In recent years, movie adaptations of literary works have become increasingly prevalent. It’s not uncommon for me to discover that a new film or television series was inspired by a book. As someone who prioritizes reading the source material before seeing an adaptation, I find myself eagerly anticipating opportunities to compare the two. While I may come across as pretentious in my approach, it’s simply a quirk of mine.
If you share my enthusiasm for staying ahead of the curve when it comes to book-to-screen adaptations, I invite you to peruse this comprehensive list of 2020–2021 movies based on books. Please note that this compilation builds upon our previous list of 2020 book adaptations, which was initially published prior to the global impact of COVID-19. Notably, the pandemic’s far-reaching effects have resulted in significant changes throughout the entertainment industry.
It bears mentioning that this particular list is predominantly comprised of works by white authors.
Movies Based on Books Coming Out in 2020
The Devil All the Time by Donald Ray Pollock
This psychological thriller unfolds as a complex web of stories spanning multiple generations, weaving together a diverse cast of unsettling characters. The narrative is driven by a husband-and-wife duo with a penchant for violence, a war-scarred veteran grappling with inner demons, and a preacher on the lam from the law. Set to debut on Netflix in September 2020, the film boasts the direction of Antonio Campos, who brings a haunting noir atmosphere to the project.
The all-star ensemble features Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, and Bill Skarsgård, promising a gripping and intense viewing experience.
The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer
Enola Holmes, a Netflix original film, is set to premiere on September 23, 2020. This mystery movie is an adaptation of the popular six-book series by the same name, which explores the adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ teenage sister, Enola. The story begins with Enola’s quest to find her missing mother in the first book of the series.
The film boasts a talented cast, including Millie Bobby Brown as the titular character, alongside Henry Cavill and Helena Bonham Carter, bringing this captivating tale to life.
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
As the autumn leaves fall, get ready to sink into the eerie world of ‘Rebecca’, a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of many. This gothic tale of marriage, mystery, and deceit has been named one of the Great American Reads by PBS. The story revolves around the enigmatic Maxim De Winter’s second wife, who finds herself trapped in an isolated mansion with a sinister housekeeper and a husband whose past is shrouded in secrecy.
As she delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding her new home and her husband’s first wife, Rebecca, she begins to unravel the tangled web of lies and deceit that threaten to destroy their marriage. And just in time for Halloween, Netflix will be bringing Ben Wheatley’s adaptation to life, transporting viewers to a world of suspense and intrigue.
Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
In 1978, the classic detective story was first brought to life on the big screen. Fast forward to October 2020, when a new adaptation from 20th Century Studios will hit theaters, serving as the sequel to the 2017 film Murder on the Orient Express. The novel’s intricate plot revolves around none other than the iconic Hercule Poirot, who is hot on the trail of uncovering the truth behind the murder of a young heiress.
Kenneth Branagh returns to direct and star in the role of Poirot, with Gal Gadot and Armie Hammer joining him in this cinematic endeavor.
Last Looks by Howard Michael Gould
The forthcoming adaptation of John Gould’s novel, directed by Tim Kirby, is set to premiere on November 6, 2020. The story follows Charlie Waldo (portrayed by Charlie Hunnam), a disgraced former police officer who has been living off the grid and is subsequently recruited to investigate a murder. According to book reviewers, this entertaining narrative is well-suited for a big-screen adaptation.
Deep Water by Patricia Highsmith
In 2020, the psychological thriller that captivates audiences worldwide was brought to life by 20th Century Studios and visionary director Adrian Lyne. As the film prepares for its November release, we delve into the story of an unhappy couple, Vic and Melinda, whose loveless marriage teeters on the brink of collapse. In a desperate bid to avoid divorce, they make an unconventional agreement: Melinda is permitted to engage in extramarital affairs.
But when her lovers begin to mysteriously turn up dead, Vic becomes the prime suspect. The film boasts a talented cast, including Ben Affleck and Ana De Armas, who bring depth and complexity to their characters.
Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
Coming to Netflix this November, a highly anticipated film adaptation of a controversial bestseller is set to captivate audiences. Directed by the acclaimed Ron Howard and starring Glenn Close, Amy Adams, Gabriel Basso, and Haley Bennett, the movie promises to deliver a thought-provoking narrative.
The memoir’s focus on the author’s formative years in Appalachia and his commentary on ‘hillbilly culture’ have sparked intense debate, with some praising the book for offering a nuanced perspective on the experiences of the working poor. However, others have criticized the author’s perceived self-congratulation and belief in meritocracy, sparking a heated discussion about social class and cultural identity.
Dune by Frank Herbert
Warner Bros. is gearing up to release a much-awaited adaptation of Frank Herbert’s iconic novel, Dune, in December 2020. The sci-fi masterpiece has left an indelible mark on the genre, having claimed the first Nebula Award and a Hugo Award for its groundbreaking storytelling.
Set against the backdrop of a distant planet where one precious resource is coveted to the point of desperation, the film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, comprising Timothée Chalamet, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, and Jason Momoa. For a glimpse into the action-packed world that awaits, be sure to check out the official trailer.
A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig
Get ready to spread some holiday cheer! Netflix has taken the classic tale of Father Christmas and turned it into a heartwarming movie, set to debut in December 2020. The film tells the story of Nikolas, a charming young boy on a quest to find his father. Directed by Gil Kenan, this festive flick brings together an impressive cast, featuring the talents of Jim Broadbent, Sally Hawkins, and Kristen Wiig, among others.
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a traveling nonfiction storyteller, embarks on a journey across America after the Civil War. His adventure takes an unexpected turn when he agrees to escort a 10-year-old girl back to her family. The child, who has spent six years in captivity with kidnappers, is hesitant to return to the relatives she barely knows.
Meanwhile, Universal Pictures has slated the film for release on Christmas 2020, with Hollywood A-lister Tom Hanks set to bring Kidd’s story to life as he takes on the titular role.
To All the Boys: Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han
Netflix’s success with movies based on books is undeniable, particularly when it comes to young adult romance trilogies like Han’s series. The film adaptations of the first two novels were huge hits, and the fact that the cast filmed the second and third installments back-to-back allowed production to continue uninterrupted despite the challenges posed by COVID-19. While IMDb lists a 2020 release date for the second movie, Netflix has yet to confirm an official premiere date.
Some speculate that the film will debut in February 2021, approximately a year after the release of the second installment and just in time for Valentine’s Day, capitalizing on the romantic tone that defines the series.
Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton
In 2020, Netflix and acclaimed director George Clooney brought the post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller to life, adapting Brooks-Dalton’s original work for the small screen. At the heart of the story is Augustine, a seasoned astronomer struggling to hold on to his passion in an evacuated Arctic landscape. But everything changes when he stumbles upon a mysterious child, sparking a chain of events that will alter his existence forever.
Clooney himself takes on the role of Augustine, and the film has been titled Midnight Sky – a fitting moniker for a tale that delves into the darker aspects of human nature.
Movies Based on Books Coming Out in 2021
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
In January 2021, director Doug Liman’s highly anticipated film, Chaos Walking, is set to premiere, bringing the dystopian world of The Knife of Never Letting Go to life on the big screen. Based on the first book in the Chaos Walking trilogy, this sci-fi thriller is set in a world where all living beings can hear each other’s thoughts – except for one group: women, who mysteriously died off due to the Noise germ.
Todd, a young man on the cusp of adulthood, becomes increasingly convinced that his hometown is hiding dark secrets. He decides to take matters into his own hands and flees, pursued by the men of his community. His escape leads him to an unexpected discovery: a patch of silence in the otherwise cacophonous world. As he delves deeper, he meets a girl who possesses this mysterious quiet – but how is she alive when all other women have perished?
