9 Books That Have Made It To The Big Screen
There’s something magical about seeing your favourite book come to life on the big screen, isn’t there? Whether it’s the thrill of watching beloved characters step off the page or the anticipation of seeing how a director reimagines a treasured story, movies based on books have a unique way of captivating us.
From heart-stopping thrillers to tear-jerking romances, books made into films (or series) have a way of bringing stories to life in fresh and unexpected ways. Of course, not every adaptation nails it—some leave us clapping, others leave us questioning our life choices—but when they get it right, it’s pure magic.
So let’s dive into nine unmissable books that made the leap to the big screen. Who knows? You might find your next favourite read—or re-watch!
We all know of this gem. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or someone who’s only recently jumped on the Hogwarts Express, J.K. Rowling’s first instalment of the Harry Potter series is practically a cultural phenomenon. It’s the book that kicked off a magical adventure, introduced us to witches, wizards, and a whole lot of spellbinding fun. And, of course, it wasn’t long before it made the leap from page to screen, joining the ranks of iconic books made into films.
We know how to story goes but let me refresh your memory; Harry Potter knows nothing of Hogwarts until his eleventh birthday, when Hagrid bursts in to tell him he’s a wizard with a place at the magical school. And then the magical adventure begins!
While the film was a hit, there’s always something special about the book. The magical world building, the quirky characters, and the deeper layers of the plot are incredible. And anyone who has had the privilege of reading the books first will tell you just how magical it was to imagine the world of Hogwarts in your mind before seeing it brought to life on the big screen.
This is a must-read for anyone who loves a gripping mystery, and it’s no wonder this bestselling thriller has been made into a series.
Pippa has always been the good girl—top grades, obedient to her parents, and never one to cause trouble. But there’s something she just can’t ignore: a five-year-old murder in her town that doesn’t sit right with her. Determined to uncover the truth, Pip dives headfirst into the closed case of Andie Bell, convinced that Sal Singh wasn’t the culprit. With unexpected twists, a gripping pace, intriguing characters, and a cleverly layered plot, this story has everything you could possibly want—and then some!
But while it’s thrilling to see Pip’s investigation unfold on screen, there’s something uniquely satisfying about diving into the book and piecing the puzzle together for yourself.
So, if you’re in the mood for a book that’ll make you question everything—and then question it all again—grab this gem. It’s got all the right ingredients for a truly unforgettable read, and who knows? The series might just be your next binge-watch too.
This book is sure to stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. It’s a profound and enduring story of bravery, friendship, and challenging societal norms.
Set in 1960s Mississippi, the narrative follows three women—Skeeter, Aibileen, and Minny—whose unlikely alliance dares to confront the injustices surrounding them. Skeeter dreams of a life beyond traditional expectations, Aibileen quietly cares for white children while mourning her own loss, and the outspoken Minny struggles to maintain employment. Together, they embark on a covert project that could transform their lives and their community forever.
More than just a compelling story, this historical fiction is a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy and standing up for justice. It’s no surprise this powerful tale inspired one of the most memorable movies based on books.
If you’re on the hunt for an unforgettable book that’s as captivating as watching it on the big screen, then look no further. It will make you laugh, cry, and reflect while offering a richer understanding of a pivotal era that continues to shape our world.
This modern classic is one of those rare books that manages to balance heartbreak and humour with effortless charm, making it an unforgettable read.
Despite the life-extending medical breakthrough that has given Hazel a few extra years, she has always known her condition is terminal—her ending decided the moment of her diagnosis. But everything changes when a charming and unexpected twist in the form of Augustus Waters walks into her Cancer Kid Support Group. Suddenly, Hazel’s story is about to take a whole new turn.
When this book was made into a film, it did not disappoint! The adaptation captured the raw emotions of the book while adding its own cinematic sparkle, cementing its place as one of the most beloved movies based on books.
So, if you’re in the mood for a story that’ll make you laugh, cry, and reflect, give this novel a go. Just don’t forget the tissues—trust me on this one!
This is a gripping novel that explores the power of choices, the roads we don’t take, and the lengths we’ll go to in order to seize the lives we’ve always imagined. It’s a thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and trust me, it’s a ride you won’t forget.
