The incessant debate over which is better, the book or the screen adaptation, is far from getting over. Even though it is difficult for me to pick sides, there are several reasons for this parley — while only a bibliophile can understand the joy of flipping through the pages, a cinephile argues over the thrill of watching the story unfold with a visual creative. Despite this, there is no denying that several TV shows based on books have aired on OTTs like Netflix and Prime Video and become superhits.

So much so that some series on Netflix have even surpassed the popularity of the beloved books. For instance, Bridgerton is one of the most successful and highest-rated shows in 2024. While the Netflix TV show is one of the best book adaptations of Julia Quinn’s Regency-era novel series of the same name, there’s a strong fan base for both mediums through which the content is presented to the audience. Owing to its popularity, the OTT streamer has announced its fourth season, which is expected to arrive in 2025.

Meanwhile, the gay love story Heartstopper, based on Alice Osman’s bestselling LGBTQ+ graphic novel of the same name, is also among the best Netflix book adaptations. Returning with its third season on 3 October 2024, it revolves around the lives of students from two schools — Truham and Higgs — and focuses on the love story of two gay boys Charlie (played by Joe Locke) and Nick (played by Kit Connor). While season 2 ends with Nick realising the extent of Charlie’s mental health issues and how he is affected, season 3 is expected to showcase their relationship growing deep, while they navigate school together.

Having said that, numerous other TV shows on Netflix are based on popular books. From thrillers like You (2018-) (can’t wait for season 5 though!) and Mindhunter (2017-2919) to dramas like Queen’s Gambit (2020), Maid (2021) and Anne With An E (2017-2019), these titles are sure to satisfy both binge-watchers and binge-readers.

Check out some of the best shows on Netflix based on books

Jump To / Table of Contents

Bridgerton (2020-)
Shadow and Bone (2021-2023)
3 Body Problem (2024)
The Lincoln Lawyer (2022-)

You (2018-)
The Witcher (2019-)
One Day (2024)
Ripley (2024)
Maid (2021)
One Piece (2023-)
Outlander (2014-)
The Queen’s Gambit (2020)
The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
Sacred Games (2018-2019)
Mindhunter (2017-2019)
Anne With an E (2017-2019)
Heartstopper (2022)

1 /17

Bridgerton (2020-)

IMDb rating: 7.4

Created by: Chris Van Dusen

Cast: Nicola Coughlan, Luke Thompson, Julie Andrews (voice), Luke Newton, Phoebe Dynevor, Jonathan Bailey, Simon Ashley

Episodes: 24

Approx duration of each episode: 60 minutes

Synopsis: Set in 18th-century London, Bridgerton follows the eight siblings of the wealthy and powerful Bridgerton family who have become eligible for marriage. In the first season, while the eldest daughter Daphne Bridgerton (Dynevor) seeks suitors, her older brother Anthony Bridgerton (Bailey) helps her rule them out, leading to a major tabloid topic for the mysterious Lady Whistledown’s (Andrews) scandal sheets. The sizzling chemistry between Kate Sharma (Ashley) and Anthony in season 2, followed by the revelation of who Lady Whistledown is, and the romance between Penelope (Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Thompson) makes up the third season.

Why you should watch it: This Netflix show has garnered massive viewing statistics on the OTT behemoth. As of 16 June 2024, season 1 and season 2 ranked third and ninth, respectively, on the list of most popular in English on Netflix. Owing to the popularity of season 3, which is based on Quinn’s book An Offer From a Gentleman, we look forward to more drama from the next instalment due in 2025.

Read more: Answering 20 of your most burning questions about Bridgerton

WATCH ONLINE

2 /17

Shadow and Bone (2021-2023)

IMDb rating: 7.5

Created by: Eric Heisserer

Cast: Jessie Mei Li, Ben Barnes, Archie Renaux

Episodes: 16

Approx duration of each episode: 55 minutes

Synopsis: Orphaned mapmaker Alina Starkov (Mei Li) and her childhood best friend Malyen Oretsev (Renaux) are separated at the Shadow Fold, a dark mysterious place infested with demons. When the cunning General Kirigan (Barnes) kidnaps Alina, who is on her way to reunite with Malyen, there begins a dramatic war where demons and The Crows, a group of criminal thieves, are conjured.

More about the show: Shadow and Bone is set in Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse novel universe. This Netflix show is, however, based on two different book series, the Shadow and Bone trilogy and the two titles in the Six of Crows collection. If you are in the mood for some fun fantasy tales, without much care for how closely the book is followed, then this series is your entertainer.

