What's New and Coming Soon in Book-to-Screen

Including 'Murderbot', 'The Life of Chuck', 'How to Train Your Dragon', and more

Summer is here, and with it many new book-to-screen adaptations to enjoy. We're excited to watch, but first we want to read (or reread), because, as we all know, the book is (almost) always better. Here are 21 of the books that inspired all the best new adaptations in May, June, and July—so you can read before you watch.

Note: Age recommendations often vary between the book and its adaptation. We have consulted internet sources such as commonsensemedia.org to provide age recommendations and ratings for many of these materials, but we encourage readers to do their own research as well.

A Simple Favor by Darcey Bell

Another Simple Favor is streaming on Amazon Prime now

In the Paul Feig-directed sequel to the 2018 film adaptation of Bell's darkly comic novel, Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively reprise their roles as Stephanie Smothers and Emily Nelson (respectively) five years later. Also returning to the star-studded cast: Henry Golding and Andrew Rannells. New additions include Allison Janney, Sofia Ricci, and Elizabeth Perkins. The film is rated R.

Thunderbolts by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing

In theaters, coming to Disney+ soon

A ragtag team of Marvel antiheroes are forced to team up in the effort to defeat a collective evil. The gang of unlikely do-gooders consists of Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Red Guardian (David Harbour), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), and John Walker (Wyatt Russell). The film, which was well-received by critics, is rated PG-13.

Bonjour Tristesse by Françoise Sagan

Available for purchase on select streaming services

Set against the translucent beauty of France in summer, this contemporary French classic is narrated by Cecile, a seventeen-year-old girl, whose meddling in her father's love life leads to tragic consequences. The bittersweet tale was published in 1954 and previously adapted in 1958. The radiant new film, which is rated R, stars Chloë Sevigny, Lily McInerny, and Claes Bang.  

Forever by Judy Blume

Now streaming on Netflix

This reimagining of Blume's classic YA novel changes the 1970s New Jersey setting to Los Angeles in 2018. The eight-episode series (rated MA-17) chronicles the relationship of two teen athletes, Keisha (Lovie Simone) and Justin (Michael Cooper Jr.), as they experience the pleasure and pain of first-time love, while navigating the demands of school, sports, and parental pressure.

Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare

Available for purchase on select streaming services

It's 1991 in the rural town of Kettle Springs, Missouri and a couple of teens partying near the town's bygone Corn Syrup factory are attacked and killed by Frendo, the factory's clown mascot. Thirty years later Quinn and her father, Glenn, have just moved to Kettle Springs when Frendo strikes again. The film adaptation of this YA horror novel, the first in a series, is rated R.

The Murderbot Diaries Vol. 1: All Systems Red by Martha Wells

Murderbot is now streaming on Apple TV+

In a futuristic world, a group of scientists conduct research on a faraway planet. They are accompanied by a security android, who, unbeknownst to the humans, has become self-aware, calling itself Murderbot. Scornful of humans, it wishes to be left alone to binge-watch soap operas. The action comedy series, rated TV-MA, stars Alexander Skarsgård as the titular bot.

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

Season two of Nine Perfect Strangers is streaming now on Hulu

Masha Dmitrichenko, the unconventional wellness guru at the center of this tale, relies on unconventional methods like drugging her guests without their knowledge. Nicole Kidman returns as the mysterious Masha in season two, set this time in the Australian Alps, where nine participants hope to find healing through mindfulness and meditation. The show is aimed at adults.

The Prom Queen by R. L. Stine

Fear Street: Prom Queen is streaming now on Netflix

When the "it" girls competing for prom queen at Shadyside High start to disappear, a gutsy outsider discovers she's in for one hell of a prom night. This is the premise of the slasher film based loosely on Stine's YA novel, part of his popular Fear Street series. The movie, starring India Fowler, Suzanna Son, and Fina Strazza, is rated R.

The Better Sister by Alafair Burke

Streaming now on Prime Video

When a prominent Manhattan lawyer is murdered, two estranged sisters—one the dead man's widow, the other his ex—must set aside mistrust and old resentments. But first they'll have to confront some dark family secrets. The twisty eight-episode series, starring Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks, is rated TV-MA due to adult themes, violence, and language.

The Life of Chuck by Stephen King

Now in theaters

Originally featured in the acclaimed story collection If It Bleeds, this unforgettable, mind-bending novella unfolds in reverse, taking readers through the extraordinary life of Charles "Chuck" Krantz.  The new feature film, described by USA TODAY as "phenomenal," is directed by Mike Flanagan, with stars Tom Hiddleston, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Karen Gillan. The movie is rated R.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

Now in theaters

The newest adaptation of Orwell's timeless political fable, directed by Andy Serkis, takes the shape of an animated adventure aimed at a younger audience. The original story, a satirical allegory of authoritarianism, centers on a group of farm animals who rebel against their owners. The starry voice cast includes Seth Rogen, Woody Harrelson, Steve Buscemi, and Glenn Close.

Revival Volume 1: You're Among Friends by Tim Seeley

Revival is streaming now on Syfy

Twin Peaks meets The Walking Dead in this comic book series about a rural Wisconsin town dealing with the sudden resurrection of the recently deceased. While the town's residents grapple with this development, local police officer Dana Cypress, played by Melanie Scrofano in the show, investigates a murder mystery, in which everyone—living or dead—are suspects.

