In this time of quarantine and self-isolating, now more than ever people are turning to books, movies, and TV for entertainment and comfort. While Hollywood has helped us along a little bit by releasing recent movies onto streaming platforms for our enjoyment, we still have more to look forward to when it comes to our favorite books being turned into movies or limited series.
2020 has been a rough time (and it’s only April!), so having something to look forward to – perhaps from the comfort of our own couch – is more important than ever these days. Cabin fever, anyone? These 15 books will be there for us – either in theatres or in our own homes – before the year is up. (Note that release dates are based on the most current info available.)
15 Defending Jacob On Apple TV+
Due to be released later this month on Apple TV+, Defending Jacob stars Chris Evans and Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery as the parents of 14-year-old Jacob (played by It star Jaeden Martell), who has been accused of murder. It’s a TV mini-series, which means the intrigue and suspense will be nice and drawn out for true crime buffs.
14 The Woman In The Window Gets A Delayed Release
Originally set for release in 2019, The Woman in the Window went back into production after test screenings left audiences confused. As of this writing, the mystery-thriller starring Amy Adams as an agoraphobic New Yorker who thinks she witnessed a crime in her neighbor is due to be released on May 15, although that may get pushed back.
13 Artemis Fowl Will Stream On Netflix
For fans of fantasy and YA fiction, there’s Artemis Fowl! If you ever attended a school book fair as a kid, chances are you saw this series by Eoin Colfer. The film will cover the first two books in the series and is set for Netflix release on May 29. (Fun fact: a movie version of the books has been in the works since 2001!)
12 The Secret Garden Is The Second Adaptation
A childhood classic about a lonely British orphan sent to live at her mysterious uncle’s house, The Secret Garden was done beautifully in 1993, so this one has a lot to live up to! Fortunately, it’s got some major star power behind it with Colin Firth as Lord Archibald Craven. Its new release date is August 14.
11 Normal People Will Be On Hulu
Irish accents? Check. A swooning love story? Check. Available for streaming on April 29th? Check! Normal People is a TV series based on the bestselling book by Sally Rooney that’ll inject some much-needed romance into our lives, as we watch star-crossed lovers Marianne and Connell fall for each other over their university years.
10 Our Chemical Hearts Can Be Found On Amazon
Another YA fave from author Krystal Sutherland, Our Chemical Hearts will star and be produced by Riverdale's Lili Reinhart. An Amazon Original movie, this one promises to be edgy and “not your average boy-meets-girl” love story. No release date has been provided yet, but according to IMDb, it will boast an R-rating.
9 The Last Letter From Your Lover Will Tug Heartstrings On Netflix
If you loved Me Before You, this follow up to the JoJo Moyes hit won’t disappoint. Starring Shailene Woodley and Felicity Jones, the film tells the tale of Jennifer, a woman who survived a car crash and tries to put her life together with the letters she’s hidden around the house. Acquired by Netflix, it’s due to be released late this year.
8 Nine Perfect Strangers Will Air On Hulu
Nicole Kidman must have really enjoyed her time on Big Little Lies, based on another book by Liane Moriarty, because she signed on to star and executive produce Nine Perfect Strangers for Hulu. Following a very weird wellness retreat, the series will also star Melissa McCarthy. No release date besides late this year has been confirmed.
7 I’m Thinking Of Ending Things Spooks On Netflix
A creepy tale of a young woman and her boyfriend on a trip to see her parents, this is a psycho thriller that true crime buffs and mystery fans will be obsessed with – and it’ll be streaming on Netflix! Starring Jessie Buckley (who replaced Brie Larson), Jesse Plemons, Toni Collette, and David Thewlis, the movie will be released later this year.
6 Rebecca Gives New Life To A Classic
Rebecca is a classic book and film, providing the viewer and the reader with a creeping feeling of dread as we learn more about the deceased Mrs. De Winter and the hauntingly beautiful home of Manderlay. Lily James will play the unnamed narrator, while Armie Hammer will play the mysterious and handsome Maxim de Winter. It’s due for a Netflix release late this year.
5 The Stand Offers More Stephen King Streaming
The Stephen King epic will get the mini-series treatment after years of being optioned for film and TV. Creepily beginning in the aftermath of a man-made plague (yikes!) and the ensuing battle between the survivors, The Stand will stream on CBS All Access and boasts big names like Whoopi Goldberg, James Marsden, and Amber Heard.
4 Death On The Nile Brings A New Mystery
The follow-up to his adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express, this Kenneth Branagh flick follows detective Hercule Poirot as he tries to uncover the murder of an heiress and more bodies start dropping along the way. Starring Branagh, Gal Gadot, and Armie Hammer (among others), the Agatha Christie adaptation is due for release October 9.
3 The Witches Is Due For A Halloween Release
Anjelica Huston was perfectly cast in her role of the Grand High Witch in the 1990 adaptation of Roald Dahl’s novel, so we’ll have to see how Anne Hathaway fares in her shadow! With Stanley Tucci, Octavia Spencer, and Chris Rock along for the ride, this Halloween-appropriate treat is due for release October 16.
2 Station Eleven Can Be Found On HBO
Another book that tells a story of a society that is decimated following a pandemic (this one called the Georgian Flu), Station Eleven follows a troupe of actors and how they cope in the aftermath. Set to air on HBO Max, the TV mini-series will star Mackenzie Davis and is set to begin airing late this year.
1 The Babysitter’s Club Will Provide Nostalgia On Netflix
The nostalgic favorite is a welcome respite from today’s problems, and Netflix provides with their adaptation of The Baby-Sitters Club. The TV series will expand upon the stories of the girls, unlike the 1995 film, and has loads of new faces, plus nostalgic fave Alicia Silverstone. It’s set to air on Netflix later this year.