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
Beatrix Potter’s timeless tale of Peter Rabbit has delighted children for generations. The latest installment in the franchise, Peter Rabbit 2, is set to hit theaters in January 2021 after a brief delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially slated for an April 2020 release, the film’s new date marks a significant milestone in the ongoing journey of this iconic character.
As audiences eagerly await the sequel’s arrival, they can’t help but reminisce about the first Peter Rabbit film and its memorable moments.
Marry Me #1 by Bobby Crosby
In a whimsical turn of events, Pop star Stasia Tyler, from Crosby’s webcomic, takes an unexpected marriage proposal at her concert and surprisingly agrees to tie the knot with a stranger. As their vastly different lives merge, this romantic plot is primed for a feel-good romcom treatment. The cinematic adaptation, titled Marry Me, is slated to hit theaters just in time for Valentine’s Day 2021, featuring Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson as the lead actors.
Without Remorse by Tom Clancy
The 2021 adaptation of Tom Clancy’s novel is set to thrill fans of the Jack Ryan series, courtesy of director Stefano Sollima. Initially slated for release by Paramount, the project shifted gears due to COVID-19 and will now premiere on Amazon Prime in February 2021. Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the story follows John Clark – a former Navy SEAL grappling with the devastating loss of his pregnant wife.
As he navigates a treacherous world of drug cartels, CIA intrigue, and Soviet machinations, Clancy masterfully explores how an ordinary man is transformed into a remorseless killer. Bringing this gritty tale to life is acclaimed actor Michael B. Jordan, who takes on the lead role.
The Secret Service #1 by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons
The Kingsman franchise has its roots in comic books by Millar, which have already been adapted into successful action films like Kingsman: The Secret Service and Kingsman: The Golden Circle. A prequel, titled The King’s Man, is currently in the works to explore the origins of the top-secret spy agency. Filming for this installment wrapped up in July 2020, but its release was subsequently pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a result, 20th Century Studios has set a new release date for February 26, 2021. Moreover, it’s likely that the franchise will continue with a third Kingsman film, building on the momentum established by the first two movies.
Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love by Matthew Logelin
In a poignant and emotional journey, Matthew Logelin’s memoir delves into his experiences as a single father to their newborn daughter in the aftermath of his wife’s untimely passing shortly after childbirth. The story is soon to be brought to life on the big screen with the upcoming film adaptation, Fatherhood, directed by Paul Weitz. Initially slated for release on January 15, 2021, the movie’s premiere was pushed back due to COVID-19 and is now scheduled for April 2, 2021.
The Reincarnationist Papers by D. Eric Maikranz
Evan Michael, an outsider, is at the center of this gripping novel. He crosses paths with a group of individuals who, like him, possess the ability to recall their past lives. This enigmatic collective is part of a powerful secret society that requires newcomers to prove themselves before earning membership. The story’s film adaptation, titled ‘Infinite,’ has attracted Academy Award-winning director Antoine Fuqua and Paramount Pictures.
The action-packed thriller boasts an impressive cast featuring Mark Wahlberg, Dylan O’Brien, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Originally slated for release, the film has been rescheduled to debut on Memorial Day (May 31) in 2021.
Fear Street: The New Girl by R.L. Stine
Netflix has acquired the rights to R. L. Stine’s teen horror series, Fear Street, which comprises three books. The forthcoming movie trilogy will be helmed by Leigh Janiak. While release dates haven’t been officially confirmed, whispers suggest that the movies are scheduled for a summer 2021 launch.
Notably, all stories within the interconnected series are set in the fictional town of Shadyside on Fear Street, where fans of Stine’s earlier works, such as Goosebumps, will undoubtedly be keenly anticipating this cinematic adaptation.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
By December 2021, a highly anticipated holiday release is set to hit the screens with ‘The Nightingale’. Adapted from Kristin Hannah’s bestselling historical novel, this cinematic masterpiece takes us on an emotional journey through the lives of two sisters struggling to survive in German-occupied France during World War II.
The movie boasts exceptional direction by Mélanie Laurent and features a talented cast, with real-life siblings Dakota and Elle Fanning bringing depth and authenticity to their portrayals as the courageous sisters.
