The success of Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune has set a new standard for cinematic science fiction. While George Lucas’ Star Wars franchise has dominated the genre for decades, it is well-known that the foundation of his universe was built on Herbert’s Dune series.
Now, with the success of Dune, there are several other science fiction books that could potentially be adapted into epic films and bring more diversity to the genre.
1. Dawn by Octavia Butler
Dawn is the first book in the Lilith’s Brood trilogy, written by Octavia Butler. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where Earth has been destroyed by a nuclear war. The remaining humans are rescued by an alien race known as the Oankali, who take them aboard their spaceship and put them into a deep sleep.
The Oankali are a benevolent extraterrestrial race with three genders, who have a constant desire to merge with other civilizations. They have been observing humans for a long time and have learned everything about the human race, including its worst transgressions and its greatest progress. They decide to heal planet Earth and make it sustainable again. They cure all forms of cancer that once plagued humankind and increase their overall vitality to be stronger than before.
Lilith is the protagonist of the story, and she wakes up from her centuries-long slumber aboard the Oankali spaceship. The aliens choose her to lead humanity through its redux, but at a price. They want her to become the mother to the first Oankali/human child, a blending of both races. This doesn’t sit well with the rest of surviving humanity, and Lilith faces a difficult path ahead of her.
The story is unique in that it deviates from the typical human-alien confrontation tropes often seen in extraterrestrial films and puts a spin on the popular post-apocalyptic genre. Instead of aliens either destroying or outright ignoring the plight of humanity on Earth, we see a benevolent race that chooses to save us from ourselves and give us a second chance.
Like Dune, we see Lilith as somewhat of a messiah figure, leading a people to a newfound paradise similar to that of Paul Atreides on Arrakis. The story would make for a compelling movie adaptation, and it would be interesting to see how the themes of identity, humanity, and survival are explored on the big screen.
2. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, published in 1932, is a dystopian novel set in a futuristic society known as the World State. The society is divided into a social hierarchy based on intelligence, with material comfort and sexual pleasure being the only things that matter. The book has great potential to become a fantastic movie due to its mesmerizing treatment of the dystopian future and humanity’s dependence on sex and drugs.
The main character of the novel is Bernard Max, a psychologist who becomes discontented with the system and society. He is joined by Lenina Crowne, who listens to Bernard and wants to spend some time with him away from the technologically advanced world of London and in the savage world. From there, they bring up a man who was born naturally in London, where he is called “The Savage” and treated like an animal in the zoo.
The rest of the story shows how the man, John, is treated and how he hates the synthetic society of London. The novel acts as a mirror in which we can see how easy it is to control people with the promise of pleasure. The book can become a great dystopian sci-fi movie if given the right treatment.
One of the most notable features of the book is its world-building and scientific advancements in society. The society depicted in the novel is highly advanced, with a range of technologies and scientific advancements that are used to control and manipulate individuals. The use of a drug called Soma is also a key feature of the society, which is used to achieve material comfort and sexual pleasure.
3. The Book of the New Sun Series by Gene Wolfe
Gene Wolfe’s The Book of the New Sun is a highly acclaimed series that is often compared to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. The series consists of four books and follows the journey of Severian, an apprentice to the Guild of Torturers on a planet called Urth. The first book, The Shadow of the Torturer, introduces Severian as he saves the life of an aristocrat named Vodalus, which leads to his exile from the guild.
The series takes place in a distant future where technology has regressed to a medieval level, and the world is filled with strange creatures and mythical beings. Severian’s journey through his exile leads him to encounter various challenges and adventures as he discovers the secrets of his world and his own identity.
With the lack of sci-fi/fantasy stories comparable to that of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings on the big screen, The Book of the New Sun offers a unique and captivating story that could broaden the scope of the genre. Its intricate plot, richly imagined world, and complex characters make it a must-read for any fan of the fantasy genre.
4. The Long Tomorrow by Leigh Brackett
Leigh Brackett’s The Long Tomorrow is a science-fiction novel that was published in 1955, predating Frank Herbert’s Dune series. The novel is set in a post-nuclear holocaust America, making it one of the earliest works in the genre to portray such a setting. The story revolves around two young cousins, Len and Esau, who are living in a world where all civilization has been destroyed by a nuclear apocalypse.
