Taking books from the page to the screen is always a risky venture. We can’t help it if we’re a little overprotective of our favorite franchises! But when movies perfectly capture the essence of those books, that’s when you have something really special on your hands. Read on for a stellar bookish movie marathon ideal for heralding in the summer weather.
Call Me by Your Name
Genre: Romantic Drama, Coming-of-Age
Rated R: Sexual Content, Nudity, and Some Language
Based on the novel by André Aciman, Call Me by Your Name takes place in northern Italy in 1983. 17-year-old Elio’s summer is turned upside down when his father invites a 24-year-old grad student named Oliver to live with them and assist with archaeological research. Under the blaring and beautiful summer sun, Elio and Oliver draw closer and closer to one another. Soon, they discover they have a life-altering connection to one another that cannot be ignored.
Enola Holmes
Genre: Action/Adventure, Mystery
Rated PG-13: Some Violence
Enola Holmes is based on Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer. This story follows Enola Holmes, the younger sister of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes. When her mother goes missing on her sixteenth birthday, Enola will do anything to find her. Enola flees from their home in the middle of the night and is pursued by her brothers: the well-meaning Sherlock and the uptight Mycroft, who is determined to make her into a “proper lady.” Enola’s journey is altered upon meeting Viscount Tewkesbury, a young marquess who is also running from home — and may be the target of a murder plot.
Howl’s Moving Castle
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
Rated PG: Frightening Images and Brief Mild Language
Based on the fantasy novel by Diana Wynne Jones, Howl’s Moving Castle is the story of plain, unassuming hat maker Sophie. When Sophie catches the eye of handsome and self-centered wizard Howl, she is cursed by a jealous witch and transformed into an old woman. Seeking refuge in the wastes, Sophie ends up aboard Howl’s magnificent castle. Here, she learns that the wizard has been dodging his summons to fight in a cruel war, risking his life for what he feels is right. As Sophie seeks to help those around her, she gains confidence in herself and falls deeply in love with the wizard without a heart.
Austenland
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Rated PG-13: Some Suggestive Content and Innuendo
Austenland is based on Shannon Hale’s novel of the same name and is the story of Jane Austen superfan Jane Hayes. Tired of her mundane life, Jane books an exclusive trip to Austenland, an immersive experience where guests get to dress in Regency clothing and live the life of an Austen heroine, complete with a scripted romance and an end-of-season ball. Upon arrival, Jane finds out that Austen’s world isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, especially when you lack the proper funds. Soon, all the pretending is getting to Jane’s head, and she’s not quite sure what’s real anymore. Is her fling with the snarky groundskeeper Martin just a figment of her imagination? What about her attraction to the Darcy-esque Henry Nobley?
The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)
Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama
Rated PG-13: Adventure Violence/Swordplay and Some Sensuality
The 2002 version of The Count of Monte Cristo is inspired by Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel. Betrayed by his jealous friend, Fernand de Morcerf, the good-hearted Edmond Dantès is wrongly imprisoned for treason against the new French government. Fernand’s actions (and those of his lackeys) rob Edmond of the honest sailing life he could have led with his love Mercedes. As Edmond toils away in the cruel Chateau d’If prison for 14 years, his bitterness rises. A chance escape grants Edmond the opportunity to seek revenge against his enemies and reclaim the life he lost.
Tuck Everlasting
Genre: Romantic Drama, Fantasy
Rated PG: Some Violence
Based on Natalie Babbitt’s novel, Tuck Everlasting follows Winnie Foster, a repressed young woman who longs for freedom and adventure. While stumbling through the woods behind her home, she happens upon Jesse Tuck, a young man who immediately enchants her with his wild spirit. Soon, Winnie meets the rest of the Tuck family and longs for nothing more than to join them forever. But the Tucks are harboring a dangerous secret, and Winnie will be forced to choose between her old life and the one offered by her mysterious friends.
Fire Island
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Rated R: Strong Sexual Content, Language Throughout, Drug Use, and Some Nudity
Inspired by Jane Austen’s classic romance Pride and Prejudice, Fire Island follows queer best friends Noah and Howie on their annual summer trip to Fire Island. Joining up with the rest of their found family, Noah and Howie expect this summer to be just like any other. That is, until they meet handsome doctor Charlie. Sparks fly between Howie and Charlie, and Noah vows to do everything in his power to be the perfect wingman for his friend, including putting up with Charlie’s annoyingly uptight friend, Will. But matters of the heart are never simple, and soon, Noah and Will and drawn to one another in a way that neither expected.
