The Best Literary Adaptations of the Decade

Over the past decade, filmmakers have found a rich source of inspiration in the world of literature. From beloved classics to contemporary bestsellers, books have been translated to the big screen and streaming platforms in ways that continue to captivate audiences. While adaptations are often met with skepticism, fearing they won’t live up to the source material, the 2010s and 2020s have proven that literature and cinema make a potent pairing. Some adaptations stay true to the heart of the books they were based on, while others take creative liberties that deepen the stories or offer new perspectives. In this article, we’ll explore the best literary adaptations of the decade—films and TV series that not only honor the original works but also stand as powerful cinematic experiences in their own right.

1. "Little Women" (2019) – Directed by Greta Gerwig

Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women has been adapted numerous times, but Greta Gerwig’s 2019 version stands out as a truly unique take on the beloved novel. Known for her sharp storytelling and modern sensibility, Gerwig’s adaptation shifts between two timelines—one that follows the March sisters as young women and another that shows them as adults—creating a refreshing dynamic and highlighting the timeless nature of Alcott’s characters.

The stellar cast, including Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, and Timothée Chalamet, brings the beloved sisters to life in a way that resonates with both long-time fans and newcomers to the story. Gerwig’s version not only celebrates the joys and trials of sisterhood but also explores themes of ambition, independence, and self-determination, making it one of the most critically acclaimed literary adaptations of the decade.

2. "The Handmaid's Tale" (2017–Present) – Created by Bruce Miller

Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale is a chilling exploration of power, oppression, and the resilience of women. First adapted into a film in 1990, the more recent TV adaptation, created by Bruce Miller and premiering in 2017, has taken the story to new heights. Set in the near future, the series follows Offred (Elisabeth Moss), a woman living in the theocratic society of Gilead, where women are stripped of their rights and forced into servitude as “handmaids” to reproduce for the ruling class.

The television series has been praised for its chilling atmosphere, emotional depth, and timely relevance, particularly as issues of women’s rights and freedom remain a global conversation. The Handmaid's Tale has also been lauded for its powerful performances, especially by Moss, and has won several awards, including multiple Emmys. This adaptation has not only revived Atwood's 1985 novel but has also become a cultural touchstone, resonating with contemporary social and political issues.

3. "Big Little Lies" (2017-2019) – Created by David E. Kelley

Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies is a darkly comedic yet thought-provoking tale of suburban secrets, complex relationships, and the hidden dramas of a small town. The 2017 HBO series, created by David E. Kelley, became an instant hit, thanks in part to its all-star cast—Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, and Laura Dern—and its riveting plot twists that explore themes of domestic abuse, motherhood, and the lies people tell to protect their image.

What makes this adaptation stand out is how it expands on the source material. While Moriarty’s novel provides a suspenseful mystery, the show takes a deep dive into character development, providing the actresses with rich material to showcase their range. The series was praised for its exploration of complex female characters and their emotional journeys, and it even led to a second season, further pushing the boundaries of what literary adaptations can achieve in terms of storytelling.

4. "The Night Manager" (2016) – Directed by Susanne Bier

John le Carré’s The Night Manager is a taut, international spy thriller that blends espionage with moral ambiguity. The 2016 six-part BBC miniseries, directed by Susanne Bier, brings this suspenseful tale to life with an A-list cast led by Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, Olivia Colman, and Elizabeth Debicki. Hiddleston stars as Jonathan Pine, a hotel manager recruited by British intelligence to infiltrate an arms dealer’s inner circle, played by the ever-sinister Hugh Laurie.

This adaptation is a masterclass in pacing, tension, and the art of adaptation. While le Carré’s novel is set during the Cold War, the series successfully modernizes the story without losing its core elements of suspense and political intrigue. With its stylish visuals, complex characters, and compelling performances, The Night Manager is a standout adaptation that adds new layers to the original narrative while staying true to its essence.

5. "The Queen's Gambit" (2020) – Created by Scott Frank

Based on Walter Tevis’s 1983 novel, The Queen’s Gambit tells the story of Beth Harmon, a chess prodigy who rises from an orphanage to the top of the chess world in a male-dominated arena. The 2020 Netflix miniseries, created by Scott Frank, was a massive hit, attracting viewers who may not have been initially interested in chess but were captivated by the show’s intense character study and stylish period setting.

Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance as Beth Harmon has been widely praised, as she brings emotional depth to a character who is brilliant, yet deeply troubled. The series explores themes of loneliness, addiction, and the pursuit of excellence, with the game of chess acting as a metaphor for life’s many strategic decisions. The Queen's Gambit has become a cultural phenomenon, reigniting interest in chess while becoming one of Netflix's most-watched series, making it one of the decade’s most successful literary adaptations.

6. "Where’d You Go, Bernadette" (2019) – Directed by Richard Linklater

Maria Semple’s 2012 novel Where’d You Go, Bernadette is a quirky, humorous, and poignant story about an eccentric mother, Bernadette Fox, who mysteriously disappears before a family trip to Antarctica. The 2019 film adaptation, directed by Richard Linklater and starring Cate Blanchett in the title role, brings Semple’s witty, satirical story to the screen with a heartwarming yet bittersweet tone.

While some of the novel's sharper edges are softened in the film, Blanchett’s performance as the brilliant but troubled Bernadette shines, offering both comedic moments and emotional depth. The film takes a unique, visually engaging approach to capturing Bernadette’s worldview, offering a more whimsical perspective on the world she inhabits. The film succeeds in maintaining the spirit of the book while offering a more digestible version for moviegoers, making it an underrated gem of literary adaptations.

7. "The Goldfinch" (2019) – Directed by John Crowley

Donna Tartt’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Goldfinch tells the story of Theo Decker, a young boy who survives a bombing at a museum in New York City and becomes emotionally and morally scarred as he grows up. The 2019 film, directed by John Crowley, attempts to bring the novel’s sweeping narrative to the big screen, though it faced mixed reviews for its pacing and focus.

While The Goldfinch film may not have fully captured the novel’s intricacies, it still offers an emotionally charged and visually stunning portrayal of loss, grief, and the power of art. Ansel Elgort’s portrayal of Theo, along with the film’s impressive cinematography, offers a compelling adaptation of Tartt’s beloved book. For fans of the novel, the film still provides an engaging, if imperfect, retelling of the story’s emotional heart.

8. "Normal People" (2020) – Created by Lenny Abrahamson and Hettie Macdonald

Sally Rooney’s 2018 novel Normal People explores the intricate dynamics between Marianne and Connell, two teenagers from small-town Ireland who navigate love, friendship, and social status over the course of several years. The 2020 Hulu/BBC adaptation, directed by Lenny Abrahamson and Hettie Macdonald, was a critical hit, praised for its faithful yet intimate approach to Rooney’s complex characters.

The series brilliantly captures the awkwardness, tenderness, and depth of Marianne and Connell’s relationship, with Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal delivering remarkable performances. Unlike many adaptations, Normal People takes its time to explore the emotional subtleties of the source material, making the series a standout in the genre of literary adaptations. It also resonated with younger generations, highlighting how literature can continue to speak to contemporary struggles in a relatable way.