No matter the era, books have served as perfect source material for films. Whether it’s your favorite novel or a recommendation from a friend, when the books you read become film adaptations, you’re immediately given the chance to see how the movie in your mind actually translates to the screen.
In 2025, we were gifted an array of films—both on the big screen and on streaming services—inspired by some of literature’s best. From two new adaptations of a Stephen King novel to the back half of an origin story that has been adapted into a musical, whatever genre you fancy, the year in film brought books to life in extraordinary fashion.
—
### 10. The Woman in Cabin 10
In the Netflix film adaptation of Ruth Ware’s novel *The Woman in Cabin 10*, the thrills are brought to the high seas. Directed by Simon Stone, the psychological thriller follows journalist Lo Blacklock (Keira Knightley), who goes on assignment covering a charity charter aboard a luxury yacht to Norway. While on board, she witnesses a violent event and becomes convinced that a woman was thrown overboard—but the crew insists all passengers are accounted for.
No one believes her, so Lo investigates on her own, putting her life in danger as she battles her own self-doubt and traumatic past. Imagine an Agatha Christie mystery with a much darker tone, set on a claustrophobic luxury yacht where there’s nowhere to run. Although it can feel a bit contrived and overstuffed at times, *The Woman in Cabin 10* is a must-watch for mystery lovers, especially those who have already enjoyed Netflix’s *Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.*
With dazzling performances by Guy Pearce, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and Hannah Waddingham supporting Knightley, this thrilling hour-and-a-half adventure does a fine job bringing the book to life.
—
### 9. The Life List
Adapted from Lori Nelson Spielman’s best-selling novel, *The Life List* premiered on Netflix this year. Directed by Adam Brooks, the romantic comedy follows Alex Rose (Sofia Carson) as she attempts to complete her childhood “bucket list” to earn her inheritance from her late mother, Elizabeth (Connie Britton).
Along the way, Alex embarks on a journey of self-discovery, grief processing, and rediscovering her true self—with a little love thrown in. Exploring the theme of finding purpose by revisiting youthful dreams, *The Life List* is a cozy comfort watch that encourages viewers to live life to the fullest.
While it follows a somewhat formulaic rom-com structure, Carson delivers a remarkable performance, guiding audiences through heartwarming sentimentality. Not groundbreaking cinema, but a feel-good tearjerker that will leave you content.
—
### 8. The Long Walk
After more than four decades, Stephen King’s *The Long Walk* finally found its way to the big screen. This adrenaline-fueled dystopian survival thriller centers on 50 boys forced to compete in an annually televised walking marathon where they must maintain a pace of three miles per hour nonstop. Failure after three warnings results in death.
The last boy standing wins a large cash prize and the fulfillment of one wish. In many ways, *The Long Walk* was *The Hunger Games* before Suzanne Collins created her series. Set in a dystopian 1970s America, the film is a visceral story of survival, control, and human endurance.
It opens viewers’ eyes to the lengths people will go for sacrifice, hope, and rebellion against oppression. Though not as flashy as some other King adaptations, it remains gripping thanks to strong performances by Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson. A must-watch life-or-death thriller.
—
### 7. The Running Man
Some writer-director partnerships are simply dream teams. Edgar Wright’s adaptation of Stephen King’s *The Running Man* is one such partnership. This 2025 adaptation replaces Arnold Schwarzenegger with today’s top action star Glen Powell.
Set in a poverty-stricken future, the dystopian sci-fi thriller follows desperate man Ben Richards (Powell), who is forced to survive 30 days on a deadly reality TV show while being hunted by assassins and the public. The prize? A massive cash reward to save his sick daughter.
*The Running Man* is essentially *The Hunger Games* on steroids and benefits from Wright’s signature style and relentless pacing. Powell stands out in the central role, supported by a wide-ranging cast including Josh Brolin, Coleman Domingo, Michael Cera, and Emilia Jones.
This version is more faithful to the book, honoring its darker themes of corporate control and media manipulation. Expect *The Running Man* to become your dad’s new favorite action film.
—
### 6. On Swift Horses
2025 proved to be a significant year for Jacob Elordi, who stars in two notable book adaptations. First up is *On Swift Horses*, based on Shannon Pufahl’s 2019 novel. Released in April, this historical romantic drama explores post-Korean War forbidden love.
Muriel (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Lee (Will Poulter) are starting anew, but everything changes when Muriel’s charismatic, gambler brother-in-law Julius (Elordi) arrives. Rather than settling in San Diego as Lee hopes, Julius heads to Las Vegas, where he falls for a co-worker, Henry (Diego Calva).