The Witches by Roald Dahl
Warner Bros. is set to release another cinematic interpretation of Roald Dahl’s beloved novel, ‘The Witches’, in 2021. This marks a follow-up to the 1990 film adaptation, directed by Nicolas Roeg and starring Anjelica Houston. The new movie, penned and helmed by Robert Zemeckis and Guillermo del Toro, promises a spellbinding experience. The story revolves around a young boy and his resourceful grandmother, a retired witch hunter, as they strive to thwart an evil scheme.
Joining forces for this adventure are acclaimed actors Anne Hathaway, Octavia Spencer, and Stanley Tucci.
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann
Paramount Pictures and Apple TV+, in collaboration with renowned director Martin Scorsese, are bringing this highly anticipated true crime western adaptation to life. The production is scheduled to start filming in February 2021, with a projected release later that year. This gripping story centers around the mysterious deaths of Osage Nation members in the 1920s, an era marked by the tribe’s valuable oil reserves. As motive for murder, this lucrative resource was undoubtedly a driving factor.
In response, the newly formed FBI dispatched young J. Edgar Hoover to investigate the crimes, adding a layer of intrigue to an already thrilling narrative.
The Stars at Noon by Denis Johnson
Johnson’s novel unfolds against the tumultuous backdrop of Nicaragua’s 1984 revolution, where a blossoming romance between two outsiders threatens to be consumed by deceit and dark secrets. But what seems like a straightforward love story is complicated by doubts – is the woman truly an American journalist or hiding a more complex identity? Meanwhile, the enigmatic English businessman remains shrouded in mystery.
Little is known about the film adaptation’s release date, except that it’s slated for 2021 and will be directed by Claire Denis, with Robert Pattinson and Margaret Qualley set to star.
Dear Zoe by Philip Beard
In ‘Beard’s novel’, the protagonist, 15-year-old Tess DeNunzio, navigates her grief following the tragic loss of her younger sister, Zoe, who succumbed to a hit-and-run incident on September 11, 2001. The magnitude of that fateful day, however, inadvertently overshadows Zoe’s passing. This poignant tale is told through a unique narrative device: a series of letters written by Tess to Zoe.
Meanwhile, the film adaptation, slated for release in 2021, has an indefinite premiere date yet to be announced.
Movies Based on Books that Should Come Out in 2020–2021
Despite the confirmation of release dates for some films, many others remain shrouded in uncertainty. As we wait with bated breath for further announcements, here are a few more anticipated titles whose fates remain to be determined.
There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins
Coming this October, Netflix will be premiering Perkins’ teen slasher film, just in time for Halloween 2020. The movie follows Sydney Park as a teenager who has recently relocated to her grandmother’s home in Nebraska, seeking refuge from the secrets she’s been hiding. However, her new life is disrupted when a series of brutal murders rocks the community, forcing Park’s character to confront the truth about herself and her past.
As the body count rises, Park must navigate the treacherous landscape of small-town America and uncover the dark secrets that are driving the violence.
The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
In the psychological thriller, Finn’s narrative centers around Anna Fox, a woman grappling with agoraphobia. The plot takes a dark turn when she witnesses the brutal murder of her new neighbor’s wife, only for the family to vehemently deny any involvement. The mystery deepens further with the introduction of a new woman who seemingly takes the victim’s place. The film underwent significant changes in spring 2020, before being delayed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a result, fans are left eagerly anticipating the eventual release of Amy Adams, Gary Oldman, and Anthony Mackie’s performances, which were originally slated for March 2020.
The Power of the Dog by Thomas Savage
In a gripping narrative that delves into the complexities of brotherhood, marriage, and repressed queer sexuality, Savage’s novel offers a thought-provoking exploration of masculinity. The film adaptation, featuring the talents of Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst, is currently in production after experiencing delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although a 2021 release on Netflix seems likely, fans will have to wait just a little while longer for the highly anticipated cinematic treatment.
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