With so many beloved books being adapted into films and shows, there’s no better time to dive into these narratives before everyone talks about them. Novels give you all the fine details of their stories while movies and TV shows bring your interpretations and imaginations to life. Whether you’re a fan of romance, thrillers, or epic fantasies, here’s a list of must-read books on their way to the big screen.
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
Carley Fortune’s bestselling novel Every Summer After is being adapted into a series by Amazon Prime Video. The adaptation, titled Every Year After, will be steered by Leila Gerstein, known for her work on shows like The Handmaid’s Tale and Gossip Girl. Gerstein will serve as both the writer and showrunner for the series.
The novel tells the story of Percy and Sam, who reconnect after years apart, revisiting the summers they spent together at a lakeside cottage. The adaptation will hopefully keep the poignant exploration of first love and nostalgia that made the book a hit. The series is still in the early stages of development, so casting and release dates have yet to be announced.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
The adaptation of Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir is one of the most anticipated sci-fi films in the coming years. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the film stars Ryan Gosling as the protagonist, Ryland Grace, a scientist-turned-astronaut who wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memory of who he is or why he’s there. The mission is critical — he must save humanity and Earth from an impending catastrophe.
Mark your calendars because production is currently in the works and the movie is set to be released on March 20, 2026.
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
Netflix is developing a feature adaptation of None of This Is True, the psychological thriller novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jewell. The book, published in July 2023, revolves around a podcaster, Alix Summer, whose life becomes entangled with a mysterious woman, Josie Fair, leading to dark and unexpected consequences.
In a highly competitive bidding war with multiple offers from the U.S. and UK, Netflix secured the rights to the book. The adaptation is currently in the early stages of development, with Eleanor Burgess, known for her work on Interview With the Vampire and Perry Mason, set to write the script. Although there is no official release date yet, it has a strong production team behind the works.
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score is being adapted into a TV series by Amazon MGM Studios. The adaptation is based on the first book of Score’s popular Knockemout series. The series will be showrun by Amy Rardin, who has worked on projects like Disney+’s Echo miniseries and the CW’s Charmed reboot.
The story follows Naomi Witt, a runaway bride who finds herself stranded in the small town of Knockemout, Virginia, after her estranged twin sister leaves her with no money, no car, and an unexpected responsibility: her 11-year-old niece. The series will explore the romance and complications that ensue when Naomi crosses paths with the gruff but caring local, Knox Morgan. The adaptation is in pre-production, with no release date or cast announced yet.
People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry
The adaptation of Emily Henry’s bestselling novel People We Meet On Vacation is in active development with Netflix securing the rights. The film will be directed by Brett Haley, known for Hearts Beat Loud and All the Bright Places, with Yulin Kuang adapting the screenplay. Production is set to begin in September 2024, with filming taking place in New Orleans and Spain.
Tom Blyth and Emily Bader have been cast as the leads, playing Alex and Poppy respectively. The adaptation is part of a broader trend of Emily Henry’s works being brought to the screen, with other novels like Happy Place and Book Lovers also in the pipeline for adaptations.
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
Last but certainly not least, the project for We Were Liars is led by showrunners Julie Plec and Carina Adly MacKenzie, who have previously collaborated on The Originals and Roswell, New Mexico. The series is set as a tragic love story and an amnesia thriller, staying true to the novel’s themes of privilege, family secrets, and the consequences of past mistakes. Filming began in May 2024 in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and the show is set to bring the Sinclair family’s private island to life, adding a visual dimension to the book’s haunting atmosphere.
I read this book years ago, but the one thing that stuck with me was the plot twist at the end of the book that left my jaw on the floor. I don’t remember all the details, but now there’s a valid excuse to revisit it.
These adaptations are another reason to add more books to your TBR list in case they aren’t already there. Happy reading!
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