Recent Movies Based on Books

I’m not always kind to book adaptations, but they are some of my favorite media out there. No, really, I love them and usually prefer some sort of book-to-screen movie and series over other films. They have their pitfalls, but we’re not focusing on that here. Instead, I’d like to help you find some recent releases that have taken the leap from literature to cinema. The past few years feel like they’ve been really good in this area, so there are some good ones out there.

The People We Meet on Vacation

I really liked this book! This genre is not my go-to, so I had low expectations, but the adaptation was so good, and the story very creative that I was drawn in. I also feel like this book is contributing to the revival of rom-coms.

A Gentleman in Moscow

Parts of A Gentleman in Moscow made me cry so I was absolutely delighted when it was being adapted. The movie did the source material justice and had all the powerful moments that made me love the story to begin with.

Remarkably Bright Creatures

Speaking of crying while reading, Remarkably Bright Creatures was already a tear-jerker, but add Sally Field and holy smokes the tears are pouring. Beautiful book, beautiful adaptation, despite the small changes they made.

The Other Bennet Sister

I’ve already waxed poetic about this book and the adaption. I highly recommend both to anyone who will listen to me. However, the book is better…though the adaptation has its charms and wins.

Project Hail Mary

I haven’t yet made it to the theater or the library for Project Hail Mary, but I’ve heard nothing but praise for the movie. Apparently it was faithful, or at least faithful enough to please readers and theater-goers.

Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Story

Otherwise known as The Sheep Detectives, this story looks adorable and like so much fun. Another one where I haven’t read nor seen it, but have only heard good things.

Sunrise on the Reaping

I had my problems with The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, so I was hesitant going into Sunrise on the Reaping. However, I loved it! Young Haymitch is everything we love about older Haymitch but with heartbreaking innocence and love that he later buries deep. I can’t wait for the movie this fall.

Sense and Sensibility

I’m proceeding with caution because Netflix has betrayed us. But they’ve also come through. So I don’t know what to think. But either way, I’m incredibly excited about the casting, so I’m letting that carry me through until Sense and Sensibility is released.

East of Eden

I’ve never read East of Eden, but Booktok is really talking me into it with all the hype around the upcoming series. Hopefully my slow-reading butt can get in gear and read the book before the show is out.

The Lord of the Flies

Such fond memories of the trauma of this book. The Lord of the Flies was a memorable part of my education; I really liked it and plan to return to it in the next couple years. This movie was released in May of 2026, but I strangely haven’t heard all that much about it.

Klara and the Sun

I had never heard of Klara and the Sun until I saw a trailer for the movie. The story sounds very interesting, and with Jenna Ortega as the lead, it promises to be a pretty good film. It will be in theaters in October.

The Count of Monte Cristo

I’ve not read the book, but the series was SO good! I highly recommend it for anyone looking for an exciting and beautifully done limited series. Sam Claflin completely rocks the role of Edmund Dantes. It’s compelling, fantastically costumed, and wonderfully told.

Who’s Excited?

Like I said before, book-to-movie adaptations are my favorite type of movie and series so I’m very excited to see Hollywood taking notice of these amazing stories and giving them their moment in the cinema spotlight. Have other suggestions? Let me know!

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