10 Incredible Fantasy Books That Still Need Movies Or Shows

Within the fantasy genre, many of the best movies and TV shows are adaptations of beloved books. Though it isn’t always easy to bring an epic work of speculative fiction to life onscreen, all of these titles lend themselves so well to adaptation that I’m shocked they haven’t been. While some of them have been tapped for development and even come close to starting production with various studios, something has always stood in the way, making a series or film version of these stories a far-off dream.

It’s always surprising when a great book hasn’t been adapted into a movie or TV show yet, and with these titles, it’s all the more confusing. These novels have interesting magic systems, straightforward world-building, and character-driven stories that would work well onscreen. The path to being adapted for TV or cinema isn’t easy, as there are many moving parts and high-stakes decisions to be made. While there’s nothing worse than a bad iteration of a beloved novel, these narratives are almost too good to fail.

10

Mistborn (2006–Present)

Written by Brandon Sanderson

In Brandon Sanderson’s 2024 State of Sanderson blog post, the author confirmed that any potential screen iterations of the Mistborn franchise are back at square one. However, I haven’t given up hope, and neither should long-term fans of Sanderson’s epic series. Many iconic fantasy series took years to develop for the screen, but it is surprising more headway hasn’t been made, considering how popular these novels are. Sanderson has established himself as a premiere contemporary fantasy writer thanks to the series.

It might ultimately be better to wait for all of the Mistborn books to be published before embarking on a screen adaptation.

Brandon Sanderson’s comments about the Mistborn adaptation are encouraging. It proves that it’s better to get a worthy screen version of Mistborn rather than a slapdash iteration that is quickly canceled or forgotten. With Mistborn Era 3 on the way, there’s still plenty of exciting content to look forward to, even if this doesn’t include a show or movie. However, it might ultimately be better to wait for all of the Mistborn books to be published before embarking on a screen adaptation.

Mistborn

Character(s)

Vin, Kelsier, Sazed, Marsh, Elend Venture, Waxillium “Wax” Ladrian, Wayne, Steris Harms

Summary

The Mistborn series, created by Brandon Sanderson, is a high-fantasy saga set in the world of Scadrial, where magic is powered by metals through a system called Allomancy. The series focuses on political intrigue, heists, and the battle between good and evil. The first trilogy, Mistborn: The Final Empire, follows the struggle to overthrow a tyrannical ruler, the Lord Ruler. Later books in the series, including Era 2, take place hundreds of years after the events of the original trilogy, expanding the story into new settings with new characters, all while maintaining connections to the original storyline.

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9

Graceling (2008–2022)

Written by Kristin Cashore

It’s a shame that more people aren’t aware of Kristin Cashore’s fantasy series, Graceling​​​​​. With five total books and a strong romance angle that doesn’t detract from the overall plot or character development, there’s a lot to recommend Graceling. The protagonist, Katsa, is an ideal heroine to bring to life onscreen, and Graceling has an interesting magic system that isn’t too complex to be easily understood onscreen. Audiences would instantly connect with the characters and be able to navigate the fantasy world.

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Additionally, Graceling has enough books in the series that a show could have multiple seasons, but not too many that it would become a fantasy show canceled before it could complete its original plan. The romance plot in Graceling also makes it an underrated addition to the romantasy genre, which has been growing in popularity in recent years. Since the sequels tackle different characters and parts of the Graceling world, this would also appeal to viewers who appreciate the anthology format.

8

Babel (2022)

Written by R.F. Kuang

R.F. Kuang first emerged in the fantasy sphere with her epic trilogy, The Poppy War, which could also easily get a compelling screen adaptation. However, Babel, her follow-up work, lends itself even more fully to being brought to life onscreen because it has a more recent historical element, and the magic system only diverges slightly from reality. The real reason the book should be seen in movie or TV format is because the story is so gripping and falls within the dark academia genre.

The story and themes of Babel are too captivating to be ignored, and they’ve only become more relevant in the time since it was originally published.

Though there were reports that Babel was optioned for a TV show in early 2024, few updates have come since (via Deadline). Based on the ups and downs of adaptations for Mistborn, ACOTAR, and other popular fantasy works, the fact that we haven’t heard anything about a Babel screen iteration makes me a little nervous. However, the story and themes of Babel are too captivating to be ignored, and they’ve only become more relevant in the time since it was originally published.

7

A Court Of Thorns And Roses (2015–2021)

Written by Sarah J. Maas

Few romantasy book series have been instrumental in popularizing the romantasy genre than Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses​​​​​​. Maas is one of the most popular authors within the fantasy romance sphere. Her other series, Throne of Glass and Crescent City, have made waves as well. However, it’s ACOTAR that’s cemented her as a powerhouse of romantasy writing, especially since ACOTAR has inspired so many other additions to this niche of fantasy works.

Unfortunately, despite its enormous popularity, ACOTAR has hit many roadblocks on its journey to being brought to life onscreen. For a long time, Disney had the rights and was planning for Hulu to produce the series. However, Disney let the rights expire, and the books are looking for a new home. However, the recent updates for the Children of Blood and Bone movie give me hope for an ACOTAR adaptation, as A Court of Thorns and Roses is too iconic to fade into the background.

