The 6 Best Book Adaptations Streaming on Netflix Right Now

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Book adaptations are more popular than ever, and Netflix has a fantastic selection available for streaming. With a huge library of films and shows – many of which are Netflix originals – the service stays competitive with platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. It’s always interesting to discuss the best shows on Netflix, and with adaptations, it’s worth considering whether viewers are drawn to the story itself or because they enjoyed the original book.

How people feel about a book or story adapted for the screen often depends on a few things. While staying faithful to the original is important, changes to the plot don’t always ruin an adaptation – sometimes, a reimagining can be incredibly captivating and enjoyable. Netflix, in particular, has produced many excellent book-to-screen adaptations, from short series to full-length movies, that are definitely worth checking out.

‘The Witcher’ (2019-)


Netflix

As a huge fantasy fan, I’ve been really enjoying The Witcher. It’s based on the books by Andrzej Sapkowski, and I played the video games too, so it’s cool to see both worlds come together. The show is set in this amazing, made-up world called the Continent, and it’s packed with magic and adventure. It mostly follows Geralt of Rivia, this incredibly skilled monster hunter – you can’t miss him with his long white hair and serious demeanor! But it’s not just about him; characters like Ciri, the princess of Cintra, and the powerful sorceress Yennefer are just as compelling.

Despite some imperfections, The Witcher has earned praise for its exciting action, compelling character dynamics, and beautiful visuals. With Season 5 officially happening and Liam Hemsworth now playing Geralt, it’s a great time to start watching the show on Netflix.

‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ (2024-)


BBC

I was completely hooked by A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder! It’s based on Holly Jackson’s fantastic novel, and follows Pip, a British teen who bravely reopens a closed case – she’s convinced the wrong person is in jail for a missing girl. When it came out in 2024, everyone was talking about the ending, and honestly, it’s brilliant. Plus, Emma Myers is amazing as Pip, and the whole show is just a really gripping murder mystery that keeps you guessing!

This six-episode TV series is based on the first book in a trilogy, but it doesn’t cover the plot points from the second book, As Good As Dead, or the short story that comes before it, Kill Joy. The show was picked up for another season in November 2024, giving fans a sense of what to expect, though adaptations often make changes to the original story.

‘Bridgerton’ (2020-)


Netflix

Bridgerton is arguably Netflix’s most popular book-to-screen adaptation. Inspired by Julia Quinn’s novels, the show centers on the Bridgerton family and explores the love life of each of the eight siblings. While some viewers have pointed out changes from the original books and the tendency for characters to disappear after their storylines conclude, Bridgerton remains a captivating series.

With the conclusion of Bridgerton Season 4, fans are already looking forward to Season 5, which will focus on either Francesca or Eloise. While Bridgerton isn’t a strictly faithful adaptation of the books, many of the changes made have actually been seen as improvements, particularly in how the characters are developed. The success of the prequel, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, which skillfully combines historical elements with fictional storytelling to depict the early years of Queen Charlotte and King George’s marriage, is nearly as high as the original series.

‘The Lost Daughter’ (2021)


Netflix

Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut, The Lost Daughter, is a compelling adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s 2006 novel. The film centers on Leda, a translator and professor, who connects with a young mother named Nina while on vacation in Greece. Gyllenhaal skillfully portrays the complex psychological story of Leda’s past and her experiences with early motherhood. Staying largely faithful to the original book – a point that fans appreciated – the film beautifully brings Ferrante’s narrative to the screen.

Even if you haven’t read the book it’s based on, The Lost Daughter is a captivating film. It’s a brilliant adaptation, but also stands strongly on its own. Nominated for three Oscars, including Best Adapted Screenplay for Maggie Gyllenhaal, the movie is a thrilling experience that explores complex themes like family history and the challenges of parenthood, and will stay with you long after you’ve seen it.

‘The Haunting of Hill House’ (2018)


Netflix

Inspired by Shirley Jackson’s classic 1959 gothic novel, The Haunting of Hill House is widely considered one of the best supernatural horror series of the last decade. Many viewers believe it’s Netflix’s best original series, largely due to its compelling story, which is often praised as a standout example of the horror genre. The show follows the five Crain siblings and explores their unsettling experiences living in the infamous Hill House, using two different time periods to tell their story.

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Even eight years after it first came out, The Haunting of Hill House continues to scare viewers. While Shirley Jackson’s original novel remains a classic horror story, Mike Flanagan’s Netflix series brilliantly builds upon that foundation. With stunning visuals and truly shocking twists – including one considered among the best in television history – this show is essential viewing.

‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (2020)


Netflix

After its release in 2020, the series The Queen’s Gambit became incredibly popular and led to a surge in chessboard sales worldwide. The show follows Beth Harmon, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, as she discovers chess as a child and quickly becomes a talented player, eventually competing at the highest levels. But The Queen’s Gambit is more than just a story about chess; it’s also a compelling look at Beth’s personal struggles with addiction and her internal challenges.

While based on Walter Tevis’ 1983 novel, The Queen’s Gambit stands out from typical book adaptations. Although the story and characters are made up, the series draws inspiration from real chess prodigies, leading some viewers to believe it’s a true story. Regardless, this doesn’t detract from the show’s captivating and addictive nature – it’s a compelling watch from beginning to end.

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2026-03-05 04:22