Best Book-To-Film Adaptations To Watch

If Sally Rooney’s Normal People has taught us anything in these last few weeks, it’s that sometimes film adaptations of best-selling and cult classic books can be just as powerful and enthralling as their counterparts. Thankfully, it’s not just Rooney’s novel that’s been hailed as a great adaptation, with many of the world’s most popular books being made into film and TV series for us to binge.

From thrillers and real-life tales to hopeless romance and period dramas, there’s no shortage of books that have made their way to our screens. What better way to entertain yourself in isolation than reading, and then binging the incredible tales our favourite authors have laid out for us.

Here’s a guide to titles to queue up on your reading and viewing list, thanks to Netflix.

For Those Looking To Be Transported

The Ghost Bride

In 1890s Malacca, Li Lan finds herself in the afterlife and becomes mired in a mystery linked to the sinister, deceased son of a wealthy family.

Based on The Ghost Bride; by Yangsze Choo.

Alias Grace

In 19th-century Canada, a psychiatrist weighs whether a murderess should be pardoned due to insanity.

Based on Alias Grace; by Margaret Atwood.

For The Hopeless Romantics

All the Bright Places

Two teens facing personal struggles form a powerful bond as they embark on a cathartic journey chronicling the wonders of Indiana.

Based on All The Bright Places; by Jennifer Niven.

Nappily Ever After

When a perfectionist ad exec experiences a romantic setback, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery that begins with a dramatic hair makeover.

Based on Nappily Ever After; by Adam Brooks and Cee Marcellus

For The Mystery Solvers

Lost Girls

Desperate to find her missing daughter, a mother fights to uncover the truth — and helps expose a string of unsolved murders.

Based on Lost Girls; by Robert Kolker

YOU

A dangerously charming, intensely obsessive young mang goes to extreme measures to insert himself into the lives of those he is transfixed by.

Based on You; by Caroline Kepnes

For Those In Need Of A Good Laugh And Cry

The Fundamentals of Caring

In this inspirational buddy comedy, a young shut-in and his caregiver take a road trip in search of landmarks, but end up finding hope and friendship.

Based on The Revised Fundamentals Of Caring; by Jonathan Evison

Mudbound

Two Mississippi families, one black, one white, confront the brutal realities of prejudice, farming and friendship in a divided World War II era.

Based on Mudbound; by Hillary Jordan

For Those Interested In True Stories

Unorthodox

Born and raised in a New York Hasidic community, Esty struggles after a fruitless first year of marriage. She runs away to Berlin and finds new freedom.

Based on Deborah Feldman’s autobiography, Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots.

Brain on Fire

Stricken with seizures, psychosis and memory loss, a young New York Post reporter visits doctor after doctor in search of an elusive diagnosis.

Based on Susannah Cahalan’s memoir, Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness

Grace Back Digital Content Manager

Grace Back is a journalist and was formerly the Digital Culture Editor across ELLE and marie claire Australia. When not stuck in a seemingly endless Instagram scroll, you'll find Grace with her head in a good book.