The Twilight Saga

With every “Twilight” book, DVD, and soundtrack release, and every cast appearance at malls across America, mass swooning from “Twilighters” erupted online.

The brainchild of a Mormon housewife, the series centers on high schooler Bella Swan, whose romance with vampire Edward unfolds over four books, each patterned after a literary classic (“Pride and Prejudice,” “Wuthering Heights,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream“).

Relative unknowns Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart broke out big as the 2008 film leads. This year’s record-making sequel “New Moon” introduced new blood: Buffed-up Taylor Lautner as a teen werewolf vying for Bella’s affections and dividing (most female) fans into opposing camps supporting Team Edward or Team Jacob. —VC