This year has seen some srsly amazing on-screen adaptations of popular books. From Victorian era blockbusters to fresh new rom-coms, here’s a roundup of the best new book-to-screen movies and TV shows that won’t leave you disappointed.

Frankenstein 

While there have been plenty of films based on Mary Shelley’s beloved Gothic novel, this year’s rendition takes the story in a whole new direction (and don’t take our word for it–check out its three Oscar wins!). From the brilliant mind of Guillermo del Toro, this modern retelling is both visually stunning and thematically powerful. With Jacob Elordi and Mia Goth, to name a few, this masterpiece is a chilling and award-winning experience.

People We Meet On Vacation

We love a good rom-com, and this adaptation of Emily Henry’s adorable beach read served all we asked for. With Tom Blyth as the buttoned-up rule-follower Alex and Emily Bader as the spontaneous adventurer Poppy, it follows two best friends whose annual vacation pact becomes complicated by real feelings. It’s sweet, swoon-worthy and will make you want to book a flight to your next travel destination as soon as it’s over.

Wuthering Heights

Ofc, we couldn’t forget the period piece that’s had us flocking to the movie theaters for the past month. Featuring Jacob Elordi (again) and Margot Robbie, it’s a beautiful retelling of a classic Brontё tragedy. It chronicles the romance between Heathcliff, who was rescued from the London streets as a boy, and Catherine, the daughter of the wealthy Mr. Earnshaw, who owns the estate of Wuthering Heights. While it took a slightly tangential path from its source material, its visual design and the chemistry between the leads will certainly make for a fun movie night. 

XO, Kitty

While not based on a book in and of itself, it’s a spin-off of the beloved To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before series and is created by Jenny Han. This adorable Netflix series features Anna Cathcart as Kitty, the witty and bold youngest Covey sister, who took the Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS) by storm in the first two seasons. Now, with Season 3 out now (with the promised Lana Condor feature as the beloved Lara Jean), it might just be time for a watch (or rewatch) to get hyped.

Hamnet

Last but certainly not least, we have this heartwrenching period drama based on Maggie O’Farrell’s book (another Oscar-winner for Best Actress in a Leading Role!). This film is on the heavier side, but it’s so worth the tears for its incredible acting by Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, the Jupe brothers and the rest of the cast, and its beautiful storytelling. It tells the story behind the inspiration for Shakespeare’s beloved play Hamlet. Warning: Bring tissues.

Check out our Insta @girlslifemag for more movie night ideas!

Bookish inspo incoming…
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