Ever since we got our first look at the new trailer for Fantastic Beasts 2, we've been counting down the days until we finally get to dive back into the magical wizarding universe. It got us thinking that many of our recent favourite shows and movies happen to be book adaptations (here's looking at you, The Haunting of Hill House). So while we wait for that cherished day when Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald finally hits theatres, we decided to see what Netflix has to offer in the way of book adaptations, and it turns out it is a treasure trove of must-see films.
From romance to fantasy, there is something for everyone on this literary list.
Atonement
Based on Ian McEwan's fantastic novel, Atonement stars James McAvoy [1], Keira Knightley [2], Saoirse Ronan, and Benedict Cumberbatch. It tells the story of a lie that manages to upend true love and the consequences that follow for all parties involved.
Watch it now [3].
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Based on the bestselling novel by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, Netflix's original adaptation of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society is absolutely delightful. Lily James stars as a writer navigating her new life on Nazi-occupied Guernsey island during World War II. Michiel Huisman, Glen Powell, and Matthew Goode also appear, and we can't be held responsible for your imminent obsession with Huisman.
Watch it now [4].
Carol
Carol, based on a novel by Patricia Highsmith, stars Cate Blanchett [5], Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, Kyle Chandler, and Jake Lacy. The award-winning drama follows two women embarking on a taboo love affair, and it'll stay with you for a while.
Watch it now [6].
Into the Wild
Adapted from Jon Krakauer's classic book of the same name, Into the Wild is truly one of Emile Hirsch [7]'s greatest performances. He plays Christopher McCandless, a young man who leaves his comfortable life behind to experience life in the wilderness.
Watch it now [8].
Mudbound
Netflix original adaptation Mudbound is based on a novel by Hillary Jordan. It boasts a can't-miss cast (Carey Mulligan [9] and Mary J. Blige, among many others), and it depicts the conflict between two war veterans, one black and one white, who return to their families in Mississippi amid grueling racism and their own personal struggles.
Watch it now [10].
Alias Grace
Yes, we know this is a series and not a movie, but we couldn't not include this fantastic show based on Margaret Atwood's 1996 novel of the same name. Some have even said that Alias Grace is scarier than The Handmaid's Tale [11], but we'll leave it up to you to judge.
Watch it now [12].
Revolutionary Road
We don't have to tell you that any film starring Kate Winslet [13] and Leonardo DiCaprio [14] is a winner, but we'll still make the case for Revolutionary Road. It is based on Richard Yates's novel, and it focuses on a husband and wife as they navigate the ups and downs of married life and suburbia.
Watch it now [15].
Stardust
A Neil Gaiman film adaptation is a film we support 100 percent. Stardust features a star-studded cast, including Sienna Miller [16], Claire Danes [17], Robert De Niro [18], and many more. It's a fantasy film that follows a young man named Tristan who must return a fallen star to his beloved in return for her hand in marriage.
Watch it now [19].
Cloud Atlas
Admittedly, the film adaptation of David Mitchell's prized novel is pretty out there, but Tom Hanks [20] manages to weave quite a story in Cloud Atlas. Essentially, it's a story that spans multiple generations and explores the concept of how our actions set off ripples in the future.
Watch it now [21].
Anna Karenina
Jude Law [22] and Keira Knightley [23] star in the film adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's classic forbidden love story. Knightley plays a Russian aristocrat and wife of a senior statesman who embarks on a torrid love affair that eventually becomes her undoing.
Watch it now [24].
An Education
An Education takes place in a 1960s suburb outside London and follows an Oxford-bound teen named Jenny, who is torn between the life her parents imagined for her and her new older beau. Carey Mulligan [25] stars in the film and absolutely nails the coming-of-age role.
Watch it now [26].
Suite Francaise
We've ranked Suite Francaise as one of the best historical movies of 2018 [27] with good reason. Its incredible cast of Michelle Williams [28], Kristin Scott Thomas, Matthias Schoenaerts, Sam Riley, and Margot Robbie truly shines. Williams plays a French woman in Nazi-occupied France who awaits news of her prisoner-of-war husband.
Watch it now [29].
