10 BookTok Books That Have Film or TV Adaptations

In recent years, BookTok has taken the literary world by storm, inspiring readers to explore new genres and discover hidden gems. Among the trending titles, many have caught the eye of filmmakers and producers, leading to exciting adaptations for the screen. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the original books or new to the stories, here are nine BookTok books that have been adapted into films or TV shows, making them essential reads for every book lover.

1. It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

Adaptation: It Ends with Us 

Colleen Hoover’s poignant novel tackles the complexities of love, relationships, and domestic abuse. Its emotional depth and relatable characters have made it a favorite on BookTok, which led to the release of the film adaptation in 2024, starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.

2. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Adaptation: The Hating Game (2021 film)

This romantic comedy novel centers around the hilarious and tense workplace rivalry between Lucy and Joshua. With its witty banter and steamy moments, it became a BookTok sensation and was successfully adapted into a charming film featuring Lucy Hale and Austin Stowell.

3. Normal People 

Book: Normal People by Sally Rooney
Adaptation: Normal People (2020 miniseries)

Normal People is a critically acclaimed novel that delves into the complex relationship between two Irish teenagers, Connell and Marianne, as they navigate love, friendship, and personal growth throughout their school years and into adulthood. The miniseries adaptation, produced by Element Pictures and directed by Lenny Abrahamson, premiered on Hulu and BBC Three in April 2020.

The adaptation stays true to the book's emotional depth, capturing the nuances of Connell and Marianne’s evolving relationship. Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal deliver outstanding performances, earning praise for their chemistry and the raw portrayal of their characters' struggles. The series received positive reviews for its faithful representation of the source material and has garnered several awards, solidifying its place in the realm of successful literary adaptations.

4. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Adaptation: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder 

This thrilling mystery novel follows a high school student investigating a closed murder case. Its suspenseful plot and engaging characters have made it a BookTok favorite, resulting in a much-anticipated adaptation into a TV series, promising to capture the book’s intense atmosphere.

5. Where the Crawdads Sing

Book: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Adaptation: Where the Crawdads Sing (2022 film)

Where the Crawdads Sing tells the poignant story of Kya Clark, a young girl who grows up isolated in the marshes of North Carolina. The novel combines themes of loneliness, resilience, and a murder mystery that unfolds as Kya navigates life and love.

The film adaptation, released in July 2022, was directed by Olivia Newman and produced by Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine. Daisy Edgar-Jones stars as Kya, bringing depth to the character's complex emotions. The movie retains the book's lush visual imagery of the marshlands and highlights Kya's connection to nature. While the film received mixed reviews from critics, it resonated with audiences, especially fans of the novel, who appreciated the adaptation's fidelity to its themes and character arcs.

6. Little Fires Everywhere

Book: Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Adaptation: Little Fires Everywhere (2020 miniseries)

This compelling novel explores themes of motherhood, identity, and race through the lens of two families in the affluent community of Shaker Heights, Ohio. The miniseries adaptation, released on Hulu in March 2020, stars Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington, who also serve as executive producers.

The series expands on the book's themes while exploring the backstories of the characters in greater depth. Witherspoon plays Elena Richardson, while Washington portrays Mia Warren, and both actresses deliver powerful performances that capture the tension and complexity of their characters’ lives. The adaptation has been praised for its production quality and for bringing the story's intricate themes to life, making it a worthy companion to Ng's novel.

7. Shadow and Bone

Book: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Adaptation: Shadow and Bone (2021-2023)

Set in a richly built fantasy world inspired by Tsarist Russia, Shadow and Bone follows Alina Starkov as she discovers her extraordinary powers and embarks on a quest to save her war-torn nation. The Netflix series, which premiered in April 2021, merges elements from Bardugo's Grishaverse novels, including the Six of Crows duology.

The series, developed by Eric Heisserer, has been well-received for its production values, character development, and world-building. The diverse cast, led by Jessie Mei Li as Alina, has been praised for their performances, and the series successfully captures the essence of the source material while introducing new plotlines and characters. A second season has been confirmed, promising to expand on the intricate stories within Bardugo's universe.

8. Daisy Jones & The Six

Book: Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Adaptation: Daisy Jones & The Six 

This novel chronicles the rise and fall of a fictional 1970s rock band, blending the allure of music, fame, and personal struggles. The story is told in a unique oral history format, giving readers an intimate look at the band members' lives and their relationships.

The adaptation, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video in March 2023, featured a star-studded cast, including Riley Keough as Daisy Jones and Sam Claflin as Billy Dunne. Produced by Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine, the series captured the novel's immersive storytelling and rich musical elements. The excitement surrounding the adaptation stems from the book's popularity and the promise of original music, making it a highly anticipated release.

9. Lessons in Chemistry

Book: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Adaptation: Lessons in Chemistry

Lessons in Chemistry is a captivating novel that follows Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist in the 1960s who faces gender discrimination in a male-dominated field. When her career takes an unexpected turn, she becomes the unlikely host of a cooking show, where she uses her scientific knowledge to empower women and challenge societal norms.

The highly anticipated adaptation, released on Apple TV+, stars Brie Larson as Elizabeth Zott. With her talent and charisma, Larson brought depth to the character, capturing both Elizabeth’s determination and her wit. The series blended humor and heart while exploring themes of feminism, resilience, and the pursuit of one's passions against societal expectations.

These nine BookTok books not only captured the imaginations of readers but also made their way to the big and small screens, offering fans new ways to experience their favorite stories. Whether you're a longtime admirer of these titles or just discovering them, each adaptation brings its unique charm and excitement to audiences. 

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