We know we’re not the only ones who brag when we read the book before the movie. But some people are loyal to seeing it on the screen first. Whichever camp you fall into, there’s plenty of both to keep everyone satisfied this year. From steamy historical romances (hello “Bridgerton”) to edge-of-your-seat thrillers, 2022 is already off to a great start with book-to-screen adaptations. Luckily for us, Hollywood’s got a few more up its sleeve. So be ready to update your read and watch list.
Here Are Some Book-To-Screen Adaptations to Watch Out for
“Daisy Jones & the Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This story follows the rise of the fictional 1970s band Daisy Jones & the Six. There’s sex, drugs, and plenty of rock and roll.It’s addictive and fast-paced, and when it comes out on Prime Video this year, this NYT bestseller will definitely be your new streaming obsession.
Expected release date: 2022, TBD
Where to watch it: Prime Video
“Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
This novel tells the story of Kya Clark, nicknamed “the marsh girl” for her recluse lifestyle on the North Carolina coast. When handsome Chase Andrews is murdered, her sleepy town naturally suspects her.And so begins a coming-of-age story that and weaves together love and loss. This book was un-put-down-able and the movie is sure to leave viewers unable to look away. Plus, the movie stars Daisy Edgar Jones, who's making book-to-screen adaptations kind of her thing.
Expected release date: July 2022
Where to watch it: Theaters
“Conversations with Friends” by Sally Rooney
If you loved Hulu's steamy adaptation of 'Normal People,' then buckle up for round two. This story introduces us to Frances and Bobbi, two BFFs who are inseparable. When they meet Melissa at a poetry performance, the woman takes a liking to the girls immediately. She introduces the girls to her world of art and culture and… to her handsome husband, Nick. Bonus: The show features Taylor Swift's SO, Joe Alwyn.
Oh and if you loved the novel, be sure to check out these books we think all millennial women should read.
Expected release date: May 15, 2022
Where to watch it: Hulu
“Luckiest Girl Alive” by Jessica Knoll
After a public humiliation that threatened to destroy everything, Ana FaNelli has finally re-invented herself. Now she has it all – a soaring journalistic career, a wealthy fiance and all the expensive clothes she could ever want. But her secret past still haunts her - a secret so scandalous and painful it threatens to destroy everything. Talk about juicy. And we’re not the only ones who think so. Mila Kunis is set to star. Get excited.
Expected release date: 2022, TBD
Where to watch it: Netflix
“Bullet Train” by Kotaro Isaka
5 assassins on a train trying to kill each other. Need we say more? There’s a revenge plot, a suitcase full of cash that everyone is after and plenty of twists. And it’s all set on a speeding train heading out of Tokyo.There are some big stakes involved in this story and even bigger actors. Think: Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock, Bad Bunny and Zazie Beetz. Let's just say...expectations are high
Expected release date: July 15, 2022.
Where to watch it: Theaters
Don’t Want to Wait? There are Plenty of Films and Shows You Can Watch Now
“Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee
When teenager Sunja falls in love with a wealthy stranger near her coastal town in early 1900s Korea, she sets off a chain of events spanning generations and countries. When she learns she’s pregnant, and that her lover is already married, the trajectory of Sunja’s life changes forever. This dramatic multi-generational saga had us – and apparently the judges at the national book awards – hooked.
Where to watch it: Apple TV
“The Viscount Who Loved Me” by Julia Quinn - (aka Bridgerton, Season 2)
Dearest readers, we’re sure you’ve already binged season one of this regency classic. Now the Shonda Rhimes team is back. This time the story is based on Quinn’s second novel in the series and follows the eldest Bridgerton, Anthony, as he searches for a bride. But it’s not as straightforward as that. Along the way, there are plenty of steamy plotlines and witty banter to keep readers — and Netflix viewers —, err… satisfied.
PS. Want more swoonworthy reads? Check out our round up of best romance novels.
Where to watch: Netflix
“The Sky is Everywhere” by Jandy Nelson
When her sister Bailey dies, Lennie finds herself being drawn to two very different boys: one who helps her forget her grief and one who helps her remember. Heartbreaking and hilarious, this poignant novel makes for a beautiful movie starring Jason Segel and Grace Kaufman.
Where to watch it: Apple TV+
“Death on the Nile” by Agatha Christie
This is the full Agatha Christie experience. Read: a thrill ride from start to finish. Hercule Poirot is ready for an adventure as he embarks on a cruise along the Nile. But when the era’s It Girl is shot in the head aboard the ship, his luxury vacation turns into a classic whodunnit. Dun dun dun.
Where to watch: Theaters or on Hulu
“No Exit” by Taylor Adams
On her way to see her sick mother, Darby is caught in a fierce storm up in the Colorado mountains. All she can do is wait it out in a gas station. This is where things turn interesting: her car is parked next to a van carrying a little girl locked in an animal crate. This chilling story begs the question: what would you do if you were a witness to something horrible?
Where to watch: Hulu
theSkimm
Nothing is better than spending a lazy afternoon reading a book or a cozy night watching a movie. With these book-to-screen adaptations, you can spend your whole day doing both.
If you buy anything from this email, theSkimm may get something in return. Oh, and if something’s out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate too) when we published. Thanks.
Live Smarter
Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes.