A good adaptation is hard to come by sometimes, but 2024 delivered. Bookstr team is sharing the best book-to-screen, screen-to-book, and other adapted media they encountered this year. Read on for some retroactive recommendations straight from the team!
The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbran
Although there were some plot twists in the TV series adaptation, what I really liked about it was how fresh it felt. They used the book to create this world and build the basis of the series but still made it their own.
Aliyah Rios, Editorial
The Edge of Sleep (Podcast) by Jake Emanuel and Willie Block
There was so much mystery surrounding the release of the show that it was hard to not be hyped. And while some of the fan-favorite elements of the trippy podcast were missing from the TV series adaptation — we miss you, Moobles — it was amazing what a genuinely disquieting cosmic horror-fest the creative team was able to pull off on such a small budget.
Cara Broel, Outreach & Editorial
Wicked
This hasn’t come out yet, but the anticipation is killing me. I just know it’s going to be absolutely fabulous!
Kristi Eskew, Executive Editor
Maleficent by Elizabeth Rudnick
As someone who absolutely can’t stand when a book is modeled after the movie, this book was an honest surprise. It was so well written and really captured the fae-like imagery in the movie on the pages. It was as captivating as the film and we really get to explore more of Maleficent’s thoughts and decisions in the book as opposed to the movie! Definitely give it a read!
Peyton Clark, Editorial
Dandadan by Yukinobu Tatsu
The anime‘s voice acting and crazy animation do the manga justice, if not more. The fighting is mind-blowing, and Okarun’s other form looks just as cool as in the manga. His deep voice sounding like Odokawa from Odd Taxi is a bonus. Reading the manga made me giddy for the interactions between Okarun and Momo and I can’t wait to see my favorite scenes of them on screen!
Claudia Maldonado, Editorial
7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy! By Touko Amekawa
The art style in this anime alone is worthy of praise, not to mention the animation and voice acting. It all comes together to create a brilliant adaptation that leaves the audience wanting more. It’s just as exciting and captivating as the manga, and I hope there’s eventually a season two.
Danielle Tomlinson, Editorial
Ranma ½ Rumiko Takahashi
When I watched the original Ranma ½, I did it out of a sense of obligation. It was during quarantine, and I thought it only right to watch some classic anime I’d never gotten to before. This current reboot, though, I’m watching out of pure enjoyment. The first one was fun, albeit questionable at times, with characters that were rather insufferable for the most part. But Ranma ½ (2024) surprised me. They’ve done such a good job at staying true to the spirit of the original show while smoothing out some of the rough edges. The characters are just a tad more grounded, the English dub is great, and the animation is gorgeous. More importantly, its central romance is a lot more compelling. I’ve found myself swooning at some parts already. Definitely my favorite Rumiko Takahashi reboot thus far.
Gabriela Collazo, Editorial
Before 2025 brings its onslaught of anticipated works, it’s nice to reminisce about the high points of this year’s offerings. If you skipped out on any of these adaptations, perhaps it’s time to give them a chance.
Don’t forget to share your thoughts with us on our socials, and check out our latest posts! Have you completed your 2024 reading goals yet? Click here for some short reads that will aid in your efforts.
Wanna know what anime adaptations to look out for in 2025? Check out this article for eight upcoming releases to add to your New Year’s watchlist!
Sometimes, the book truly is better than the movie. Click here to relive your favorite book-to-screen reads.
