Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Book-based teen romcom has some language, racy talk.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
To All the Boys I've Loved Before
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 36 parent reviews
Parents say this film is a charming teen rom-com that offers sweet moments and positive messages, but opinions vary on its appropriateness for younger viewers due to brief instances of swearing and mild sexual innuendo. While many find it suitable for kids 12 and up, others express concern about the themes presented, suggesting it's best for older teens who can handle discussions about relationships and social media.
- sweet romance
- appropriate for teens
- mild sexual innuendo
- positive messages
- varied opinions
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 191 kid reviews
Kids say this movie offers a charming and feel-good depiction of teenage romance, making it a suitable watch for younger audiences, particularly those mature enough to handle light discussions of relationships and sex. Reviewers appreciate the positive messages, likable characters, and a fun plot, but some express disappointment at its deviation from the source material and note a few instances of mild profanity and suggestive scenes.
- feel-good romance
- appropriate for teens
- mild language
- light discussions
- fun plot
- deviation from book
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Sixteen-year-old Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor) lives with her dad (John Corbett), a gynecologist, and her two sisters in TO ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVED BEFORE. The family is close and loving, still mourning their beloved mom's death some years earlier. Lara Jean has few friends and feels invisible in her Portland, Oregon, high school. Lonely, she reads romance novels, fantasizes about boys, and has gone so far as to write secret letters to the five boys she's "loved" over the years. She keeps those letters well hidden in a special box in her closet. Lara Jean's world crashes when the letters get mailed and the secret crushes receive them! To her horror, one of those letters was addressed to Josh (Israel Broussard), the boy who is now her big sister's boyfriend. Salvation comes in the person of Peter (Noah Centineo), her middle school crush, who now suggests that they fake a romantic relationship. That would get her off the hook with Josh and her sister, and at the same time help him get his girlfriend back by making her jealous. But conducting a "fake relationship" isn't as easy as it sounds.
Is It Any Good?
Fans of teen romance will find much to like here, including an engaging performance by Lana Condor as Lara Jean and messages about self-confidence, honesty, and family unity. Especially significant is the fact that an Asian American character is at the center of a film, especially one intended for young people. That's a rare occurrence. On the negative side, there's a fair amount of predictability in To All the Boys I've Loved Before, and the story covers lots of familiar ground and characters -- popularity, romantic rivalries, mean girls, "jocks." Plus, the film resolves complex situations too easily. However, as lighthearted entertainment and a look at a too-little-seen culture, it's a welcome addition to Netflix's blossoming roster of teen romcoms.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Lara Jean changed over the course of To All the Boys I've Loved Before. What did she learn about herself? About her relationship with others? Her place in the world? How do movies like this one help kids with their own self-discovery? What events in your life helped determine who you are?
To Lara Jean's dismay, a video showing her kissing Peter in a hot tub circulates online and is misinterpreted. What are some of the ways kids can protect themselves from cyberbullying?
To All the Boys I've Loved Before was adapted from a popular book. If you have read the book, did the movie meet your expectations? If not, why? What, if anything, did you miss? If you haven't read the book, did this movie motivate you to do so?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 17, 2018
- Cast : Lana Condor , Noah Centineo , John Corbett
- Director : Susan Johnson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : January 19, 2026
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