Whether you’re a fan of reading the book before the movie or television show, or you just like adapations, this list is for you! I’m sharing a list of 40 book adaptations being made into movies and TV shows in 2021.
When I shared a list of book adaptations last year, I had no idea we were about to go on a wild ride. A lot of the movies and TV shows I talked about got delayed and postponed.
But, there are still a lot of book adaptations planned for 2021. So if you love reading the book before the movie or television show, you’ll have a big list to read in the coming year.
I will be updating this post once more information is available. I’m sure that some of these will be delayed once again, but at least it gives us some things to look forward to in 2021!
Books to Movies and TV in 2021
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
A brand new season of A Discovery of Witches releases on January 8th. The fantasy series follows Diana, a witch who works to solve mysteries and is helped by a vampire, Matthew. It is based on the All Souls trilogy, written by Deborah Harkness. Watch the trailer, here!
The Dig, based on the novel of the same name by John Preston, will have a limited release followed by a release on Netflix at the end of January. The film stars Carey Mulligan, Ralph Fiennes and Lily James, among others. The film follows an archaeologist who works on the excavation of Sutton Hoo in 1938. Watch the trailer, here!
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah’s novel Firefly Lane is receiving a 10 episode adaptation straight to Netflix. The series follows two friends, Tully and Kate from the time they meet as teenagers through adulthood. There is going to be drama, romance, and lots of heartfelt moments. It hits Netflix on February 3rd. Be sure to check out the trailer, here.
Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han
The final movie in the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy will be hitting our screens on February 12th. . Based on the final book, the film will follow Lara Jean during her final year of high school and all that comes with it. If it’s anything like the book and the first two films, it’s going to be super cute! Watch the trailer, here!
Antlers is an upcoming horror film staring Keri Russel and Jesse Plemons. It’s produced by Guillermo del Toro so it’s guaranteed to have some super spooky moments. Based on the short story A Quiet Boy by Nick Antosca, the film follows a school teacher and her brother who are concerned after discovering a student is keeping a supernatural creature at his house. The film releases on February 19th. Watch the trailer, here.
Starring Tom Holland and Ciara Bravo, Cherry is an upcoming movie being released in theatres and on Apple TV+. It’s based on the book of the same name by Nico Walker. It follows Cherry, an army medic who suffers from PTSD and begins robbing banks to help pay for his opioid addiction. The film releases on February 26th.
After being delayed in 2020, Tom Clancy’s novel Without Remorse will finally release in 2021. The film adaptation is an action thriller that follows Navy Seal John Clark who seeks vengeance after the murder of his wife. It’s expected to release on February 26th and stars Michael B Jordan, Jamie Bell, Cam Gigandet and others.
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
After lots of uncertainty, the time has finally come for us to watch Chaos Walking! Based on The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness, Chaos Walking is a science fiction advenutre film starring Tom Holland and Daisy Ridley. In a futuristic dystopian world where all women have disappeared, Todd discovers a mysterious girl named Viola who lands on his planet. The film is expected to release on March 5th.
The Tales of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
Our favourite rabbit is back! Originally set to release in 2020, this sequel will be hitting our screens on April 2nd. This time, we’re following Peter as he runs away from the farm. Peter meets another rabbit who teaches him all about living in the world — and they may have a special link to each other. With James Corden back as the voice of Peter, it’s sure to be a great animated film.
Two Kisses for Maddy by Matthew Logelin
Based on the memoir Two Kisses for Maddy, Fatherhood will be released on April 16th. Starring Kevin Hart, this film follows a Dad who raises his daughter after the death of his wife.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Leigh Bardugo’s popular young adult books are recieving a television adaptation this year. It will be based on Shadow and Bone as well as the Six of Crows series. This upcoming fantasy series follows a young girl with new powers who tries to save her world from magic, darkness and unnatural creatures. The series will hit Netflix in April. Watch the teaser trailer, here!
The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith
Based on the book, The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith, we’re getting a live action Cruella film! Emma Stone stars as Estella de Vill, a fashion designer who is obsessed with dog skins. Also starring Emma Thompson, it’s sure to be a great adaptation to add to Disney’s list of live-action remakes. The film is expected to release on May 28th.
Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
After being delayed in 2020, Death on the Nile is expected to release on September 17th. Kenneth Brannaugh returns as Hercule Poirot. The film follows Hercule’s vacation in Egypt and his hunt for a murderer. I’m a fan of Agatha Christie so I am really looking forward to this adaptation! It also stars Gal Gadot, Rose Leslie, Armie Hammer, Russel Brand, Dawn French and Letitia Wright among others!
Dune is an upcoming science fiction film based ont he novel of the same name by Frank Herbert. The film follows the son of a noble family who is asked to protect a valuable element in the galaxy. The film stars Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, Jason Mamoa and other popular stars. After being delayed in 2020, this long awaited film is sure to be a hit. It’s expected to release in October 1st.
Based on the novel of the same name by Joyce Carol Oates, Blonde is a biographical drama. The film follows the life of Marilyn Monroe in a fictionalized manner. It stars Ana de Armas as Marilyn as well as Adrien Brody, Bobby Cannavale and Julianne Nicholson. The film is expected to release on Netflix sometime in December.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Based on the novel of the same name by Kristin Hannah, The Nightingale adaptation is expected on December 22nd. The Nightingale follows two sisters during the German occupation of France during the Second World War. The film stars real life sisters, Dakota and Elle Fanning.
A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig
A Boy Called Christmas is an upcoming family film based ont he novel of the same name by Matt Haig. The film stars Meryl Streep, Kristen Wig, Jim Broadbent and other popular celebrities. The movie follows a young boy named Nikolas and his adventures; it’s a reimagining of Father Christmas. It’s sure to be a great holiday film and will probably be released in late 2021.
A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult
Jodi Picoult’s novel is being adapted into a limited television series. Starring Joey King, the film is about a gunman entering a woman’s health clinic and taking those inside hostage. A police-hostage negotiator arrives and soon finds out that his teenage daughter is inside the clinic. It’s sure to be dramatic, sad and extremely heart-wrenching
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is receiving a limited series adaptation on HBO Max. This series will star Lupita Nyong’o and is written by Danai Gurira. It follows two Nigerian immigrants and the struggles that come with life, immigration and love.
Based on the novel of the same name by Andy Weir, Artemis is an upcoming science fiction movie. After the success of The Martian, this movie adaptation has been discussed for a while. The film is set on the moon and follows Jazz, a part time smuggler who accepts an illegal job for extra money.
Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough
Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough is reciving a mini series on Netflix. This psychologic thriller follows a single mother who begins an affair with her boss but also has a strong friendship with his wife. The love triangle has secrets, twists and turns and lots of suspense. It’s expected to release sometime in 2021.
Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney
Conversations with Friends is an upcoming television series on Hulu based on the book of the same name by Sally Rooney. It follows Frances and her friend Bobbi and the relationship they form with an older married couple.
Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s popular novel of the same name is being adapted into a television series. The show will follow Daisy Jones and her rock band, The Six, during the 70s. The show will star Riley Keough, Sebastian Chaco and Sam Claflin among others.
Based on the Fear Street novels by RL Stine, a trio of movies is expected in mid-2021. The films will be released on Netflix, possibly with one movie a month throughout the middle of 2021. Set in 1994, the movies will focus on a group of teens and the mysterious events happening in their town. Fans of Goosebumps and the Fear Street series are going to love these spooky movies!
Based on the Marvel Comics character, Hawkeye is an upcoming television show on Disney+. Starring Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld, the series will follow Clint Barton as he trains a new mentee, Kate Bishop. It’s expected to release in late 2021 as part of Phase Four of Marvel’s Universe.
Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between by Jennifer E Smith
Jennifer E Smith’s contemporary romance novel is recieving a film adaptation. While it’s not certain whether it will get a 2021 release, it’s possible. The film will follow Clare and Aidan who decide to break up before college and the last evening they spend together as a couple. The film will star Jordan Fisher, Jennifer Robertson, Julia Benson and more.
Macbeth by William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare’s Macbeth is receiving an adaptation, possibly in 2021. The film follows a Scottish Lord who is convinced by three witches that he will become the King of Scotland and his desperate attempt to gain power. The film is set to star Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand and other popular stars.
Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift
Based on the novel of the same name by Graham Swift, Mothering Sunday is an upcoming British drama. It stars Odessa Young, Josh O’Connor, Olivia Colman and Colin Firth. It follows a maid in post WWI England and her plans to meet with the man she loves before he marries another woman.
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
Another Liane Moriarty book is recieving an adaptation! Nine Perfect Strangers is a mini series set to stream on Hulu sometime in 2021. The series will star Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Luke Evans and other stars. It features nine strangers who attend a wellness retreat run by a mysterious woman named Masha.
One of Us is Lying by Karen M McManus
Karen M McManus’ popular young adult mystery, One of Us is Lying, is being adapted into a television series. While this show is still in development, it’s possible it could release in 2021. The show will follow a group of teens in detention who become suspects once one of the teens dies.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
Rick Riordan’s popular middle grade series is receiving a new adaptation, this time as a television series. It’s possible that it could release in 2021, although it’s not certain. Rick Riordan is heavily involved in this adaptation, which will air on Disney+. The series follows Percy Jackson and his adventures as he travels to find Zeus’ lightning bolt.
Pinnochio is getting a brand new adaptation this year but with a twist. With Guillermo del Toro at the helm, this classic story is bound to be a bit more spooky and dark. The animated film follows Pinnochio, a wooden puppet who turns into a real boy and his nose that grows when he lies. The film will feature the voices of Ewan McGregor, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Christoph Waltz and Finn Wolfhard, among others.
The Kissing Booth by Beth Reekles
The Kissing Booth by Beth Reekles is getting a third film in 2021. The film was secretly shot at the same time as the sequel. It will follow Elle in her final summer before college and the decisions she needs to make. Joey King, Joel Courtney, Jacob Elordi and Molly Ringwald are all set to return. The film is in post-production and is expected to release on Netflix sometime in 2021.
The Last Letter from Your Lover by Jojo Moyes
Another Jojo Moyes novel is getting an adaptation! Starring Felicity Jones, Shailene Woodley and Joe Alwyn, the film follows a journalist who finds the letters of star-crossed lovers from the 1960s.
The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski
Henry Cavill is back in the second season of The Witcher. It’s set to stream on Netflix sometime in 2021 – possibly the first quarter. Based on The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski, the series follows Geralt of Rivia as he hunts monsters and his ultimate destiny.
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandi Nelson
Jandi Nelson’s young adult novel is receiving a film adaptation, possibly in 2021. The film will star Grace Kaufman, Jason Segel and Cherry Jones. The film follows Lennie who is struggling with the death of her older sister and starts a relationship with both her sister’s former fiancé and a new boy in town. The film is set to stream on Apple TV+.
The Woman in the Window by AJ Finn
Based on the novel of the same name, The Woman in the Window was supposed to be released in 2020. Due to the pandemic, it was delayed and is expected to release sometime in 2021. The film is a psychological thriller that follows a woman who spies on her neighbours and will star Amy Adams.
There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins
Stephanie Perkins’ thriller There’s Someone Inside Your House is receiving a film adaptation. The film follows Makani who transfers to a high school in Osborne, Nebraska and is suddenly at the centre of a number of horrific murders. The film is set to stream on Netflix sometime in 2021.
They Wish They Were Us by Jessica Goodman
Jessica Goodman’s debut young adult novel They Wish They Were Us is receiving a mini television series called The Player’s Table. It follows Jill as she works to solve the murder of her best friend Shaila. Set at an elite boarding school, the book and the upcoming show will give strong Gossip Girl vibes and is sure to be a great adaptation.
The hit Broadway show Wicked is finally getting a feature film adaptation. Based on the novel Wicked by Gregory Maguire, it is a spin-off from The Wizard of Oz and gives the origins of the Wicked Witch of the West. THere is a possibility that it will release sometime in 2021, although it could be delayed.
You is back for a third season sometime in 2021. Based on the novel by Caroline Kepnes, it follows Joe, a bookstore manager who becomes infatuated and obssessed with his romantic relationships. Caroline Kepnes is set to release a third book in April of 2021 and it will probably play a role in the newest season of the show.
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A really helpful post, Victoria. Thank you for sharing!
Sounds like fun!