In this world, the ruling authorities in the small communities have forbidden the construction of larger cities and have declared all forms of technology as evil. However, Len and Esau are not content with their meager existence on a farm and set out to find Bartorstown, which is rumored to be the last remaining city. Along the way, they begin to question the beliefs that have sustained humanity since the war and their own convictions.
The novel’s plot bears a subtle resemblance to Dune, as it features a post-apocalyptic world where technology is forbidden, and the main characters embark on a journey to find a fabled city. The exceptional writing in The Long Tomorrow and the immersive cinematography that could bring the alternate version of the world to life make it a strong contender for a unique sci-fi feature film.
5. Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie
Ann Leckie’s Ancillary Justice is a trilogy of award-winning novels that tells the story of Breq, an AI who finds herself living inside a human body on a remote, icy planet. Breq was once the benevolent Justice of Toren, a massive starship with a powerful artificial intelligence network that linked thousands of soldiers working in the service of the Radch, the ruling empire of the galaxy.
However, a treasonous act led to the complete destruction of her ship, and she was exiled to this planet with numerous questions and a desire for vengeance driving her forward.
Ancillary Justice is an exceptional philosophical introspective about artificial intelligence, mixed with a healthy dose of political intrigue. It is a story that would be perfectly suited for the big screen.
The book explores the concept of AI and its relationship with humanity in a unique and thought-provoking way. The political intrigue adds an extra layer of complexity to the story, making it a captivating read for all science fiction lovers.
6. The Stars Are Legion by Kameron Hurley
In 2017, Kameron Hurley published a space opera titled The Stars Are Legion, which draws inspiration from Dune and The Fall of Hyperion. The story takes place in the outer rim of the universe, where a group of world-ships known as the Legion are gradually decaying. The Legion has been embroiled in a never-ending war for control for centuries.
The protagonist of the story is Zan, a young girl who wakes up from a long slumber with no memory of her past life. She is considered the key to the salvation of the Legion because she is the only person who can board and pilot the world ship Mokshi, which is capable of breaking free from the Legion’s gravity well.
However, Zan soon discovers that she holds the power to both destroy and save the entire Legion. She must choose a side in a genocidal campaign that will take her to the darkest depths of the Legion.
The Stars Are Legion presents a fascinating and terrifying world on the edge of the universe, led by a strong young girl who bears a resemblance to Dune‘s Paul Atreides. The story would make for an ambitious and powerful movie experience.
7. The Foundation Series by Isaac Asimov
Isaac Asimov’s groundbreaking science fiction trilogy, The Foundation Series, was first published in the 1950s and is considered one of the most influential works of its time in the genre. The story is set in a galaxy controlled by the indomitable entity known as the Galactic Empire, which has ruled over all for a staggering twelve thousand years.
The protagonist of the story is Hari Seldon, a unique man who is the creator of a newfound science called psychohistory. He is the only person who can see far into the future and thus witnesses an inevitable doom that is fated to befall the entire galaxy. He envisions the next thirty thousand years full of barbarism, ignorance, and never-ending warfare and embarks on a mission to preserve all knowledge and save humankind.
Hari Seldon travels to a remote planet at the furthest edge of the galaxy with the greatest minds in the Galactic Empire, an assortment of scholars and scientists, and builds a new sanctuary on the planet known as The Foundation. There he hopes to serve as a beacon of survival for humanity and turn the tide on its fated descent into violent destruction, all in the hopes of forging a new, greater empire.
Asimov’s storytelling and world-building within an entire galaxy are exceptional, and his series could definitely be adapted to the big screen in scale relative to that of Dune. In fact, the story has since come to life on the smaller screen courtesy of a collaborative project by Apple TV+ called Foundation. A cinematic feature could build even further upon that.
8. A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine
Arkady Martine’s 2019 novel, A Memory Called Empire, is a captivating and thrilling science fiction story. The novel takes place in an imaginary empire called Teixcalaanli, where the protagonist, Mahit Dzmare, visits as an ambassador from Lsel Station. However, things take an unexpected turn when Mahit’s predecessor’s consciousness storage machine malfunctions, leaving her without a guide in a complex political environment.
