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So many of our favorite movies and TV shows actually started as books. And as every reader will you – the book is almost always better.
As a general rule, I try to read the book before watching the movie or show. That doesn’t always happen (sometimes I don’t even realize it’s based on a book until later!), but it’s something we’re also trying to do with our boys – book first, then screen.
In this post, I’m sharing my top 8 book-to-screen adaptions, plus a few on my to-watch list.
Top Book to Movie (or Show) Adaptions
1. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
- Why it made my list: It took me a few chapters to adjust to the switching POVs, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down.
- Quick premise: A blind French girl and a German boy lives intersect during World War II, revealing how human connection and resilience endure even in the darkest times.
- What stuck with me: Marie’s bravery, determination and sensitivity make her unforgettable.
- How to watch the show: 4-episode series on Netflix
2. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
- Why it made my list: This is one of my mom’s favorites, and watching the Megan Follows version together made it special. (Also, fellow “carrots” here ❤️)
- Quick premise: Orphan Anne Shirley grows from a spirited girl into adulthood, finding family, friendship, and purpose in Prince Edward Island.
- What stuck with me: Anne transforms hardship into a beautiful, meaningful life.
- How to watch the show: Gazebo TV, Amazon Prime Video, PBS
3. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
- Why it made my list: A powerful story I re-read every few years.
- Quick premise: A young white writer and two Black maids in 1960s Mississippi share their experiences to expose racism and challenge social norms.
- What stuck with me: Bravery is contagious – both Skeeter and Aibileen prove it.
- How to watch the movie: Hulu, Amazon Price, Disney +, Apple TV, Google Play
4. Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper
- Why it made my list: One of the rare situations where I preferred the movie.
- Quick premise: Hawkeye guides two sisters through the dangers of the French and Indian War, exploring themes of survival, loyalty, and cultural conflict.
- What stuck with me: The intensity of survival—and a swoon-worthy love story. (Can anyone else recall Hawkeye yelling to Cora, “You stay alive! No matter what occurs. I will find you!”)
- How to watch the movie: Tubi, Apple TV, Amazon Prime
5. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
- Why it made my list: My introduction to Nicholas Sparks – and one of the most iconic love stories.
- Quick premise: Noah and Allie’s love endures through time, class differences, and separation.
- What stuck with me: A timeless reminder that real love lasts.
- How to watch the movie: Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Google Play
6. Poldark by Winston Graham
- Why it made my list: My husband and I were hooked on the show – and then I ended up reading all 13 books!
- Quick premise: Ross Poldark rebuilds his life and navigates love, class tensions, and political unrest in 18th-century Cornwall.
- What stuck with me: Life was hard—and love and resilience mattered deeply.
- How to watch the show: PBS, Apple TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime
7. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- Why it made my list: My favorite classic – witty, romantic, and timeless.
- Quick premise: Elizabeth Bennet navigates love, class, and misunderstandings with Mr. Darcy in Regency-era England.
- What stuck with me: Proof that you don’t need grand gestures to tell a powerful love story.
- How to watch the movie: The 2005 version with Keira Knightly is a must. Available on Google Play, Apple TV, Amazon Prime
8. We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter
- Why it made my list: A powerful World War II story about family and survival.
- Quick premise: A Jewish family separated during World War II fights to reunite.
- What stuck with me: This family was marked by their unwavering hope and determination.
- How to watch the show: Hulu, Disney+
🎬 My Book to Movie To-Watch List
Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover: One of my top reads of 2025 — thought-provoking and emotional.
How to watch: In theaters (March 2026)
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows: A charming, unforgettable read I loved.
How to watch: Netflix
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt: A slow, meaningful story I didn’t want to end.
How to watch: Coming to Netflix (May 2026)
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman: A layered, heartfelt story about a grumpy man with a big heart.
How to watch:
• Swedish version (highly recommended): Netflix, Amazon Prime
• American version starring Tom Hanks (A Man Called Otto): Hulu, Disney+
Final Thoughts
I love that we get to experience stories in multiple ways.
Books allow us to go deeper – to understand thoughts, emotions, and details in a way that movies simply can’t. But movies and shows bring stories to life in a completely different (and powerful) way.
That’s why I especially love mini-series adaptations – they have more time to stay true to the book.
When books are adapted for the screen, they also introduce authors to a wider audience, helping more readers discover stories they might have otherwise missed.
I’m reminded of something David Jacobs, owner of The Happy Book Stack, shared in his interview. When someone asks what they should read, he asks about their favorite movies.
Because more often than not…👉 That movie started as a book.
Let’s Chat!
What’s your favorite book-to-movie adaptation?
And what’s on your to-watch list?
💡 Join the daily bookish conversation on my Facebook page or Instagram!
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