WATCH ONLINE

3 /17

3 Body Problem (2024)

IMDb rating: 7.5

Created by: David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, Alexander Woo

Cast: Jovan Adepo, Liam Cunningham, Eiza González, Rosalind Chao

Episodes: 8

Approx. duration of each episode: 55 minutes

Synopsis: During the Chinese Cultural Revolution, a young astrophysicist named Ye Wenjie (Chao), a political nonconformist, was hired at a secret military radio station. She makes a fateful decision that impacts space and time, even in the present day. Decades later, when several scientists start taking their lives, it traces back to a mystery related to Ye. A group of brilliant scientists, known as the Oxford Five, must come together, along with a detective and a mysterious intelligence agency to save humanity.

Why you should watch it: 3 Body Problem is based on Cixin Liu’s bestselling novel trilogy of the same name. The show spent three weeks at No. 1 on Netflix, seven weeks in the Top 10, and reached the Top 10 in 93 countries. The OTT has also announced its second and third seasons.

Read more: Netflix’s 3 Body Problem show vs Liu Cixin’s books: Five key areas of differences

WATCH ONLINE

4 /17

The Lincoln Lawyer (2022-)

IMDb rating: 7.7

Created by: Ted Humphrey, David E. Kelley

Cast: Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Becki Newton, Angus Sampson

Episodes: 10

Approx. duration of each episode: 45 minutes

Synopsis: Mickey Haller (Garcia-Rulfo) is not like any lawyer you might know. He operates from his Lincoln Town car which a former client chauffeurs around. Cruising through Los Angeles to revive his career as a criminal defence attorney, Mickey takes up all sorts of cases. Meanwhile, he also has to deal with his personal life which involves two ex-wives.

Why you should watch it: Want a good laugh in the guise of a legal drama? Then this one should be on your watchlist. Quirky and fun, it is based on Michael Connelly’s book series. For those who have already watched it, season 3 is on its way, it will be based on Connelly’s fourth book in the series, The Fifth Witness.

WATCH ONLINE

5 /17

You (2018-)

IMDb rating: 7.7

Created by: Greg Berlanti, Sera Gamble

Cast: Penn Badgley, Victoria Pedretti, Tati Gabrielle, Elizabeth Lail

Episodes: 40

Approx. duration of each episode: 45 minutes

Synopsis: Joe Goldberg (Badgley) is your regular charming elusive neighbour. But behind those enigmatic eyes lies an obsessive romantic who can go to any lengths for the women he fancies. In the first season, he falls for a girl at a bookstore named Guinevere (Lail), but soon begins to manipulate and control every aspect of her life. When things don’t work out, the psychopathic serial killer in Joe surfaces. Several murders later, he moves to Los Angeles for a fresh start. While Joe tries to let go of his past, he meets someone who desires him equally. However, he gets caught in his own game by the end of the season. The following seasons see him shift cities and try to lie low, but things are far from slowing down. By the end of season four, he has raked up a huge body count — killing his wife and girlfriends. But what will finally become of this killing spree?

Why you should watch it: This serial killer show is based on the best-selling novels of the same name by Caroline Kepnes. Filming has begun for You season 5, the finale. Though a release date is yet to be announced, makers are hinting at a time in 2024.

WATCH ONLINE

6 /17

The Witcher (2019-)

IMDb rating: 8

Created by: Lauren Schmidt Hissrich

Cast: Freya Allan, Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra

Episodes: 24

Approx. duration of each episode: 65 minutes

Synopsis: The fantasy Netflix show revolves around Geralt of Rivia (Cavill). He is a solitary monster hunter on a deadly mission across the magical land of the Continent. Geralt’s journey is marred by cunning humans who prove to be more dangerous than other beasts. However, when destiny brings him to a powerful sorceress and a princess with supernatural abilities, the trio must navigate their way through The Continent.

Awards won: Won three BAFTA Awards.

Why you should watch it: One of the most intriguing TV shows on Netflix, The Witcher is for those who enjoy all things mystical, fantasy, action-packed and drama. Based on Polish writer Andrzej Sapkowski’s novel series of the same name, it is renewed for two more seasons. From the fourth season onwards, the baton of the lead role will be passed to Liam Hemsworth. Though a release date is yet to be announced, fans can expect the two seasons to be released close to each other as filming is being done simultaneously. The last two instalments will be adapted from the remaining books of the series — Baptism of Fire, The Tower of the Swallow and Lady of the Lak.

Read more: ‘The Witcher’ season 4: Release date, plot, trailer, and cast updates

WATCH ONLINE

7 /17

One Day (2024)

IMDb rating: 8.1

Created by: Nicole Taylor

Cast: Leo Woodall, Ambika Mod, Amber Grappy

Episodes: 14

Approx. duration of each episode: 30 minutes

Synopsis: It’s graduation night for Emma Morley (Mod) and Dexter Mayhew (Woodall). They speak to each other for the first time before going their separate ways the next morning. Every episode of this slow-burn romantic show opens on this ordinary day in the following years, showing how the two change, grow, come close, drift apart and experience joys and heartbreaks.