Imagine this: one moment, you’re happily living your life, and the next, you're pulled into an alternate universe where everything you thought you knew about your own existence is turned upside down.
While the series adaptation is captivating, with plenty of visual thrills and twists to keep you hooked, there’s something uniquely powerful about experiencing this story in book form. After all, Dark Matter is one of those books made into a series that shows how an exciting, intricate narrative can really come to life on screen—but nothing compares to the depth you get in the original novel.
If you’ve not yet dived into this brilliant sci-fi tale, there’s no better time to let Crouch’s masterful storytelling pull you into the multiverse. After all, isn’t it always better to feel the story first before watching it unfold on screen?
When it comes to books made into films, One Day stands out as a story that beautifully tugs at the heartstrings. This unforgettable tale of love, timing, and missed opportunities has not only been adapted into a heartfelt film but also reimagined as a series, giving you even more ways to experience its magic.
One Day introduces us to Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew, two characters who meet on the 15th of July, 1988. What follows is a snapshot of their lives on that same day each year for two decades, capturing the highs, lows, and everything in between. It’s a poignant exploration of how time shapes relationships and the bittersweet reality of love and friendship.
While the film adaptation offers a touching visual experience, and the series expands the story in new and exciting ways, there’s something uniquely profound about experiencing this story for the pages of a book. The depth of the writing, the witty dialogue, and the way Nicholls captures raw emotion make the novel a must-read.
So, if you’re diving into this tale for the first time, start with the book—it’s the best way to truly feel the story.
Now this is a literary masterpiece that made an unforgettable transition from page to screen, not once but twice! Earning its place as one of the most powerful books made into films.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the story of Celie, an African American woman in the early 20th-century South, whose letters reveal her struggles, pain, and ultimate triumph over adversity. It’s a story about resilience, sisterhood, and finding one’s voice in a world determined to silence it.
The movie captures the raw emotion of the novel while adding its own visual brilliance, making it a cinematic triumph in its own right.
If you’re exploring books made into films, The Color Purple is a must-read and must-watch. The novel’s profound exploration of love, survival, and self-discovery resonates just as deeply on screen as it does on the page, proving that some stories are truly timeless.
This is a tightly-woven thriller that pulls you in from the very first page and doesn’t let go. It’s a story about loss, obsession, and the secrets people hide—perfect ingredients for a gripping mystery.
It follows the story of NYPD detective Kat Donovan as her world is upended when she discovers her ex-fiancé on a dating site, sparking a dangerous investigation into a dark conspiracy involving missing people and deception.
Coben masterfully blends emotional depth with relentless suspense, creating a tale that’s both heart-pounding and thought-provoking. With its complex characters and nail-biting twists, it’s no wonder this book was adapted into a successful screen production. Whether you love a good mystery or enjoy books made into a series, Missing You is a must-read.
I couldn’t write about books made into films and not include this timeless classic, could I? For many of us, this isn’t just a story—it’s a cherished memory. Shared readings with family, cosy afternoons spent lost in its pages, and the boundless magic of childhood imagination all make it unforgettable.
You know the tale, but let me refresh your memory: a hidden wardrobe leads to a world brimming with talking animals, epic battles, and an everlasting winter. The Pevensie siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—step into Narnia, a land trapped under the icy spell of the White Witch. When they encounter the noble lion Aslan, they realise their destinies lie in freeing Narnia from her grip, embarking on an adventure that’s equal parts thrilling and heartwarming.
This is a story that’s just as enchanting on the big screen as it is on the page, proving why it’s one of the most beloved books made into films. Whether you’re revisiting it for nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, the magic of Narnia is always ready to transport you to a world where bravery, friendship, and wonder reign supreme. Perfect for winter reading or a cosy movie night, it’s a classic that never loses its charm.
From edge-of-your-seat thrillers to tear-jerking dramas, these 9 books made into films (or series) prove that some stories are just too good to stay on the page. While there’s no replacing the charm of curling up with a good book, seeing a favourite tale come to life on the big screen adds a whole new layer of magic. Whether you’re revisiting an old classic or finding a new obsession, these adaptations are perfect for when you fancy a bit of both—reading and watching. So, put the kettle on, settle in, and enjoy these stories in all their cinematic glory!
P.S. Ladies don’t forget to check out the links below for even more book recommendations!