In the bookish world, on-screen adaptations have always been a controversial topic. Still, the consensus is that the book is usually better than the movie or show, with a few exceptions. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t want to see some of our favorite books on the screen, because there is nothing like seeing everything you have been imagining as you read on the big screen in beautiful colors, with a wicked good production. The two worlds often overlap, and the adaptations frequently bring recognition to the book and bring in new fans. A few of the members from Bookstr’s team talked about what books they would love to see on screen, and here is what they have to say, so let’s get into it!
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
A book series that I need to see on screen is Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. It was supposed to be adapted a long time ago, and then disappeared. It was the book that brought me into fantasy, and there is so much within the world that deserves to be seen on screen. The romance, the magic, the monarchies, the rebellions, the worldbuilding, there is so much that would be beautiful as an adaptation. However, due to the heavy fantasy elements and half the characters bleed silver, this would be best in an animated form and a multiple-part movie.
Megan Donovan, Editorial
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
I would love to see The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern adapted for the screen. As a book, it already has a vivid and imaginative setting that would come together visually well. I can already imagine the black and white circus tents magically popping up in the dead of night. It could be perfect for a short TV series since the book is divided into different years and locations. That way, there is time to include magical detail. Morgenstern put in so much work to make a specific aesthetic and was so descriptive of everything, down to the wardrobe, for the story that it is practically begging to be brought to life on screen!
Riley Harker, Editorial
The Legends of Thezmarr by Helen Scheuerer
I would love to see The Legends of Thezmarr by Helen Scheuerer and the spinoff, The Ashes of Thezmarr, turned into a live-action TV series. Their richly built world offers an immersive fantasy experience perfect for the screen. The intricate lore, ancient histories, and diverse cultures within Thezmarr would come to life in stunning detail, allowing viewers to fully explore its magical landscapes and mythic depth. The series also boasts complex characters — heroes burdened by destiny, villains shaped by tragedy, and morally grey figures caught between both — whose emotional journeys would resonate powerfully with audiences. The slow-burning romances will have viewers on the edge of their seats! Visually, the potential is immense. From grand battles and forgotten ruins to elemental magic and terrifying creatures, Thezmarr is filled with moments that demand a high-production adaptation.
Beyond spectacle, the series explores deeply relevant themes such as power, legacy, environmental collapse, and the cyclical nature of war and rebirth, making it entertaining and thought-provoking. The story’s structure, especially the dual narrative of Legends (the rise and fall) and Ashes (the aftermath and rebirth), naturally lends to a multi-season arc that could evolve into a major fantasy franchise. With built-in fan interest and rich source material, a live-action adaptation would satisfy long-time fans and captivate new audiences drawn to dark, mature fantasy storytelling.
Alysha Medina, Outreach
The Shadow Children series by Margaret Peterson Haddix
I would love to see The Shadow Children series written by Margaret Peterson Haddix adapted into a serialized drama like that we see all over streaming services (ex., Wednesday). In short, it’s a suspenseful dystopian adventure about kids who were never supposed to exist. This YA book series is an in-between for those who are not quite old enough for the themes of The Hunger Games but are still interested in dystopian themes and a bit of mystery. The series is seven books on the shorter side, and Haddix is doing a great job developing the characters; it feels natural that it should be adapted. I’ve been dreaming of this adaptation since 2006, but the best films are made over decades, so who knows what the future holds.
Alexis Canitz, Graphics
Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson
I desperately need Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson to be a Netflix limited series or something. I keep imagining Freddy Carter as Leander, the infuriatingly handsome priest, and Kate Mulgrew as the revenant (she has the perfect voice for it). I’m a sucker for any media that plays with saint lore and Catholic aesthetics. I also think we need more weird-girl protagonists on our screens, and I would love Artemisia, my beloved teenage demon-fighting nun, to get the recognition she deserves.
Phoebe Pineda, Editorial
The Dangers of Smoking in Bed by Mariana Enriquez
I would devour a film adaptation of Mariana Enriquez’s’ The Dangers of Smoking in Bed. I could see the film take the form of an anthology — as the book is a horror short story collection — and potentially picked up by MUBI or A24, as they are champions of indie cinema. I think this adaptation would work best with new or emerging actors, as it would break immersion to cast already established actors with familiar faces. I think the horror genre can always do with more anthologies! Especially female-directed ones, as Enriquez’s book delves into girlhood, magical realism, unconventional fetishes, and socio-political commentary — which I would pay good money to see adapted to screen!
Charlie Kendellen, Editorial
Eragon by Christopher Paolini
I would love to see Eragon (and its subsequent books) get its time in the spotlight. Paolini lovers, such as myself, live in a world where it was never adapted into a terribly-made movie. With the current trend of adapting books into TV shows, I think Eragon could fit very nicely into the fray; I would take either live-action or animation, as long as they do my girl, Saphira, the justice she deserves. The Inheritance Cycle is filled with dragons, humans, urgals, elves, and an evil king that would fit alongside works such as Game of Thrones and The Rings of Power.
Cassandra Fushia, Editorial
What do you think about these book-to-screen adaptations? Maybe you even found a new book you have to read. A huge thanks to the team for participating!
Want to read more about the team’s opinions? Click here for our Halloween costume ideas!
For more of Bookstr’s team recommendations, click here!
