Here’s an exploration of notable book-to-screen adaptations that made their debut in 2024, each bringing beloved or intriguing literary works to life in new ways. These films not only entertain but also invite audiences to consider the original books, offering new perspectives on these stories’ messages and relevance today.
These adaptations illustrate 2024’s diverse cinematic offerings, blending different genres, tones, and themes, each drawing on the unique qualities of its source material to appeal to both existing fans and new audiences. Whether you enjoy suspense, romance, or introspective sci-fi, this year’s adaptations offer something for everyone, with thoughtful direction and standout performances bringing each story to life.
Spaceman
Based on Jaroslav Kalfar’s Spaceman of Bohemia, this Netflix adaptation stars Adam Sandler as an astronaut on a surreal solo mission to the edge of the solar system. His character, who must navigate both personal crises on Earth and a strange alien encounter, brings a deeply emotional layer to Kalfar’s sci-fi novel, which mixes existential musings with a narrative about survival and alien contact. The adaptation has been praised for balancing humor and introspection, with Sandler’s performance providing a fresh take on the complexities of isolation.
The Watchers
Directed by Ishana Night Shyamalan (daughter of M. Night Shyamalan), The Watchers adapts A.M. Shine’s novel into a tense horror-thriller. The film centers on an artist stranded in an Irish forest, forced to survive alongside other lost strangers while mysterious beings monitor them. Shyamalan’s direction has brought suspense and eerie atmospheres to life, making the film a must-watch for horror fans.
It Ends With Us
Colleen Hoover’s bestseller It Ends With Us made its way to the big screen in 2024, directed by and starring Justin Baldoni alongside Blake Lively. The story delves into complex relationships and difficult themes around love and trauma, with Lively’s portrayal of Lily capturing the character’s struggles between past and present relationships. Hoover’s fans and new viewers alike have found the adaptation thought-provoking, with the film offering fresh discussions on love and resilience.
Cold Storage
Liam Neeson stars in Cold Storage, a thriller adapted from David Koepp’s novel about a military facility harboring a deadly microorganism. When the organism escapes, a former bioterror expert and two unlikely heroes are forced into a mission to contain it. The movie balances high-stakes action with chilling moments, capturing the novel’s suspenseful tone and exploring themes of biosecurity and human vulnerability in the face of microbial threats.
The Idea of You
Based on Robinne Lee’s novel, The Idea of You tells the story of a single mother (played by Anne Hathaway) who finds unexpected romance with a young pop star at a music festival. The film, streaming on Prime Video, explores the dynamics of age, fame, and societal expectations. It’s been celebrated as both an escapist romance and a poignant reflection on personal reinvention and self-acceptance.
Perfect
A unique entry in the adaptation list, Perfect tells the true story of gymnast Kerri Strug and her iconic vault at the 1996 Olympics. Based on Strug’s memoir, the film showcases the emotional and physical endurance behind one of the most memorable moments in sports history. Strug’s journey and the sacrifices that come with pursuing greatness make this adaptation both inspiring and heart-wrenching.
Harold and the Purple Crayon
Beloved children’s book Harold and the Purple Crayon finally made its way to the screen in 2024, directed by Carlos Saldanha. This live-action adaptation stars Zachary Levi and Zooey Deschanel in a whimsical, family-friendly exploration of Harold’s boundless creativity. While remaining true to the book’s sense of wonder, the film adds a storyline that makes it accessible and enjoyable for modern audiences of all ages.