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From enduring classics to modern blockbusters, many outstanding films have been born from the pages of remarkable books. Timeless stories like Jane Austen’s “Emma” and J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” have found new life on the silver screen.
The enchanting union of literature and cinema has always held a special allure, and Netflix has played a significant role in bringing beloved books to a wider audience. This streaming giant has successfully translated various literary gems into cinematic experiences, leaving audiences yearning for more. In the following exploration, we delve into some of the most compelling Netflix adaptations, where the magic of storytelling seamlessly transitions from the written word to the visual feast of the screen, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating potential sequels.
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The 10 Best Netflix Book-to-Movie Adaptations
Extraction (2020)
Extraction, directed by Sam Hargrave and based on the graphic novel Ciudad, co-written by Ande Parks, Fernando León González, Eric Skillman, and the Russo brothers, made its debut on Netflix in April 2020. The story revolves around Tyler, a ruthless mercenary who undertakes a perilous mission to rescue the teenage son of an Indian crime lord in Bangladesh.
Despite some deviations from the source material, the film’s core premise remains intact. Netflix reported in July 2020 that Extraction was viewed by 99 million households within its first four weeks of release, solidifying its position as the fourth most-watched straight-to-streaming title of 2020 by November, according to Variety.
Extraction’s success can be attributed to various factors, including its breathtaking and intense action sequences, stellar cast performances, and impressive cinematography. It has earned a reputation as one of Netflix’s standout films. The sequel, released in 2023, featured Chris Hemsworth, who not only reprised his role but also took on a producer role. Netflix has confirmed the development of Extraction 3, indicating the franchise’s continued popularity and success.
The Kissing Booth (2018)
The Kissing Booth, adapted from Beth Reekles’ 2012 novel and launched on Netflix in May 2018, follows the story of Elle, a late bloomer whose close friendship with Lee is jeopardized by her developing feelings for Noah, a high school senior and Lee’s older brother. Starring Joey King as Elle, Jacob Elordi as Noah, and Joel Courtney as Lee, the film garnered attention for its perceived “sexist” elements but became a major success, earning praise from Netflix’s CCO, Ted Sarandos. Despite some considering it cliché, the film’s popularity, driven by the original novel’s success on Wattpad, led to the creation of a trilogy, with The Kissing Booth 2 and 3 released in 2020 and 2021, respectively.
The Silence (2019)
In The Silence, a gripping adaptation of Tim Lebbon’s horror novel, Ally, an autistic teenager, and her family seek refuge in a remote house as Earth is besieged by vicious creatures called vesps. Unearthed by cave research teams, these vesps are on a mission to annihilate humanity. The film boasts a stellar cast, including Stanley Tucci, Kiernan Shipka, and Miranda Otto.
What sets The Silence apart is its exploration of literal silence in a world where creatures hunt using sound, drawing parallels to John Krasinski’s A Quiet Place. While some label it “barely a horror movie,” the film captivates audiences with heart-pounding suspense and terrifying moments, ensuring viewers stay engrossed until the very end.
The Gray Man (2022)
The Gray Man, which premiered in July 2022 and boasts a star-studded cast led by Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, is the inaugural installment in the film adaptation of Mark Greaney’s Gray Man novels. The narrative centers around an unidentified CIA top asset who sets off a worldwide manhunt upon uncovering dark agency secrets involving his superiors.
The movie achieved remarkable success, accumulating an impressive 88.5 million hours of streaming over its initial three days and claiming the title of the most-watched film in 84 countries during that period. Produced with a substantial budget of $200 million, The Gray Man stands out as one of Netflix’s most expensive film projects. While facing criticism for its clichéd and cheesy plot, the film earned praise for its comedic moments, brisk pacing, and intense action sequences. Despite its flaws, the movie serves as a testament to the Russo brothers’ exceptional filmmaking skills. The robust streaming numbers and the confirmation of a sequel suggest that, for many, the film justifies its budget and provides enough entertainment value to overlook its narrative shortcomings.
Nappily Ever After (2018)
The American romantic comedy “Nappily Ever After,” directed by Haifaa al-Mansour and based on Trisha R. Thomas’ novel, features Sanaa Lathan, Ernie Hudson, and Lyriq Bent in lead roles. The storyline revolves around Violet Jones, a woman whose seemingly perfect life takes a turn when she discovers some harsh truths. Despite the challenges, she undergoes personal and emotional growth, with the support of a compassionate barber whom she starts dating. In a bold move for her role, Sanaa Lathan shaved her hair completely.
“Nappily Ever After” excels as a date night film due to its blend of feel-good moments, humor, and emotional depth. The narrative skillfully explores the parallels between self-love and romantic love, portraying the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery. The movie’s strength lies in its positive messages, addressing issues such as breaking free from societal expectations related to gender and beauty, as well as toxic relationships. These elements contribute to making it one of the standout book-to-movie adaptations in Netflix’s collection.
