Books To Read Before They're Made Into Movies And TV Shows

Travel from page to screen with these upcoming adaptations.

Are you someone who likes to read the book before seeing the movie? If so, you're in luck, because there's a big batch of books being turned into films and television shows this year. There are rom-coms, historical dramas, and classics all making their way to the big screen in 2023, 2024, and beyond. Browse our list, and it might just help you fill both your bookshelves and your upcoming movie nights—you'll soon have lots of stories to keep you occupied. Read on, find a new book to add to your stack, and then look forward to adding a new movie to your queue in the months to come. Is the book better than the movie? Only you can be the judge.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Movie: The Nightingale (2023)

The 2015 novel The Nightingale is the basis for the upcoming historical drama of the same name directed by Mélanie Laurent and starring sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning. It's set in France during the German occupation of WWII and is inspired by the story of Adrienne de Jongh, a member of the Belgian resistance.

Wicked by Gregory Maguire

Movie: Wicked: Part One (2024)

There have been rumblings of a film adaptation of the lauded musical for years, but Wicked: Part One, which is based on the Stephen Schwartz musical of the same name (which, in turn, is based on the Gregory Maguire novel Wicked: The Life and Times of The Wicked Witch of the West) is finally on the horizon–with Wicked: Part Two hopefully not far behind. It’s directed by Jon M. Chu and stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, and Michelle Yeoh.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Series: Lessons in Chemistry (2023)

Brie Larsen is starring in and executive producing Lessons in Chemistry, a series adaptation of Bonnie Garmus’ bestselling novel, which is set in the 1950s and sees a scientist and single mother spurring a revolution via a televised cooking show. It’s slated to premiere on Apple TV+ this year.

Washington Black by Esi Edugyan

Series: Washington Black (TBA)

Set in the 19th century, this upcoming, nine-episode Hulu miniseries is based on the celebrated novel by Esi Edugyan. The story follows the adventures of George Washington "Wash" Black, played by Ernest Kingsley Junior, who flees a sugar plantation in Barbados and travels the world, finding love, connection, and danger along the way.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Series: All the Light We Cannot See (2023)

Another adaptation that has been in the works for a while, All the Light We Cannot See is an upcoming series based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by Anthony Doerr. It’s headed to Netflix in the future and stars Aria Mia Loberti, Mark Ruffalo, and Hugh Laurie.

The Perfect Find by Tia Williams

Movie: The Perfect Find (2023)

Soon to be released on Netflix, The Perfect Find follows a magazine editor, Jenna Jones (played by Gabrielle Union), who finds herself flailing at forty as she struggles with a breakup, her career, and an unexpected second chance at love.

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

Series: The Flatshare (TBA)

The conceit for this fun story involves two roommates who have never met. Sharing an apartment with two different schedules means that Tiffy and Leon leave each other notes, getting to know each other in an odd setup. Are they destined to be more than roommates? While it already premiered in the U.K., rumor has it The Flatshare series will arrive in the U.S. soon, giving you an opportunity to find out.

Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam

Movie: Leave The World Behind (TBA)

An adaptation of Rumaan Alam's bestselling novel Leave The World Behind is coming to Netflix. Starring Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, and Ethan Hawke, the psychological thriller follows two families as they struggle to navigate an unexpected crisis.

Hallowe’en Party by Agatha Christie

Movie: A Haunting in Venice (2023)

Kenneth Branagh is once again tackling an Agatha Christie adaptation. This time, Christie’s mystery novel Hallowe’en Party will reach the screen as A Haunting in Venice, which is scheduled for release in fall 2023 and stars Branagh, Jamie Dornan, Tina Fey, and Michelle Yeoh.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Movie: Wonka (2023)

While the book has had a few notable film adaptations, this new movie goes even farther back to provide an origin story for none other than Willy Wonka himself. Timothée Chalamet stars in this prequel, which is billed as a “musical fantasy” and is based on characters created by Roald Dahl.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Movie: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow (TBA)

Gabrielle Zevin’s novel of friendship, video games, collaboration, and digital storytelling has garnered more than a few fans since its release in 2022. Paramount Pictures acquired the rights to the novel in 2021, so hopefully an adaptation of the widely acclaimed story is on the not-too-distant horizon.

Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann

Movie: Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

This highly anticipated film is based on David Grann’s bestselling 2017 nonfiction book Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI. It’s being directed by Martin Scorcese and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, Jesse Plemmons, and Brendan Fraser.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Movie: The Color Purple (2023)

Alice Walker’s unforgettable novel The Color Purple was adapted into a Tony Award-winning musical that premiered in 2005, and now that show is getting getting a new movie-musical adaptation. Directed by Blitz Bazawule and starring Fantasia, Colman Domingo, Taraji P. Henson, Corey Hawkins, Danielle Brooks, H.E.R., and Ciara, this new imagining of the classic novel is not to be missed.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Movie: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (TBA)

You can find the drama and glitz of old Hollywood throughout Taylor Jenkins Reid's book The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, making it perfect for a film adaptation. Few details have been shared about the project thus far, but Netflix is at the helm, so the odds are good that the adaptation will make it to your queue soon.

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

Series: Black Cake (TBA)

This novel is about a family, an inheritance, and the possibility of second chances. When Byron and Benny inherit a recipe with an unexpected story from their mother, they have to come together to decide how to move forward with the mysteries and revelations their mother left behind. The series is coming soon to Hulu.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

Movie: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023)

The latest in the world of The Hunger Games is coming to theaters this year. Suzanne Collins's prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, promises to explore the events that led to the dystopia of The Hunger Games trilogy, which was itself made into four films, beginning in 2012.

Dune by Frank Herbert

Movie: Dune, Part Two (2023)

Part of Frank Herbert’s acclaimed sci-fi novel Dune made it to the screen in an adaptation by Denis Villeneuve. The director continues the story with Dune, Part Two, which tells more of the story of Paul Atreides and stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Rebecca Ferguson.

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez

Series: One Hundred Years of Solitude (TBA)

An adaptation of Gabriel García Márquez’s novel has been in development for some time, but rumor has it that the project, which tells the epic story of seven generations of the Buendía Family and spans history, politics, and legend, is moving forward at Netflix.

Exit West by Mohsin Hamid

Movie: Exit West (TBA)

We don’t yet know all the details of the upcoming film adaptation of Mohsin Hamid’s beautiful 2017 novel Exit West, but so far, it looks like the film is being directed by Yann Demange, who directed ‘71 (2014) and produced Lovecraft Country (2020). It stars Riz Ahmed as one member of a refugee couple fleeing a war-torn place through mysterious portals in their city.

The Changeling by Victor LaValle

Series: The Changeling (2023)

Coming to Apple TV+, the new adaptation of Victor LaValle's fantasy novel The Changeling sees the main character, Apollo Kagwa, venturing into an enchanted realm after the disappearance of his wife.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Movie: Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)

An upcoming adaptation of Casey McQuiston's novel about romance and political ties is set to be released in August. The rom-com sees the children of the U.S. President and U.K. Prime Minister thrown together in forced friendship, and (of course) something more.

Separation Anxiety by Laura Zigman

Series: Separation Anxiety (TBA)

Julianne Nicholson is attached to star in the upcoming television series adaptation of Laura Zigman's 2020 book Separation Anxiety, a story about grief, loneliness, and hope.

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland

Series: The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (2023)

This story is about Alice Hart, who "finds her life changing dramatically when her parents die in a mysterious fire and she is sent to live with her grandmother on a flower farm." The miniseries, an Australian production, can be watched on Amazon Prime.

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

Movie: Turtles All the Way Down (TBA)

Several of John Green's much-loved YA novels have been adapted into films, and the latest is Turtles All the Way Down, a 2017 novel about friendship, connection, mental health, and a mysterious disappearance.

Spaceman of Bohemia by Jaroslav Kalfař

Movie: Spaceman (2023)

Arriving on Netflix in 2023 is an adaptation of Jaroslav Kalfař's debut novel Spaceman of Bohemia, which tells the story of a man jetting off into space as the first Czech astronaut. It stars Adam Sandler and Carey Mulligan. With strains of science fiction, philosophy, and suspense, the novel is sure to surprise.

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