Why you should watch it: This limited Netflix series is based on David Nicholls’ worldwide bestselling novel of the same name, which has also been turned into a 2011 movie of the same name. Starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess in lead roles, it has an IMDb rating of 7 and a box office collection of over USD 59 million worldwide against a budget of USD 15 million.⁠

During the 5-11 February 2024 week, One Day debuted at No. 1 on the Netflix Top 10 most-watched shows. Within the first four days of its hitting the OTT, the show had garnered 5.3 million views.

WATCH ONLINE

8 /17

Ripley (2024)

IMDb rating: 8.2

Directed by: Steve Zaillian

Cast: Andrew Scott, Dakota Fanning, Johnny Flynn, Kenneth Lonergan

Episodes: 8

Approx. duration of each episode: 50 minutes

Synopsis: Tom Ripley (Scott) is a handsome, charming grifter in 1960s New York. When he is hired by millionaire businessman Herbert Greenleaf (Lonergan) to get his prodigal son Dickie Greenleaf (Flynn) back from Italy, Tom sees an opportunity like no other. He is taken aback by Dickie’s flamboyant life and takes extreme steps to make that life his own.

Why you should watch it: The limited series is based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 crime classic The Talented Mr. Ripley. It ranked No. 6 on the Most-Watched English Series in the World in the 8-14 April 2024 period. Terse dialogues, monochromatic frames, brilliant acting and a splendid edge-of-the-seat plot make Ripley a must-watch. For me, Scott’s expressions and the jumpscare moments like when Ripley pushes Marge (Fanning) into a Venice canal, are what makes the screen adaptation at par with the book.

WATCH ONLINE

9 /17

Maid (2021)

IMDb rating: 8.3

Created by: Molly Smith Metzler

Cast: Margaret Qualley, Nick Robinson, Rylea Nevaeh Whittet

Episodes: 10

Approx. duration of each episode: 60 minutes

Synopsis: Alex Russell (Qualley) escapes from her abusive relationship with her infant daughter. She turns into a maid, cleaning houses to barely make ends meet for her child.

Why you should watch it: Maid is an emotionally gripping series based on Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive by Stephanie Land. The desperation of a mother, her love for her child and the will to survive moved me to tears. Be prepared for some traumatising and unsettling scenes, taken from the pages of the memoir, which makes the show more saddening.

WATCH ONLINE

10 /17

One Piece (2023-)

IMDb rating: 8.3

Created by: Steven Maeda, Matt Owens

Cast: Iñaki Godoy, Emily Rudd, Mackenyu

Episodes: 8

Approx. duration of each episode: 60 minutes

Synopsis: In this world, pirates are having a glorious time. They rule over the seas with only one aim, the strongest and ablest of them all will get to claim the mythical treasure called One Piece. Now, a young pirate captain, Monkey D. Luffy (Godoy), aspires to find the treasure. He sets sail with his crew to look for it, but the endeavour is not easy, and he is not the only one hunting.

Why you should watch it: One Piece was a highly anticipated live-action Netflix show, considering it is adapted from Eiichiro Oda’s popular manga of the same name. When released, it gained immense views and became the No. 1 show in 84 countries. The OTT has renewed it for a second season, where Joe Tracz joins the adventure as a showrunner along with Owens.

WATCH ONLINE

11 /17

Outlander (2014-)

IMDb rating: 8.4

Created by: Ronald D. Moore

Cast: Caitríona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Sophie Skelton

Episodes: 83

Approx. duration of each episode: 60 minutes

Synopsis: Claire Beauchamp Randall (Balfe) is a married army nurse from 1945. Under mysterious circumstances, she is teleported to 1743 Scotland where she is drawn into an unknown world of war. Here, Claire comes across the Scottish highland warrior Jamie Fraser (Heughan) whom she is forced to marry. A passionate romance blossoms between them, but Claire is torn between the two men in her life in two irreconcilable timelines.

Why you should watch it: Outlander is based on Diana Gabaldon’s collection of 10 historical romances. An eighth season is under development, which is expected to roll out in 2025, after Part B of the seventh season releases in November 2024. If you are a fan of epic battles, passionate love stories and a period drama, then Outlander will tick all the right boxes.

Read more: Outlander series prequel: All about the release date, plot, and more

WATCH ONLINE

12 /17

The Queen’s Gambit (2020)

IMDb rating: 8.5

Created by: Scott Frank, Allan Scott

Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chloe Pirrie, Bill Camp

Episodes: 7

Approx. duration of each episode: 60 minutes

Synopsis: In the 1960s, Beth Harmon (Taylor-Joy) is an orphaned chess prodigy who skyrockets to ultimate glory for her genius. However, handing fame at such a young age has its own consequences. As Beth competes her way to the top, she must fight her demons, too.

