‘Better Nate Than Ever’ is a young adult novel by Tim Federle. The book was published in 2013 and was met with critical acclaim. In 2022, a movie adaptation of the book was released. The movie generally received favorable reviews, but some wonder if it’s as good as the book.

Rueby Wood as Nate in 20th Century Studios’ BETTER NATE THAN EVER, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by David Lee. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

What is “Better Nate Than Ever” about?

Better Nate Than Ever” is about a 13-year-old boy named Nate Foster who dreams of running away to New York City to audition for his favorite Broadway musical. With the help of his best friend, Libby, Nate embarks on a wild adventure full of mistakes and mishaps but ultimately finds his way to the Big Apple, where he learns that sometimes the things we want the most are right in front of us.

Is the “Better Nate Than Ever” movie the same as the book?

The “Better Nate Than Ever” movie is generally the same as the book. It follows the same storyline and has the same characters, with similar overall energy as the novel. This cohesiveness can be attributed to the author being the movie’s screenwriter and director. While some parts are shaved down (as happens with most adaptations), the overall theme of perseverance and self-acceptance shines through the way it should.

Rueby Wood as Nate in 20th Century Studios’ BETTER NATE THAN EVER, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by David Lee. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Is “Better Nate Than Ever” based on a true story?

The author, Tim Federle, has said that the book is based on his experiences as a young gay man growing up in rural Pennsylvania. The open and honest portrayal of an LGBTQ+ character in a Disney film generated some controversy upon its release. It’s not the first time such characters have received backlash from the company’s more conservative fanbase. Despite that, the company continues to press on with renewed initiatives to diversify its media to appeal to more people worldwide.

Where can I watch the “Better Nate Than Ever” movie?

“Better Nate Than Ever” is a Disney+ exclusive film that requires a subscription to the service to watch. If you’re interested in reading the novels, they’re available in physical and digital copies at most major book retailers. The story is split into a trilogy. However, there doesn’t seem to be any plans to make a sequel soon. However, there is always a chance that could change in the future, especially as the movie continues to receive such admiring praise.