Books and their movie adaptations have long sparked debate among readers and viewers alike. Some swear nothing can replace the depth of a novel, while others embrace the visual spectacle of film. This festive season, we are spoilt for choice—and we’ve narrowed it down, selecting our favourite six adaptations to watch, five fresh releases from 2025 and one classic Jane Austen thrown in for good measure. With 2025 marking the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth and the 30th anniversary of the beloved BBC Pride and Prejudice series, there’s never been a better time to revisit the question. Whether you prefer turning pages or watching scenes unfold, the choice of how you enjoy the story is entirely yours.
The Woman in Cabin 10
The Woman in Cabin 10 is a psychological thriller by Ruth Ware, now adapted into a Netflix film. It is about a journalist, Lo Blacklock, played by Keira Knightley, who wakes in the night by screams, witnesses a passenger fall off a luxury yacht, but when she tries to tell the other guests about the event, no one believes her. So begins an investigation full of surprising twists and turns.
The Thursday Murder Club
The Thursday Murder Club is a book written by Richard Osman. It is firmly in the ‘Cosy Crime’ genre. Four retired friends meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders. When a murder occurs in their peaceful village, they are excited to take on their first live case. It is funny, easy to read, and easy to watch—the Netflix adaptation stars Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie. Chris Columbus directs the film.
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
Yay, Bridget Jones is back! 20 years older and somewhat wiser, given she has to negotiate the world without Mark Darcy by her side. The Bridget we know has not changed, still awkward, counting calories and alcohol units, but is now a single mother of two. Helen Fielding has captured the charm of the original Bridget but added complexity. The film, starring all the usual actors, is a fun, feel-good rom-com, light on the introspection found in the book, but it is still a laugh.
Long Bright River
Long Bright River by Liz Moore is a haunting thriller that explores the complexities of family, addiction, and the struggles of urban life. The story, set in Philadelphia, follows the lives of two sisters, Mickey and Kacey, who are both affected by the opioid crisis that has ravaged their community. The writing is atmospheric and beautifully descriptive, capturing the gritty, desperate feel of the city and the weight of its characters’ struggles. In the film version, Amanda Seyfried stars as Mickey.
Pride and Prejudice
Given that 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, we are including Pride and Prejudice in this list. It is one of those classics that never loses its charm, no matter how many years pass. The story explores love, society, and personal growth through the story of Elizabeth Bennet and her relationship with the aloof and misunderstood Mr Darcy. The 1995 BBC television adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is, to our minds, the definitive version. Starring Jennifer Ehle as the witty, headstrong Elizabeth Bennet and Colin Firth as the brooding yet ultimately lovable Mr Darcy, this six-episode series is to us the definitive portrayal of Austen’s masterpiece. Enjoy!
The Housemaid
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden is a psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The story revolves around Millie, a woman released from prison who finds herself working as a housemaid for a wealthy family. On the surface, everything seems perfect: a spacious home, a stable job and a fresh start. But as the story unfolds, tensions surface. It is a gripping narrative that explores power dynamics, revenge, and survival. Paul Feig directs the psychological thriller, starring Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney.
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