Some of the best films and TV series to be created have been adapted from books. The Lord of the Rings and the Harry Potter series are two of the most successful book-to-film adaptations out there. Some of the greatest books of our time have been adapted into multiple versions because they are just so good. So it is no surprise that this proves to be a popular origin story for films and TV to this day. IMDb has created a list of the best adaptations coming to our screens this year. Here are the top five.
5. The Thursday Murder Club
The Thursday Murder Club is an adaptation of Richard Osman’s novel. Directed by Chris Columbus, the film stars Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie, David Tennant, and many more. Its synopsis reads: “Four irrepressible retirees spend their time solving cold case murders for fun, but their casual sleuthing takes a thrilling turn when they find themselves with a real whodunit on their hands.”
The Thursday Murder Club hits our screens in late August.
4. We Were Liars
Created by Carina Adly MacKenzie and Julie Plec, who adapted the series from the young-adult novel by E. Lockhart, We Were Liars is a psychological thriller series meets romantic drama. Its synopsis reads: “We Were Liars follows Cadence Sinclair Eastman, a wealthy teenager who experiences a mysterious accident during the summer she turns fifteen. Two years later, she returns to her family’s private island, determined to uncover the truth about the accident, but discovers that her family and friends are hiding secrets about that fateful summer. The novel explores themes of lies, family dysfunction, and the consequences of one’s actions.”
We Were Liars is available to stream on Amazon Prime right now.
3. Nickel Boys
Nickel Boys has been adapted by RaMell Ross, who wrote the screenplay with Joslyn Barnes and is based on the 2019 novel by novelist Colson Whitehead. Its synopsis reads: “Elwood Curtis’ college dreams are shattered when he’s sentenced to Nickel Academy, a brutal reformatory in the Jim Crow South. Clinging to his optimistic worldview, Elwood strikes up a friendship with Turner, a fellow Black teen who dispenses fundamental tips for survival.”
Nickel Boys is available to stream on Amazon Prime now.
2. The Amateur
The Amateur is an action thriller film directed by James Hawes and written by Ken Nolan and Gary Spinelli. It is based on the 1981 novel by Robert Littell, and stars Rami Malek. Its synopsis reads: “Charlie Heller is a brilliant CIA decoder whose world comes crashing down when his wife dies in a London terrorist attack. When his supervisors refuse to take action, his intelligence becomes the ultimate weapon as he embarks on a dangerous trek across the globe to track down those responsible.”
The Amateur is available to stream on Disney+ now.
1. Long Bright River
This crime drama miniseries is based on the 2020 book of the same name by Liz Moore, starring Amanda Seyfried as a Philadelphia police officer. The synopsis reads: “This series follows Philadelphia police officer Mickey Fitzpatrick as she investigates a string of murders in the opioid-ravaged Kensington neighborhood. Mickey’s investigation becomes personal as she grapples with the disappearance of her sister, Kacey, who is struggling with addiction.”
Long Bright River is available to stream on Channel 4.