18 International Bestsellers You Can Look Forward to Watching on Film and TV
A global exploration of literature is underway, with numerous international titles making their way to both big and small screens. From a French cowboy to a unique Japanese interpretation of Beethoven, audiences can expect a diverse array of genres, including classics, sci-fi, drama, fantasy, and spirituality.
ARGENTINA: ‘The World Jones Made’ (Philip K. Dick)
LIMITED SERIES: The Future is Ours draws inspiration from Philip K. Dick’s ‘The World Jones Made’ and marks the first Spanish-language adaptation of the esteemed author’s work. Produced by the team behind the 2025 hit series The Eternaut, it is set to premiere on Netflix.
BRAZIL: ‘The Pilgrimage’ (Paulo Coelho)
MOVIE: Also coming to Netflix, The Pilgrimage is directed by Vicente Amorim (Senna). This adaptation of one of Coelho’s early novels follows a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, exploring themes of spiritual fulfillment.
CANADA: ‘Last Night in Montreal’ (Emily St. John Mandel)
FILM: Emily St. John Mandel (Station Eleven) has collaborated with Semi Chellas to adapt her book ‘Last Night in Montreal’ for the screen. The narrative centers on Ali, whose life spirals when his girlfriend Lilia vanishes just before his proposal.
CANADA: ‘Flesh’ (David Szalay)
FILM: In the early stages of development, David Szalay’s award-winning novel ‘Flesh’ has caught attention for its esteemed reputation, having won the Booker Prize. House Productions, BBC Film, and Access are on board to adapt this story, which traces István’s journey from adolescence to old age.
FRANCE: ‘Lucky Luke’ (Morris and Goscinny)
SERIES: Disney+ is preparing a live-action adaptation of the beloved comic series ‘Lucky Luke’. The titular role will be played by Alban Lenoir, portraying the cowboy “who shoots faster than his shadow.” This French-produced series is set for release in Spring 2026.
GERMANY: ‘Momo’ (Michael Ende)
FILM: Based on Michael Ende’s work, the film adaptation of ‘Momo’ will feature actors such as Martin Freeman and Laura Haddock. This fantasy adventure follows an orphan girl striving to save time itself.
GREECE: ‘The Great Chimera’ (M. Karagatsis)
SERIES: A six-part TV drama adaptation of Karagatsis’ novel promises a visually stunning yet tragic exploration of love, life, and death. The cast includes Fotinì Peluso, Andreas Konstantinou, and Dimitris Kitsos.
ICELAND: ‘Fury’ (various)
SERIES: Inspired by the Sturlunga saga, Seberg director Benedict Andrews leads the adaptation of Fury, a gripping tale of power, politics, and blood feuds, often likened to Iceland’s own Game Of Thrones.
ITALY: ‘No Place To Be Single’ (Felicia Kingsley)
FILM: Set in a picturesque Tuscan town, Elisa (Matilde Gioli) finds her life disrupted by the return of a childhood friend, rekindling past emotions. The film adaptation is slated for release on Prime Video in 2026.
INDIA: ‘Revolutionaries: The Other Story Of How India Won Its Freedom’ (Sanjeev Sanyal)
SERIES: The Revolutionaries will spotlight Indian freedom fighters battling the British Raj, presenting their sacrifices and fervent love for their country. This series will also premiere on Prime Video.
IRELAND: Grown Ups (Marian Keyes)
SERIES: Irish author Marian Keyes is experiencing a surge in popularity with adaptations of her ‘Walsh Sisters’ books. The adaptation of ‘Grown Ups’ is set to debut on Netflix in 2026, focusing on the close-knit and tumultuous Casey Clan in Dublin.
JAPAN: ‘Faking Beethoven: The Great Producer Lies’ (Shiho Kagehara)
FILM: Faking Beethoven is a Prime Video adaptation of Kagehara’s nonfiction that investigates a musical scandal in 19th-century Vienna. The screenplay is penned by Japanese comic Bakarhythm, with Yuki Yamada starring as Schindler and Arata Furuta portraying Beethoven.
MEXICO: ‘Mal de Amores’ (Ángeles Mastretta)
FILM: Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Mexico, Netflix’s adaptation of ‘Mal de Amores’ (‘Lovesick’) is helmed by Catalina Aguilar Mastretta, the author’s daughter. The series intricately weaves together themes of war and family.
NORWAY: Jo Nesbo’s Detective Hole
SERIES: In this upcoming adaptation, Tobias Santelmann stars as the iconic Detective Harry Hole, with Joel Kinnaman playing his adversary, Detective Tom Waaler. The Jo Nesbo series is set to drop on Netflix in early 2026.
POLAND: ‘Pionek’ (Małgorzata Fugiel-Kuźmińska & Michał Kuźmiński)
SERIES: Streaming service SkyShowtime is gearing up for Pionek, a follow-up to its popular Polish crime series Śleboda. Following the success of the original series, expectations for Pionek are high.
SAUDI ARABIA: ‘Traveler’s Hell’ (Osamah Almuslim)
FILM: Osamah Almuslim is adapting his own novel for the big screen, with local media powerhouse MBC producing the film. Female director Hana Al-Omair takes the helm for this horror project.
SPAIN: ‘The House Of The Spirits’ (Isabel Allende)
Isabel Allende’s family saga, which has sold over 70 million copies, previously had a film adaptation released in 1993 starring Meryl Streep and Glenn Close. Allende and Eva Longoria serve as executive producers for the upcoming Prime Video series.
SWEDEN: ‘When The Cranes Fly South’ (Lisa Ridzén)
FILM: The story follows an elderly man reflecting on his life while confronting the challenges posed by those who wish to take away his beloved dog. A film adaptation is currently in development, following its recognition as the Swedish Book Of The Year.
