BookTok has been responsible in recent years for launching fantastic novels on another level and shows like Bridgerton prove that can translate to a new audience. Some celebrated works have become massive phenomena thanks to the power of the social media brand. The big and small screens are always begging for new stories to adapt and thanks to their in-built audience, these BookTok successes are now getting their time to shine.
These novels and larger series have attracted a wider following due to the quality of the writing, the relatability of the protagonists, and often the emotional stakes of the lead relationships. They are prime candidates for cinematic adaptations because of their depth and emotional integrity.
The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo (2017)
Written by the incredibly talented Taylor Jenkins Reid, this historical fiction, which was published by Atria Books, is heading straight into development with a massive team behind it. The titular Evelyn Hugo's scandalous life is revealed after departing from her years in Hollywood, where she had previously been somewhat of a mystery.
Monique Grant will still be telling the story of the reclusive star, and Netflix is set to adapt the hit with as much respect for the original novel as possible. Liz Tigelaar, who recently received acclaim for her work on Little Fires Everywhere, will be helming the feature-length film.
Circe (2018)
Greek legends have often been the source of detailed mythology on the screen and page. Madeline Miller's Circe is set to join that long list of mythology-inspired stories. The award-winning novel stars the sorceress herself, Circe, as it brings an alternative and modern take to several familiar tales, including that of the Odyssey.
HBO Max has picked up the BookTok sensation for an 8-episode season (via Deadline). Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver are set to write the piece and Chernin Entertainment and Endeavor Content are producing. The Bloomsbury Publishing book adaptation is currently in the early stages of development.
The Thursday Murder Club (2021)
Richard Osman, who originally came to fame as a TV presenter on the British quiz show Pointless, has turned his incredible intellect to writing brilliant crime fiction. The Thursday Murder Club, steeped in both humor and mystery, follows a group of elderly citizens who belong to a retirement village.
They team together to play at solving crimes of the past until a genuine case falls squarely in their lap. The book, which is published by Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House, is currently being developed by Stephen Spielberg for the big screen (via RadioTimes).
The Midnight Library (2020)
The Midnight Library has perhaps been amongst the most recommended fantasy novels on BookTok thanks to Matt Haig's superb style of storytelling. The library itself holds the many potential lives of the lead Nora Seed, who can look at how her fate might have turned out if she had made choices.
Published by Canongate Books, it's a thrilling concept and one that has been executed perfectly. It was revealed that a movie adaptation is in the works, with UK studios StudioCanal and Blueprint Pictures working on the piece (via The Hollywood Reporter). The timeline of production is still currently up in the air.
Exciting Times (2020)
Written by Naoise Dolan and published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson, Exciting Times is an intelligent and contemporary love story, that involves the lead, Ava, traveling from Ireland on the adventure of a lifetime. Early-career jobs, a love triangle, and a coming-of-age arc are all part of the fabric of this story, as Ava's move to Hong Kong sets her life on a new path.
Amazon Studios have picked up the book for a TV show, which has already found its star (via Deadline). Bridgerton's Phoebe Dynevor, who is no stranger to BookTok hits, will be leading as Ava. Black Bear Pictures will be pushing the production, which is being overseen by Cooper Raiff and Dolan, who will be writing and directing.
Blood Orange (2019)
For many Blood Orange could be considered a modern classic that deserves adapting. Written by Harriet Tyce and published by Wildfire and Grand Central Publishing, this psychological thriller follows the attorney, Alison, who takes on a disturbing murder case, and might just have as many secrets as the woman she is tasked with defending.
As early as 2019, it was revealed that the team behind The Bodyguard, World Productions, has optioned the BookTok novel for a TV run. While Quibi was previously set to be the distributor of the show, its collapse has left the development of the project largely up in the air for now (via Deadline).
The Flatshare (2019)
The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary and published by Quercus is about friendship and romance. The BookTok hit sees two people share a flat without ever meeting one another. Their lives collide thanks to ex-lovers, family drama, and the same tension of living with someone with very little personal information about them.
It's a fun and dramatic read, which has now been optioned for Paramount+ (via TimeOut). Its stars are lined up, with Jessica Brown Findlay as Tiffany and Anthony Welsh as Leon. It's being largely helmed by director Peter Cattaneo and should be released later this year.
The Night Circus (2011)
Circus lovers should surely love an adaptation of the book to hit The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. Published by Vintage Books, the titular entertainment spectacle arrives in the dead of night without any fanfare or forewarning. What's so brilliant about this imaginative fantasy novel is its nonlinear approach to storytelling.
Such a complex yet beautiful concept needs a crack team to take it forward and Lionsgate is looking to put that group together. They previously had Geremy Jasper on board to direct with David Heyman and Jeffrey Clifford producing the piece (via Den Of Geek). It currently remains in early development.
Red Queen (2015)
Red Queen is just the beginning of a massive historical fantasy series from Victoria Aveyard. The BookTok sensation has such huge potential when it comes to a screen adaptation, as protagonist Mare is set on an adventure that could change the hierarchal society of the Reds and the Silvers.
Published by Orion Books, some massive names have taken interest in the book. Peacock is optioning the franchise for an ongoing series, which will be produced by Elizabeth Banks and co-written by Beth Schwartz and Aveyard (via Variety). Banks will also have a supporting role on-screen, meaning she is the first confirmed actor in the previously planned film.
Daisy Jones And The Six (2019)
Taylor Jenkins Reid is the mastermind behind BookTok's love, Daisy Jones And The Six. Published by Hutchinson, the titular Daisy's story starts in LA in the 60s. Showbiz and singing are her passions, as her stardom takes her to new heights and pits, with the rock and roll, drugs, and sex becoming catalysts for her coming-of-age arc.
Prime Video has been working on this serialized adaptation and filming has already wrapped (via Collider). Reid is producing on the show, which has found its leads in Riley Keough and Josh Whitehouse. Other massive names like Timothy Olyphant are set to star, as the series likely looks for a 2022 release date.