Tangled
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
Rated PG: Brief Mild Violence
Partially based on the Grimm fairytale, Tangled is the story of the lost princess Rapunzel and her long, magical hair that grants eternal youth. Kidnapped as a child by the evil witch Mother Gothel, Rapunzel spends her days in a lonely tower dreaming of the outside world. One day, the handsome thief Flynn Rider stumbles into Rapunzel’s home, attempting to hide from the palace guards for stealing a crown. Rapunzel seizes this unusual opportunity and strikes a deal with Flynn: he will escort her to the city, and she will return his stolen goods. The two grow closer over the course of the journey as Mother Gothel pursues them with fury, and the secrets of Rapunzel’s past threaten to emerge.
One Day (2011)
Genre: Romantic Drama
Rated PG-13: Sexual Content, Partial Nudity, Language, Some Violence, and Substance Abuse
Based on the novel by David Nicholls, One Day is the story of unlikely friends Emma Morley and Dexter “Dex” Mayhew. Emma and Dex first met on July 15, 1988, the night of their graduation from the University of Edinburgh. For the next 20 years, the two continue to cross paths on July 15, and their friendship endures highs and lows, as well as Emma’s growing feelings for Dex. On paper, the two don’t make sense: Emma is studious and practical, and Dex is a carefree playboy. Despite their differences, they have an undeniable connection, and this fateful day forever alters the course of their lives.
If you love this movie, consider checking out the Netflix mini-series.
Sahara
Genre: Action/Adventure
Rated PG-13: Action Violence
Based on Clive Cussler’s exciting novel, Sahara follows adventurer Dirk Pitt. Accompanied by his best friend Al Giordino, Dirk is searching the African desert for an American Civil War ship rumored to have been lost in an epic storm, along with its shipment of gold. Their search is put on pause when Dirk meets the beautiful WHO doctor Eva Rojas, who is investigating a mysterious disease traced back to Mali. As Dirk and Al become entrenched in Eva’s work, they are soon the targets of a powerful dictator and a cold-hearted businessman. Can they find both Dirk’s treasured warship and the cure to the deadly illness Eva is studying?
The Last Song
Genre: Romantic Drama
Rated PG: Thematic Material, Some Violence, Sensuality, and Mild Language
Based on the Nicholas Sparks novel, The Last Song follows surly teen Ronnie, who is sent with her younger brother Jonah to stay with their father for the summer. Ronnie has been estranged from her father since her parents’ divorce and has no plans to reverse her ire towards him. Her father, on the other hand, longs to reconnect with her and hopes that she will once again share his love for the piano and accept the prestigious scholarship that Juilliard has offered her. While avoiding her family, Ronnie happens to meet the handsome and charming Will. Budding romance and tortured secrets abound, as this summer shapes up to be one that none of them will ever forget.
Hook
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
Rated PG: Mild Language, Mild Violence, and Some Sexual Innuendo
Inspired by J.M. Barrie’s classic Peter Pan stories, Hook sees Peter Pan, now Peter Banning, all grown up, having long forgotten his adventures in Neverland. When Captain Hook kidnaps his beloved children, Jack and Maggie, Peter must follow them and rouse the Lost Boys to help him take back his family. Unfortunately, the Lost Boys are bitter that Peter abandoned them and now answer to their new leader, Rufio. Will Peter’s memories and adventurous spirit return in time to defeat Hook?
Dumplin’
Genre: Comedic Drama, Coming-of-Age
Rated PG-13: Brief Strong Language
Based on Julie Murphy’s excellent book, Dumplin’ is the story of Willowdean “Will” Dickson, whom her pageant queen mother annoyingly calls “Dumplin.’” Will has spent her whole life never living up to her mother’s narrow idea of accepted beauty, seeking refuge in her now-deceased aunt and her collection of Dolly Parton records. Fed up with her mother’s self-absorbed world, Will signs up for the local beauty pageant as a protest. Her rebellious act accidentally leads to a string of other misfit girls doing the same. As Will becomes entrenched in the beauty pageant scheme, she unexpectedly learns a revolutionary lesson about self-confidence and the power of courage.
With sunny romances and sweltering action flicks, this list encapsulates all the summer vibes! What are you waiting for? Press play and get swept away into these bookish worlds.
Looking for some festival-inspired summer reads? Click here.
Check out our Book to Screen bookshelf on Bookshop.org for more novels adapted to film.