Beauty and the Beast
It's a tale as old as time, but Beauty and the Beast is actually based on a fairy tale by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont. Emma Watson [30] and the rest of the star-studded cast melt our hearts in this live-action remake.
Watch it now [31].
Hold the Dark
If you're looking for a nonstop thrill ride with gut-punching action, look no further than Hold the Dark. It is based on the novel by Macon Blair, and it stars Jeffrey Wright, Alexander Skarsgard, James Badge Dale, and Riley Keough. Wright plays a wolf expert tasked with hunting down the wolves who are blamed for the deaths of three children, and it's nothing short of intense.
Watch it now [32].
Room
It's hard to believe that the movie adaptation of Emma Donoghue's novel could be equally intense, but Brie Larson delivers in Room. Larson and Jacob Tremblay star as a mother and son who have been held captive for years. Larson even won an Academy Award for her performance, so you know it's powerful stuff.
Watch it now [33].
The Cider House Rules
The Cider House Rules might just be our favourite Tobey Maguire [34] film ever. It also stars Charlize Theron [35], Paul Rudd [36], Michael Caine, and several other big-name talents. Maguire plays the oldest orphan at a Maine orphanage whose director performs illegal abortions. It's heavy, but it's also beautiful, and the autumnal Maine landscape will sweep you off your feet.
Watch it now [37].
To All the Boys I've Loved Before
It's been months since To All the Boys I've Loved Before [38] hit Netflix, but the film adaptation of Jenny Han's novel is nothing short of phenomenal (and it necessitates multiple viewings). Adorable castmates Lana Condor and Noah Centineo head the movie, and their performances will have you feeling all the feels.
Watch it now [39].
P.S. I Love You
If you're in the market for the most cathartic cry of your life, P.S. I Love You should be on your list. It is based on the novel by Cecelia Ahern, and it stars Hilary Swank [40] as a recent widow mourning the loss of her adorable Irish husband (Gerard Butler [41]). It's filled with beautiful shots of the Irish countryside, and it is sure to give you a new appreciation for life.
Watch it now [42].
The Haunting of Hill House
Again, we know this is a series and not a film, but The Haunting of Hill House is so good, we had to throw it some love. Many have been calling the show a scary version of This Is Us, and we wholeheartedly agree. When a family moves into a haunted house, nothing can prepare them for the emotional repercussions they will face into adulthood.
Watch it now [43].
The Land of Steady Habits
Based on the novel by Ted Thompson, this Netflix original film is a recent gem. When Anders Hill decides to abandon his job and wife in the hopes of finding fulfilment, his life is completely turned upside down in ways he could never imagine.
Watch it now [44].
The Duchess
We guess we should just proclaim Keira Knightley [45] the queen of book-to-movie adaptations, since this is her third appearance on the list. The Duchess is based on a true story, and Knightley plays the famed Duchess of Devonshire, aka Georgina Spencer (yes, she was related to Princess Diana). Between engageing in love affairs and defying social convention, the duchess's life is nothing short of jaw-dropping.
Watch it now [46].
Cold Mountain
Cold Mountain cleaned up in the 2003 award season, and we can see why. The film stars Jude Law [47], Nicole Kidman [48], and Renée Zellweger [49], and the story is incredibly gripping. A couple are separated as a result of the Civil War, and their war-torn relationship fights to endure as the pair try to survive.
Watch it now [50].
Howards End
Based on the 1910 classic novel by E.M. Forster, Howards End is a '90s drama that still holds up. It's got some serious Pride and Prejudice vibes, and the cast packs a serious cinematic punch in this Edwardian London period piece.
Watch it now [51].
Sunset Song
Based on Lewis Grassic Gibbon's novel, Sunset Song takes place during the Great War in Scotland and focuses on a young woman dealing with the struggles of an abusive father and a turbulent rural home life. Agyness Deyn delivers a truly striking performance, and her character growth is absolutely remarkable.
Watch it now [52].
Gerald's Game
Gerald's Game is a must-see film for any horror buffs. It is based on a novel by Stephen King, and it is directed by Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House). A couple decide to engage in a sex game where the woman is tied up. When the man suddenly dies, the wife must fight to escape her sudden captivity.
Watch it now [53].