There’s something magical about diving into a great book before checking out the movie or TV show. You get to picture the whole world in your head first — the characters, the vibe, all the little details that sometimes get lost on screen — and then sit back and see how filmmakers bring it all to life.
Here’s a fun list of great books that have popular movie adaptations (plus one exciting upcoming one) and where you can stream or watch them right now.
Whether you settle in with the page first or plan a movie night afterward, these picks are a treat either way.
If you’re in the mood to go even deeper into book-to-movie adaptations, I put together another list of must-read books that were turned into films. It’s a different lineup with a slightly different vibe, but the same “read it first” energy. Check it out here if you’re looking for even more ideas for your TBR before movie night.
The Book Thief — Markus Zusak (Historical Fiction)
About the Book:
Set in Nazi Germany, this novel follows young Liesel — a book-loving girl who steals books, learns to read with the help of her foster father, and discovers the power of words amid war and loss.
Movie Adaptation Details:
The 2013 film The Book Thief was directed by Brian Percival and stars Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, and Sophie Nélisse. It’s heartfelt and emotional, with a beautiful score by John Williams.
Where to Watch:
The movie can be rented or purchased on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. It’s also streaming on BYUtv and available in certain regions on Disney+.
Why Read First: Zusak’s narration and inner monologues give emotional texture and depth that enrich what you see on screen.
When Death has a story to tell, you listen.
It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.
Happiness for Beginners — Katherine Center (Romantic Comedy / Contemporary)
About the Book:
This warm and funny novel is about a newly divorced woman who signs up for a wilderness training course — and ends up finding growth, friendship, and unexpected romance.
Movie Adaptation Details:
Released on Netflix in 2023, the film stars Ellie Kemper and Luke Grimes. It captures the novel’s cozy feel and gently uplifting tone.
Where to Watch:
The adaptation is streaming on Netflix.
Why Read First: Reading the book lets you savor the protagonist’s inner transformation before seeing it play out on screen.
Helen Carpenter can’t quite seem to bounce back. Newly divorced at thirty-two, her life has fallen apart beyond her ability to put it together again. So when her annoying younger brother, Duncan, convinces her to sign up for a hardcore wilderness survival course in the backwoods of Wyoming―she hopes it’ll be exactly what she needs.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry — Gabrielle Zevin (Contemporary Fiction / Feel-Good)
About the Book:
This is a lovely, heartfelt story about a widowed bookstore owner whose life is slowly reshaped by community, connection, and the healing power of stories.
Movie Adaptation Details:
The book was adapted into a feature film in 2022, starring Kunal Nayyar, Lucy Hale, and Christina Hendricks. It’s gentle, thoughtful, and very book-lover friendly.
Where to Watch:
The film is streaming on Netflix.
Why Read First: Zevin’s rich character moments and charming prose set the emotional groundwork that makes the movie even sweeter.
A. J. Fikry’s life is not at all what he expected it to be. He lives alone, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. But when a mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its unexpected arrival gives Fikry the chance to make his life over—and see everything anew.
Portrait of a Thief — Grace D. Li (Crime / Thriller / YA)
About the Book:
This compelling heist novel follows a group of Chinese-American students trying to recover looted artworks from Western institutions. It’s sharp, thoughtful, and full of tension.
Adaptation Info:
Netflix has acquired the rights to adapt this book (likely as a series), though the official adaptation has not yet premiered. Because it’s in active development, it’s the perfect one to read before it hits screens.
Where You’ll Likely Watch (When It’s Released):
Based on current reports, the screen adaptation will premiere on Netflix once it’s completed.
Why Read First: You’ll be ahead of the curve — knowing the twists and motivations before the show’s launch.
History is told by the conquerors. Across the Western world, museums display the spoils of war, of conquest, of colonialism: priceless pieces of art looted from other countries, kept even now.
Will Chen plans to steal them back.
Why Reading First Matters
Books are such a personal thing, right? The way you get into the characters’ heads, the little details, and the flow of the writing all change how you feel about a story — stuff that might not translate well to the screen. When you read the book before watching the movie, you get to dive into the world on your own first, and then check out how the filmmakers put their spin on it. It’s like experiencing two takes on the same story — both awesome but in totally different ways.
Each character embodies the qualities of the archetype they represent. Begin with Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump as the Fool, Morgan Freeman in Shawshank Redemption for Temperance, and Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music for the Sun, and you’ll find a perfectly suited character represents every card.
