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Read It After You've Watched It



Read It After You've Watched It: Must-Read Books That Inspired Your Favorite Movies & Shows


Sometimes, watching a movie or TV adaptation leaves us wanting more—more details, deeper character insights, and uncut storylines. If you’ve loved these on-screen adaptations, you’ll definitely want to go back and experience the original books they were based on. Here are ten must-read books that have inspired popular movies and TV series!



🔍 Now Streaming on Netflix🎭 Starring: Emma Myers (Pip Fitz-Amobi)

This gripping YA thriller follows Pip, a determined high school student who takes on a closed murder case as her school project. As she digs deeper into the mystery surrounding the death of a local girl, secrets unravel, and Pip finds herself in real danger. The book’s clever storytelling, gripping suspense, and unexpected twists make it a must-read before watching the Netflix series.


🎬 Inspired the Bollywood Hit 3 Idiots (Available on Prime Video & Netflix)🎭 Starring: Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena KapoorA humorous and thought-provoking novel about three friends struggling to survive the pressure of India’s most prestigious engineering college. The book highlights academic stress, friendship, and the importance of following one's passion. While 3 Idiots was an incredible adaptation, the novel offers a different perspective and even more entertaining anecdotes.


🐉 Now Streaming on Netflix🎭 Starring: Millie Bobby Brown (Elodie), Robin Wright, Angela BassettA dark, feminist twist on classic fairy tales, Damsel follows a young woman who believes she is destined to marry a prince, only to discover that she has actually been chosen as a sacrifice to a dragon. This story explores themes of survival, resilience, and self-reliance. If you love strong female protagonists, breathtaking fantasy worlds, and unexpected plot turns, this is the book for you.


❤️ Now Streaming on Netflix🎭 Starring: Ambika Mod (Emma Morley), Leo Woodall (Dexter Mayhew)A deeply emotional love story spanning two decades, One Day follows Emma and Dexter, who meet on the same day every year. Readers can expect beautifully written characters, witty dialogue, and an exploration of how time shapes relationships. If you love heartfelt, realistic romance with bittersweet moments, this book is a must-read before watching the Netflix adaptation.


💔 Now Streaming on Netflix🎭 Starring: Blake Lively (Lily Bloom), Justin Baldoni (Ryle Kincaid), Brandon Sklenar (Atlas Corrigan)A deeply emotional story about love, heartbreak, and resilience, It Ends With Us follows Lily as she navigates a complicated romance while dealing with personal trauma and difficult choices. This novel is powerful, raw, and incredibly moving, making it a must-read before watching the Netflix adaptation.


🏖️ Now Streaming on Amazon Prime Video🎭 Starring: Lola Tung (Belly), Christopher Briney (Conrad), Gavin Casalegno (Jeremiah)A coming-of-age story filled with summer romance, family bonds, and personal growth, The Summer I Turned Pretty is perfect for readers who love emotional, character-driven narratives. The love triangle between Belly and the two Fisher brothers adds to the drama, making it an engaging read before watching the Amazon Prime adaptation.


📖 Inspired the Film Pad Man (Available on Netflix & Prime Video)🎭 Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Apte, Sonam KapoorA collection of inspiring short stories, including the one that inspired the movie Pad Man, this book blends humor and social awareness. The stories touch on themes of women’s empowerment, perseverance, and breaking societal norms. If you loved Pad Man, this book provides a richer understanding of the real-life inspiration behind it.


😭 Now Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar & Prime Video🎭 Starring: Shailene Woodley (Hazel Grace), Ansel Elgort (Augustus Waters)A deeply moving story about Hazel and Augustus, two teenagers battling cancer who find love in the most unexpected way. This book is full of heartwarming moments, witty dialogue, and profound life lessons that make it an unforgettable read. If you haven’t read it yet, the novel offers an even deeper emotional impact than the movie.


📺 Now Streaming on Apple TV+🎭 Starring: Youn Yuh-jung, Lee Min-ho, Jin Ha, Kim Min-haA multi-generational saga following a Korean family’s struggles and triumphs as they navigate life in Japan. This book offers a deep, emotional look into history, identity, and resilience. If you enjoy rich storytelling with well-developed characters and intricate historical details, this is a must-read before watching the beautifully crafted Apple TV+ series.


🎥 Now Streaming on Prime Video & Apple TV🎭 Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor (Solomon Northup), Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong’o, Brad PittA harrowing true account of Solomon Northup, a free Black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery for 12 years. The book provides a firsthand, deeply moving narrative of his experience, offering more historical depth than even the Oscar-winning film. Reading Northup’s own words makes the story even more powerful.

 
 
 

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