In the age of digital streaming, Netflix has become a powerhouse of cinematic entertainment. From poignant dramas to trashy thrillers, Netflix has all the markets cornered. Among the many offerings on the platform are a few standout adaptations that bring beloved stories to life.
These adaptations not only pay homage to their literary origins but also carve out their own identities on the screen. All Quiet on the Western Front is a modern epic that tops our list of recommendations. The film vividly portrays the brutal realities of war through the lens of young soldiers. Directed by Edward Berger, this 2022 German film is the third adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque’s iconic novel, following previous versions released in 1930 and 1979. Starring Felix Kammerer, Albrecht Schuch, Daniel Brühl, and others, the film transports viewers to the trenches of World War I, where idealism collides with the grim truth of conflict.
Beasts of No Nation offers a visceral exploration of child soldiers in West Africa. It is adapted from Uzodinma Iweala’s novel of the same name. Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, this gripping tale garnered widespread praise for its raw emotional impact and powerful performances, notably earning Idris Elba a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for ‘Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role’.
Moving into the realm of contemporary literature, The Power of the Dog emerges as a haunting meditation on masculinity and family dynamics in the American West. Directed by Jane Campion and based on Thomas Savage’s novel, this atmospheric drama captivated audiences and critics alike, earning numerous accolades, including twelve Academy Award nominations and four wins.
Exploring the complexities of relationships and existential dread is I’m Thinking of Ending Things, a mind-bending psychological thriller adapted from Iain Reid’s novel by the same name. Directed by Charlie Kaufman, this surreal exploration of identity and memory received widespread acclaim for its innovative storytelling.
Passing, adapted from Nella Larsen’s seminal novel, offers a poignant examination of race and identity in 1920s New York. Directed by Rebecca Hall, this evocative drama resonated with audiences for its nuanced portrayal of friendship and societal expectations. Diving into the realm of suspenseful storytelling is Leave the World Behind, a gripping thriller adapted from Rumaan Alam’s novel. Directed by Sam Esmail, this atmospheric tale of uncertainty and paranoia also looks at our inherent biases in a doomed world.
Shifting gears, let The Irishman transport you into the gritty underworld of organised crime next. The film is adapted from Charles Brandt’s non-fiction book I Heard You Paint Houses. This epic crime saga is one for the old-school gangster-movie-loving cinephiles, directed by Martin Scorsese and featuring an all-star cast, including Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci.
Next, we recommend a film that received praise from Guillermo del Toro. Adapted from Aravind Adiga’s Man Booker Prize-winning novel, The White Tiger offers a searing critique of class and caste divide in modern-day India. Directed by Ramin Bahrani, this darkly comedic drama is loaded with biting social commentary and powerhouse performances. It earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
For more of a personal character-driven drama, tune into The Lost Daughter. This haunting exploration of motherhood and identity is adapted from Elena Ferrante’s novel. Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal in her directorial debut, this drama is one for the introspective lot. But it is not all doom and gloom in this list of ours. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before offers a heartwarming romantic comedy adapted from Jenny Han’s best-selling novel. Directed by Susan Johnson, this charming coming-of-age tale is full of endearing characters and delightful storytelling against pleasantly vibrant cinematography.
10 best Netflix movies based on books you need to watch:
- All Quiet on the Western Front
- Passing
- Beasts of No Nation
- I’m Thinking of Ending Things
- Leave the World Behind
- The Irishman
- The Power of the Dog
- The White Tiger
- The Lost Daughter
- To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
