jean and Peter starting a real relationship, the sequel asks a more difficult question: What happens when another "letter recipient" enters the picture?

The Conflict of Comparison

John Ambrose McClaren (Jordan Fisher) arrives as the primary antagonist to the Lara Jean/Peter relationship. Unlike Peter’s boisterous energy, John Ambrose is a quiet, piano-playing intellectual who mirrors Lara Jean’s own personality. This film is crucial for viewers because it challenges the idealized version of first love. It forces Lara Jean to confront whether she loves Peter for who he is or for the fantasy of having a boyfriend.

Technical and thematic highlights include:

• A Shift in Visual Tone: The sequel moves into more mature color palettes, reflecting Lara Jean’s growing realization that real relationships are messy.
• The Belleview Setting: Much of the film takes place at a retirement home where Lara Jean volunteers, providing a generational contrast to her teenage problems and adding a layer of wisdom to the narrative.
• The Struggle for Identity: Lara Jean grapples with being "Peter Kavinsky’s girlfriend" versus being her own person.

3. To All the Boys: Always and Forever (2021)

The final chapter of the trilogy focuses on the transition from high school to adulthood. As senior year comes to a close, Lara Jean and Peter must decide how to handle their future college plans. Originally planning to attend Stanford together, their dreams are derailed when Lara Jean is rejected and finds herself falling in love with New York City and New York University (NYU).

Ending the Arc

This film is the most expansive in terms of location, featuring sequences in Seoul, South Korea, and New York City. It serves as a love letter to the character's Korean heritage and her burgeoning independence. The "best" part of this movie for long-time fans is the resolution of the "Covey/Kavinsky" saga, which chooses to prioritize the protagonist's personal growth over a traditional, neatly tied romantic ending.

Key takeaways from the finale:

• Long-Distance Realities: The film provides a realistic look at the anxieties of maintaining a relationship across 3,000 miles.
• Cultural Exploration: The Seoul trip allows the audience to see Lara Jean connecting with her mother’s roots, a theme that was present but less central in the earlier films.
• The Choice of Self: Ultimately, the movie argues that the most important relationship Lara Jean has is the one with her own future.

Comparative Overview of the Lara Jean Covey Trilogy

The following table compares the three core films to help viewers identify the tonal differences and narrative focuses of each entry.

Why the Lara Jean Covey Franchise Remains Relevant in 2026

By 2026, many YA franchises have come and gone, but the Lara Jean Covey movies remain a "best watch" because they avoided the darker, grittier trends of the early 2020s. Instead, they leaned into "optimistic realism."

Representation and Cultural Impact

The trilogy was a landmark for Asian American representation. Lara Jean’s ethnicity is a significant part of her identity—seen in the food she eats, the family traditions she keeps, and her trip to Korea—but it is not the "problem" of the story. She is allowed to be a romantic lead whose primary conflicts are universal: love, friendship, and the future.

The Evolution into "XO, Kitty"

The success of these three movies led directly to the spin-off series XO, Kitty, which premiered in 2023. While the movies focus on Lara Jean, the series follows her younger sister, Kitty, on her own journey to Korea. For viewers in 2026, watching the original movies is a prerequisite for understanding the character dynamics and the "Covey family lore" that powers the spin-off.

Viewing Requirements and Streaming Access

All three Lara Jean Covey movies are Netflix Originals. As of 2026, they remain exclusive to the Netflix platform. To watch them, a standard subscription is required.

Recommended Viewing Sequence:

1. Watch the trilogy in order: The narrative is strictly linear. Skipping the second movie will leave viewers confused about the character growth shown in the third.
2. Read the books (Optional): While the movies are faithful, Jenny Han’s books provide more internal monologue from Lara Jean.
3. The Soundtrack Experience: The music in these films (featuring artists like Lauv and Blackpink) is curated to enhance the emotional beats. Paying attention to the soundtrack adds depth to the viewing experience.

Common Pitfalls and Misconceptions

When looking for the "best" way to consume this franchise, newcomers often make a few common mistakes:

• Expecting a Fourth Movie: There is no fourth movie starring Lara Jean. Her story concludes in Always and Forever. Any subsequent content features her as a secondary character or mentions her in the XO, Kitty series.
• Judging the Sequels by the First: The first movie is a classic romantic comedy. The sequels are more introspective and "drama-heavy." Viewers should adjust their expectations for a slower, more emotional pace in the second and third installments.
• Ignoring the Family Subplots: While the romance with Peter is the "hook," the relationship between Lara Jean and her father (played by John Corbett) and his eventual remarriage is a vital part of the character’s emotional maturity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Lara Jean Covey movies are there?

There are three main movies: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You, and To All the Boys: Always and Forever. These three films complete the adaptation of Jenny Han’s original trilogy of novels.

Is Lara Jean Covey in the "XO, Kitty" series?

Lara Jean is mentioned frequently and appears in spirit, but she is not the protagonist of the XO, Kitty series. That show focuses entirely on her younger sister, Katherine "Kitty" Song Covey. Lana Condor does not have a starring role in the spin-off, as the series is intended to let the younger sister's character grow independently.

Which Lara Jean movie is considered the best?

Critically, the first film, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, holds the highest ratings on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes. It is praised for its freshness and the chemistry between the leads. However, many fans prefer the third film for its emotional depth and the way it handles the transition to adulthood.

Do I need to watch the movies in order?

Yes. The character development of Lara Jean, particularly her confidence and her relationship with her sisters and Peter, builds directly from one film to the next. Watching them out of order would spoil the major relationship milestones and the resolution of the "letter" mystery.

Are the Lara Jean Covey movies based on true stories?

No, the movies are based on the fictional YA novel series by Jenny Han. However, Han has stated that the inspiration for the "letters" came from her own teenage habit of writing letters to boys she had crushes on as a way to say goodbye to those feelings.

Final Recommendations for Viewers

If you are looking for a cohesive, heartwarming, and visually stunning romantic saga, the Lara Jean Covey trilogy is the gold standard for the 2010s-2020s era. Start with the first film to experience the magic of the "fake dating" trope, and follow through to the third to see a rare, realistic depiction of how first loves evolve during the transition to university life. For the best experience, watch these films during a weekend marathon to fully appreciate the subtle call-backs and the consistent growth of the Covey sisters.