10 Upcoming Movies Based On New York Times Bestselling Books

The years ahead promise to be very exciting for avid readers around the world. Many of our favorite books are set to be released on the big screen—and beyond. Some of these adaptations draw inspiration from widely beloved novels that have had the privilege of being featured on The New York Times bestselling list.

This prestigious list has long been a benchmark of literary success, highlighting stories that have captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Although some of the guidelines used to compile it are still kept a secret, The New York Times bestsellers are considered the leading ranking of popular books in the United States. From gripping thrillers to timeless classics, there is going to be a lot to look forward to in the upcoming period, especially considering the involvement of prominent figures from the cinema industry.

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10

The Friend – March 28

Based On The Friend By Sigrid Nunez

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The Friend

Drama

Release Date

March 28, 2025

Runtime

120 Minutes

Director

Scott McGehee, David Siegel

Writers

Scott McGehee, Sigrid Nunez, David Siegel

Producers

Liza Chasin, Naomi Watts

Cast

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• 

  Naomi Watts

  Iris

• 

  Bill Murray

  Walter

• 

  Constance Wu

• 

  Ann Dowd

The Friend follows Iris as she navigates the aftermath of her longtime friend Walter’s sudden death. Left with his unresolved relationships, unfinished literary work, and his large dog, Iris must manage her complicated friendship’s legacy amidst personal and logistical challenges in Manhattan.

Main Genre

Drama

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Directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel, The Friend drew inspiration from the novel of the same name by author Sigrid Nunez. The book is a gripping story about a Manhattan-based writer who adopts the Great Dane of her best friend and mentor after they commit suicide. The recently released trailer for the upcoming movie shows actress Naomi Watts as the lead character of this heartbreaking story.

With mostly positive reviews from its early releases at the Telluride and the Toronto International Film Festival, the film promises to be an emotionally intense journey.

Along with Watts, the film also features Bill Murray as the protagonist’s late friend, who will likely appear in the flashbacks. Following the steps of the original work, the movie explores themes of grief and healing, portrayed through the profound relationship of the two figures left behind, the human and the dog. With mostly positive reviews from its early releases at the Telluride and the Toronto International Film Festival, the film promises to be an emotionally intense journey, and will premiere on March 28.

9

The Amateur – April 11

Based On The Amateur By Robert Littell

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The Amateur

PG-13

Thriller

Release Date

April 9, 2025

Director

James Hawes

Writers

Gary Spinelli

Producers

Hutch Parker, Rami Malek

Cast

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• 

  Rami Malek

  Charles Heller

• 

  Rachel Brosnahan

  Uncredited

• 

  Caitríona Balfe

  CIA Deputy Director Moore

• 

  Laurence Fishburne

  Carlos

The Amateur: Following a personal tragedy in a London terrorist attack, a CIA cryptographer confronts internal agency conflicts and coerces his superiors into training him to pursue the perpetrators himself. Released in 2025, the film explores themes of vengeance and bureaucratic impasse.

Main Genre

Thriller

Studio(s)

Hutch Parker Entertainment

Distributor(s)

20th Century Studios

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Set to be released on April 11, The Amateur is a vigilante thriller based on the best-selling book written by Robert Littell. The story follows Charles Heller, a CIA Cryptographer who embarks on a mission to avenge his wife, killed in a terrorist attack that took place in London. The main character in the movie is Rami Malek, famous for his work in Mr. Robot and his Academy Award-winning performance as Freddy Mercury.

The upcoming 2025 movie is not the first adaptation of The Amateur. The novel had already come alive on the big screen in 1981. This new version is likely to offer a fresh take on the story, bringing a more modern perspective. With the contribution of Malek, known for his sincere and spirited performances, the film is already on its way to greatness.

8

The Life Of Chuck – June 26

Based On The Life Of Chuck By Stephen King

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The Life of Chuck

Not Yet Rated

Drama

Fantasy

Science Fiction

8/10

Release Date

May 30, 2025

Runtime

110 minutes

Director

Mike Flanagan

Writers

Mike Flanagan, Stephen King

Producers

D. Scott Lumpkin, Elan Gale, Trevor Macy, Molly C. Quinn, Melinda Nishioka

Cast

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• 

  Mark Hamill

  Albie Krantz

• 

  Tom Hiddleston

  See more : 10 Directors That Take Dry Humor To The Next Level In Their Movies

  Charles ‘Chuck’ Krantz

The Life of Chuck is a narrative exploring the life of Chuck Krantz, presented in reverse chronological order. The film begins with Chuck’s end, gradually revealing his earlier experiences and the events that shaped his journey, offering a unique perspective on his lifetime.

Main Genre

Drama

Studio(s)

Intrepid Pictures, QWGmire

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After winning the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival, expectations for The Life of Chuck are definitely high. The film will premiere in normal theaters in June of this year. Based on the novella by Stephen King from the collection If It Bleeds, the story explores the existence of Chuck (played by Tom Hiddleston in the adaptation), whose life unfolds in three distinct acts. Contrary to what one might believe, the movie is not going to be a horror but a drama.

