The 20 Best Books Adapted Into Movies and TV Shows, Plus Where to Stream Them
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There is nothing quite like learning that your favorite book is getting turned into a movie or TV show. From getting to see what your favorite character is going to look like to finally stepping foot in your favorite magical world, it is truly an amazing experience. And the following 20 books that are movies and TV shows are truly the best of the best.
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Books that are movies
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Set during the Civil War, this classic and beloved tale by Louisa May Alcott follows the March sisters. While their father is away at war, their mother supports the family. Sisters Beth, Jo, Meg and Amy rely on one another through ups and downs. Jo even pitches in to help financially by selling her short stories, but her real dream is to write her own novel someday. Then, the girls meet the rich and charming Theodore “Laurie” Lawrence and their tight-knit circle opens up a little bit more. What follows is a sweeping coming-of-age journey filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments.
What readers are saying: “I decided to re-read Little Women after watching the newest film and I am so glad that I did! I enjoyed this book when I first read it as a girl, but truly loved it this time. It’s a book lover’s dream! The growth and progression of the sisters is wonderful and the moral lessons infused in Alcott’s writing make it a must-read classic.”
Where to watch: This film is streaming on Amazon Prime Video and stars Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet, Eliza Scanlen and Meryl Streep.
Related: All 8 ‘Little Women’ Adaptations, Ranked — And Where to Watch Them
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: Books that are movies and TV shows
Unforgettable characters and a page-turning competition abound in The Hunger Games, the first book in Suzanne Collins' best selling series. After volunteering to compete in the deadly Hunger Games to protect her sister, Katniss Everdeen is transported to the Capitol alongside Peeta Mellark. But only one of the 24 tributes can win, leaving the rest to die. Katniss has the skills to win, but soon love begins to complicate everything.
What readers are saying: "Hunger Games grabbed me from the first page and held me until its bittersweet end. I started it at ten o'clock at night and finished the novel the next morning."
Where to watch: This film is streaming on Amazon Prime Video and stars Jennifer Lawerence, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz, Liam Hemsworth and Elizabeth Banks.
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The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
From best selling author Nicholas Sparks, this heartbreaking novel follows Ira Levinson, a 91 year old man, who is stranded on an embankment after a car crash, with only the visions and memories of his late wife, Ruth, to keep him alive. A few miles away at a local bull-riding event, an unlikely love is blooming between college senior Sophia and young cowboy Luke. The two couples have little in common and are separated by years and experience, yet their lives converge with unexpected poignancy.
What readers are saying: "I won't ruin the ending for you, but please don't avoid this book because you don't like to read sad stories, or stories that make you cry. I will just say that you have to read this story. You won't be sorry that you did."
Where to watch: This film is streaming on Amazon Prime Video and stars Scott Eastwood, Britt Robertson and Alan Alda.
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer: Books that are movies and TV shows
Readers are taken to Forks, Washington in this utterly romantic tale. After moving in with her dad, Bella Swan becomes enthralled with classmate Edward Cullen. But as the two grow closer, Bella begins to wonder what Edward, and the rest of his family, are hiding. Perfect for fans of paranormal romance.
What readers are saying: "I simply cannot say enough about this beautiful, exquisitely romantic novel. It has immortalized the love between 'the lion and the lamb.' This book is much, much more than just 'an entertaining read.' It is a lyrical tribute to the purity and steadfastness of true love."
Where to watch: This film is streaming on Amazon Prime Video and stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner.
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Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Glamorous scenes, family drama and luxurious moments abound in this international bestselling novel by Kevin Kwan. The story follow professor Rachel Chu, who is traveling with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, back to his home city of Singapore for his friend’s wedding. It’s also an opportunity for her to finally meet his family for the first time. Before long, Rachel is facing a meddling mother, crazy rich relatives and a shocking truth that may derail her future with Nick.
What readers are saying: "This book tells a very good story and I'm so happy that I read it. It's the type of book that puts a smile on your face and makes you laugh out loud."
Where to watch: This film is streaming on Netflix, and stars Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Awkwafina, Gemma Chan and Michelle Yeoh.
Dune by Frank Herbert: Books that are movies and TV shows
Get swept away with this mythical journey that follows Paul Atreides, a gifted young man born into a great destiny, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his people. As evil forces explode into conflict over the planet’s supply of the most precious resource in existence — a commodity capable of unlocking humanity’s greatest potential — only those who can conquer their fear will survive.
What readers are saying: "After watching the movies I decided I should probably read the book and, wow, I am totally immersed into the Dune universe. Definitely worth the read."
Where to watch: This film is streaming on Max and stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin and Jason Momoa.
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
This steamy and sweet novel follows Lucy Hutton, whose days revolve around two things: working at a publishing house and barely tolerating her colleague, Josh Templeman. Life gets even more complicated when they find out they’re up for the same promotion. What follows is a battle of wills — and an attraction — that bring Lucy and Josh to their boiling points.
