It’s officially December, so it’s the perfect time to share some of my most-anticipated book to film adaptations coming in December 2023! There are lots of exciting new movies and TV shows to choose from, from a highly-anticipated Charlie and the Chocolate Factory prequel movie to adaptations of literary classics like The Color Purple.
Exciting December 2023 Movie & TV Adaptations
This month is packed with new movies and TV shows based on books, from fantasy to non-fiction and beyond.
There’s a good mix of movies that will be released in theaters (a fun activity for families during the holidays!) and adaptations that will be available right away through streaming services.
So grab a big bowl of popcorn (or chocolate) and a warm drink, and enjoy these exciting new December 2023 book to film adaptations!
And if you’re the type who prefers to read the book before watching the movie adaptation, it’s time to get reading. 🙂
If you missed it, be sure to check out these exciting fall 2023 book to film adaptations and these exciting 2024 movies and TV shows based on books, too! You might also like this 2024 book to film adaptations reading challenge tracker.
Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh
Genre: Literary Mystery/Thriller
Thomasin McKenzie and Anne Hathaway star in this unique thriller based on Ottessa Moshfegh’s novel of the same name (shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize).
It’s about a young woman who feels stuck in an unhappy life working at a prison facility, until she meets an alluring new friend. But soon, things take a sinister turn.
Release date: December 8th, 2023 (in theaters)
Poor Things by Alasdair Gray
Genre: Historical Fiction/Science Fiction
Alasdair Gray’s award-winning reimagining of Frankenstein is being adapted for the screen! Emma Stone stars as Bella Baxter alongside Mark Ruffalo and Willem Dafoe.
A scientist brings a beautiful young woman named Bella back to life to be his companion, but his plans are thwarted by another man’s love for her. That’s only part of the story, though, because how does Bella feel about all of this?
Release date: December 8th, 2023 (in theaters)
Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam
Genre: Thriller
This thriller follows two families who are stuck together in a luxurious – yet remote – home during an apparent widespread power outage.
Can they trust each other? Are they all telling the truth?
Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, and Myha’la Herrold star in this adaptation of Rumaan Alam’s novel of the same name.
Release date: December 8th, 2023 (Netflix & in select theaters)
Wonka (inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl)
Genre: Fantasy/Comedy/Adventure/Musical
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is one of my favorite childhood movies, and not just because I love chocolate. 🙂
So, I’m very excited to see this reimagined prequel story for Willie Wonka’s character. (And the fact that Timothée Chalamet stars as Willie Wonka doesn’t hurt!).
Release date: December 15th, 2023 (in theaters)
Percy Jackson and The Olympians (Series by Rick Riordan)
Genre: YA Fantasy/Mythology
The beloved Percy Jackson book series is getting another reboot, this time in the form of a TV series (rather than a movie).
This popular young adult fantasy series – inspired by Greek mythology – follows Percy Jackson, a boy who finds out he’s a demigod.
He embarks on a quest across the United States to keep the Olympian gods from starting a catastrophic war.
Release date: December 20th, 2023 (Disney+)
All of Us Strangers (Strangers) by Taichi Yamada
Genre: Drama/Fantasy
If you enjoyed Paul Mescal in the Normal People TV adaptation, you might enjoy this drama/romance movie (with fantasy elements) based on Japanese author Taichi Yamada’s novel, Strangers!
It’s about a screenwriter who, after a chance encounter with his neighbor, finds himself back at his childhood home with his parents – who are alive, despite the fact that they actually died 30 years ago. Also starring Claire Foy and Andrew Scott.
Release date: December 22nd, 2023 (in theaters)
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Genre: Historical Fiction/Drama/Musical
The Color Purple is a classic work of American literature, winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award.
Set in rural Georgia in the early 1900s, it follows the harrowing – and redemptive – experience of a group of African American women, and delves into the sustaining bonds of sisterhood.
This movie adaptation, produced by Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg, stars Taraji P. Henson, Fantasia Barrino, and Danielle Brooks.
Release date: December 25th, 2023 (in theaters)
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
Genre: Historical/Biography/Sports
This adaptation is based on the inspiring true story of an American rowing team during the Great Depression.
It follows the underdog team’s quest for an Olympic gold medal during the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany.
The movie was directed by George Clooney, and stars Joel Edgerton as the team’s enigmatic coach.
Release date: December 25th, 2023 (in theaters)
Which December 2023 adaptation are you most excited for? Let me know in the comments!