Stories have been told in countless ways over thousands of years — from ancient cave drawings to stunning 4K IMAX films that light up modern theaters. One of the most exciting aspects of storytelling (in our opinion) is its ability to be reshaped and adapted across different mediums.
That’s why here we will explore some of the finest fan-favorite movies adapted from books. Spanning memoirs, realistic fiction, thrillers, and horror, we celebrate a selection of outstanding films that originated as literary works. Join us as we dive into our favorite adaptations that began their journey as beloved books.
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2024 Movies Based on Books
Before getting into some of our favorite book to movie adaptations, check out this list of book-adapted movies released or scheduled to be released in 2024 to add to your watch list.
1. ‘Lisa Frankenstein’
Release Date: February 9, 2024
Based on: “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelly (1818)
2. ‘Spaceman’
Release Date: February 23, 2024
Based on: “Spaceman of Bohemia” by Jaroslav Kalfař (2017)
3. ‘Dune Part 2‘
Release Date: March 1, 2024
Based on: “Dune” by Frank Herbert (1965)
4. ‘The Idea of You’
Release Date: March 16, 2024
Based on: “The Idea of You” by Robinne Lee (2017)
5. ‘Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare‘
Release Date: April 19, 2024
Based on: “Churchill’s Secret Warriors: The Explosive True Story of the Special Forces Desperadoes of WWII” by Damien Lewis (2014)
6. ‘The Watchers‘
Release Date: June 7, 2024
Based on: “The Watchers” by AM Shine (2021)
7. ‘It Ends With Us’
Release Date: August 9, 2024
Based on: “It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover (2016)
8. ‘Tiger’s Apprentice’
Release Date: 9/16/2024
Based on: “The Tiger’s Apprentice” by Laurence Yep (2003)
‘Wicked: Part 1’
Release Date: November 22, 2024
Based on: “Wicked” by Gregory Maguire (1995)
Popular Movies You Didn’t Know Were Based on Books
Now that you know which new movies in 2024 are inspired by books, let’s look at some other tried-and-true films you may or may not have known were based on memoirs, novels, autobiographies and other written mediums.
Movies Based on Personal Accounts
First up, movies based on personal accounts.
‘12 YEARS A SLAVE’ (2013)
Winning multiple Oscars including Best Picture, 12 Years a Slave is a powerful, thought-provoking depiction of slavery in the antebellum South during the 19th century. The drama was based on the autobiography of Solomon Northup who – born a free man – was sold into slavery and spent 12 years trying not just to survive but also make it back to his family.
This is a great example of taking a book and making it into a movie, but it’s also an especially good example of promoting and lifting up the important stories that need to be told.
‘WILD’ (2014)
A very different, but also moving personal account, Wild, is the story of a woman’s 1,100-mile solo hike on the Pacific Coast Trail. Knowing the film is based on a true story of self-discovery makes it even more relatable, even for someone who has never hiked a day in their life. Especially for someone who has never hiked, actually, since Cheryl started her own journey with no experience.
DRAMA MOVIES BASED ON BOOKS
If you’re looking for some fictional drama to get into, check out these next films, based on novels.
‘IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK’ (2019)
This 2018 film is adapted from the prolific writer and Civil Rights activist, James Baldwin’s novel of the same name. The story follows the relationship between Tish and Alfonzo “Fonny” Hunt as they prepare to get married in 1970s Harlem. Until Fonny is arrested for a crime he didn’t commit.
A beautiful collage of love, injustice and passion, If Beale Street Could Talk brings to life the powerful and poignant words of Baldwin for us all to see.
‘THE JOY LUCK CLUB’ (1993)
The Joy Luck Club is a drama depicting the generational divides and familial relationships between four Asian American women and their Chinese born mothers. A beautiful story of sacrifice, community and love, this film has long been one of the only prevailing examples of the Asian American experience.
Thanks to the film, though, Asian Americans gained a bit of representation in American media, while others got the chance to learn more about cultures different than their own.
FEEL GOOD MOVIES BASED ON BOOKS
Sometimes you just want to sit down and watch something that makes you feel all the feels. If that’s your thing, check out these classic feel-good films.
‘FORREST GUMP’ (1994)
One of the most well-known (and most quoted) movies of our time, Forrest Gump takes us on a journey through history. You’ve probably seen the movie, but did you know it was based on a book? Not to mention the author, Winston Groom, wrote it in six weeks.
Despite being written so quickly, the trials and tribulations of Forrest’s life have lasted decades in the public sphere. Both the film and the book put you smack in the middle of American history, and it’s one history lesson you won’t mind getting again.
‘THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA’ (2006)
One of our favorite dramedies from the mid-2000s, The Devil Wears Prada has a stellar cast including Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci. We watch as Andy (Hathaway) timidly steps into the world of fashion and is quickly pushed into the deep end.
Both the novel and movie present the challenges of choosing between life and work, love and passion and the consequences of choosing one over the other. Not to mention all the fabulous outfits you get to see in the film to go along with the drama, laughs and lessons.
‘CRAZY RICH ASIANS’ (2018)
Crazy Rich Asians – the book and movie – tell a story of love, family, culture and the intersection of them all. The author of the 2013 book, Kevin Kwan, said his intention with the novel was to “introduce a contemporary Asia to a North American audience.”
It became a film five years later, and it was an immediate success. And it was the first major studio picture to center on Asian Americans since… You guessed it, The Joy Luck Club.
HORROR & THRILLER BOOKS TURNED MOVIES
Finally, check out these classic horror films based on books.
‘SILENCE OF THE LAMBS’ (1991)
What started as a chilling novel about a young FBI agent and psychiatrist meets cannibal, Hannibal Lecture, became a relatively well-received movie in 1991. Slowly but surely, though, the movie gained critical acclaim and has remained in the spotlight for the past 30 years.
Filled with controversy, disturbing moments and cannibalism, the film not only brought to light the complexities of human nature, but also influenced the growing demand for more content about serial killers and the sorts in U.S. media.
‘ROSEMARY’S BABY’ (1968)
Originally written by Ira Levin (author of The Stepford Wives), Rosemary’s Baby is an eerie story of a pregnant woman, Rosemary, and her husband who start noticing odd happenings around them. From weird neighbors to strange pregnancy symptoms, the film takes the chilling work of Levin and puts it on the screen for all our eyes to watch in fear (but if you need to close your eyes, that’s okay too).
WATCH TOP MOVIES INSPIRED BY BOOKS ON DIRECTV
There may only be nine films featured on this list, but there are countless other movies, documentaries and TV shows based on books to check out. And with DIRECTV, you can watch them all, whenever you want. Whether on your TV or on-the-go with the DIRECTV App, we have the entertainment you’re looking for.
If you aren’t a DIRECTV customer yet, now’s the time to switch! With four packages, a two-year price lock guarantee and all the top channels, you’ll never run out of great content to watch.
Ready to start watching these great movies and so much more? Get DIRECTV today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most famous books to movie adaptations from the 20th century?
Some of the most well-known book to movie adaptations from the 1900s include 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,' 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' and 'Gone with the Wind.'
What new movies coming out in 2024 are based on books?
2024 has had plenty of solid book to movie adaptations, including 'Dune Part 2,' 'The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,' 'The Watchers' and 'It Ends with Us.'
What kinds of books are usually made into movies?
Any book can be adapted into a movie, but genres such as memoir, historical fiction, fantasy and sci-fi are common among adaptations.
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