We all love a good book-to-screen adaptation: from the iconic “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy to the incredibly popular “Game of Thrones” series, what more proof do you need? Luckily for all of us cinema-lovers, 2024 seems quite promising when it comes to book-to-movie adaptations!
If you’re interested in seeing your favorite book become a reality, this is your year. Here are our top favorite picks of 2024 book-to-movie adaptations.
1. The Dig
Based on the 2007 novel by John Preston, “The Dig” follows the story of a 1939 excavation in The United Kingdom. While it’s based on historical events, the film has its own creative twists and turns that will keep you glued to the screen. The movie was released in early 2024 on Netflix as a limited release.
It stars Carey Mulligan as Edith Pretty, Ralph Fiennes as Basil Brown, and Lily James as Peggy Piggott and is directed by the talented Simon Stone (famous for his work in the European theatre scene).
Overall, it’s a historical drama with some phenomenal acting and an interesting story, making it completely worth watching.
2. French Exit.
If you haven’t read Patrick DeWitt’s surreal comedy, perhaps it’s time to see it in action instead! Follow a penniless widow and her son to their comedic adventures in Paris accompanied by her cat, who also seems to be the reincarnation of her late husband. What could possibly go wrong? See it for yourself in this incredibly fun story, brought to life by Michelle Pfeiffer, Lucas Hedges, and Tracy Letts with Azazel Jacobs as the director.
The movie received mixed reviews, but what stands out the most is the acclaim of Pfeiffer’s incredible performance, often described as Oscar-worthy. It’s not for everyone’s taste, but all things considered, you certainly won’t be bored while watching!
3. Always and Forever, Lara Jean.
Let’s be realistic: guilty pleasure or not, we all enjoy a good teen romance once in a while. The highly anticipated final movie to the “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” trilogy (also a book series by Jenny Han), is undoubtedly something to look forward to in 2024. It’s fun, heart-warming, and soon hitting your Netflix, so what’s not to love?
If you liked the previous two movies, then Lana Condor and Noah Centineo won’t disappoint you this time either. It’s a perfect excuse for a romantic Netflix night with your significant other, so make sure not to miss it!
4. Journey to Hell.
Coming to theatres this fall, this excellent movie based on the best-selling book by John Bunyan, which is also called Journey to Hell, explores religious themes in a way you’ve never experienced before. Recently called a “masterpiece of the faith genre”, it will undoubtedly send some chills down your spine.
The plot follows a man on his lifelong Journey to Hell, allowing us to recognize and reflect on our own life and misdoings. It’s an incredibly well-written story with an ending that will keep you thinking about the movie’s message for days after you’ve watched it for the first time.
5. Marry Me.
Well, after you’ve seen the incredibly complex “Journey to Hell”, you’ll probably want to unwind with something a bit “lighter”. That’s where this light-hearted movie(based on a Bobby Crosby novel of the same name) comes into action. You’ll see JLo and Owen Wilson act out a story of a famous pop star who decides to marry her super-fan after learning of her husband’s infidelity.
If you’re a romantic-comedy genre lover, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy this incredible story. Besides, seeing Jennifer Lopez on the movie screens is always an enjoyable experience, especially if you’re a fan of hers.
6. Deep Water.
The movie follows a dramatic story about a man who tries to save his marriage by starting an open relationship with his wife. Very soon after, things seem to go south as her lovers begin to disappear under suspicious circumstances. It’s a movie full of engaging plot twists that will keep you entertained until the end.
The two main actors, Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas became an off-screen couple during the filming, which only adds depth to their already incredible performances. Overall, this movie is certainly something to look forward to this year, so remember not to miss the summer premiere.
7. Death on the Nile.
Our favorite Belgian detective is back to the cinema screens with yet another adaptation of Agata Christie’s “Death on the Nile” (starring Gal Gadot and Kenneth Branagh). The greatest classic of the detective/mystery genre never disappoints, so don’t miss it when it hits your local cinema!
If you haven’t read the book, the plot revolves around Hercule Poirot, a famous detective, who is trying to solve a murder of a young heiress while vacationing on the Nile. The story is full of twists and turns, so get your “little gray cells to work” and try to solve the case before Poirot does!
8. Dark Harvest.
If Halloween is your favorite time of the year, then you’ll be thrilled to hear that Norman Partridge’s classic horror story is coming to our screens this fall. A story about the mysterious entity called the October Boy that haunts a small Mid-Western town is nothing short of chilling. You’ll follow a young boy called Pete McCormick who’s looking to face the monster and all of its secrets. Will he succeed or not? That’s left to you to find out, so remember to get your tickets in the time for the premiere!
Overall, we expect it to be the horror movie of the year, making it a perfect Halloween treat for all of you horror lovers out there.
The bottom line
If you’re a bookworm who also enjoys the seventh art immensely, then book-turned movie adaptations are probably your favorite type of media. If so, you have a lot to be excited about in the following months. Check out our list of some books that are coming to life on the big screen this year, and remember to book those tickets in time! We’re certain you’ll enjoy your time at the cinema, so bring a friend or two while you’re at it!
