10 Must-Watch Movies and TV Shows You Didn't Know Were Based on Books

If you crave psychological thrillers, The Silence of the Lambs should be on your must-watch list. Released on February 14, 1991, this movie stars Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee who is tasked with interviewing Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant yet violently psychotic killer. This film, adapted from Thomas Harris's novel, is a hair-raising journey into the dark minds of its characters. With an average rating of 4.5, it remains a classic favorite.

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Adapted from Kohei Horikoshi’s manga series, My Hero Academia is the story of a boy named Izuku Midoriya, who, despite having no superpowers, enrolls in a prestigious academy for heroes. Premiering on April 3, 2016, this show captivates with its blend of action, heart, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. It has garnered a remarkable average rating of 4.5.

Discover more about this hero’s journey here.

Set against the picturesque foothills of Alberta, Heartland tells the compelling story of the Flemings, a family that offers refuge to abused horses while struggling to keep their ranch afloat. Based on Lauren Brooke's book series, this series debuted on October 14, 2007, and has touched hearts with an average rating of 4.4.

Submerge yourself in their touching journey here.

Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel The Handmaid's Tale springs to life in this television adaptation. Releasing on April 26, 2017, the show portrays a theocratic society where women are reduced to mere reproductive tools. Its intense narrative and sharp critique of power and gender roles have earned it an average rating of 4.3.

Dive deeper into this thought-provoking series here.

Based on Liane Moriarty's book, Big Little Lies peels back the layers of three mothers' seemingly perfect lives, leading to a gripping storyline involving secrets, lies, and murder. First aired on February 19, 2017, it captivated viewers with its star-studded cast and intricate plot, earning an average rating of 4.3.

Explore the depth of their hidden truths here.

Combining elements of the future and a reimagined past, Westworld delves into the dawn of artificial consciousness and the evolution of human sins. Inspired by Michael Crichton's 1973 film, this television adaptation, premiered on October 2, 2016, is a dark odyssey into ethical and existential questions, boasting an average rating of 4.3.

Embark on this mind-bending journey here.

In Sharp Objects, adapted from Gillian Flynn's novel, reporter Camille Preaker returns to her hometown to investigate the murders of two young girls, all while confronting her own traumatic past. Released on July 8, 2018, this psychological thriller has left a lasting impression with an average rating of 4.3.

Immerse yourself in this chilling investigation here.

Adapting Gerard Way's comic series, The Umbrella Academy follows a dysfunctional family of superheroes uniting to unravel the mysteries surrounding their father’s death and prevent an impending apocalypse. Since its release on February 15, 2019, this series has drawn audiences in with its unique storyline and earned an average rating of 4.2.

Unlock the mysteries of the academy here.

Based on Andrzej Sapkowski's book series, The Witcher tells the tale of Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster hunter navigating a world where humans often prove more dangerous than beasts. Premiering on December 20, 2019, this fantasy series has captivated viewers with its dark atmosphere and complex characters, boasting an average rating of 4.2.

Embark on Geralt’s epic quest here.

Garth Ennis's comic series The Boys comes to life in this gritty TV adaptation. It follows a group of vigilantes determined to expose corrupt superheroes by any means necessary. Since its debut on July 25, 2019, the show has gained acclaim for its unflinching look at power and corruption, maintaining an average rating of 4.2.

Join the vigilante justice here.