9 books to read before their 2025 movie adaptations debut

Summer is officially here, bringing the perfect excuse to unwind by the pool, get lost in a good book and escape into a fictional world — something a lot of us could use right now. And if you’re looking for new ways to take a break from reality, you're in luck, because it’s not just books offering a getaway. The way we experience stories has evolved; while we still enjoy catching the latest film releases in theaters, there’s something just as satisfying about streaming them from the comfort of our homes.

From horror movies to beach reads, here are nine books to binge before you watch their film adaptations on screen.

‘Fear Street: Prom Queen’

By R.L. Stine
Movie release date: May 23

OK, this one's already out, but you probably haven't seen it yet. Goosebumps author R.L. Stine gets another Netflix film adaptation, this time of his 1992 novel "The Prom Queen." Set in 1988 at Shadyside High, the story follows a group of popular girls competing for the title of prom queen, only to find themselves caught in a nightmare they never saw coming. The horror film is part of the Fear Street series and is directed by Matt Palmer.

‘My Oxford Year’

By Julia Whelan
Movie release date: Aug. 1

Sofia Carson might just be single-handedly reviving the romantic comedy genre. This August, she stars alongside "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story" actor Corey Mylchreest in a new Netflix romance film based on a novel by Whelan. The story follows a young American woman who travels to Oxford University to pursue a lifelong dream. The film weaves poetry and literature into the heart of the characters’ love story, staying true to the spirit of Whelan’s original work published in 2018.

‘Regretting You’

By Colleen Hoover
Movie release date: Oct. 24

Whether it’s BookTok buzz or the feud between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni after the release of the adaptation of the bestseller "It Ends With Us," Hoover's novel  "Regretting You" (2019) is one of the most anticipated book-to-film releases of the year. The story centers on the emotional fallout between a mother and daughter after a tragic accident upends their lives. Directed by "The Fault in Our Stars" auteur Josh Boone, the film stars Allison Williams, Mckenna Grace, Dave Franco and Scott Eastwood.

‘The Running Man’

By Stephen King
Movie release date: Nov. 7

In this dystopian world, a totalitarian regime hosts violent TV game shows to pacify the masses. Sound familiar? A new adaptation of Stephen King’s 1982 novel "The Running Man" is on the way, starring Glen Powell, Josh Brolin and Michael Cera. Directed by Edgar Wright, the thriller follows Ben Richards (played by Powell), a desperate man who enters the deadly televised competition in a bid to survive — and expose the system behind it.

"The Running Man" isn't the only King adaptation coming to the screen this year; his novella "The Long Walk" gets the film treatment starting June 12.

‘Frankenstein’

By Mary Shelley
Movie release date: November

If you loved "The Shape of Water" or "Pan’s Labyrinth," you’ll be drawn to Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming adaptation of Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein" (1818), which has been 10 years in the making. This science fiction horror film is set to release on Netflix and stars Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi and Mia Goth. With del Toro’s signature visual style and emotional depth, this reimagining promises a fresh, haunting take on the timeless tale of creation and monstrosity.

‘Wicked: For Good’

By Gregory Maguire
Movie release date: Nov. 21

Based on "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" (1995), Gregory Maguire’s novel that reimagines the story of Elphaba and Glinda, "Wicked: For Good" is the second part of the saga, continuing the journey of these iconic characters in a new light. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will reunite, joined by Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater and Jeff Goldblum, to reprise their roles in the magical world of Oz. The film is expected to be a major success, building on the popularity of the first part, which is primarily based on the renowned Broadway musical.

‘The Housemaid’

By Freida McFadden
Movie release date: December

The Housemaid (2022) is another BookTok success. This trending psychological thriller captivated thousands with its gripping story about a housemaid working for a wealthy couple, who uncovers dangerous secrets she never anticipated. Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried are set to star in the upcoming film adaptation.

‘Klara and the Sun’

By Kazuo Ishiguro
Movie release date: TBA

The dystopian science fiction novel "Klara and the Sun" will come to life on the big screen at the end of 2025, starring Jenna Ortega, Amy Adams and Natasha Lyonne and directed by Taika Waititi. Ortega will portray Klara, an Artificial Friend designed to alleviate loneliness in teenagers. Klara embarks on a mission to save Josie (played by Mia Tharia), a young woman struggling with a mysterious illness. "Klara and the Sun" (2021) is the eighth novel by British author Kazuo Ishiguro.

‘People We Meet on Vacation’

By Emily Henry
Movie release date: TBA

Based on the New York Times bestseller, "People We Meet on Vacation" (2021) follows the story of Poppy Wright (played by Emily Bader) and Alex Nilsen (played by Tom Blyth), two friends who have spent years vacationing together every summer. This Netflix romantic comedy will make you believe in friends-to-lovers relationships all over again.