The book is a combination of science fiction, murder mystery, and political warfare, making it a unique and exciting read for fans of the genre. Martine’s storytelling abilities have received critical acclaim, and it is no surprise that the book has been well-received by readers.
The novel’s intricate plot and well-developed characters have the potential to make for an excellent movie adaptation. Science fiction enthusiasts worldwide are likely to enjoy the story’s depth and complexity, making it a great choice for a movie adaptation. We look forward to seeing more of Martine’s works in the future.
9. The Windup Girl by Paolo Baciagalupi
The Windup Girl is a biopunk novel set in the 23rd century in Thailand. The world is facing a severe energy crisis as all forms of carbon fuels have been exhausted, and the effects of climate change have led to a rise in ocean water levels globally. To combat this, humanity now relies on windup springs as their primary energy source. However, mega-corporations control this world and have forced biotechnologically mutated seeds to be the primary food source across the planet, leading to various illnesses and plagues.
Thailand is the only country that has been able to avoid these genetically mutated seeds and bioterrorism as they have their own reserve of viable seeds. The story takes place in this close-bordered Thailand, where a political turmoil plagues the city of Bangkok, causing many deaths. At the center of this turmoil is a genetically modified girl named Emiko, also known as a ‘windup girl,’ who was created as a companion for wealthy people. Despite being banned in Thailand, Emiko ended up there through a Japanese delegate and had to become a sex worker. Throughout the book, Emiko’s goal is to be able to meet more people like her and live with them.
The Windup Girl presents a unique and fascinating take on the future of the earth and humanity’s role in it. The book’s immersive world-building and extensive plotline make for a gripping read. The reality of the world portrayed in the book is grim, but it is presented in a very realistic way. As a biopunk sci-fi novel, The Windup Girl would make a phenomenal movie if adapted.
10. Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
Red Mars is a science fiction novel written by Kim Stanley Robinson, published in 1996. It is the first book in a trilogy that explores the colonization and terraforming of Mars by a group of one hundred scientists from Earth. The novel is set in the future, where humanity has finally achieved its centuries-old dream of reaching and colonizing Mars.
The novel begins with the arrival of the scientists on Mars after a nine-month journey through space. They establish a human colony on the cold, red desert planet and begin the process of transforming it into a more Earth-like environment. This is achieved through the use of satellite mirrors placed into orbit to reflect light toward the planet.
However, as the colony grows and the process of terraforming continues, power struggles and disagreements emerge among the colonists. These disputes revolve around the continued development of the planet and who controls what. The novel explores the potential for humanity to repeat the same mistakes that led to the downfall of their home planet.
Robinson’s extensive research and vivid descriptions of realistic technology and the colonization process have been praised. The novel’s detailed portrayal of a future Mars could easily be adapted into a film, especially given the current fascination with the planet’s potential for human exploration and colonization.
11. The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
N.K. Jemisin’s award-winning trilogy, The Fifth Season, is a captivating story set in a far future version of Earth. In this world, the planet is a single giant continent known as the Stillness, which is plagued by catastrophic weather events called the Fifth Season. The story opens with one such event, which tears apart a family when a son is murdered, and a daughter goes missing.
The Stillness is a brutal and unforgiving world, where magic users are enslaved, and political power struggles with magical power, leading to a revolution. Jemisin’s story presents a unique vision of Earth’s future, one that is vastly different from our world.
The story’s setting is reminiscent of prehistoric times, where the world was dominated by a single supercontinent. However, in this world, the continent is controlled by raw, natural power, and the inhabitants are at the mercy of the elements. The story’s magic system is also a significant element, with magic users being oppressed and enslaved, leading to a political power struggle.
Overall, The Fifth Season is a fascinating and vivid take on Earth’s future, where the planet’s natural power takes control, and magic struggles to thrive under political oppression. The story’s themes of power, oppression, and revolution are reminiscent of other science fiction classics, such as Dune.
12. Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey
Leviathan Wakes is a science fiction novel that was written by Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck, who use the pen-name James S. A. Corey. The book is the first in a series called Expanse, and it is set in a future where humans have colonized the entire solar system. The UN controls Earth, while the Martian Congressional Republic controls Mars, and both superpowers have control over the Belters, who are the people that work in the Asteroid Belt.