What readers are saying: “This one, with its enemies turned maybe lovers theme, was like pressing play on one of my favorite romantic comedies — only better!" says Melissa D’Agnese, Woman’s World Senior Editor. “Between their laugh-out-loud banter and sizzling tension, I was enthralled from the first page. I kept reading to find out the real motives behind the games. It was a steamy yet sweet read.”
Where to watch: The film is streaming on Hulu and stars Lucy Hale and Austin Stowell.
Divergent by Veronica Roth: Books that are movies and TV shows
In dystopian Chicago set many years in the future, 16-year-olds must devote their lives to one of five factions: Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful) and Erudite (the intelligent). When it becomes known that Beatrice Prior qualifies for more than one faction, she finds her life is in grave danger. What follows is a battle of strength, bravery, love and loss.
What readers are saying: “I love seeing how novels translate into films, so when I saw this movie was coming out, I dove into the book,” says Carey Ostergard, Woman’s World Executive Editor. "The book was so thrilling, I could hardly put it down — the film has a lot to live up to!”
Where to watch: The film is streaming on Netflix and stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort and Kate Winslet.
Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote
This classic follows the widely adored Holly Golightly, a flighty yet glamorous dreamer living in New York City. Floating through life, Holly often plays hostess to millionaires — when she’s not strolling by the window displays at Tiffany’s. But when Holly befriends a new neighbor, Paul Varjack, her true personality begins to show.
What readers are saying: “During a recent weekend, I relaxed by revisiting one of my all-time favorite stories,” shares D’Agnese. “And as always, the tale transported me to the magical world of 1940s Manhattan. Capote’s words and larger-than-life characters never fail to steal my heart!”
Where to watch: This film is streaming on Sling and stars Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, Buddy Ebsen, Mickey Rooney and Patricia Neal
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens: Books that are movies and TV shows
Go on a thrilling journey through the marshlands of North Carolina with Kya, an abandoned girl who raised herself to adulthood in the dangerous wetlands. For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” haunted the town of Barkley Cove, isolating Kya from her community. Drawn to two young men from town, Kya opens herself up to a new and startling world; but when one of them turns up dead, she is immediately the main suspect. As the case unfolds, the secrets that lay within the marsh may be revealed.
What readers are saying: "Looking for a book to distract me from lots of rainy weather, I was drawn to the serene setting on this cover, but it turns out, the story offered so much more,” says Danielle Saliman, Woman's World Executive Editor. “From the start, I needed to know how Kya would survive on her own. It was a beautifully written tale that’ll stay with me for a long time.”
Where to watch: The film is streaming on Hulu and stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Harris Dickinson and Taylor John Smith.
Books that are TV shows
Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
The first of Rick Riordan's beloved series follows a 12-year-old kid named Percy Jackson. Percy has always struggled to fit it, but never knew why. That all changes though, when his pre-algebra teacher turns into a monster and tries to kill him. Now Percy must travel across the country on a quest and try to prevent a deadly war from breaking out between the Greek Gods. A groundbreaking, wonderful adventure.
What readers are saying: "I loved the plot line very much, and I learned a ton about Greek mythology that I never knew before. I definitely recommend this book. The characters have such strong personalities, and the author showed incredible details."
Where to watch: The show is streaming on Disney+ and stars Walker Scobell, Leah Jeffries and Aryan Simhadri.
Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid: Books that are movies and TV shows
Electric chemistry, juicy drama and soul-stirring nostalgia…this book — which was recently made into a hit streaming series on Amazon Prime — has it all! Written like a biography, this exciting novel follows the rise to fame of Daisy Jones & the Six — one of the biggest bands of the ’70s, led by the brooding Billy Dunne and the beautiful Daisy Jones. In interview-style chapters, readers are taken along on a gripping ride that chronicles the ups and downs of the world’s most famous rock band and the mysterious breakup at the height of their fame.
What readers are saying: "As a lover of Rock n’ Roll, and someone that has Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours record album framed and hanging in their home, I have to say, I absolutely TREASURED this book. It without doubt lived up to all of the hype."
Where to watch: The show is streaming on Amazon Prime Video and stars Riley Keough, Sam Claflin, Suki Waterhouse, Will Harrison, Josh Whitehouse, Sebastian Chacon and Camila Morrone.
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Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
An unforgettable romance and captivating characters abound in the first book of Diana Gabaldon’s acclaimed Outlander series. In 1945 Scotland, former British combat nurse Claire Randall embarks on a second honeymoon with her husband. While there, she stumbles upon a standing stone in one of the ancient circles, and suddenly she turns into a Sassenach — an “outlander” — in the year 1743. Her only chance at survival is a handsome young Scots warrior named Jamie Fraser. What follows is a fiery battle of wills, time, hearts and, ultimately, love.
What readers are saying: “Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander Series is one of the best I’ve ever read. Each character is so fully realized that they become friends that matter to the reader! It is truly magnificent.”
Where to watch: This show is streaming on Netflix and stars Caitríona Balfe, Sam Heughan and Richard Rankin.
