20 Unbelievable Fantasy Books Just Waiting to Hit the Big Screen
Discover a captivating world of untapped potential! These mesmerizing fantasy novels hold the key to epic cinematic or TV adaptations Immerse yourself in thrilling tales of feuding kingdoms, magical realms, and legendary heroes Don't miss out on these incredible stories waiting to enchant audiences worldwide!
Summary
Fantasy novels, such as Fevre Dream, Mistborn, and The First Law, offer rich storytelling and unique worlds that have yet to be adapted for the screen.
George R.R. Martin, Brandon Sanderson, and Joe Abercrombie, renowned authors in the field of fantasy literature, have crafted captivating and immensely popular series that have the potential for successful adaptations. Although television seems to be the prevailing platform for fantasy adaptations at present, certain novels may be more fitting for film or miniseries formats. Therefore, it is advisable for studios to contemplate obtaining the rights to these remarkable narratives.
In an era dominated by high-budget television shows and visually stunning films, it is surprising that these imaginative novels have yet to be brought to the screen. Fantasy has always found its place in the world of cinema, particularly after the immense success of film adaptations such as Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter in the early 2000s. These beloved stories propelled magical worlds into the mainstream, becoming some of the most lucrative franchises in history. Following the widespread popularity of Game of Thrones, streaming platforms have been quick to jump on the fantasy bandwagon, eager to create their own captivating series alongside traditional television.
Every streaming service is striving to replicate HBO's triumphs in the world of epic fantasy, including HBO itself with its latest series, House of the Dragon. Netflix has already showcased The Witcher and Shadow and Bone, while Amazon Prime is delving into The Wheel of Time and Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, all of which are adaptations of celebrated fantasy novels. While television appears to be the current go-to platform for fantasy content, there are still novels that would be better suited for film adaptations or miniseries. From contemporary fantasy series to timeless classics, it is only a matter of time before studios vie for the rights to these captivating tales.
10 Fevre Dream
9 Mistborn
: Exploring George R.R. Martin's other works beyond the immensely popular Game of Thrones could be a strategic move for studios. Within his vast sci-fi Thousand Worlds universe, Martin has crafted numerous captivating stories, including the novel Dying of the Light. However, it is the vampire fantasy novel Fevre Dream that truly showcases the author's unparalleled talent, making it a prime candidate for adaptation as a standalone miniseries or film. Set in the 19th century, this gripping tale follows a steamboat captain who becomes embroiled in a fierce conflict between two rival vampire factions, delivering some of Martin's most electrifying storytelling to date.
Renowned for his exceptional skills in contemporary fantasy writing, Brandon Sanderson has established himself as one of the most celebrated novelists of our time. Notably distinguished for his remarkable completion of Robert Jordan's revered series, The Wheel of Time, after the original author's demise, Sanderson's literary prowess knows no bounds. Among his illustrious works, the Mistborn series stands out, encompassing seven captivating novels, with more yet to come. This enthralling saga revolves around a band of enchanters, known as Allomancers, who fervently strive to topple a despotic regime. Intriguingly, Sanderson, an ardent admirer of both cinema and contemporary television, appears destined to see one of his remarkable novels grace the silver screen.
8 The First Law
Joe Abercrombie's The First Law trilogy is a remarkable fantasy epic series of the 21st century. Set in a world where magic is scarce and humans dominate, the trilogy unfolds amidst a war between three nations. Like George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire novels, Abercrombie's work employs multiple point-of-view characters who navigate the intricacies of the world and its conflicts, often intersecting with one another. This expansive world consists of two trilogies and three standalone novels. Notably, one of these novels, Best Served Cold, is currently in pre-production for a film adaptation. The movie features Rebecca Ferguson in a leading role and is helmed by acclaimed director Tim Miller.
