With the impact of phenomena like BookTok, thriving reading communities on platforms like Goodreads and Storygraph, and an increased obsession with tropes, the early 2020s has seen a new generation embrace the affirmation and insight reading provides. Characters both refreshing and controversial sit at the center of seemingly eternal debates about morality, identity, as well as the meaning and the magic of life.
In 2025, a slew of books have been announced as inspirations for onscreen adaptations. From romantic comedies penned by the likes of “Funny Story” author Emily Henry, thrillers from writers like Stephen King, and overlooked sci-fi epics, these films have the potential to translate the themes, essence, and unique qualities of their respective novels into wonderful films that also leave audiences inspired, reflective, and aware about life’s many trails.
Here are 10 upcoming movies based on books that made the New York Times Best Sellers list.
10
‘Mickey 17’
March 7, 2025
Infamously known for its multiple delays, Mickey 17 sees Robert Pattinson star in a Bong Joon Ho-directed piece about a world where human cloning is a reality. Looking for a stable source of income, Mickey Barnes (Pattinson) signs up to be an “expendable”, a clone worker sent on dangerous missions equipped with the ability to regenerate. Based in the human colony of Niflheim, Mickey becomes the center of an overlooked discrepancy, resulting in a greater mission to underline the oppressive laws and beliefs of the colonial government.
An Inventive, Futuristic Look at Life, Love, and Labor
Based on the 2022 novel “Mickey 7” by Edward Ashton, the film joins a captivating collection of stories that explore how identity, politics, and capitalism influence technology and are later influenced by it. When explaining the inspiration behind the novel, Ashton revealed that he strived to create a piece that envisions a “crappy immortality” within the context of an “exploitative social structure.” Alongside Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Mark Ruffalo, and Toni Collette star in this promising look at an imaginative, surreal reflection of reality.
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Bong Joon-ho’s ‘Mickey 17’ is even better than the first reviews suggested.
9
‘The Electric State’
March 7, 2025
Greatly inspired by a 2018 graphic novel of the same name, The Electric State sees the Russo brothers create and promise audiences a stimulating story about a young girl (Millie Bobby Brown) who meets an easy-going robot named Cosmo. After Cosmo reveals that they may have knowledge about her missing brother, the young girl travels with Cosmo and soon partners with unlikely allies like Keats (Chris Pratt), a human smuggler. One adventure leads into another once the trio unearth a grand web of lies.
An Exciting Sci-Fi Journey to the Truth
At this point, sentient androids are a must in science fiction. With a genuine interest in artificial intelligence and the manufactured promotion of such technology by investors and corporations alike, it not only makes sense for filmmakers to explore life alongside artificial intelligence, but their range in mimicking human emotion, ambition, and more. The Electric State teases a wonderful, touching yet exhilarating adventure in a world not so far removed from the present.
8
‘The Friend’
March 28, 2025
Release Date
March 28, 2025
Runtime
120 Minutes
Director
Scott McGehee, David Siegel
Writers
Scott McGehee, Sigrid Nunez, David Siegel
Producers
Liza Chasin, Naomi Watts
The Friend, initially premiering during the summer film festival season, sees Naomi Watts as Iris, a woman whose otherwise mundane life writing and teaching in New York becomes interrupted by the death of her friend Walter (Bill Murray). Left with the responsibility of taking care of Walter’s dog Apollo, Iris encounters expected obstacles such as the rough transition period, as well as the existential excavation prompted by the sudden loss of Walter.
A Seemingly Quaint Portrait of Life
Currently sitting at a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, the upcoming adaptation of the 2018 Sigrid Nunez novel has been cherished by critics for its ability to be accessibility and emotional depth. Iris’ journey with Apollo will automatically win over anyone that values the relationship between humanity and their designated canine best friends. However, the stellar writing also strengthens the storytelling, including just enough substance to spark worthwhile reflection about the inevitability of death and the meaning of life.
7
‘The Amateur’
April 11, 2025
Release Date
April 9, 2025
Director
James Hawes
Writers
Gary Spinelli
The Amateur sees Rami Malek in an espionage thriller following one man’s pursuit of justice. CIA cartographer Charles Heller (Malek) is moved to act after he loses his wife during a terrorist attack in London. Frustrated with the lack of resources allocated towards catching those responsible for said attack, Charles takes the initiative to train himself, maneuvering through the agency to obtain the necessary equipment to find those who murdered his wife and bring them to justice.
A Quest to Amend Neglected Justice
Based on the familiar premise alone, The Amateur falls in line with most crime thrillers. Adapted from the Robert Littell novel of the same name, the 2025 rendition would be the second film adaptation, following the 1981 film starring John Savage. Aside from exploring Charles’ grief, if the film captures the essence of the novel, one can expect an examination of American foreign policy, the motivations for said terrorism, and a mind-shifting truth that leaves some illuminated about the mechanisms of the world and others jaded.
6
‘The Life of Chuck’
June 6, 2025
Diverting from typical expectations of their respective works, The Life of Chuck is a collaboration between Stephen King and Mike Flanagan. Some of the two most influential creatives in the world of horror, the film is a rather jovial and optimistic story of the titular Chuck, portrayed by Tom Hiddleston. Following him from the moment he was orphaned and taken into his grandparents’ care, to the tribulations that wait for him in adulthood, Chuck leads through life with a whimsical and optimistic heart.
The Preciousness of Human Life, Explored
Despite the lighter notes of the film, the science fiction drama still juggles common themes found in both Flanagan and King’s work. Grief, trauma, and hope, in spite of the impossible, remain central beliefs in the story, offering an oddly cathartic execution of the initial iteration of the plot. Hiddleston, Kate Siegel, and Karen Gillian stand as some of the many performances that illustrate the universality of these themes, the complexities of an individual’s relationship with their fate, and the omnipresence of free will, even at one’s most dire moments.