Awards won: In 2021, Taylor-Joy won Best Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie Made for Television and the show won Best Limited Series at the Critics Choice Awards. It bagged 11 Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globes, a Grammy and a SAG Award.

Why you should watch it: Although the limited series is a fictional story, it is based on Walter Tevis’s novel of the same name. This is one of those few book adaptations, I would say, which has remained true to the source material, barring only a few changes and additions. The way the sports drama is elevated with heightened tension and thrill around Beth’s life makes it stand out from the rest on this list. In fact, The Queen’s Gambit ranks fifth among the Most Popular Shows in English on Netflix, as of 26 June 2024.

Image credit: Netflix Tudum

WATCH ONLINE

13 /17

The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

IMDb rating: 8.5

Created by: Mike Flanagan

Cast: Michiel Huisman, Carla Gugino, Henry Thomas

Episodes: 10

Approx. duration of each episode: 55 minutes

Synopsis: This dual-timeline narrative focuses on the Crain family who moved into Hill House in the early 1990s, intending to remodel and sell it. But the unexpected eerie happenings changed their lives. In the present day, when the Crain children have all grown up, the ghosts continue to haunt them while they try to come to terms with reality.

Why you should watch it: This Netflix show is based on the novel of the same name by Shirley Jackson. This series catapulted Flanagan as an adept television horror director. What appealed to me most were the interspersing timelines, well-rounded characters and engaging story with not-so-obvious ghosts, making it a highly rated horror series.

WATCH ONLINE

14 /17

Sacred Games (2018-2019)

IMDb rating: 8.5

Created by: Varun Grover

Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Neeraj Kabi, Kubra Sait, Pankaj Tripathi

Episodes: 16

Approx. duration of each episode: 60 minutes

Synopsis: Sartaj Singh (Khan), a troubled Mumbai police officer, receives a mysterious phone call from gangster Ganesh Gaitonde (Siddiqui). As the cop begins his investigation into the underworld and joins the clues given by Gaitonde, he gets drawn into a dangerous web of corruption, politics and religious tensions.

Why you should watch it: This thriller series is based on Vikram Chandra’s novel of the same name. Its second season became the most-watched show on Netflix in India in 2019. Siddiqui’s brilliant acting and rustic dialogues, Tripathi’s performance and a gritty plot make this a hit series on Netflix.

WATCH ONLINE

15 /17

Mindhunter (2017-2019)

IMDb rating: 8.6

Created by: Joe Penhall

Cast: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv

Episodes: 19

Approx. duration of each episode: 60-65 minutes

Synopsis: The thriller series takes place in the 1970s when criminal profiling and the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit are in their nascent stages. It focuses on FBI special agents Holden Ford (Groff) and Bill Tench (McCallany), along with psychologist Wendy Carr (Torv), who dive into the psyche of real-life, dreadful, imprisoned serial killers by interviewing them.

Why you should watch it: This outstanding Netflix series is adapted from former FBI agent John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker’s Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit. Heinous deeds, gut-wrenching details and the twisted psyche of the killers make Mindhunter an acclaimed series.

WATCH ONLINE

16 /17

Anne With an E (2017-2019)

IMDb rating: 8.6

Created by: Moira Walley-Beckett

Cast: Amybeth McNulty, Geraldine James, R.H. Thomson

Episodes: 27

Approx. duration of each episode: 65 minutes

Synopsis: Anne (McNulty) is a cheerful, very talkative, orphaned girl. Her life turns around when she gets adopted into a house, by mistake, who wanted a boy. Now, despite all heartaches and pains, she must start afresh on Prince Edward Island.

Why you should watch it: This coming-of-age Netflix show is based on Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novel Anne of Green Gables. One of the highest-rated TV shows based on a classic book, it is a refreshing take on the period drama set in the 1800s. If you want a slice-of-life experience, this is a series you cannot miss.

WATCH HERE

17 /17

Heartstopper (2022)

IMDb rating: 8.6

Created by: Alice Oseman

Cast: Joe Locke, Kit Connor, William Gao

Episodes: 16

Approx. duration of each episode: 30 minutes

Synopsis: Charlie (Locke) is a shy and introverted gay student at Truham Grammar School. After being bullied for his sexuality, he comes across the star rugby player Nick (Connor) and sparks fly. Nick is confused about his sexuality. But with Charlie, he eventually comes out as bi. The two boys enter into a loving relationship and navigate high school with a group of close friends from Tuham and Higgs.

Why you should watch it: Based on Oseman’s bestselling novel of the same name, this is a heart-warming teen romance. Themes of friendship, familial pressure, homophobia and how important a safe school environment is set this series apart from most high school romances, I feel. After a successful second season, the ensuing instalment is set to roll out in October 2024.