There’s a certain magic to seeing the characters you’ve imagined on the page brought to life on screen. For some, it’s a moment of excitement and validation; for others, a reason to revisit a beloved story with new eyes. Whether you’re a page-before-screen purist or just looking for your next great read, 2025 promises to be an exceptional year for literary adaptations. With everything from children’s adventures to dystopian thrillers, legal dramas to emotional journeys, now’s the perfect time to read these stories before they hit cinemas or stream on your favourite platforms. It’s a reminder that even in the era of streaming dominance, the written word remains a powerful wellspring of inspiration.

Klara and the Sun

Kazuo Ishiguro

Kazuo Ishiguro’s poignant science fiction novel tells the story of Klara, an Artificial Friend, who observes the world from a shop window before being purchased to care for a sick child. Through Klara’s innocent but observant eyes, Ishiguro probes deep philosophical questions about love, faith and what it means to be human.

The film adaptation stars Jenna Ortega, known for her nuanced performances, which makes her a promising fit for the emotionally complex role of Klara. Though the exact release date has yet to be revealed, the film is slated for a 2025 release in the US. With its introspective tone and emotional depth, this adaptation could be one of the year’s most thought-provoking.

The Death of Bunny Munro

Nick Cave

Nick Cave’s 2009 novel is a raw and haunting journey into the psyche of Bunny Munro, a sex-addicted door-to-door salesman travelling with his young son after the suicide of his wife. Equal parts tragic and grotesquely comic, the book unpacks grief, guilt and toxic masculinity with unflinching honesty.

Matt Smith stars in the Sky Atlantic series as Bunny, bringing both charm and menace to the character. The adaptation, airing in 2025, promises a stark and stylised take on Cave’s disturbing world. With its bleak humour and emotional intensity, this is not one for the faint-hearted.

Hot Milk

Deborah Levy

Set against the arid backdrop of Almería, Spain, “Hot Milk” follows Sofia and her hypochondriac mother as they seek a medical cure and emotional clarity. Levy’s prose is lyrical and disorienting, blurring the line between body and psyche.

The 2025 film, directed by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, stars Emma Mackey and Fiona Shaw (who’s known for her role in Killing Eve). With its meditative pace and sun-drenched visuals, the adaptation captures the novel’s dreamy ambiguity and psychological richness. Releasing in cinemas in July, it offers a cinematic journey into the complexities of womanhood and identity.

The Running Man

Stephen King

Set in a dystopian future where the poor are exploited for entertainment, Stephen King (writing as Richard Bachman) presents a chilling vision of a totalitarian state. Protagonist Ben Richards enters a deadly game show in which contestants are hunted by professional killers on live TV. It’s both a suspenseful thriller and a scathing critique of media spectacle and class inequality.

The 2025 adaptation is directed by Edgar Wright, known for his kinetic storytelling and sharp wit. Starring Glen Powell, Josh Brolin and Colman Domingo, this version is expected to differ significantly from the 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, returning more closely to the novel’s grittier tone. Premiering 7 November, it’s a timely revisit of a world disturbingly close to our own – with US-officials discussing to give away US-citizenship to contestants of a game show.

Animal Farm

George Orwell

Originally published in 1945, George Orwell’s allegorical novella remains a searing critique of totalitarianism and political hypocrisy. The story of Manor Farm, where animals overthrow their human owner only to fall under the rule of the authoritarian pig Napoleon, continues to resonate deeply in today’s world.

The 2025 animated adaptation promises a bold visual update while retaining Orwell’s sharp commentary. With the voices of Seth Rogan, Kieran Culkin and Woody Harrelson, the film aims to make Orwell’s cautionary tale accessible to a younger generation. Scheduled for release on 11 July 2025, it’s poised to reignite conversation around power, corruption and equality.

Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen

Jane Austen’s classic romance, first published in 1813, remains as relevant as ever with its sharp commentary on class, gender and social mobility. Elizabeth Bennet’s spirited independence and Mr Darcy’s quiet complexity continue to win hearts and provoke analysis.

Netflix’s 2025 miniseries will span six episodes and is said to aim for a blend of historical authenticity and modern sensibility. The cast includes Emma Corrin and Olivia Colman, the production has reportedly secured a lush English countryside setting and a talented creative team. For fans of period dramas and enduring love stories, this promises to be an elegant new interpretation.

The Rainmaker

John Grisham

A legal drama with heart, “The Rainmaker” follows idealistic law graduate Rudy Baylor as he uncovers a massive insurance fraud case. With limited resources and plenty of moral challenges, Rudy faces off against a powerful firm in a gripping battle for justice.

The 2025 USA Network series stars John Slattery and rising actor Milo Callaghan. The show modernises the 1995 novel, focusing on current issues in the American healthcare and legal systems. Expect smart writing, courtroom tension and characters worth rooting for when it premieres in August.

The Good Daughter

Karin Slaughter

This psychological thriller weaves past and present as it explores the trauma of two sisters who survived a brutal home invasion. Years later, a school shooting forces them to confront long-buried secrets and unresolved grief.

Slaughter’s fans will be thrilled to know that Peacock is producing the series in 2025. With Rose Byrne, Meghann Fahy and Brendan Gleeson, the adaptation is expected to lean heavily into the novel’s emotional depth and suspenseful pacing. It’s a gripping exploration of trauma, memory and sisterhood.

How to Train Your Dragon

Cressida Cowell

Cressida Cowell’s delightful series is set in a mythical Viking world where young Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III is the unlikely and awkward heir to his tribe. Through humour, adventure and a strong message of acceptance, the series has captivated readers young and old. Hiccup’s relationship with his dragon Toothless subverts expectations, highlighting the power of kindness over brute strength.

The 2025 live-action remake, directed by Dean DeBlois (who also brought us the acclaimed animated films), aims to recapture the heart of the original story with a blend of practical effects and CGI. Mason Thames stars as Hiccup, while Nico Parker plays Astrid. Gerard Butler reprises his role as Stoick the Vast, joined by Nick Frost. With John Powell returning as composer, fans can expect a faithful yet refreshed adaptation when it hits cinemas on 13 June 2025.

Anansi Boys

Neil Gaiman

In this standalone companion to “American Gods,” Neil Gaiman blends myth and modernity in a story about Fat Charlie Nancy, who discovers his estranged father was a West African trickster god. With the sudden arrival of his magical and mischievous brother Spider, Charlie’s life is turned upside down.

The Amazon Prime adaptation, due in summer 2025, promises a visually rich and imaginative retelling. With a diverse cast and high production values, this series will balance humour, fantasy and cultural commentary in true Gaiman fashion.

The Institute

Stephen King

Blending supernatural horror with political undertones, “The Institute” follows gifted children imprisoned and experimented on by a shadowy organisation. The story zeroes in on Luke Ellis, a boy with telekinetic powers and his efforts to escape while forming deep bonds with the other captives.

The series adaptation features Ben Barnes and Mary-Louise Parker in lead roles. Spanning eight episodes, the show promises to delve into psychological horror and explore themes of exploitation, resistance and resilience. Expect an eerie, emotionally rich narrative that captures King at his most compelling.

People We Meet on Vacation

Emily Henry

Emily Henry’s bestselling romantic comedy centres on Poppy and Alex, opposites who share a decade-long tradition of annual holiday trips. After a falling-out, they reunite for one last vacation to rekindle their friendship — and maybe something more.

The Netflix film features Tom Blyth and Emily Bader in the lead roles. With a screenplay co-written by Henry and Brett Haley directing, the adaptation promises to preserve the book’s witty dialogue and emotional resonance. It’s a heartfelt story about timing, compatibility and the enduring power of connection.