Netflix has solidified its place as a powerhouse for movie and TV adaptations, offering a variety of thrilling, dramatic, and adventurous stories that often surprise viewers with their literary origins. While some adaptations are obvious—think Harry Potter or The Lord of the Rings—others are lesser-known gems that have been adapted from books you may not realize were the inspiration for your favorite Netflix series or movies.
In this roundup, we’ll dive into some of the best Netflix adaptations that started as novels, graphic novels, or short stories. We’ll also discuss how these stories translate to the screen, the differences between the source material and the adaptations, and why these particular tales worked so well on TV.
1. The Witcher
Based on: The Witcher book series by Andrzej Sapkowski
Netflix’s The Witcher follows Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter navigating a world filled with political intrigue and moral ambiguity. Fans of the series may be surprised to learn that the show is based on a collection of novels and short stories, including The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny. The show has faced some criticism for diverging from the source material, especially regarding certain character portrayals and timeline shifts. However, the captivating world-building and intense action have made the adaptation a hit, even among those who haven't read the books.
Why It Works on TV: The Witcher is a story brimming with magic, complex characters, and epic battles, which naturally lends itself well to a visually stunning and action-packed series. The dark, morally gray world is perfect for long-form television, where character development and intricate plotlines can be fully explored.
2. The Queen’s Gambit
Based on: The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis
This critically acclaimed series about a young orphan, Beth Harmon, rising through the ranks of competitive chess is based on Walter Tevis’s 1983 novel. The Netflix adaptation, which stars Anya Taylor-Joy, received praise for its nuanced portrayal of the pressures of genius and the personal struggles that come with it. While the TV series keeps the spirit of the book, it has enhanced certain plotlines, like Beth’s rivalry with other chess players, to make them more visually compelling.
Why It Works on TV: Chess may seem like a static, intellectual pursuit, but the adaptation injects it with palpable tension and character-driven drama. The visual storytelling and Anya Taylor-Joy’s captivating performance turn the relatively quiet world of chess into a high-stakes narrative about talent, addiction, and loneliness.
3. 13 Reasons Why
Based on: 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
13 Reasons Why sparked significant controversy when it was released on Netflix due to its graphic portrayal of suicide and mental health issues. The show, based on Jay Asher’s 2007 novel, explores the life of Hannah Baker, a teenager who leaves behind a series of tapes outlining the reasons she took her life. The adaptation closely follows the book's premise, though it takes some liberties, particularly in the portrayal of certain characters' arcs.
Why It Works on TV: The raw, emotional drama of 13 Reasons Why lends itself well to episodic storytelling. The Netflix format allows for deep exploration of each character's backstory and the far-reaching consequences of Hannah’s actions. The series also shines a light on important mental health issues, giving viewers an opportunity to discuss topics that are often difficult to address.
4. Shadow and Bone
Based on: The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo
Shadow and Bone is set in a magical world where darkness threatens to overtake the light. The show blends plotlines from Leigh Bardugo’s Grisha Trilogy and the Six of Crows duology, following Alina Starkov, who discovers she has extraordinary powers. While the adaptation combines multiple books from Bardugo's Grishaverse, it manages to remain faithful to the core elements of the original works, with a few character-driven alterations to enhance the plot.
Why It Works on TV: The Grishaverse is rich in lore, magic, and political intrigue, all of which make for captivating long-form storytelling. The world-building is impressive on screen, and the intricate relationships between characters create a sense of investment in their journeys. The show expands on the original books, providing even more depth to the world.
5. The Umbrella Academy
Based on: The Umbrella Academy comic series by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá
This quirky series about a dysfunctional family of superheroes is adapted from the comic series created by Gerard Way (of My Chemical Romance) and Gabriel Bá. While the comics have a distinct visual style, the adaptation has taken some creative liberties to make the storyline more cohesive and accessible to a wider audience. Fans of the comics may notice changes to certain characters and the plot, but overall, the series has captured the eccentric, chaotic spirit of the original.
Why It Works on TV: The series has a unique blend of superhero action and dark humor, which translates beautifully into episodic TV. The eccentricity of the characters and the offbeat narrative create an engaging, fast-paced show that doesn’t take itself too seriously, making it perfect for a binge-watch.
6. The Haunting of Hill House
Based on: The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s 1959 novel is a masterclass in psychological horror. While the show takes inspiration from Jackson’s eerie tale of a haunted mansion, it makes several changes to the plot and character arcs, introducing the modern-day lives of the characters and expanding on their personal traumas. The series’ haunting visuals and complex narrative structure made it one of Netflix’s standout horror series.
Why It Works on TV: The slow-burn tension of The Haunting of Hill House is perfect for TV, where characters’ backstories and psychological depth can be explored in great detail. The haunting atmosphere of the original novel is translated into a visually stunning, emotionally gripping series that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
7. Enola Holmes
Based on: The Enola Holmes Mysteries by Nancy Springer
Netflix’s Enola Holmes centers on the teenage sister of Sherlock Holmes, Enola, as she embarks on her own series of detective adventures. The films, which started with Enola Holmes in 2020 and followed up with Enola Holmes 2 in 2022, take liberties with the original book series, updating the narrative and adding layers of personal growth and empowerment. While the books are more straightforward in their storytelling, the adaptations put a strong emphasis on Enola’s independence and problem-solving skills.
Why It Works on TV: The world of Sherlock Holmes has long been a beloved one, but Enola Holmes offers a fresh, youthful perspective. The series blends mystery, adventure, and a coming-of-age story, making it a compelling watch for audiences of all ages. Millie Bobby Brown’s portrayal of Enola adds charm and relatability, making the character accessible to a new generation of fans.
8. Bird Box
Based on: Bird Box by Josh Malerman
This post-apocalyptic thriller, where survivors must avoid looking at mysterious creatures that drive them insane, was adapted from Josh Malerman’s 2014 novel. While the film stays largely true to the book’s premise, it introduces a more visual, suspense-driven approach to the plot. Some fans prefer the book’s eerie, introspective tone, while others appreciate the film’s fast-paced, action-oriented adaptation.
Why It Works on TV: The suspenseful, high-stakes nature of the premise makes it perfect for the silver screen, particularly when combined with powerful performances by Sandra Bullock. The film effectively builds tension without showing too much, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as the characters struggle to survive.
Conclusion: Why These Adaptations Work
What makes these Netflix adaptations stand out is their ability to translate the essence of the source material into a visual experience while maintaining the depth and complexity of the stories. Whether it's the rich world-building of The Witcher, the emotional depth of 13 Reasons Why, or the thrilling mysteries of Enola Holmes, these adaptations work because they take the core themes and characters of the books and expand on them in a way that feels fresh on screen.
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