16 New Movies and TV Book Adaptations to Watch in October
October brings a thrilling mix of movies and TV shows based on books. From true survival stories to supernatural horror, family dramas, and epic fantasy adventures. Explore the list below to discover all book adaptations releasing this month.
Movies for October Based on a Book
The Lost Bus
The Lost Bus a survival drama true story movie based on the book Paradise: One Town's Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire by Lizzie Johnson releases on Apple TV+ on 10/3/25.
Paradise: One Town's Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire
by Lizzie Johnson
On November 8, 2018, a massive wildfire swept through Paradise, California, consuming an acre a second and trapping residents. High winds and drought fueled the blaze, destroying homes, landmarks, and lives. Eighty-five people died, making it one of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history.
Lizzie Johnson draws on firsthand reporting, 911 calls, and grand jury testimony to follow survivors and first responders as they fight to escape. She investigates the impact of climate change, failed alert systems, and corporate negligence that worsened the tragedy. This powerful account exposes the human cost of megafires and warns of growing dangers ahead.
Steve
Steve a drama based on the novel Shy by Max Porter premiers on Netflix on 10/3/2025.
Shy
by Max Porter
A troubled teenage boy roams through the night, fleeing a home for “very disturbed young men.” He battles guilt, rage, and inner voices. Haunted by those he’s hurt and those who care, he faces his fears and uncertain future.
Shy by Max Porter explores boyhood, pain, and resilience with lyrical intensity. In just a few dark hours, Shy confronts loneliness, violence, and the fragile hope of connection.
Fairyland
Fairyland a biographical family drama based on the memoir of the same name by Alysia Abbott will release in theaters in 10/10/25.
Fairyland: A Memoir of My Father
by Alysia Abbott
In this vibrant memoir, Alysia Abbott recounts growing up in 1970s San Francisco with Steve Abbott, a gay, single father during an era when that was rare. Reconstructing their time together from a remarkable cache of Steve's writings, Alysia gives us an unforgettable portrait of a tumultuous, historic period in San Francisco as well as an exquisitely moving account of a father's legacy and a daughter's love.
Soul on Fire
Soul on Fire a biographical drama based on the book On Fire by John O’Leary releases in theatres on 10/10/25.
On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life
by John O'Leary
At nine years old, John O'Leary survived a devastating fire with burns covering his entire body. His journey of pain, resilience, and hope transformed his life. Guided by family, medical staff, and strangers, he found purpose and strength to keep moving forward.
On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life shares hard-earned lessons on overcoming tragedy and embracing possibility. O’Leary reveals how small daily choices shape extraordinary lives, urging readers to live with purpose, gratitude, and courage.
The Woman in Cabin 10
The Woman in Cabin 10 a psychological thriller based on the novel of the same name by Ruth Ware releases on Netflix on 10/10/25.
The Woman in Cabin 10 (Media Tie-In)
by Ruth Ware
Journalist Lo Blacklock boards a luxury cruise for a dream assignment. The trip begins serene, but unease creeps in as storms rise. One night, she witnesses a woman being thrown overboard. Yet all passengers are accounted for, and no one believes her.
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware unravels a chilling mystery at sea. Claustrophobic tension builds as Lo races to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again.
My Father, the BTK Killer
My Father, the BTK Killer a true crime documentary film based on the memoir A Serial Killer’s Daughter by Kerri Rawson premieres on Netflix on 10/10/25.
A Serial Killer's Daughter: My Story of Faith, Love, and Overcoming (an Insider's Look at the True Crime Story of the Btk Killer, Dennis Rader)
by Kerri Rawson
In 2005, Kerri Rawson learned her father was Dennis Rader, the BTK killer responsible for ten brutal murders. Her world shattered instantly. The loving father she knew had lived a double life, hiding his horrific crimes behind a façade of normalcy.
A Serial Killer's Daughter: My Story of Faith, Love, and Overcoming chronicles her shock, grief, and long journey toward healing. With honesty and courage, Kerri explores betrayal, faith, and the strength to rebuild a life after unimaginable darkness.
Black Phone 2
Black Phone 2 the sequel to the horror movie Black Phone based on the short story by Joe Hill releases in theatres on 10/17/25.
The Black Phone [Movie Tie-In #2]
by Joe Hill
A boy is locked in a basement where a disconnected phone rings with voices of murdered children. Fear surrounds him in the dark. Other haunting stories feature a ghost in a theater, a monstrous locust, and a cardboard fort hiding impossible worlds.
The Black Phone by Joe Hill delivers chilling tales that explore fear, memory, and the uncanny. Blending horror with emotional depth, it shows the past never truly stays buried.
The Twits
The Twits an animated musical comedy based on the classic children’s novel of the same name by Roald Dahl releases on Netflix on 10/17/25.
The Twits
by Roald Dahl - Quentin Blake
Mr. and Mrs. Twit are the ugliest, nastiest people, delighting in cruel jokes, trapping birds, and tormenting their caged monkeys.
The Muggle-Wumps, fed up with abuse, enlist Roly-Poly Bird to turn the tables. Roald Dahl’s story blends mischief, revenge, and humor.
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere a biographical musical drama based on the book Deliver Me from Nowhere by Warren Zanes releases in theatres on 10/24/25.
Deliver Me from Nowhere (Movie Tie-In): The Making of Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska
by Warren Zanes
In 1982, Bruce Springsteen recorded Nebraska alone on a four-track cassette, creating dark, haunting songs that defied mainstream expectations. The album revealed his personal turmoil and captured the country’s mood, marking a major departure from his earlier work.
Deliver Me from Nowhere by Warren Zanes explores the making of Nebraska, its cultural influences, and impact on Springsteen’s career. Zanes draws on interviews with collaborators, notable artists, and Springsteen himself, offering a behind-the-scenes look at one of rock’s most important and enduring albums.
Regretting You
Regretting You a romantic drama based on the novel of the same name by Colleen Hoover releases in theatres on 10/24/25.
Regretting You
by Colleen Hoover
Morgan Grant and her daughter, Clara, struggle to connect. Their conflicting personalities and choices create tension, especially after a tragic and questionable accident involving Chris, the family’s anchor.
In Regretting You by Colleen Hoover, grief, betrayal, and forbidden romances test family bonds. Secrets, misunderstandings, and unexpected relationships threaten to keep mother and daughter permanently apart.
Ballad of a Small Player
Ballad of a Small Player a psychological thriller based on the novel of the same name by Lawrence Osborne releases on Netflix on 10/29/25.
The Ballad of a Small Player
by Lawrence Osborne
Doyle, a corrupt English lawyer, hides in Macau, gambling nightly at baccarat and drinking, haunted by his past and his self-destructive choices. He drifts through dimly lit hotels, watching his fortune rise and fall while seeking meaning in a chaotic life.
In The Ballad of a Small Player by Lawrence Osborne, he meets the enigmatic Dao-Ming, offering the promise of love and fortune. As he attempts connection, reality slips, and obsession, risk, and suspense consume his dangerous, neon-lit world.
TV Shows for October Based on a Book
Boots
Boots a dramedy series inspired by the memoir The Pink Marine by Greg Cope White starts streaming on Netflix on 10/10/25.
The Pink Marine
by Greg Cope White - Norman Lear
Greg, an insecure and underweight New Orleans teen, joins Marine boot camp, unprepared for its physical challenges and strict rules. He struggles to survive while hiding his secret, navigating fear, chaos, and unexpected humor.
In The Pink Marine by Greg Cope White, he finds brotherhood among eccentrics, faces life-threatening challenges, and discovers courage, identity, and the true meaning of belonging. Boot camp transforms him in ways he never imagined.
It: Welcome to Derry
It: Welcome to Derry a supernatural horror prequel series based on the novel It from Stephen King premiers on HBO Max on 10/26/25.
It (Media Tie-In)
by Stephen King
Seven adults return to Derry, Maine, to confront the evil they first faced as teenagers. Memories of terror, childhood horror, and past trauma resurface, testing their courage.
In It: Welcome to Derry by Stephen King, the friends reunite to battle a monstrous creature preying on the town’s children. Darkness, fear, and suspense define their fight, as they confront both the monster and the shadows of their own pasts.
Talamasca: The Secret Order
Talamasca: The Secret Order a horror series based on The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice premiers on AMC on 10/26/25.
The Vampire Chronicles Collection: Interview with the Vampire, the Vampire Lestat, the Queen of the Damned
by Anne Rice
Anne Rice’s first three novels of The Vampire Chronicles explore immortality, desire, and the dark, seductive world of vampires. Her richly imagined universe blends horror, romance, and philosophical reflection, captivating readers worldwide.
In Interview with the Vampire, a vampire recounts his life of danger, passion, and loss. The Vampire Lestat follows an aristocrat-turned-rock-star navigating centuries of existence, seeking meaning. Queen of the Damned tells of Akasha, the ancient vampire queen, rising to reshape humanity, blending seduction, power, and supernatural intrigue.
Down Cemetery Road
Down Cemetery Road a thriller series based on the novel of the same name by Mick Herron starts streaming on Apple TV+ on 10/29/25.
Down Cemetery Road Deluxe Edition
by Mick Herron - Emma Thompson
An explosion rocks Sarah Tucker’s Oxford neighborhood, leaving two dead and a young girl missing. Frustrated by police inaction, she becomes obsessed with finding the child herself.
In Down Cemetery Road Deluxe Edition by Mick Herron, Sarah teams with private investigator Zoë Boehm. Their search uncovers deadly secrets, convoluted conspiracies, and dangerous forces, including government agents and mercenaries, threatening everyone involved.
The Witcher
The Witcher (Season 4) an action fantasy series based on the series The Witcher series of books by Andrzej Sapkowski starts streaming on Netflix on 10/30/25, the book that Season 4 is based on is Baptism of Fire.
Baptism of Fire
by Andrzej Sapkowski - David French
Geralt of Rivia, gravely injured after a deadly Wizards Guild coup, struggles to recover while Ciri, his ward, goes missing. The world plunges into war, and dark forces threaten both magic and the innocent.
In Baptism of Fire by Andrzej Sapkowski, Geralt faces dangerous monsters, political intrigue, and relentless enemies. He must rescue Ciri, whose future may lie in the Nilfgaard court, even as the odds stack against him.