Hollywood has a knack for churning out movie adaptations of books, but let’s face it—sometimes they miss the mark completely.
While some books get picked up and turned into blockbuster hits, others, equally deserving, get left in the dust. This article isn’t about the obvious choices; it’s about the hidden gems, the stories that are begging to leap off the pages and onto the big screen.
Our team at Lucid House Publishing selected the books on this carefully curated list based on a mixture of our favorite reads, Goodreads and Amazon reviews, and Reddit book threads.
Books That Should Be Turned Into Movies
1. Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss by Connor Judson Garrett & Kevin Garrett
Let’s kick things off with a novel that’s practically screaming for a cinematic adaptation: Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss. This Southern Gothic fantasy masterpiece, with its haunting atmosphere and richly drawn characters, is tailor-made for the big screen. Picture this: a twisted tale set against the eerie backdrop of coastal Goergia, where ancient magic collides with modern-day intrigue.
The novel’s lush descriptions, whimsical and emotional storytelling, and clever plot twists are a cinematic dream for a visionary director. You’ve got everything—mystery, dark magic, and a setting that’s as much a character as the people in the story. The Garretts weave a tale so immersive that it’s impossible not to see it as a movie. Think Big Fish meets Harry Potter —this one has all the right ingredients for a cult classic.
2. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Now, let’s talk about another book that’s been sitting on the “should-be-a-movie” shelf for far too long. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is a fantasy novel that would translate beautifully to film. Imagine a world where a magical competition between two young illusionists plays out in a fantastical circus that only appears at night. The visuals alone would be worth the price of admission.
But beyond the eye candy, there’s a deep, compelling story that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and destiny. It’s the kind of story that could be elevated by a director with a strong visual style—think Guillermo del Toro or Tim Burton. Yet, somehow, Hollywood has yet to snap it up. Lucid House Publishing recognizes the power of a story that transcends the page, and The Night Circus is ripe for adaptation.
3. Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
This one’s a bit of a departure from the fantasy genre, but Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy is another novel that absolutely needs to be made into a movie. It’s brutal, it’s raw, and it’s one of the most unflinching portrayals of the American West ever written. McCarthy’s prose is as stark and unforgiving as the landscape he describes, and it would make for a visually stunning film.
The challenge here would be capturing the novel’s bleak tone and philosophical depth. It’s a violent, chaotic story that doesn’t offer easy answers or moral clarity, but that’s exactly why it would make such a powerful film.
4. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Back to fantasy, The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch is another book that’s just begging for a movie adaptation. It’s a heist story set in a richly detailed fantasy world, with a cast of characters that are as witty as they are dangerous. The dialogue is razor-sharp, the action is relentless, and the world-building is top-notch.
This is the kind of story that would appeal to fans of Ocean’s Eleven and Game of Thrones. It’s got the humor, the heart, and the high stakes that make for a great film. Yet, it remains unadapted, waiting for Hollywood to realize its potential.
5. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
The Name of the Wind is another fantasy novel that’s been on fans’ wish lists for a movie adaptation for years. It’s the first book in Patrick Rothfuss’s Kingkiller Chronicle series, and it’s a story that’s rich with magic, mystery, and adventure. The protagonist, Kvothe, is a fascinating character whose journey from a gifted young boy to a legendary figure is full of twists and turns.
The world Rothfuss creates is detailed and immersive, making it a perfect candidate for a film adaptation. The challenge here would be condensing the book’s complex narrative into a movie-length story, but with the right approach, it could be done.
6. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Sure, American Gods has been turned into a TV series, but let’s be real—a novel this epic deserves a full-blown movie treatment. Neil Gaiman’s tale of old gods clashing with new ones in modern-day America is packed with symbolism, rich characters, and a story that tackles some of the biggest themes out there: belief, identity, and power.
A movie adaptation could streamline the story and focus on the central conflict, making it more accessible to a broader audience. With the right director, American Gods could be a visually stunning, thought-provoking film that leaves a lasting impact.
7. The Long Walk by Stephen King (as Richard Bachman)
Stephen King’s The Long Walk is one of those stories that sticks with you long after you’ve finished reading. It’s a dystopian tale about a group of boys who are forced to participate in a deadly walking competition. The concept is simple, but the execution is terrifyingly effective.
This book is ripe for adaptation, especially in today’s climate of dystopian thrillers. A movie version of The Long Walk could be as intense and harrowing as The Hunger Games, but with King’s signature style of horror woven throughout.
8. City of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s City of Mist is a haunting, evocative collection of stories that should absolutely be brought to life on the big screen. As a posthumous masterpiece, this book serves as a final love letter to fans of Zafón’s work, brimming with the rich atmosphere and intricate storytelling that defined his earlier novels like The Shadow of the Wind. Set in a shadowy, labyrinthine Barcelona, City of Mist is a tapestry of interconnected tales that explore the themes of memory, love, loss, and the power of storytelling.
The beauty of adapting City of Mist lies in its structure—each story could stand alone as a short film, or they could be woven together into a feature that captures the essence of Zafón’s world. Imagine the visual poetry of Barcelona’s foggy streets, the interplay of light and shadow, and the deeply emotional narratives unfolding on screen. Lucid House Publishing recognizes the cinematic potential in stories that are as much about mood and atmosphere as they are about plot, and City of Mist has all the ingredients for a visually stunning, emotionally resonant film.
