Some stories are meant to live beyond the page. These book-to-screen adaptations didn’t just survive the transition; they thrived, bringing beloved characters and worlds to life in ways that honored the source material while creating something new and exciting.
Bridgerton – Netflix
Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton novels became a cultural phenomenon when they hit Netflix, and for good reason.
The show captures all the romance, scandal, and witty banter of the books while adding lush visuals, a modern soundtrack, and diverse casting that breathes fresh life into the Regency era. Each season tackles a different sibling’s love story, staying true to the emotional core of Quinn’s work while expanding the world in smart, compelling ways.
Whether you’re team book or team show, both versions deliver swoon-worthy romance and addictive drama.
People We Meet on Vacation – Netflix
Emily Henry’s beloved rom-com made the jump from page to screen, and it delivers exactly what fans hoped for.
The film follows best friends Poppy and Alex through years of summer vacations, missed connections, and the kind of slow-burn chemistry that makes you want to scream at the characters to just kiss already. The adaptation captures Henry’s signature blend of humor, heart, and emotional honesty while bringing the sun-soaked settings and electric tension to vivid life.
If you loved the book, the movie gives you a fresh way to fall for these characters all over again.
Normal People – Hulu
Sally Rooney’s intimate novel about two young people navigating love, class, and connection became an equally intimate twelve-episode series.
The adaptation captures every nuance of Rooney’s spare, emotionally complex prose. The chemistry between the leads is electric, the pacing is patient, and the quiet moments hit just as hard as the dramatic ones.
If you loved the book’s exploration of miscommunication and longing, the show will wreck you in the best way.
The Handmaid’s Tale – Hulu
Margaret Atwood’s dystopian masterpiece has been adapted multiple times, but Hulu’s series stands out for its unflinching commitment to the material’s horror and urgency.
The show expands beyond the novel’s scope, following June’s story past the book’s ambiguous ending while exploring the experiences of characters who only appeared briefly on the page. It’s brutal, necessary viewing that feels both timeless and disturbingly relevant.
Elisabeth Moss delivers a powerhouse performance that anchors the entire series.
When Adaptations Get It Right
The best book-to-screen adaptations understand that fidelity isn’t about copying every detail. It’s about capturing the spirit, themes, and emotional truth of the original while using the strengths of a new medium.
These shows and films prove that great stories can thrive in multiple forms, giving audiences new ways to experience worlds and characters they already love.
Planning your next watch party or cozy night in? Pair one of these adaptations with the book and see how they compare. No matter where you are in Canada, a great story on screen or on the page makes any evening special. Looking for more date night ideas? Check out things to do, events, and activities across the country!
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