9 Book-to-Screen Adaptations You Need to Watch in 2023

book-to-screen

It was bound to happen

From Fight Club to the Twilight Saga and the Harry Potter series, book-to-screen adaptations have been a popular feat for the film and book industry. Now more than ever, books have remained the most frequently visited manual for cinematic inspiration. Without a doubt, these brilliant works have created a sea of change when it comes to creating groundbreaking and beautiful stories through visually-enticing cinematography. These stories have stood the test of time whether it’s on page or screen. 

This year, there’s an exhaustive list of book-to-screen adaptations that will be hitting the cinemas and your screens. From romantic comedies to fantasies, below we’ve compiled a list of films and TV shows that we’re excited about. 

If none of these tickles your fancy, then don’t worry there’s a slew of books that are in the works of becoming cinematic such as Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us and Sarah J Maas’s A Court of Thorn And Roses – be on the lookout for our article on these upcoming projects!

Here’s all book-to-screen adaptations we’re excited about:

A Man Called Otto

Based on Swedish writer Fredrik Backman’s book titled A Man Called Ove, this heart-wrenching film follows a devastated and lonely widower’s life. His drastic measures in life are suddenly disrupted when a lively family moves in next door. Starring Tom Hanks, this should definitely be in your list of films to watch. 

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Release Date: 13 January

Daisy Jones & The Six

Emphasising drugs, the world of rock and roll, love, and fame, Daisy Jones & The Six is based on Taylor Jenkins Reid’s fiction book. Set in 1977, the TV show follows the story of Billy and Daisy who are a part of the band Daisy Jones & The Six who called it quits after obscurity, glamour, addiction, and heartbreak tear them apart.

Release Date: 3 March 

The Power

Made for science fiction lovers, this British TV series is based on the New York Times bestselling book, The Power. In this show, the world descends into chaos when teenage girls develop the power to generate electricity from their fingertips, disrupting the balance of power. 

Release Date: 31 March 

The Last Thing He Told Me

Produced by actress Reese Witherspoon, this mystery thriller film is based on Laura Dave’s book of the same title. The film sees Hannah who must forge a relationship with her 16-year-old stepdaughter, Bailey, to find the truth behind why her husband has mysteriously disappeared.

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Release Date: 14 April 

The Summer I Turned Pretty

Fans of To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before will find no fault in this romantic comedy written by the same author, Jenny Han. The Summer I Turned Pretty sees a girl who is caught in a love triangle between two brothers as she deals with her first love and first heartbreak during a perfect summer. The first season was full of cute fluff we couldn’t get enough of, so there’s no doubt its second season will be even better.

Release Date: 14 July 

Red, White & Royal Blue

 

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Calling all you hopeless romantics, this is going to be the film of the year for you. Based on Casey McQuiston’s book of the same name, this queer, romantic comedy will follow the son of the American President who sparks a feud and secret relationship with Britain’s prince.

Release Date: 11 August

All The Light We Cannot See

Starring Mark Ruffalo, this limited series is based on the Pulitzer Prize Winner book, All The Lights We Cannot See. This historical fiction revolves around the story of Marie-Laure, a blind French teenager, and Werner, a German soldier whose paths collide during WWII.

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Release Date: 2 November

Dune

Based on the science fiction novel written by Frank Herbert, Dune is now a well-loved feature film. Starring big stars such as Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, Austin Butler, and Florence Pugh, Dune: Part 2 is one of the most anticipated films of the year. The story follows a noble family who becomes embroiled in a war for control. If you haven’t seen the first part of the film, then we highly recommend you before this November!

Release Date: 3 November

The Ballad of Songsbirds and Snakes

Full of adventure, angst, and action, this dystopian film is based on best-selling author Suzanne Collins’ book. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes will be a spin-off and a prequel to The Hunger Games trilogy, so there’s no doubt it’ll be a thrilling film to watch. The film follows Coriolanus Snow who mentors and develops feelings for the female District 12 tribute during the 10th Hunger Games.

Release Date: 17 November

A lover of steamy romance books and all things green, Syameen Salehaldin is the Senior Content Producer for Harper's BAZAAR Malaysia. She spends most of her time immersed in books, and food and doing anything that makes her happy. Expect to see her diving into lifestyle, fashion and beauty trends on this platform.