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The Duke and I by Julia Quinn: Books that are movies and TV shows
Let yourself get lost in this period romance that follows Daphne Bridgerton as she navigates London’s marriage market. As her brother rules out potential matches, she determines she’ll likely never wed for love. Enter the Duke of Hastings, a friend of her brother and a desirable bachelor who doesn’t want to marry. When he proposes, they pretend to be attached and it seems a good solution to both of their problems … until Daphne finds herself falling in love.
What readers are saying: "So, since I LOVED the show—I binge-watched it in two days—I dug the book from the depths of my kindle to verify certain things I was curious about. I was supposed to just read a few passages, but ended up reading the whole thing, it's that good!"
Where to watch: This show is streaming on Netflix and stars Phoebe Dynevor, Jonathan Bailey, Luke Newton, Claudia Jessie, Luke Thompson, Nicola Coughlan and Regé-Jean Page.
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All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
This best-selling beautifully written novel takes place in a walled French city, where a blind girl named Marie-Laure lives hidden from the war. In Germany, an orphan boy named Werner reluctantly uses his knowledge of radios to help Hitler track the resistance. Neither knows the other exists, but converging over the paths change their lives forever.
What readers are saying: “This was one of the first historical fiction novels I ever read,” shares Carissa Mosness, Woman’s World Assistant Digital Editor. “And it certainly lived up to the hype. I was eagerly turning the pages, needing to know what happened next — and by the ending I was bawling my eyes out.”
Where to watch: This show is streaming on Netflix and stars Aria Mia Loberti and Louis Hofmann.
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Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah: Books that are movies and TV shows
It’s the story of love, loss and the magic of friendship. Spanning more than 30 years, the series follows unlikely best friends, Tully and Kate, who meet at age 14 and couldn’t be more different. But when a tragedy brings them together, they are bonded for life. Over the course of their friendship, they experience all of the ups and downs that life offers. One achieves wealth and fame while the other chooses marriage and motherhood, but their bond remains strong — until it faces the ultimate test.
What readers are saying: "I got this book after watching the Netflix Series. It took me a while to get into the book, but once I did, it was a hard to put down read! I highly recommend the book!"
Where to watch: This show is streaming in Netflix, and stars Sarah Chalke and Katherine Heigl.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
The story follows Marianne and Connell, who pretend not to know each other in school. Connell is a popular soccer player and Marianne is quiet, introverted and lonely. One day Connell picks his mother up from her housekeeping job at Marianne’s family’s home and a small yet strong connection begins to grow between them. A year later, they reunite while studying at Trinity College in Dublin. What follows is an ode to first loves, undeniable connections and how far you’d go to save the ones you love.
What readers are saying: “The story focuses only on the pivotal moments for these two characters, jumping forward three weeks, six months or five minutes, as needed, to excise all the uneventful bits of life and leave us with the most emotionally intense supercut possible."
Where to watch: This show is streaming on Hulu, and stars Paul Mescal, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and India Mullen.
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman: Books that are movies and TV shows
This beautifully written and illustrated graphic novel follows a shy kid named Charlie Spring and popular Rugby player Nick Nelson, as they strike up an unlikely friendship. That friendship soon turns into something much deeper, which neither of them saw coming. This novel is perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Casey McQuiston.
What readers are saying: "Alice Osman creates such a wonderful world for these characters- I have read this dozens of times already. I find it very comforting that two people could be so kind to each other."
Where to watch: This show is streaming on Netflix and stars Kit Connor and Joe Locke.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
This best-selling book follows Alina Starkov, an orphan and a soldier who deeply fears her first trek across the Shadow Fold—a vast area of darkness plagued with monsters. But when her regiment is attacked, Alina unleashes dormant magic. Now, Alina enters a world of royalty and intrigue as she trains with the Grisha, her country’s magical military elite, and soon falls under the eerie spell of their notorious leader, the Darkling. As Alina unlocks the secrets of her past, she soon makes a discovery that could threaten all she loves and the future of a nation.
What readers are saying: “After long weeks packed with digital everything, I like to unplug on Saturday and Sunday. And for me, relaxing outside with iced tea and a book is my ideal ‘screen break,'" shares D'Agnese. “Magic, adventure, romance … this rich fantastical tale transported me to a different world, and now I can’t wait to watch the Netflix series!”
Where to watch: This show is streaming on Netflix and stars Ben Barnes, Archie Renaux and Jessie Mei Li.
Virgin River by Robyn Carr: Books that are movies and TV shows
Grab a cup of hot cocoa and fall in love with this cozy, classic romance set in a small California town. When Melinda Monroe answers an ad to work as a nurse practitioner in the remote town of Virgin River, she moves there to start over. Soon she meets Jack Sheridan, a former Marine turned bartender, and the two quickly fall in love. But one thing after another seems to keep them apart. Will they get to live their own happily ever after?
What readers are saying: "I found that I was picturing myself as a character in this book. That's how engrossed I was in the story this author put in writing. Growing up in a military family, I could feel the emotions that Jack and his military friends were going through. I highly recommend this book."
Where to watch: This show is streaming on Netflix and stars Martin Henderson, Benjamin Hollingsworth and Alexandra Breckenridge.
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