Meanwhile, Muriel seeks her own secret life, drawn to horse racing and Julius, though her neighbor Sandra (Sasha Calle) unexpectedly disrupts everything. *On Swift Horses* is a stunning journey of self-discovery that shines a light on shocking taboos of the era, including sexuality, society, and morality.
Filled with sincerity and heartbreak, it’s a tender adaptation led by a wonderful cast.
—
### 5. The Thursday Murder Club
There’s something undeniably charming about a cozy murder mystery. Netflix’s *The Thursday Murder Club* is one of the most delightful films this year, based on Richard Osman’s 2020 novel.
The story follows four seniors living in a retirement home: Elizabeth Best (Helen Mirren), Ron Ritchie (Pierce Brosnan), Professor Ibrahim Arif (Ben Kingsley), and Joyce Medowcroft (Celia Imrie). They meet weekly to solve cold cases until a real murder lands at their doorstep, prompting a hands-on investigation.
Filled with humor, friendship, mischief, baked goods, and an enticing mystery, the film perfectly uses genre tropes while spotlighting a generation that refuses to be sidelined. Featuring Jonathan Pryce and David Tennant in the supporting cast, *The Thursday Murder Club* warmed hearts and left audiences eager for more.
—
### 4. Mickey 17
Robert Pattinson continues to evolve his career with daring roles like this year’s *Mickey 17*. Based on Edward Ashton’s novel, the sci-fi story is set in 2054 and follows Mickey, a disposable worker on a space colony who is cloned every time he dies.
When Mickey 17 seemingly dies but returns, the colony prints Mickey 18, leading to two identical versions vying for existence amid class struggles, corporate greed, and alien threats. Directed by Bong Joon Ho, *Mickey 17* explores themes of identity, death, and survival with brilliant flair.
Set on the harsh ice planet Niflheim, the film balances stunning visuals and sharp storytelling—ranging from slapstick comedy and absurdism to hints of horror. It’s a strong, elaborate exploration of the dehumanization expected in our future.
—
### 3. Wicked: For Good
Who can say if we’ve been changed for the better? What everyone agrees on is that we’ve been changed for good. *Wicked: For Good* brings the second half of the hit musical to life in a beautiful conclusion.
Based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel—a reimagining of L. Frank Baum’s *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*—the sequel follows Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) as political turmoil in Oz threatens their friendship and futures.
Showing how the two witches earned their “good” and “wicked” titles, the film wraps up the epic story. Directed by Jon M. Chu, it honors both the stage show and novel, introducing themes and plotlines unique to the book.
Stephen Schwartz also contributed two new songs, “No Place Like Home” and “The Girl in the Bubble,” performed by the lead actresses. Darker in tone than the first film, *Wicked: For Good* satisfies musical theater lovers, culminating with a heartfelt nod to the original artwork.
—
### 2. One Battle After Another
Inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s novel *Vineland*, writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson’s *One Battle After Another* brings Leonardo DiCaprio to action-thriller territory with a rambunctious style.
DiCaprio stars as Bob, a washed-up and paranoid revolutionary living off the grid with his self-reliant daughter, Willa (Chase Infiniti). When his nemesis (Sean Penn) resurfaces and Willa goes missing, Bob embarks on a desperate search, confronting their shared past.
This wild, action-packed black comedy explores purpose in a chaotic America through a generational clash. At its core, it’s a father’s quest to find his daughter; beneath the surface, it satirizes political extremism.
DiCaprio delivers one of his most unhinged performances to date—a drastic but welcome change. The ensemble shines, especially Teyana Taylor in a breakout role deserving of award-season buzz.
—
### 1. Frankenstein
Sometimes passion projects become the most glorious creations. That’s certainly true for Guillermo del Toro’s *Frankenstein*, starring Jacob Elordi as the Creature.
Taking some liberties but staying closer to Mary Shelley’s original novel than the 1931 film, *Frankenstein* tells the story of egotistical scientist Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac), whose experiments with life and death have dangerous consequences.
Under del Toro’s visionary direction, the film features breathtaking visuals and reignites our love for gothic thrillers. This new monstrous creation brings fresh life to the classic tale, reminding us why *Frankenstein* remains a timeless story.
—
2025 was truly a remarkable year for book adaptations in film. From thrilling mysteries and heartwarming romances to dystopian survival tales and fantasy musicals, literature continues to inspire extraordinary cinematic experiences that captivate audiences worldwide.
https://collider.com/best-2025-movies-based-on-books-ranked/
