When a romantic interest is introduced, the story often shifts from Alice’s internal growth to a "rescue" mission, which some feel dilutes Carroll’s original subversion of Victorian expectations for women.

These stories usually use "romance" as a metaphor for Alice reclaiming her agency from men who try to define her reality. 3. The Childhood Sweetheart (Alice & Jack/Harts)

This version strips away the surrealism to focus on a "love conquers all" narrative. Alice is no longer just a dreamer; she is a warrior motivated by the desire to reunite with her partner.

In most modern retellings, Alice’s romantic life serves as a bridge between the and the "logic" of growing up .

By making Alice (Mia Wasikowska) nineteen, the film transforms the Hatter (Johnny Depp) from a nuisance into a soulmate. Their connection is built on "muchness"—a shared sense of being outsiders.

2. The Dark Obsession (Alice & The Caterpillar/Various Villains)

Many fans argue that giving Alice a boyfriend ruins the point of her character.

Alice’s journey through Wonderland is famously devoid of romance, which is exactly what makes her "romantic" storylines in modern adaptations so fascinating—and polarizing.