15 Forgotten YA Adaptations That Totally Failed to Cast a Spell - Can Netflix's Uglies Break the Curse?

When it comes to young adult book adaptations, the success stories are few and far between. For every Harry Potter and The Hunger Games that strike gold, there are countless others that vanish into thin air. Can Netflix's upcoming adaptation of Uglies break the curse that has plagued so many would-be franchises?

As we take a look at 15 of the most forgotten YA adaptations, it becomes clear that success is anything but a guarantee. Some of these titles have achieved cult status, while others have faded into obscurity, their names only conjuring confusion. Let's take a stroll down memory lane and see which adaptations made the cut.

15. Beautiful Creatures

This 2013 supernatural romance, starring Alden Ehrenreich and Alice Englert, failed to cast a spell on audiences. Despite its intriguing premise, the film underperformed at the box office, dashing hopes of a potential franchise.

14. The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

This 2013 fantasy adventure, based on the bestselling novels by Cassandra Clare, had all the makings of a hit. Unfortunately, the film's complicated narrative and mundane special effects left viewers underwhelmed. A TV spin-off would later attempt to revive the series.

13. The Host

This 2013 sci-fi romance, adapted from Stephenie Meyer's novel, struggled to find its footing. Critics panned the film's 'meandering' narrative, while audiences simply failed to connect with the protagonist's plight.

12. The Golden Compass

Despite boasting a talented cast, including Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig, this 2007 fantasy adventure failed to live up to expectations. Critics accused the film of watering down its source material, leading to a disappointing box office reception.

11. The Spiderwick Chronicles

This 2008 fantasy adventure, based on the bestselling novels by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi, received lukewarm reviews and underperformed at the box office. The film's success was not enough to yield further sequels.

10. Inkheart

This 2008 fantasy adventure, adapted from Cornelia Funke's novel, boasted an all-star cast, including Brendan Fraser and Helen Mirren. Despite its promising premise, the film's narrative failed to ignite, leading to a forgettable viewing experience.

9. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

This 2016 dark fantasy film, adapted from Ransom Riggs' bestselling novel, managed to eke out a moderate box office success. However, the narrative's convoluted nature and uninspired visuals left audiences feeling underwhelmed.

8. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

This 2005 coming-of-age drama, adapted from Ann Brashares' novel, proved to be a modest box office success, sparking two sequels. Despite its charm, the series failed to leave a lasting impact on the YA genre.

7. Twilight

Before the vampires moved on to sparkles and brooding, the Twilight series was a roaring success – at least on paper. Its first installment's cultural impact might have been limited, but its financial success was undeniable. As the series progressed, however, the quality began to dwindle.

6. The 5th Wave

This 2016 sci-fi action film, adapted from Rick Yancey's novel, struggled to gain momentum, despite its gripping premise. Critics lambasted its formulaic narrative, and the film ultimately failed to deliver the desired blockbuster performance.

5. Warm Bodies

This 2013 romantic zombie comedy, adapted from Isaac Marion's novel, secured a loyal fanbase despite lukewarm reviews. Its modest box office success paved the way for a sequel, though it never materialized.

4. I Am Number Four

This 2011 sci-fi action film, adapted from Pittacus Lore's novel, managed to leave an impression on audiences, though its cliffhanger ending ultimately remained unresolved due to the sequel's cancellation.

3. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

This 2009 fantasy adventure, adapted from Rick Riordan's novel, boasted an impressive narrative but tanked at the box office. Despite the sequel's cancellation, the story received a Disney+ reboot.

2. The Darkest Minds

This 2018 sci-fi thriller, adapted from Alexandra Bracken's novel, underperformed at the box office due to a crowded summer movie season. Despite its intriguing premise, the narrative failed to capture the magic of its source material.

1. Beautiful Darkness

This 2013 Amazon series adaptation, based on Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl's novels, went under the radar, gathering moderate attention for its plot and romance. However, it ultimately left no lasting impact on popular culture.

With the announcement of Netflix's Uglies adaptation, expectations are high. Fans hope that this story, too, will not just become another forgotten entry in the long list of failed YA adaptations. But until the film hits screens, it's impossible to say for certain whether Uglies will prove itself to be an exception – or merely another attempt at recapturing the YA magic that brought us Twilight and Harry Potter to life.