A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)

Publisher(s)

Bloomsbury Publishing

Publication Date

2015-05-05

ISBN#

9781619634442

6

Kaikeyi (2022)

Written by Vaishnavi Patel

Vaishnavi Patel’s sweeping story of fate, mythology, and a young woman finding her power, Kaikeyi, draws inspiration from the ancient Indian epic, The Ramayana. The title character, Kaikeyi, is raised in a patriarchal world that suppresses her ability to make her own decisions, but all of this changes when she unlocks the magic that’s been inside her all along. However, this opens the door to a world of gods and magic, which Kaikeyi balances with the emotional and personal journeys of its characters.

Her recent addition to the fantasy genre, Goddess of the River, is another work that could easily be translated to the screen.

Kaikeyi does an amazing job of blending both the historical and mythological aspects of religion and folklore. Kaikeyi lends itself to being adapted into a miniseries, as Kaikeyi’s story is character-driven, and Patel provides a satisfying end by the final chapter. While Patel’s novel has sparked some controversy, readers should seek it out to form their own opinions. Her recent addition to the fantasy genre, Goddess of the River, is another work that could easily be translated to the screen.

5

She Who Became The Sun (2021)

Written by Shelley Parker-Chan

Shelley Parker-Chan’s debut novel, She Who Became The Sun, is a magical reimagining of 14th-century China. The protagonist, Zhu, weathers famine and disguises herself as a boy to survive but soon realizes that survival alone isn’t good enough. Zhu knows they’re destined for greatness and fights hard against every obstacle, competing with other people and forces that are vying for the throne. It’s through belief and determination that Zhu gains power and influence.

Duologies are sometimes more difficult to adapt to the screen compared to standalone books or more long-form series. However, The Radiant Emperor series has enough material that a TV show could stretch out some of the story and extend the project for multiple seasons. Parker-Chan infuses explorations of gender identity and sexuality into their work, giving it contemporary relevance and connecting with modern audiences. While some historical fiction books struggle to be in conversation with the present time, She Who Became The Sun doesn’t.

4

The Lies Of Locke Lamora (2006)

Written by Scott Lynch

The Lies of Locke Lamora is the perfect fantasy book for fans of pirates, thieves, and morally ambiguous protagonists. The main character, Locke Lamora, always has a trick up his sleeve and is the kind of fantasy character that translates well to the screen. Almost immediately after it was released, The Lies of Locke Lamora garnered positive attention from fans and critics, and it’s shocking that no plans for a TV series or film iteration have emerged.

Lynch crafts such a vivid world that it’s easy to be immersed in the different nooks and crannies of the fantasy universe.

Though Gentleman Bastard is a fantasy series that fell off after one book, there’s still reason to engage with Locke’s journeys after The Lies of Locke Lamora. Lynch crafts such a vivid world that it’s easy to be immersed in the different nooks and crannies of the fantasy universe. Readers have been waiting to read the next installment of the Gentleman Bastard series for a long time, and though it might be longer still before it’s published, a screen adaptation could inspire Lynch to keep working on the story.

3

A Deadly Education (2020)

Written by Naomi Novik

Naomi Novik has written a wide array of stories throughout the fantasy genre. However, her recent series about the dangerous magic school, the Scholomance, is the perfect narrative for a TV adaptation. Chronicling the story of El, a young sorcerer with the power to change the world, for better or worse, A Deadly Education introduces the reader to the world of magic hiding beneath the surface of everyday life. As the series progresses, El learns how her destiny is intertwined with the biggest problems of magical society.

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Media about magic schools are extremely popular, never failing to find an audience, and the Scholomance books are no exception. However, Novik’s narrative evolves with each installment, just as El does, bringing something new to the table and telling an overarching story that increases in scope and thematic intrigue. Additionally, though the Scholomance novels aren’t heavy on romance, there’s enough to interest romantasy fans without alienating viewers who aren’t as invested in love stories.

2

The Night Circus (2011)

Written by Erin Morgenstern

A tale of tragic and forbidden love that explores the incredible boundaries of magic, The Night Circus is a perfect fantasy novel for readers who are getting into the genre for the first time. Erin Morgenstern excels in crafting a visually immersive and texturally rich universe that audiences have no trouble imagining. This makes The Night Circus uniquely suited to a screen adaptation, as the writers and directors will understand how the titular circus should look and feel, making it as magnetic as possible.

The Night Circus could easily be a movie or miniseries, as Morgenstern’s standalone book has the potential to be expanded.

Using a few different perspectives, The Night Circus slowly unfolds before the reader, demonstrating how every aspect of the narrative overlaps and intertwines, just as the magic of the circus does. The Night Circus could easily be a movie or miniseries, as Morgenstern’s standalone book has the potential to be expanded. However, its ending is satisfying enough that viewers will appreciate the tight narrative. With romance, magic, and excitement, The Night Circus scratches every itch.

1

An Ember In The Ashes (2015–2020)

Written by Sabaa Tahir

Laia, the protagonist of An Ember in the Ashes, one of the most underrated recent fantasy novels, grapples with a lot throughout the series, but Sabaa Tahir makes her journey too compelling to turn away from. Set in the military academy of an oppressive empire, An Ember in the Ashes sees Laia enter the school to rise through the ranks and take down the regime from the inside. However, she didn’t count on making personal connections while she was there, especially not with Elias, a seemingly loyal soldier.

Tahir’s fantasy world is memorable from start to finish, and as the novels progress, Laia and Elias find out just how connected they are and what it will cost them to bring this empire down. Full of sweeping romance and epic battles for freedom, An Ember in the Ashes could easily take its place among the great fantasy TV shows that have been taking the world by storm in recent years.

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