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The sole mention of Stephen King is enough to ignite interest, as the accomplished writer is known for weaving emotional depth and thought-provoking arguments into intriguing storytelling. Furthermore, Mike Flanagan, known for his exceptional work on masterpieces like The Haunting of Hill House and Gerald’s Game, is the screenwriter and director. Without a doubt, The Life of Chuck is worth the wait.

7

Animal Farm – July 11

Based On Animal Farm By George Orwell

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Animal Farm

Animation

Release Date

July 11, 2025

Director

Andy Serkis

Producers

Dave Rosenbaum, Jonathan Cavendish, Nicholas Stoller

Cast

• 

  Andy Serkis

  Benjamin (voice)

• 

  Kieran Culkin

  Squealer

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One of the most renowned classics in the history of literature, Animal Farm is a bestselling masterpiece that still holds up today. Written by literary giant George Orwell in 1945, the book is an allegory of the Stalinist era of the Soviet Union. Orwell featured a group of anthropomorphic farm animals attempting to rebel against their oppressive human owner, only to find themselves at the mercy of one of their own, who ends up being like the previous dictator.

This upcoming version of Animal Farm will be animated, with the talented Andy Serkis as the director. Serkis’ film is, however, only one of three adaptations of Orwell’s famous book. Screenwriter Nicholas Stoller teased a darkly comic tone to the story (Via Collider). According to IMBD, the movie will also feature Kieran Culkin and Kathleen Turner. Without a doubt, Animal Farm is one of the most awaited productions of the year.

6

The Running Man – November 21

Based On The Running Man By Stephen King

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The Running Man

Science Fiction

Thriller

Release Date

November 7, 2025

Director

Edgar Wright

Writers

Edgar Wright

Producers

George Linder, Nira Park, Simon Kinberg

Cast

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• 

  Glen Powell

  Ben Richards

• 

  Katy O’Brian

  Uncredited

• 

  Daniel Ezra

  Sheila Richards

• 

  Karl Glusman

The Running Man, released in 2025, centers on a man participating in a perilous game show where contestants evade deadly “Hunters” in a global pursuit. Set in a dystopian future, the film explores themes of survival and societal manipulation within a high-stakes televised spectacle.

Main Genre

Action

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There is always another thrilling adaptation on the horizon when it comes to Stephen King’s stories. The Running Man is one of these. The film is based on the dystopian action book of the same name, written in 1982. Interestingly enough, the story takes place in 2025, when the United States plunged into utter chaos with a collapsing economy and violence on the rise. The main character, Ben Richards, takes part in a reality show where participants win money by escaping a hitman trying to kill them.

Directed by Edgar Wright, whose work on Shaun of the Dead and Last Night in Soho has been relentlessly praised, the novel had already been previously adapted for the big screen in 1987 with Arnold Schwarzenegger as the lead. However, this time, the role of the protagonist was given to Glenn Powell, who will likely not let us down.

5

The Housemaid – December 25

Based On The Housemaid By Freida McFadden

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The Housemaid

Not Yet Rated

Thriller

Mystery

Release Date

December 25, 2025

Director

Paul Feig

Writers

Freida McFadden, Rebecca Sonnenshine

Producers

Alex Young

Cast

See All

• 

  Sydney Sweeney

  Millie

• 

  Amanda Seyfried

  Nina

The Housemaid, directed by Paul Feig, follows Millie, a woman who becomes a housemaid for the affluent couple Nina and Andrew. As she settles into her new role, Millie uncovers the perilous secrets hidden within the seemingly perfect family.

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One of the many upcoming projects of popular actress Sidney Sweeney, The Housemaid is an adaptation of the international bestseller by author Freida McFadden. The premise revolves around a young woman, Millie, who is hired as a live-in housemaid for a wealthy family. However, she soon becomes entangled in the web of sinister secrets carefully concealed between the four walls of the luxurious estate.

A New York Times bestseller, The Housemaid received such overwhelming attention on social media that Hollywood producers decided to pick up the project.

Along with Sweeney, the cast of the movie includes Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar. The designated director is Paul Feig, previously known for films like Bridesmaids and as the creator of the TV show Freak and Geeks. A New York Times bestseller, The Housemaid received such overwhelming attention on social media that Hollywood producers decided to pick up the project. Therefore, the movie is one of the most awaited releases in 2025.

4

The Woman In Cabin 10 – Late 2025

Based On The Woman In Cabin 10 By Ruth Ware

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The Woman In Cabin 10

Mystery

Director

Simon Stone

Writers

Simon Stone, Ruth Ware, Joe Shrapnel, Anna Waterhouse

Producers

Debra Hayward, Richard Hewitt, Cindy Holland, Elisabeth Murdoch

Cast

See All

• 

  Keira Knightley

• 

  Guy Pearce

• 

  Hannah Waddingham

• 

  David Ajala

The Woman in Cabin 10 follows a travel journalist, played by Keira Knightley, as she covers the launch of a luxury yacht. After witnessing a passenger thrown overboard, she faces disbelief and danger while seeking answers amid the isolated North Sea.

Main Genre

Mystery

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The Woman in Cabin 10 will finally bring its chilling mystery to the screen later this year. A first look at the movie shows actress Keira Knightley attempting to solve a sinister murder case. The film draws inspiration from the 2016 book by British author Ruth Ware. Knightley stars as Lo Blacklock, a travel journalist who, while on a luxury cruise, witnesses a murder—only to be told the victim was never there.

The movie also features Oscar nominee Guy Pearce as the enigmatic Richard Bullmer, a crucial figure in the mystery. With such an exceptional cast and riveting premise, The Woman in Cabin 10 seems like one of those films that will keep the viewer on the edge of their seat until the end. If it were to live up to the expectations set by the extraordinary actors, the Netflix production could be one of the most haunting psychological thrillers of the year.

3

People We Meet On Vacation – 2025

Based On People We Meet On Vacation By Emily Henry

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People We Meet on Vacation

Romance

Director

Brett Haley

Writers

Emily Henry, Yulin Kuang

Producers

Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, Isaac Klausner

Cast

See All

• 

  Emily Bader

  Poppy

• 

  Tom Blyth

  Uncredited

People We Meet on Vacation is a film adaptation centered on the enduring friendship between two contrasting personalities, Alex and Poppy. Despite their differences, they maintain a strong bond through a shared annual vacation over several years, navigating life’s complexities and their evolving relationship.

Main Genre

Romance

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People We Meet on Vacation came out in 2021 with critical and commercial success, winning the Goodreads Choice Award for Romance. Written by Emily Henry, the book focuses on Poppy and Alex, two former best friends who used to travel together until they became estranged after an awkward occurrence during one of their vacations. Two years after the fact, Poppy convinces Alex to take one last trip, hoping to fix their relationship.

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The movie stars Emily Bader and Tom Blyth as the lead characters and should be released this year on Netflix. With its heartfelt narrative and charismatic protagonists, People We Meet on Vacation has all the making of a remarkable feel-good rom-com. All it has to do is correctly balance the blend of humor, emotional depth, and nostalgia that characterize the core of Emily Henry’s beloved novel.

2

Klara And The Sun – 2025

Based On Klara And The Sun By Kazuo Ishiguro

Klara and the Sun

Science Fiction

Director

Taika Waititi

Writers

Dahvi Waller

Producers

David Heyman

Cast

See All

• 

  Amy Adams

  The Mother

• 

  Jenna Ortega

  Klara

• 

  Mia Tharia

  Josie

• 

  Natasha Lyonne

  Manager

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Another release promised for this year but with a specific date yet to be established, Klara and the Sun is based on the acclaimed 2021 novel by Kazuo Ishiguro. The book received positive reviews when first published and was selected as one of the 10 Best Books of 2021 by The Washington Post. Set in a dystopian future in the USA, the plot unfolds through the eyes of Klara, an Artificial Friend whose task is to provide companionship to children.

The cast of the upcoming movie includes Jenna Ortega in the role of Klara and Amy Adams as Chrissie, the mother of the child the Artificial Friend is assigned to. With the rapid technological progress we are assisting and the increasing discussion around artificial intelligence, the movie is a timely story to bring to the screen. Hopefully, the film will delve into, as the source, themes of love and friendship while also thoughtfully addressing the growing impact of AI on human relationships.

1

The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo – TBA

Based On The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo By Taylor Jenkins Reid

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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Romance

Drama

History

Director

Leslye Headland

Writers

Liz Tigelaar

Producers

Liza Chasin, Margaret Chernin

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo follows reclusive Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo as she shares her life story with journalist Monique Grant. The narrative unfolds across the Golden Age of Hollywood, detailing Evelyn’s rise to fame and her seven marriages, while exploring hidden secrets and personal motives.

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Although the date of the movie’s premiere remains uncertain, fans everywhere are eagerly anticipating the adaptation of the beloved book written by Taylor Jenkins Reid, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. The legendary Evelyn Hugo, a 79-year-old former Hollywood star who decides to reveal the secrets behind her seven marriages to a young journalist, is a fascinating figure to bring to life. The character is speculated to be inspired by cinema icon Elizabeth Taylor.

For now, there is very little we know about the casting and the direction of the project. Netflix is likely keeping it a secret. However, it is clear that the glamorous atmosphere of the story, the charismatic characters, and the exciting intrigues will contribute to creating a compelling cinematic experience. The journey into the thrilling story of Evelyn promises to be filled with dazzling visuals and deeply emotional moments.

Source: https://www.phonggdkrongpac.edu.vn
Category: Entertainment