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I know I’m not lying when I say that one of the best – and worst – feelings as a reader is hearing that your favorite book is about to be adapted into a movie.
It’s exciting because it’s getting a film adaptation, but it’s also nerve-wracking because, well, it’s getting a film adaptation.
There’s always the chance that the producers, the actors, or someone else might get it wrong, which will lead to an interpretation or execution that falls flat.
But thankfully, I’ve actually watched some adaptations of my favorite books that I truly loved and enjoyed.
In this post, I’m listing all of them.
This list includes everything from romance books to thrillers, slice-of-life stories, and coming-of-age tales – all the good stuff.
Basically, these are some amazing books that have been adapted into movies, and I think everyone should give them a chance.
1. The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
This one hits hard, and I mean that in every sense.
Colson Whitehead’s story about two boys enduring abuse at a reform school in 1960s Florida is raw and powerful, and the 2024 movie adaptation really brings that intensity to life.
Directed by RaMell Ross, the film immerses you in the boys’ trauma through its unique visual style.
It’s like you’re right there with them, feeling the weight of everything they’re going through.
The movie doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff, and it’s definitely one that sticks with you long after the credits roll.
2. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
If you’ve read Holly Jackson’s young adult mystery novel, you know it’s packed with twists, and the Netflix series brings that mystery to life.
Though, in my opinion, not quite as well as the book.
Emma Myers as Pip does a good job, but the series didn’t quite capture the suspense and tight grip the book had on me.
I expected the tension to be a bit more intense, but it kind of fell flat in some areas.
Still, it’s a solid watch if you’re into mysteries with a little drama thrown in.
3. The Changeling by Victor LaValle
I’m really impressed with how this one turned out.
The 2024 Apple TV+ series nails the eerie, psychological thriller vibe of Victor LaValle’s novel while adding a touch of dark fantasy.
Apollo Kagwa’s search for his wife, who commits an unthinkable crime, is as creepy as it is heartbreaking.
The show captures all of that complexity while adding an emotional depth that really draws you in.
The performances are strong, and the way it builds that heavy, unsettling atmosphere is just spot on.
It’s one of those adaptations that feels like it made the story even better.
4. Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe
This one’s a deep dive into the political and social turmoil of Northern Ireland, focused on the story of Jean McConville’s disappearance.
The HBO series does a great job of breaking down the dense, complex history of the conflict and making it more digestible.
It’s a gripping watch, especially if you’re into true-crime thrillers or documentaries.
It’s not an easy watch, but it’s an important one that brings the intense story to life in a very real way.
5. Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder
Okay, this one was pretty wild.
The book is about a mom who starts to think she’s turning into a dog, and Amy Adams stars in the 2024 adaptation.
I was curious about how they’d pull it off, and from the early buzz, it sounds like Amy Adams really nails the character.
The mix of dark humor and eerie moments seems to work in the film, and I’m definitely intrigued to see how the weirdness translates to the screen.
It’s one I’m looking forward to watch very soon.
6. Mickey 17 by Edward Ashton
If you’re into sci-fi, this one is a must-see.
Directed by Bong Joon-ho, the film adaptation of Mickey 17 is visually stunning.
It follows Mickey, a worker on a distant planet who’s constantly cloned after dying, and it’s a mix of survival, philosophy, and some serious emotional depth.
Robert Pattinson does a great job in the lead role, and Bong Joon-ho brings his signature style – big visuals, deep themes, and emotional moments.
It’s the kind of sci-fi that makes you think, while also keeping you glued to the screen.
7. Wicked by Gregory Maguire
I’ve been a fan of Wicked for a while, so I was pretty excited about the 2024 film.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, the adaptation doesn’t disappoint.
The visuals are incredible, and the chemistry between the two lead witches is amazing.
The film does a great job balancing the magic of the stage musical with a darker twist on the story.
Fans of the musical will be happy to see it translated to the big screen, and even if you’re new to the story, it’s worth a watch.
8. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
The 2024 film adaptation of The Color Purple, directed by Blitz Bazawule, doesn’t hold back.
The story of resilience, struggle, and hope for African-American women in the early 20th century is told with raw emotion, and the performances – especially from the lead actresses – are incredible.
The film captures the harsh realities of the novel, but it also shines a light on the strength and love of the characters.
It’s a film that’s tough to watch at times, but it’s also really beautiful in the way it handles the themes of the book.
9. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
This one’s been getting a lot of attention, and the 2024 film, starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, definitely delivers.
It’s a tough story about a young woman in an abusive relationship, and the movie really tries to capture that raw, emotional turmoil.
Blake Lively’s performance is getting a lot of praise, and I think she nails it.
The film does a great job of addressing tough topics like love and abuse with care and respect.
It’s not the easiest watch, but it’s a story that feels important and real.
11. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of Little Women still stands out to me.
It tells the story of the March sisters in a non-linear way, which makes it feel fresh while still honoring the classic tale.
The performances, especially by Saoirse Ronan and Florence Pugh, are fantastic, and it’s just such a well-done adaptation.
It gives the story a new spin while keeping the heart of the original intact.
I honestly think it’s one of the best versions of this story, and it just feels timeless – Check out my favorite quotes from the Little Women book.
12. The Expatriates by Janice Y. K. Lee
The 2024 Apple TV+ series adaptation of The Expatriates dives into the lives of three women living in Hong Kong, dealing with themes of identity and belonging.
It’s a character-driven story that’s all about relationships and cultural clashes, and the performances from the lead actresses are one of the best parts.
The series really captures the nuances of the expatriate experience, and if you’re into stories about finding your place in the world, this one’s definitely worth checking out.
I watch a lot of movies, and I’ve decided to start writing about them on the blog!
Check out this list of amazing Valentine’s Day movies you might want to watch when the special day comes around.
And let me know in the comment section if you have a favorite book-to-movie adaptation that you’d love for people to watch (or judge)!