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle (2018)
Andy Serkis’ adventure drama film, “Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle,” adapts the stories from Rudyard Kipling’s “All the Mowgli Stories” and boasts voice performances from top-tier actors such as Cate Blanchett, Christian Bale, Naomi Harris, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Serkis himself. According to the Hindustan Times, the film is praised as a “nuanced, visually dazzling update of the Jungle Book for Netflix.” The narrative follows Mowgli, who, orphaned by a tiger attack, navigates the challenges of the jungle with wolves as his only companions, all while being hunted by the menacing Shere Khan.
What sets “Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle” apart is its filming locations, including South Africa to capture the African Savannah and terrestrial landscapes, as well as Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, England. The Netflix production often draws comparisons to Disney’s remake, sparking debates on which version is superior. Nevertheless, Andy Serkis’ directorial prowess shines through in the flawless performances of the cast. Some argue that the film’s divergence from the Disney adaptation is what makes it a compelling watch. Its striking visuals and the juxtaposition of the beauty and danger of reality contribute significantly to its reputation as a great film.
Burning Betrayal (2023)
Burning Betrayal explores the pervasive theme of betrayal, a timeless element woven into some of the most compelling narratives throughout history. Adapted from Sue Hecker’s novel, “O Lado Bom de Ser Traída” (The Good Side of Being Betrayed), the film follows the gripping story of a young woman who, upon discovering her fiancé’s two-year-long infidelity, grapples with devastation and anger. In response, she seizes an opportunity for a risky sexual awakening, setting the stage for dangerous consequences.
What Sets Burning Betrayal Apart The direct translation of the novel’s title, “The Good Side of Being Betrayed,” hints at a tumultuous journey, yet viewers are never fully prepared for the twists that unfold. Boasting a stellar cast led by Giovanna Lancellotti and Bruno Montaleone, the film is lauded as “an intense romantic drama with a perilous culmination for its protagonist.” Its allure lies in the adept portrayal of emotionally charged scenes from the book, offering a visual and sensory feast, particularly appealing to enthusiasts of the erotic thriller genre.
Black Crab (2022)
Black Crab, also known as Svart Krabba, is a Swedish action thriller featuring Noomi Rapace, Jakob Oftebro, Erik Enge, and Dar Salim. The plot revolves around Caroline Edh, portrayed by Noomi Rapace, a speed skater compelled to join a group of soldiers on a perilous mission to skate across sea ice behind enemy lines. Their objective is to deliver a covert package capable of ending a war. Noomi Rapace delivers a compelling performance, bringing her character to life with intense energy. Adapted from Jerker Virdborg’s 2002 novel Svart krabba, the film premiered on Netflix in March 2022, with Adam Berg directing and co-writing the screenplay with Pelle Rådström.
What sets Black Crab apart is its authentic portrayal of a war-torn world, enhanced by striking cinematography that earned the film a Guldbagge award. The stellar cast’s performance is so convincing that viewers describe the movie as though it were based on a true story rather than a book. Despite its low budget, Black Crab is hailed as one of Netflix’s finest post-apocalyptic action thrillers.
The Perfect Find (2023)
In The Perfect Find, a 40-year-old woman puts everything at risk for a clandestine affair with a man 15 years her junior, who holds the power to derail her comeback. The film premiered at the Tribeca Festival in June 2023, winning the Audience Award for Narrative Feature, and was subsequently released on Netflix. Gabrielle Union takes on the lead role of Jenna, supported by a cast including Keith Powers, Aisha Hinds, D. B. Woodside, La La Anthony, and Gina Torres.
The movie’s acclaim is attributed to the compelling on-screen chemistry between Gabrielle Union and Keith Powers, making it a “low-key rom-com perfect for a cozy couch viewing.” Audiences appreciated the film for its forbidden romance, humorous escapades, and passionate scenes. The soundtrack, featuring classics like “You Can’t Lose a Broken Heart,” “Leave the Door Open,” and “Walk,” added to the overall appeal of The Perfect Find.
Beasts of No Nation (2015)
Beasts of No Nation, a highly acclaimed film released globally by Netflix in October 2015, tells the story of a child soldier drafted into an army during the onset of a civil war in Africa. The movie, based on Uzodinma Iweala’s 2005 novel of the same name, is praised for its immersive first-person narrative. Partnering with Bleecker Street for theatrical release, the film was commended on Rotten Tomatoes as a “sobering, uncompromising, yet still somehow hopeful picture of war’s human cost.”
Several factors contribute to the greatness of Beasts of No Nation. Notably, the remarkable performance of child actor Abraham Attah as Agu and Idris Elba’s commanding presence as Commandant stand out. Elba’s role is considered one of his best performances. The film is characterized by its raw, powerful, and emotionally chilling portrayal, marking Netflix’s debut in original feature films. The tragedy unfolds through striking cinematography and intricately layered plot sequences, leading both audiences and critics to express shock at its Oscar snub.
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