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1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Erin Morgenstern’s “The Night Circus” has long been rumored for adaptation, but as of June 2025, not a single frame has been filmed. This fantasy novel, set in a mysterious circus that only opens at night, weaves together magic, rivalry, and love in a way that would be mesmerizing on screen. The book debuted in 2011 and became a New York Times bestseller, with over 3 million copies sold worldwide. Fans have clamored for a movie, and even Lionsgate acquired the rights in 2011, yet the project has languished in development hell. Its lush descriptions and vivid imagery seem tailor-made for visual storytelling, which could rival the spectacle of films like “The Greatest Showman.” Many readers imagine the magical duels and black-and-white circus tents brought to life with today’s special effects. It’s surprising this enchanting world hasn’t already captivated cinema audiences.
2. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Madeline Miller’s “The Song of Achilles” won the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2012 and has sold over a million copies, yet has never been adapted for the big screen. The book retells the story of Achilles and Patroclus, giving new emotional depth to the Greek myth. In recent years, there’s been a resurgence of interest in Greek mythology, with series like “Percy Jackson” returning to TV, but Miller’s tender, tragic love story remains untouched by Hollywood. Fans regularly trend #MakeSongofAchillesAMovie on social media, showing the huge audience waiting for an adaptation. The book’s intense romance and heartbreaking ending would draw in both fantasy lovers and those craving raw, human stories. Given the current appetite for epic, character-driven narratives, it’s shocking this hasn’t moved out of the pitch room.
3. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Scott Lynch’s “The Lies of Locke Lamora,” first published in 2006, has sold over half a million copies and is a cult classic in the fantasy genre. The book follows a gang of thieves in the Venetian-inspired city of Camorr, blending heist, intrigue, and witty banter. Fans often compare it to “Ocean’s Eleven” meets “Game of Thrones,” and with the ongoing hunger for clever, twisty fantasy, it seems like a perfect fit for a blockbuster. Lynch’s world-building and characters are so vivid that moviegoers would be instantly hooked. Despite multiple rumors of TV adaptations, as of June 2025, no film or show has materialized. The witty dialogue and elaborate schemes would be a delight if brought to life with the right cast and director.
4. The Power by Naomi Alderman
“The Power” by Naomi Alderman, which won the 2017 Women’s Prize for Fiction, imagines a world where women develop the ability to release electrical jolts from their hands, flipping global power dynamics. The book has sold almost 2 million copies and sparked widespread discussion about gender and authority. While it was adapted into a TV series in 2023, there’s been no movie adaptation, despite its cinematic premise. The novel’s intense, globe-spanning action and powerful themes seem perfect for a film, and Alderman herself has expressed interest in seeing it on the big screen. The book’s shocking alternate history could make for a visually striking and thought-provoking blockbuster.
5. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s “The Shadow of the Wind” has sold over 15 million copies since its 2001 release, making it one of Spain’s biggest literary exports. Set in postwar Barcelona, it follows a young boy who discovers a mysterious book that changes his life. With its gothic atmosphere, historical intrigue, and literary mystery, this novel has captivated readers around the world. Several studios have expressed interest, but as of June 2025, no adaptation has come to pass. The novel’s layered storytelling and haunting visuals would fit perfectly into a film, and fans still hope that one day they’ll see the Cemetery of Forgotten Books on screen.
6. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” has been a TikTok sensation, selling over 3.5 million copies globally. The story follows a reclusive Hollywood legend who finally shares her life’s secrets with a young journalist. Netflix announced development for a film in 2022, but no updates have been released since, leaving fans impatient. Its glamorous setting, scandalous twists, and emotional revelations are ideal for a star-studded movie. The book’s exploration of fame, identity, and forbidden love would translate beautifully on screen, drawing in audiences who crave both glitz and substance.
7. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Samantha Shannon’s epic fantasy “The Priory of the Orange Tree” is a doorstopper—over 800 pages of dragons, queens, and ancient prophecy. Since its 2019 release, it’s sold more than 600,000 copies and become a modern fantasy favorite. Despite rumors in 2021 about TV rights being sold, nothing has developed into a film or series by 2025. The book’s sprawling world and strong female characters would be a breath of fresh air in a genre often dominated by male heroes. With the recent surge of fantasy adaptations, many wonder why this feminist epic hasn’t made the leap.
8. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman’s “Neverwhere” started as a BBC series in 1996, but the 1997 novel has outshone its screen origins. The book has sold over a million copies and remains a dark urban fantasy favorite. Fans still hope for a big-budget movie that captures the magic and grit of London Below. Gaiman has expressed interest, but as of June 2025, no film adaptation exists. With Hollywood’s current fascination with Gaiman’s work (“Good Omens,” “The Sandman”), it’s perplexing that “Neverwhere” hasn’t had its cinematic day.
9. An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
Hank Green’s “An Absolutely Remarkable Thing” rocketed onto the New York Times bestseller list in 2018, selling over 400,000 copies. The novel follows a young woman who becomes an overnight celebrity after discovering mysterious statues that appear around the world. With its sharp commentary on internet fame and alien mystery, it feels ready-made for a movie. Green’s background as a YouTuber adds authenticity to the story’s viral rise. Despite strong sales and a passionate fanbase, no film adaptation has been announced as of June 2025.
10. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Donna Tartt’s “The Secret History” is a literary thriller that has sold over 2.5 million copies since its 1992 release. The novel follows a group of elite college students whose obsession with ancient Greece spirals into murder. Fans have long dreamed of seeing this dark, atmospheric story on the big screen. Although several filmmakers have expressed interest—most notably Gwyneth Paltrow in the early 2000s—no adaptation has materialized. With its intense psychological drama and unforgettable characters, it’s a mystery why this book hasn’t been adapted yet.
11. Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Pierce Brown’s “Red Rising” series has sold more than 3 million copies worldwide and has a fiercely loyal fanbase. The first book follows Darrow, a miner on Mars, as he infiltrates the ruling elite to spark a revolution. Universal Pictures acquired the rights in 2014, and Brown himself has updated fans sporadically on social media, but as of June 2025, there’s no movie. The series’ blend of dystopian intrigue and brutal action would be perfect for fans of “The Hunger Games” and “Dune.” Many are baffled that such a cinematic sci-fi epic remains unfilmed.
12. The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
Becky Chambers’ “The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet” has been praised for its optimistic, character-driven approach to science fiction. Since its 2015 release, it has sold over 200,000 copies and built a dedicated following. The story unfolds aboard a patched-together spaceship with a diverse, lovable crew. Unlike most space operas, it focuses on community and personal growth rather than war and politics. Fans have petitioned for a movie, arguing that its hopeful tone would fill a gap in current sci-fi cinema. No adaptation has been announced as of June 2025.
13. One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
Casey McQuiston’s “One Last Stop” is a queer romance with a time-travel twist, published in 2021. The book quickly became a bestseller, with over 300,000 copies sold in its first year. It follows August, a cynical college student, who falls for Jane, a woman from the 1970s trapped on a subway train. Its blend of love story, mystery, and found family has resonated with readers. Despite McQuiston’s first novel being optioned for TV, “One Last Stop” hasn’t been announced for adaptation. Fans believe its whimsical premise and diverse cast would shine on the big screen.
14. The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
Helene Wecker’s “The Golem and the Jinni” blends Jewish and Arab folklore in late 19th-century New York. The novel, released in 2013, has sold over 400,000 copies and was a finalist for the Nebula Award. Its magical realism and historical depth would translate beautifully to film, offering a unique immigrant story rarely seen in mainstream cinema. Despite some interest from producers, no concrete adaptation has emerged by June 2025. The book’s atmospheric setting and rich mythology are just waiting for a director with vision.
15. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
R.F. Kuang’s “The Poppy War” trilogy has been a critical and commercial success, selling over 600,000 copies and winning multiple awards. Inspired by Chinese history, it follows Rin, a war orphan who rises from poverty to become a powerful shaman. The book’s blend of military fantasy and harrowing realism has drawn comparisons to “Game of Thrones” and “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” Fans have lobbied for an adaptation, especially as Asian-led fantasy gains momentum in Hollywood. However, as of June 2025, no film or series has been announced.
16. The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin
N.K. Jemisin’s “The City We Became,” released in 2020, imagines New York City’s five boroughs as living, breathing avatars. The book was nominated for the Hugo Award and sold over 150,000 copies in its first year. Its bold premise and vibrant cast make it a prime candidate for a visually inventive movie. Jemisin’s previous works have attracted attention from producers, but this particular novel has not been optioned yet. The idea of New York fighting for its soul would resonate with city lovers and fantasy fans alike.
17. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Tracy Deonn’s “Legendborn” hit the bestseller lists in 2020, selling over 250,000 copies within its first year. The story reimagines Arthurian legend through the eyes of Bree, a Black teenager at a southern university. Mixing magic, secret societies, and generational trauma, it’s an urgent, powerful narrative. Disney acquired the rights in 2021, but as of June 2025, there’s been no movement towards production. The book’s blend of modern issues and classic myth makes it ripe for adaptation, especially as audiences demand more diverse fantasy stories.
18. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Leigh Bardugo’s “Ninth House,” released in 2019, has sold over 400,000 copies and brought a dark, magical edge to the Ivy League thriller. It follows Alex Stern, the only survivor of a multiple homicide, as she navigates Yale’s secret societies and their occult practices. Amazon acquired TV rights in 2019, but no movie or series has materialized by mid-2025. With Bardugo’s “Shadow and Bone” already adapted successfully, fans are mystified that “Ninth House” hasn’t followed suit. Its eerie atmosphere and twisty plot are tailor-made for a suspenseful film.
19. The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
Kim Liggett’s “The Grace Year” became a bestseller after its 2019 release, with rights sold in over 20 countries and sales surpassing 200,000 copies. The book’s dystopian premise follows girls exiled from their society for a year to rid themselves of “magic.” Universal Pictures bought the film rights in 2019, but there has been no news of production. With the ongoing popularity of young adult dystopias, it’s surprising that “The Grace Year” hasn’t become the next sensation. Its raw, feminist storytelling would undoubtedly spark conversation as a film.
20. The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
Olivie Blake’s “The Atlas Six” exploded in popularity thanks to TikTok, with Tor Books reporting over 500,000 copies sold in its first year alone. The book, about a secret society of magicians competing for power, is filled with intrigue and jaw-dropping twists. Amazon announced a TV adaptation in 2022, but as of June 2025, there’s no sign of a movie or series. Fans are eager to see the book’s magic and mind games brought to the big screen. The story’s blend of dark academia and supernatural politics is practically begging for a glossy, high-budget adaptation.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