How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell

Now in theaters

As an ancient threat endangers both Vikings and dragons alike on the isle of Berk, the friendship between Hiccup, an inventive Viking, and Toothless, a dragon, becomes the key to both species forging a new future together. This live-action fantasy adventure, a remake of the beloved 2010 animated film, stars Mason Thames, Nico Parker, and Gerard Butler. The movie is rated PG.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Debuts on Prime Video on June 18

This compelling YA mystery has been adapted to an eight-episode psychological thriller series starring Emily Alyn Lind, Caitlin Fitzgerald, and Mamie Gummer. Cady Sinclair is a seventeen-year-old girl from a distinguished, wealthy family. She spends her summers on an idyllic private island, but after suffering a terrible accident, she struggles to remember what happened.

The Buccaneers by Edith Wharton and Marion Mainwaring

Season two premieres on AppleTV+ on June 18

Wharton died before she could finish her story about five wealthy American girls whose money is deemed too new for New York society. At the suggestion of a clever governess, the girls relocate to London to marry cash-poor nobility. Luckily the book was completed by Mainwaring and has now been adapted into a diverting series. Season two further explores their stories.

Ironheart by Brian Michael Bendis

Premieres on Disney+ on June 24

Following the events of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, MIT student and genius inventor Riri Williams returns to her roots in Chicago with a plan to debut her own high-tech suit as the self-made hero of tomorrow. Her alter ego: Ironheart. But is she ready for all the problems of stepping into Iron Man's boots? This miniseries created by Chinaka Hodge is the newest addition to the MCU.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

Nautilus debuts on AMC and AMC+ on June 29

Verne's classic underwater fantasy has been reimagined for television in a ten-part British adventure series, offering an origin story for the mysterious Captain Nemo, an Indian prince turned crusading scientist. While the novel is generally considered appropriate for middle-grade readers, the TV series is rated TV-14 due to elements of violence and mild profanity.   

We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han

Season three of The Summer I Turned Pretty debuts on Prime Video July 16

In the third and final installment of Han's YA Summer series, Isabel "Belly" Conklin once again finds herself trying to choose between brothers Jeremiah and Conrad Fisher, the sons of her mother's best friend. Belly and her family have long spent their summers with the Fishers at their home in Cousins Beach. Both the books and the TV series are generally recommended for ages 13 and up. 

I Know What You Did Last Summer by Lois Duncan

Coming to theaters on July 18

After a party, four teens are involved in a hit-and-run accident that kills a young boy. They make a pact to conceal their responsibility. But a shadowy figure who somehow knows about the accident is determined to make them pay. This is the fourth slasher film in the franchise with Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt reprising their roles from previous films. Rated R.

The Hunting Wives by May Cobb

Premieres on Netflix on July 21

Restless after leaving behind her big-city Chicago life to settle down with her husband and young son in rural Texas, Sophie meets an elite clique who meet in the woods for late-night target practice and wild partying. The series adaptation of this mystery thriller, for adult audiences, stars Malin Akerman, Brittany Snow, Dermot Mulroney, and Chrissy Metz.

Washington Black by Esi Edugyan

Premiering on Hulu July 23

This award-winning novel follows the 19th century adventures of George Washington "Wash" Black, who is eleven-years-old when he becomes the manservant to Christopher Wilde, an eccentric inventor, naturalist, and abolitionist. When a man is killed and a bounty is placed on Wash's head, the two go on the run. The eight-episode limited series will star Sterling K. Brown.

Most Anticipated

Here are a few of the most exciting upcoming adaptations we've got on our radar.

• My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan—This sparkling romance is the basis for a Netflix film starring Sofia Carson and slated for an Aug. 1 release date.
• Freaky Friday by Mary Rodgers—Freakier Friday, a sequel to the 2003 adaptation brings back stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan. It is scheduled to hit screens on Aug. 8.
• The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman—The British murder mystery set in a retirement village will come to Netflix Aug. 28. The film stars Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie.
• The Long Walk by Stephen King—The adaptation of this beloved dystopian horror novel is coming to theaters Sept. 12.
• Regretting You by Colleen Hoover—Attention CoHo fans! Her 2019 bestseller comes to screens October 2025. The movie stars Allison Williams and Dave Franco.
• The Running Man by Stephen King—Glen Powell will star in the upcoming adaptation coming to theaters Nov. 7.
• Wicked by Gregory Maguire—Part Two will hit theaters November 2025. Learn more about the evolution of this blockbuster musical hit.
• Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell—In theaters Nov. 27, directed by Nomadland director Chloe Zhao and starring Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, and Joe Alwyn.
• The Housemaid by Freida McFadden—Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried will star in an adaptation of the book which hits screens December 2025.
• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley—Guillermo del Toro’s film adaptation starring Oscar Isaac is slated for a November release on Netflix.
• People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry—The bestselling rom-com's film adaptation is expected sometime in 2025.
• Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro—Directed by Taika Waititi and starring Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams, the film is slated for a 2025 release.
  
  

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Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon