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Readers often talk about how wonderful reading a book is. They say it brings so much pleasure to be drawn into a character’s world by just reading words on a page. There are many other benefits of making reading a habit, like how it helps you focus, reduce stress, and strengthen your memory. But being transported to a new world is one benefit readers can’t get enough of.

So imagine when your favorite book worlds leave the confines of your imagination and come alive on the screen. It’s like a dream come true for readers. That’s why films borne from books do so well. Readers flock to cinemas or binge-watch series on their streaming platforms for the opportunity to see their favorite books adapted to screen. 

Non-readers would be surprised by how many of their favorite films and TV shows are actually borne from books. 70% of the bestselling films are based on books. Below are some of those shows.

We Were the Lucky Ones

We must admit that many people enjoy spending their weekends watching their favorite best new TV series. Some of these shows have their origins in books. We Were the Lucky Ones is an example of such a show. A new miniseries, it was released on Hulu in March. It is based on a novel of the same name which the author wrote inspired by her family.

The show, like the book, is set during World War II. In it, we meet a Jewish family. Before the war, they were a happy, successful family. But the war comes and separates them, and throughout the series, we follow each of them as they try to survive and get back together. 

The story is unlike many war stories out there. War is ugly, and the reality is people seldom survive. But this story has a happy ending. We get to see the family together again.

The Handmaid’s Tale

A dystopian story, this TV series shook many viewers up. It’s from a book of the same title. It shows us a world where women’s rights no longer exist. An STD has led to infertility all over the world and, in response, dictatorship and religious fanaticism are now the order of the day. 

Women are classified based on their fertility and social status. There are Handmaids, who are fertile young women, and Aunts who are responsible for training them. There are also Marthas (maids) and Wives.

Handmaids are severely punished when they step out of line. The story follows the experiences of a particular Handmaid who wants more than what society gives her. Themes such as women’s rights and the dangers of religious extremism come to light. The TV adaptation develops the story beyond the book, expanding the world and the plot of the book. Both the book and the series have been widely praised.

The Witcher

This series has been a favorite for viewers since its release. Many people might not know it, but it is based on a fantasy book series. The books, in their turn, also began as a collection of short stories.

It takes us back to medieval times, to a setting called the Continent. We follow a monster hunter called Witcher and a princess. The Witcher and the princess became linked by destiny after he demanded her as a reward for his service. We follow him as he struggles to protect the princess from her pursuers. 

The series manages to bring the intricate world of the books to life beautifully, though it was challenging at first. This was because the early books had a non-linear structure and many stories that might seem like they didn’t belong to the plot at first. The show manages to spin these stories together and make them run with the main plot. 

Game of Thrones

This series was so popular that it was the number-one show of its time. It was loved far and wide. It is an epic fantasy series that had everyone talking. The book series it was adapted from had the same impact on readers. It got a huge readership, with many people reviewing and talking about it. 

Both the TV and the book series took viewers and readers through multiple plotlines of drama, politics, war, religion, magic, and so on. The story is focused on the struggle for the throne of a powerful kingdom. But as this struggle continues, an ancient danger awakens in the North. The series ran for eight seasons, becoming a global phenomenon thanks to the amazing plot crafted by the storyteller of the Targaryen family, George R. R. Martin. 

It’s one thing to love a book. But many readers would agree that seeing that book come to life is quite another thing. Filmmakers understand this, which is why so much effort goes into adapting readers’ favorite books to film or television. No matter how it is consumed, however, a story is a story and will always delight, depending on how well it is put together.