In recent years, Netflix movies based on books have taken center stage in the streaming world, offering viewers a wide range of compelling adaptations, from young adult romances to intense thrillers and high-budget action blockbusters.
These Netflix film adaptations are more than just cinematic retellings; they often reshape the source material to suit a global audience, giving beloved novels new life on screen.
Whether you’re curious about how Netflix reimagines best-selling novels or interested in the differences between the book and the Netflix movie, this guide explores the streaming giant’s most talked-about book-to-movie adaptations. From faithful recreations to bold reinterpretations, these films reflect Netflix’s growing investment in literary content that resonates with both readers and casual viewers alike.
Here is a table featuring the Netflix movies based on books, including their film name, year of release, book title, author, and IMDb rating (as of the latest available data):
Top Netflix Movies Based on a Book
| Film Name | Year | Based on Book | Author(s) | Based on the Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enola Holmes | 2020 | The Enola Holmes Mysteries | Nancy Springer | 6.6 |
| The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society | 2018 | The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society | Mary Ann Shaffer, Annie Barrows | 7.3 |
| Mudbound | 2017 | Mudbound | Hillary Jordan | 7.4 |
| The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind | 2019 | The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind | William Kamkwamba, Bryan Mealer | 7.6 |
| Fear Street Trilogy | 2021 | Fear Street series | R.L. Stine | 6.2–6.7 |
| All the Bright Places | 2020 | All the Bright Places | Jennifer Niven | 6.5 |
| The Pale Blue Eye | 2022 | The Pale Blue Eye | Louis Bayard | 6.6 |
| Lady Chatterley’s Lover | 2022 | Lady Chatterley’s Lover | D.H. Lawrence | 6.7 |
| The Wonder | 2022 | The Wonder | Emma Donoghue | 6.6 |
| Beasts of No Nation | 2015 | Beasts of No Nation | Uzodinma Iweala | 7.7 |
| Passing | 2021 | Passing | Nella Larsen | 6.7 |
| All Quiet on the Western Front | 2022 | All Quiet on the Western Front | Erich Maria Remarque | 7.8 |
| Extraction | 2020 | Ciudad (graphic novel) | Ande Parks, Joe & Anthony Russo | 6.8 |
| The Gray Man | 2022 | The Gray Man series | Mark Greaney | 6.5 |
| To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before | 2018 | To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before | Jenny Han | 7.0 |
| Leave the World Behind | 2023 | Leave the World Behind | Rumaan Alam | 6.5 |
| Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical | 2022 | Matilda | Roald Dahl | 7.0 |
Note: IMDb ratings are rounded and may change over time. The Fear Street trilogy consists of three parts, so ratings vary slightly across the entries.
Enola Holmes (2020)
Based on Nancy Springer’s The Enola Holmes Mysteries, this film follows Sherlock Holmes’ rebellious teenage sister as she solves her own mystery. With a charming performance by Millie Bobby Brown, the film blends mystery and empowerment, reimagining the Victorian era with modern feminist flair while staying true to the book’s youthful spirit.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018)
Adapted from the beloved novel by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, this romantic historical drama centers on a writer who uncovers a story of resistance and friendship in post-WWII Guernsey. The film captures the book’s warmth and nostalgic tone while streamlining subplots for cinematic clarity.
Mudbound (2017)
Based on Hillary Jordan’s novel, Mudbound is a powerful tale of race, family, and post-war trauma in the Mississippi Delta. Director Dee Rees brings the book’s multiple perspectives to life with stunning performances and historical depth, making this one of Netflix’s most critically acclaimed literary adaptations.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)
Chiwetel Ejiofor adapts and directs this inspiring true story based on William Kamkwamba’s memoir. The film remains faithful to the book’s themes of resilience and ingenuity, showing how a Malawian boy built a windmill to save his village during a famine.
Fear Street Trilogy (2021)
Loosely based on R.L. Stine’s Fear Street books, this horror trilogy combines 90s slasher nostalgia with a surprisingly rich mythology. While the films take creative liberties, they capture the pulpy, thrilling essence of the original series, tailored for a modern audience.
All the Bright Places (2020)
Based on Jennifer Niven’s bestselling YA novel, this romantic drama explores love, loss, and mental health. While the film softens some of the book’s darker elements, it retains the emotional core and delivers moving performances from Elle Fanning and Justice Smith.
The Pale Blue Eye (2022)
Adapted from Louis Bayard’s gothic mystery, this film follows a detective and a young Edgar Allan Poe investigating a series of murders at West Point. With a moody aesthetic and deliberate pacing, the adaptation leans into the novel’s historical intrigue and literary roots.
Lady Chatterley’s Lover (2022)
This sensual adaptation of D.H. Lawrence’s controversial novel brings its themes of forbidden love and class defiance to life with elegant cinematography and a modern sensibility. While the film takes liberties with pacing and tone, it stays faithful to the book’s core message.
The Wonder (2022)
Based on Emma Donoghue’s novel, The Wonder tells the haunting story of a nurse investigating a “fasting girl” in 1860s Ireland. The adaptation mirrors the book’s psychological depth and religious undertones, carried by Florence Pugh’s nuanced performance.
Beasts of No Nation (2015)
Adapted from Uzodinma Iweala’s harrowing novel, this war drama follows a child soldier in an unnamed African country. Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, the film’s raw intensity and emotional weight match the book’s brutal realism and heartbreaking narrative.
Passing (2021)
Based on Nella Larsen’s 1929 novel, Passing explores racial identity and societal constraints in 1920s Harlem. Shot in black and white, the film captures the novel’s subtle tension and moral ambiguity, staying remarkably faithful to its introspective tone.
All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
This German-language adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque’s anti-war classic delivers a harrowing portrayal of WWI. While it diverges in plot from the novel, it powerfully conveys the same message about the horrors and futility of war, with stark visuals and haunting performances.
Extraction (2020)
Loosely based on the graphic novel Ciudad by Ande Parks and the Russo brothers, this high-octane thriller stars Chris Hemsworth as a mercenary on a deadly rescue mission. The adaptation amplifies the action while simplifying the plot, focusing more on spectacle than depth.
The Gray Man (2022)
Adapted from Mark Greaney’s spy thriller series, The Gray Man brings CIA operative Court Gentry to the screen in a fast-paced, globe-trotting adventure. While the film modernizes and condenses the novel’s plot, it retains the high-stakes intensity and moral ambiguity.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
Jenny Han’s YA romance was adapted into a charming teen rom-com that sparked a franchise. The film captures the heart and humor of the original book, with relatable characters and a sweet message about love, identity, and growing up.
Leave the World Behind (2023)
Based on Rumaan Alam’s apocalyptic novel, this psychological thriller delves into uncertainty and trust during a mysterious global event. The adaptation intensifies the suspense and expands character dynamics, blending social commentary with existential dread.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical (2022)
This adaptation of the stage musical, itself based on Roald Dahl’s classic, reimagines Matilda as a vibrant, empowering musical. With catchy songs and theatrical flair, it retains the book’s charm and wit while introducing the story to a new generation.
Netflix continues to bring captivating stories from the pages of beloved books to life on screen, offering something for every type of viewer—from thrilling action and heartfelt romance to haunting dramas and inspiring true stories. Whether you’re a book lover curious about how these adaptations compare or a movie fan looking for your next binge-worthy film, Netflix’s diverse lineup of book-based movies delivers rich narratives and memorable characters.