7 The Chronicles of Amber
The Chronicles of Amber, a captivating series of ten novels penned by Roger Zelazny during the '70s and '80s, unveils a mesmerizing tale. The initial book introduces Corwin, an enigmatic prince of Amber, awakening in a mysterious hospital devoid of any recollections. Surprisingly, he unearths his connection to a regal lineage of extraordinary individuals blessed with the ability to traverse diverse dimensions. This narrative shares certain similarities with The Sandman, a recently acclaimed fantasy series that has captivated viewers on Netflix. Infused with boundless enthusiasm for the genre, Stephen Colbert has taken up the mantle of producing a television adaptation of these novels, currently in the pre-production phase.
6 Earthsea
5 Circe
The Earthsea Cycle, a collection of fantasy novels by Ursula K. Le Guin, was adapted into a film called Tales from Earthsea by Studio Ghibli. However, this adaptation was deemed disappointing by Le Guin, as it strayed quite a bit from the original material. Earthsea portrays a magical world characterized by vast oceans, with the only habitable areas being a series of islands forming an archipelago. Due to its intricate fantasy setting, extensive inclusion of magic, and the presence of dragons, these novels would prove challenging to adapt. Despite the expensive nature of such an endeavor, a television show based on Earthsea entered pre-production in 2018. Since then, there have been no updates or announcements regarding its progress.
Author Madeline Miller has skillfully reimagined the Ancient Greek epics in her novels Circe and A Song of Achilles. These captivating narratives have the potential to make exceptional miniseries or films, offering a refreshing departure from traditional fantasy by presenting more diverse characters. Circe, in particular, takes a renowned antagonist from Homer's Odyssey and imparts a fresh perspective, shedding light on the cruelty inflicted upon her by her father Helios and the events that led to her subsequent seclusion on the island of Aeaea. In this transformative tale, the goddess herself emerges as a true hero.
4 The Silmarillion
With The Rings of Power generating controversy among Amazon Prime viewers, there has been a strong demand from Tolkien enthusiasts for an adaptation of The Silmarillion. Authored by J. R. R. Tolkien posthumously, this book presents a compilation of tales and legends that delve into the origins of Middle Earth. While the vast timespan covered in The Silmarillion may pose challenges for screen adaptation, one possible approach could be to present it as an anthology series, or even better, as multiple series exploring different segments. This captivating book encompasses the genesis of Middle Earth, as well as the epic conflict with Morgoth, a subject that has only been briefly alluded to in The Rings of Power.
3 A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
The idea of adapting A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, also known as The Tales of Dunk and Egg, has long intrigued fans of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series. HBO has announced it as one of the Game of Thrones spinoffs in development, but there has been no update on its status. Although these stories are not yet fully completed, the existing novellas would provide a delightful on-screen experience, offering a more intimate and personal storyline set in Westeros, in contrast to the grand scale of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon.
2 A Court of Thorns and Roses
A Court of Thorns and Roses, written by author Sarah J. Mass, quickly soared to popularity as one of the most beloved modern fantasy series. The captivating story follows Feyre Archeron, the protagonist, who mistakenly slays a faerie and is subsequently transported to the enchanting faerie realms of Prythian to face the consequences. Amidst the intricate conflicts that plague Prythian, Feyre embarks on a fervent romance with an immortal faerie named Tamlin. Excitingly, Hulu, in collaboration with Outlander producer Ronald D. Moore and Sarah J. Mass, is in the process of adapting this wondrous tale for television.
1 The Stormlight Archive
Written by Brandon Sanderson, The Stormlight Archive is a captivating series comprising four novels, with several more on the horizon. The release of this epic saga began in 2010, and fans eagerly anticipate the fifth installment slated for 2024. Set on a mesmerizing and otherworldly planet, the narrative unfolds amidst a fierce conflict between formidable factions. The realm depicted in these novels stands out as one of the most imaginative in the realm of fantasy, its events intricately shaped by powerful and ceaseless storms known as Highstorms. Similar to the renowned Game of Thrones series, The Stormlight Archive presents gritty realism and introduces characters who confront the harshest realities within this fantastical realm. As such, The Stormlight Archive promises an immersive television experience that rivals the best offerings in the fantasy genre.