5
‘Animal Farm’
July 11, 2025
The long-beloved George Orwell novel has been repeatedly adapted, with its themes of agency, community, and authoritarianism resonating with everyone from the average reader to, reportedly, the CIA. Set on a fictional farm in Willington, England, the story sees a group of animals develop a political philosophy that offers greater autonomy for said animals. After overthrowing their human overseer, the animals are soon embroiled in insular conflicts that threaten to prevent them from achieving their initial vision of paradise.
A Promising Adaptation of a Critical Classic
Announced in 2018, Andy Serkis was announced as the star and the director of the upcoming adaptation. Confirmed to be a Netflix production, Kieran Culkin and Kathleen Turner have reportedly been tapped for undisclosed roles in the film. According to IMDb. In an interview with Collider, Serkis teased a “darkly comic” rendition with new additions that will hopefully crystallize aspirations for the story to reach new generations and audiences alike.
4
‘The Running Man’
November 7, 2025
Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name and loosely inspired by the Arnold Schwarzenegger-led film adaptation from 1987, The Running Man is a sci-fi horror film that sees a group of contestants fending for their lives in hopes of earning a lucrative cash prize and access to greater social luxury. Hoping to care for his ill daughter and relieve his wife of her responsibilities as a sex worker, recently blacklisted Ben Richards opts for the titular game competition series. However, the fatal encounter leaves Ben, his competitors and audiences with much to consider about the craving for brutality, lack of humanity, and what one would do for their loved ones.
A Dystopian, Life-Threatening Race to Stability
With Glen Powell starring as Ben Richards, alongside a cast including Katy O’Brian (Love Lies Bleeding), Daniel Ezra (All American), and Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), to name a few, this recent reevaluation of a story detailing the collapse of the world economy, totalitarianism, and the spectacle of survival. Building upon the momentum Powell drew with films like Twisters, Anyone But You, and Hit-Man, The Running Man has the possibility to cement the actor as one of 2020s leading thespians while also illustrating the grave consequences of government corruption and casual dehumanization.
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Wright’s adaptation will also adhere to the source material much better than the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger flick did.
3
The Housemaid
December 25, 2025
The Housemaid
Release Date
December 25, 2025
Writers
Freida McFadden, Rebecca Sonnenshine
Producers
Alex Young
The Housemaid is an upcoming domestic thriller that reintroduces familiar audiences with Millie (Sydney Sweeney), the titular housemaid. Working for the Winchesters, Millie practically knows everything there is to know about Nina (Amanda Seyfried) and Andrew (Brandon Sklenar) Winchester, their daughter, and their expectations of her. Or so she thinks. Prying into their private lives, Millie acknowledges Nina’s secrets and Andrew’s pain. On one fateful day, however, Millie makes a crucial decision that changes the dynamic of their working relationship for the foreseeable future.
A Gripping Domestic Terror Unfolds
The Housemaid is the first of an ongoing series of novels penned by Freida McFadden. The book dives into common human emotions like envy, resentment, and curiosity, within the context of a home with a clear hierarchy. While the home is seen by many as a place of refuge and security, any given home contains its share of secrets that would shatter the veneer of joy and comfort most families aim to project.
2
‘People We Meet on Vacation’
TBA, 2025
People We Meet on Vacation
Writers
Emily Henry, Yulin Kuang
Producers
Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, Isaac Klausner
People We Meet on Vacation currently stands as one of the most cherished romantic books to come out of the early days of the pandemic. Readers are quickly introduced to Poppy Wright, an amusing and bubbly New York-based travel writer, and her best friend Alex Nilsen, a teacher and writer based in Indiana. While the two have made it a tradition to travel together during the summer, an awkward experience causes a disruption in their plans, and their relationship. Two years have passed and Poppy receives word of David, Alex’s brother, getting married. Hoping to repair their fractured relationship, Poppy plans a work-free vacation with Alex in the days leading up to the wedding.
An Introspective, Amusing Journey Towards Joy
The novel is both humorous and heartfelt. While Poppy and Alex instantly charm readers with their distinct yet relatable personalities, the book dives into questions about what makes a vacation truly memorable, what or who makes a place home, and the everlasting exploration of what love and happiness look and feel like. While the date has yet to be released, Emily Bader and Tom Blyth have been tapped for the roles of Poppy and Alex respectively. With the success of films like Anyone But You, People We Meet On Vacation could be the film that feeds into a continued excitement surrounding rom-coms.
1
‘Klara and the Sun’
TBA, 2025
While there has yet to be a set date for the sci-fi drama, Klara and The Sun focuses on the titular solar-powered android who ponders about her own loneliness. When paired with a child suffering from an illness, Klara’s (Jenna Ortega) limited knowledge of the world expands and begins a new journey of transformation. Alongside Ortega, Amy Adams has been confirmed to portray Chrissie, Josie’s mother.
A Sentimental, Sci-Fi Exploration of Consideration and Curiosity
Adapted from the 2018 novel penned by British author, British writer Kazuo Ishiguro, the story complicates common-held opinions about love, and more so about humanity’s impact on technology. While some believe that technology is inherently evil or an area of research to be weary of, much of that skepticism comes from the manipulation of production and technology by corporate greed and hubris. However, the same could be said about technology created by those who value kindness, appreciation, and empathy.
Between the subtle interrogation of its creators, as well as the sentience of androids, Klara and The Sun could very well be a moving piece imploring audiences to reconsider their perception and relationship with technology.
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