Disney Plus UK has just unleashed a wave of nostalgia for fantasy romance fans, adding the entire five-film Twilight Saga to its streaming library. The series, which began in 2008 and concluded in 2012, continues to command a massive and devoted cult following more than a decade later.
From Bestselling Books to Big Screen Adaptation
The films are adapted from Stephenie Meyer's award-winning book series, a global publishing phenomenon. However, the path to production was rocky. The film rights were initially with Paramount Pictures' MTV Films for three years, where a proposed script made drastic changes, including turning the protagonist Bella Swan into a star athlete. Meyer was deeply concerned the story would become unrecognisable until Summit Entertainment acquired the rights and pursued a more faithful adaptation.
The saga, comprising Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn Part 1, and Breaking Dawn Part 2, was a box office smash despite mixed reviews from critics. It tells the story of introverted student Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), who moves to Forks, Washington, and falls in love with the enigmatic 104-year-old vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson).
Enduring Fan Adoration and Cultural Impact
Fans have flocked to platforms like IMDb to express their lasting love for the films. One user, sarahhcraddock, called the first movie "perfect," while fanomi declared it "one of the best movies I've ever seen... really breathtaking and mysterious and just really addictive." Another fan, Sammanthalopez, praised how the film "captured the aura of the series (book)."
The influence of the franchise extends far beyond the cinema. It spawned a 2010 spoof film, Vampires Suck, and even inspired a Lego set of the Cullen house launched in 2025. The original novels made history by topping the USA Today Best-Selling Books list as 2008's biggest sellers, with Breaking Dawn winning the 2008 British Book Award for Children's Book of the Year.
Behind the Scenes: Cast Commitments
The film's cast became global stars. Taylor Lautner, who played fan-favourite werewolf Jacob Black, nearly lost his role before the second film, New Moon. Director Chris Weitz initially sought someone with a more muscular build. Determined to stay, Lautner embarked on an intense training regimen, gaining 30lbs of muscle to transform into the more imposing Jacob seen in the later films.
Alongside Stewart, Pattinson, and Lautner, the series features Jamie Campbell Bower in a supporting role. The saga's blend of romance, fantasy, and teen drama has cemented its place as a defining piece of 2000s pop culture, now ready for a new generation to discover on Disney Plus.
The complete Twilight Saga is available to stream now on Disney Plus UK.
