This genre of television series is a treat to both bookworms and movie buffs. Book adaptations, if done right, can make the stories come alive. However, there are many ways that it can go wrong as well. But today we will discuss the top 10 series that have done the book adaptation on point.
The series on this list have big fandoms and are no doubt famous. The books that the series is based on are even more popular. You might come across one of your favorite books or series on this list. So let’s get into it!
10. Orange Is The New Black
The comedy-drama series is based on Piper Kerman’s memoir ‘Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison’. It captures her experiences at FCI Danbury, a minimum security federal prison. Apart from several nominations, the series has also received an American Film Institute award and a Peabody Award.
Related: Top 25 Movies Based On Books, Ranked
The story revolves around Taylor Schilling’s Piper Chapman as she gets sentenced to 15 months in Litchfield Penitentiary, a minimum-security women’s federal prison.
9. Lupin
This French series is different from the others in this list. Given that it’s faithful to its source material more in spirit than in letter. ‘Lupin’ is a nod to novelist Maurice Leblanc’s gentleman thief Arsène Lupin.
The show transposes the character to the present day in the form of Assane Diop. Assane models himself after Lupin as he dives into his world through the books. He is on a quest to avenge his father and takes on Lupin through the tales he reads from Maurice Leblanc’s novel.
8. Bridgerton
The ‘Bridgerton‘ fever has taken over the internet with the drop of the third season. The Netflix series, again, needs no introduction. Created by Chris Van Dusen for Netflix, it is based on the book series by Julia Quinn. The best-selling books are about the Bridgerton family and an alternative London Regency era. As a new social season begins, the Bridgertons find love in the most unexpected places. The series has captured the romance and passion while adding some of their own twists to the tale.
7. All The Light We Cannot See
This 2014 book does not need any introduction. It’s a celebrated war novel by Anthony Doerr and has won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, besides being featured on The New York Times Bestseller list for over 200 weeks and selling over 15 million copies. The book was adapted into a miniseries for Netflix and directed by Shawn Levy.
The series stars Aria Mia Loberti, Mark Ruffalo, and Hugh Laurie. Set in a war-torn France during World War II, the story revolves around a blind French girl named Marie-Laure and a German soldier named Werner.
6. Outlander
This Ronald D. Moore television series is based on Diana Gabaldon’s novel series. ‘Outlander‘ premiered in 2014. The novel has won many awards itself with the series bagging many awards including Critic’s Choice Awards. A romance with time travel and war ‘Outlander’ is a story that will leave you wanting more. Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heughan have done an incredible job portraying the fearless characters from the book. If you like time travel and romance, ‘Outlander’ is a must-watch and a must-read.
5. The Queen’s Gambit
This Netflix series has been one of the most talked about and most watched series at the time of its premiere. The Anya Taylor-Joy starrer is based on the 1983 novel of the same name by Walter Tevis.
‘The Queen’s Gambit’ refers to a chess opening. The story centers around Beth Harmon, a fictional American chess prodigy. She struggles with drug and alcohol dependency as she makes her journey to the top of the chess world.
4. The Witcher
Another hit Netflix series, and one that made Henry Cavill a household name. Did you know that ‘The Witcher’ is a book adaptation of a Polish book series by Andrzej Sapkowski?
The fictional world of the Continent is full of danger at every corner. But our knight in shining armor is Geralt of Rivia, the monster hunter. Along with Yennefer of Vengerberg and Princess Ciri, they set off on a mission that can make or break their world.
3. The Handmaid’s Tale
‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ is a remarkable tale of resilience. The dystopian series is based on Margaret Atwood’s award-winning 1985 novel. It has received many Primetime Emmy Awards and also a Golden Globe for Best Television Series.
This is a story of female perseverance and how easily women are targeted in any political upheaval. The story delves into a totalitarian, theocratic government that has divided society into classes and subjects fertile women to slavery.
2. The Haunting Of Hill House
Directed by Mike Flanagan, this horror drama has set a new standard for supernatural storytelling on screen. The series is based on Shirley Jackson’s gothic horror novel. It’s the first entry in ‘The Haunting‘ anthology series and has been adapted into two feature films and a play aside from the Netflix series.
The story follows five siblings and their paranormal experiences at Hill House. Although they leave the house behind, the haunting still traumatizes them which makes them return to Hill House for a fateful encounter.
1. Game Of Thrones
The biggest book adaptation ever made has to be ‘Game Of Thrones‘ based on ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ series by George R.R. Martin. The drama has a special place in TV history. A prequel series ‘House Of The Dragon‘ has also been adapted on the screen based on Martin’s ‘Fire and Blood’.
But, spanning across eight seasons, the original show traces the political situation, betrayals, and mystique of Westeros. The series offers a magnificent blend of familial tussles, dragon fights, and world-building, all leading up to the Iron Throne.
