Are you a book lover interested in great movie adaptations? Here are top 10 contemporary novels that became must-see movies that you should check out!

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins 🍁

This epic trilogy follows the story of Katniss Everdeen in a dystopian world where children fight to the death for the entertainment of the Capitol. The movies, starring Jennifer Lawrence, were a box office success and a critical acclaim. It’s a powerful tale of courage, hope, and sacrifice.

A fiery background with the Mockingjay pin at the center.

2. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green 🌺

This tearjerker novel turned movie tells the beautifully-hearted story of two teenagers who fall in love and must learn to cope with their illnesses. Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort give a standout performance in this emotional roller coaster that’ll tug at your heartstrings.

A tissue box with the words "okay" written on it, in reference to the book's famous line "Okay? Okay."

3. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn 🔪

Gone Girl is a psychological thriller and murder mystery about Nick Dunne and his wife Amy, who goes missing on their fifth wedding anniversary. The movie, starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike, is dark, twisted, and full of suspense.

A broken heart shape with a knife through it in reference to the book's dark themes.

4. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins 🚂

A psychological thriller that follows the life of a lonely girl who spends her mornings on a train and becomes entangled in a murder investigation. Emily Blunt delivers a riveting performance as the alcoholic protagonist. The movie adaptation is a gripping mystery that will leave you captivated till the end.

A train on a rainy day, alluding to the movie's damp atmosphere.

5. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes 🌷

Me Before You is a romance novel about a young woman who becomes a caregiver for a quadriplegic man and falls in love with him. Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin give heartfelt performances in a movie that’s both heartwarming and heartbreaking. A beautiful love story that speaks to the soul.

A woman holding a man's hand in a park, symbolizing the emotional connection between the characters.

6. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan 💰

This novel-turned-movie is a romantic comedy that follows Rachel Chu, an economics professor who flies to Singapore with her boyfriend, only to find out that he belongs to one of the wealthiest families in the country. The movie’s all-Asian cast, lavish setting, and lovable characters make it a fun and cultural movie-going experience.

A stack of money next to a pair of chopsticks, alluding to the book's theme of wealth and culture.

7. The Help by Kathryn Stockett 🏠

The Help is a historical novel about black maids working in white households in Jackson, Mississippi during the Civil Rights era. The book is an emotional and compelling story about courage and prejudice that was adapted to a movie, starring Emma Stone and Viola Davis, that won critical acclaim and audience recognition.

A black maid holding a young white girl's hand, symbolizing the bond between the characters despite their racial differences.

8. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky 🌸

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age novel about a shy and introverted teenager who struggles to find his place in high school. The movie, starring Emma Watson and Logan Lerman, captures the spirit and heart of the book, and delivers a poignant and sensitive portrayal of adolescence.

A group of teenagers huddling together in a tunnel as a symbol of finding a safe space amidst uncertainty.

9. Room by Emma Donoghue 🚪

Room is a story about a young boy who’s raised in a small room by his mother, who was abducted and held captive by a man for years. The book is a gripping and heart-wrenching account of survival and resilience, and the movie adaptation, starring Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay, is a powerful and emotional film that’ll leave you speechless.

A boy standing at the threshold of a door, ready to face the unknown.

10. The Martian by Andy Weir 🚀

The Martian is a gripping science-fiction novel that follows the story of an astronaut who’s left stranded on Mars. The book’s wit, humor, and suspense were skillfully translated to the screen, in a movie adaptation starring Matt Damon. It’s a thrilling and visually-stunning movie that’ll make you feel like you’re stranded on Mars alongside the protagonist.

Astronaut gear placed on a red planet, alluding to the film's space exploration theme.

So, these are my top picks for contemporary novels turned must-see movies that you should add to your watchlist. Comment below with your favorite movie adaptation of all time!

A collage of the book covers of the top 10 novels, with the movie posters on one side and emojis on the other.