Books that have gone viral on TikTok are getting on-screen adaptations, like The Summer I Turned Pretty, and so readers are taking over the app to suggest the next bestseller that should be made into a film.
TikTok users have suggested stories ranging from romance novels that would need serious edits to avoid an NC-17 rating to light historical fiction that focus on relationships that may or may not be as happy as they seem. With so much outcry from readers, these books that have gained popularity on TikTok will likely be hitting the big screen sooner rather than later.
Gild
Gild has quickly become one of the most popular fantasy romance books on TikTok, and while it doesn’t rank among the best fantasy book series of all time, it still is a hit with readers. The book re-imagines the story of King Midas, which is rarely revisited across the fantasy genre, and the unique plot has fans invested in not only the first book but the entire series of novels.
Gild also has similar romance tropes to other popular fantasy book series that fans have enjoyed for a long time but have now become over-hyped and reread so many times that readers want something fresh. TikTok user @therapyinbooks said, “similar to ACOTAR but so much better.”
A Good Girls Guide To Murder
Books with podcast elements and visual aspects have risen to popularity over the last five years, and now readers want to see the true crime podcast-inspired book A Good Girls Guide To Murder make its way to theaters or streaming.
TikToker @raynaslibrary included the novel in a video about “books that would make great movies,” with commenters agreeing that the book would make an excellent on-screen adaptation, whether as a series or film. With the book being the first in a trilogy, this would function better as a series so that fans can get all the best parts.
Heartless
Alice in Wonderland has been redone many times, but one story that hasn’t been retold is the origins of The Queen of Hearts until Heartless hit shelves. TikTok user @raynaslibrary included this book in another video about books that make great shows or movies.
Heartless has elements of tragedy and fantasy that delights fans while reading, but will also translate well into a film. Villain origin stories have become popular, with movies like Cruella and Maleficent released in recent years. And even though this story isn’t a Disney book, fans still want to see a movie version of the story.
The Love Hypothesis
The Love Hypothesis exploded onto BookTok and has held its place as one of the most loved books on the app for almost a year. TikTok user@itsashtaylorb included the novel in her video, which captioned, “movies often ruin books,” but she’d love to see as movies.
The Love Hypothesis would make a great romantic comedy given its classic rom-com tropes; however, with the book being based on a Kylo Ren and Rey Skywalker fan fiction, the story would have to undergo some changes before being approved by a studio.
Solitaire
After the hit series Heartstopper got a Netflix adaptation, fans of Alice Oseman have been hoping more books from her backlist will make their way to their screens. TikTok user @f4iryalexandra said, “Solitaire could go into the heartstopper show, but idk a movie would be cool.”
Given that fans feel Heartstopper got key elements right from the graphic novel, another Alice Oseman book could get picked up by Netflix shortly, but there is still much to explore in the Heartstopper world.
Bunny
Not many thrillers are brought up when it comes to popular TikTok books being made into films. However, TikToker @readingslag suggested the novel in a list of books that A24 should adapt. The book has similar elements to the ’80s movie Heathers, giving it a dramatic but also suspenseful feeling.
The novel’s unique use of cliques and secret societies has been seen in other books recently, but the inclusion of mean girl attitudes and light horror would make the movie even more of a standout than the novel.
One Last Stop
One Last Stop has gotten mixed reviews from readers, but book lovers on TikTok have fallen in love with the LGBTQ+ time travel romance story set in New York City. TikTok user @amys_bookshelf mentioned the book in a video of books she felt would make great film adaptations.r
The new adult novel has a unique love story that hasn’t been explored recently, especially for 18 to 30-year-olds. The mystery elements would help the story appeal to viewers who don’t care as much for the romance but will want to see their favorite book on screen. With more shows finally including LGTBQ+ leads, Casey McQuiston’s novel could see success on film.
Alex & Eliza
With the popularity of Hamilton and historical fiction novels like the Bridgerton series captivating fans, the story Alex &Eliza may make it to screens soon. TikToker @lucies.library captioned her video with “I would watch the heck out of an Alex and Eliza movie.”
The novel tells a romanticized version of Alexander Hamilton and his wife Eliza’s love story, and fans can’t get enough of it. The American Revolution hasn’t been used as the backdrop for a romance in some time and would fit perfectly into the historical romance craze taking over streaming.
Reminders of Him
Colleen Hoover has taken over TikTok with her various romance books that suit any reader, from young adults to adults, and now TikTok wants her books turned into films. TikToker @basic.bookz said, “I think it would be interesting to bounce back and forth between past and present on film.”
Hoover’s books are often emotional and carry a more profound moral than just a couple falling in love, which is one of the reasons Reminders of Him would translate well as an on-screen adaptation.
The Brown Sisters Trilogy
The Brown Sisters Trilogy has representation that is not seen in many books, including interracial relationships, chronic illness, and LGBTQ+ characters. That being said, book lovers are begging for someone to make the trilogy into a movie series. TikTok user @limmadi8 said,” These would translate so well into a room com movie it’s insane.”
The series touches on classic romantic comedy tropes that viewers already love but with a twist for each story that wouldn’t make the movies feel stale and overdone.