The story of the novel revolves around two main characters, Jim Holden and detective Joe Miller. Holden and his crew discover an abandoned ship called Scopuli and uncover a secret that some people are willing to kill for. Meanwhile, Miller is searching for a girl and realizes that the girl he is looking for might be the missing piece of the puzzle. As the story progresses, the two characters are drawn into a brewing war in the solar system.
Leviathan Wakes is an exhilarating book that offers a thrilling mystery and a glimpse into the future of humanity. The story is well-paced, and the characters are well-developed, making it an enjoyable read for sci-fi fans. The book has received critical acclaim and has been praised for its world-building, character development, and plot.
The Expanse series currently has four books, and Leviathan Wakes is the first one. The series has the potential to become a fantastic movie series, much like Dune, if it is treated correctly. Overall, Leviathan Wakes is a fantastic read that will keep readers engaged from start to finish.
13. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula Le Guin
Ursula Le Guin’s novel, The Left Hand of Darkness, published in 1987, is widely regarded as one of the most famous works in the science fiction genre. The novel’s protagonist, Genly Ai, is a human ambassador sent to a distant and freezing planet called Gethen, also known as ‘Winter’. There, he encounters an alien culture that is mystifying and unique, where gender is fluid and sexual prejudice is non-existent.
Genly Ai’s task is to bridge the gap between his own beliefs and those of the Gethen natives, and convince them to join the Ekumen, a galactic confederation of planets that values cultural tolerance. However, this is not an easy task, and Genly Ai must undertake a treacherous journey with a Gethen native over a massive ice sheet for 80 days, an experience that nearly costs him his life.
The novel’s exploration of a society that is free from gender bias and prejudice is both captivating and thought-provoking. It also provides a unique perspective on the importance of cultural differences and the challenges that come with bridging those differences.
14. Hyperion by Dan Simmons
Hyperion by Dan Simmons is a science fiction novel that was first published in 1990. The book is the first of a four-part series that tells the story of seven individuals on a sacred journey to the planet Hyperion. The story is told in a Canterbury Tales-style space opera that combines elements of science fiction and fantasy.
The seven individuals on the journey to Hyperion include a pilgrim, a poet, a scholar, a soldier, a detective, a consul, and a priest. Hyperion is a unique planet that has no portal connection to other neighboring planets and exists outside all manner of galactic law. Inside the Valley of the Time Tombs on Hyperion resides a mythical beast known as The Shrike that is worshipped by some and feared by others.
The seven individuals set out to vanquish The Shrike, each holding a burdensome secret, and one may hold the one hope for humanity. The story is set in the far future, and while the rest of the galaxy is on the verge of war-torn Armageddon, these seven individuals embark on a perilous journey to vanquish the creature.
The book series has the potential to become a feature film, much like the recent adaptation of Dune. Bradley Cooper is currently developing the book for a feature film. The unique science fiction story follows a group of characters on a long journey to a new, distant world full of alien mysteries and otherworldly dangers, led by an untold destiny that could change the course of humanity.
15. This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
“This is How You Lose the Time War” by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone is a novella that offers a unique and exceptional take on the popular enemies-to-lovers trope. The book tells the story of two time-traveling agents, Red and Blue, who belong to warring factions. As they travel through various timelines, they leave secret messages for each other, which start off as taunting but gradually turn into flirting and love.
The novella’s epistolary nature, filled with many taunting letters, is a refreshing take on storytelling that can be beautifully portrayed on screen. The book’s use of time travel is also different from other sci-fi books and movies, making it stand out as a must-read for sci-fi fans.
The authors’ writing style is engaging and captivating, making it hard to put the book down. The gradual development of Red and Blue’s relationship, from enemies to lovers, is well-paced and believable. The book’s ending is both satisfying and heart-wrenching, leaving readers with a sense of longing and wanting more.
Summary
Several science fiction books have been adapted into movies, and the trend continues with Dune. Some of the books that have been adapted include Ender’s Game, The Hunger Games, and Ready Player One. These adaptations have been successful in capturing the essence of the original books while also appealing to a wider audience. With the increasing popularity of science fiction, it is likely that more books will be adapted into movies in the future.