Eesha Kulkarni

ICYMI, the new season of Netflix’s hit thriller book-inspired series You has dropped the first part of a two-part fourth season today.

This super popular series that is based on the novel of the same name by Caroline Kepnes, follows the life of a young man named Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley), as he becomes obsessed with a woman named Beck and will stop at nothing to be with her. The novel You is a psychological thriller that explores themes of love, obsession, and stalking.

Bringing a beloved book to life on the big screen can be a challenging task, but when done well, it can result in a cinematic experience that enriches and expands upon the original story. From adaptations of classic literature to contemporary page-turners, there is no shortage of movies based on books that offer something for every kind of movie-goer.

Ahead, we’ll take a look at some of the best film adaptations of books, exploring the source material and how the movie adaptation offers audiences a chance to dive deeper into the worlds of their favorite books.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

This romantic comedy-drama film is based on the novel of the same name by Jenny Han. The story follows a teenage girl named Lara Jean Covey who writes secret love letters to all of her crushes, but when the letters are accidentally sent to each recipient, her love life becomes complicated.

The Kissing Booth

This is a teen romantic comedy film based on the novel by Beth Reekles. The story follows the unlikely romance between Elle, a high school student, and Noah, the older brother of her best friend.

A Series of Unfortunate Events

This is a dark comedy film series based on the book series by Lemony Snicket. The story follows the Baudelaire orphans as they try to uncover the mystery surrounding their parents‘ deaths and escape the clutches of the evil Count Olaf.

The Dark Knight Trilogy

This superhero film series is based on the iconic DC Comics character Batman and is widely considered to be the best iteration of the character on screen. The films follow the evolution of Bruce Wayne into the iconic Dark Knight as he battles iconic villains like the Joker, Two-Face, and Bane.

The Girl on the Train

This is a psychological thriller film based on the novel of the same name by Paula Hawkins. The story follows a divorcee named Rachel who becomes embroiled in a missing persons investigation after witnessing something troubling from the train window.

Okja

 Okja is a science fiction film based on the graphic novel by Jake Tappercake. The story follows a young girl named Mija as she sets out on a journey to save her best friend Okja, a massive animal, from being taken away by a corporation with plans to turn it into a product.

The Irishman

 This is a crime drama film based on the book I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt. The story follows Frank Sheeran, a truck driver turned hitman, as he recounts his involvement with the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa, the infamous union leader.

War Machine

War Machine is a satirical war film directed by David Michôd and produced by Brad Pitt. The film is based on the book The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America’s War in Afghanistan by Michael Hastings. The story follows General Glen McMahon, a fictional character based on General Stanley McChrystal, as he takes command of the war in Afghanistan and tries to turn the tide against the Taliban insurgency.

War Machine blends dark humor with serious commentary on the complexities and contradictions of modern warfare. The film explores the difficulties of trying to win a war in a foreign country, the bureaucratic obstacles faced by military leaders, and the human toll of war. With a talented cast led by Brad Pitt, War Machine is both entertaining and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on one of the defining conflicts of our time.