12 Upcoming Movies Based on Horror Books

Today we’re talking about movie adaptations of books!

How do you feel when your favourite book is turned into a movie? I usually feel nervous because sometimes movie adaptations turn out completely different from their source. But I also feel excited because it’s fun watching characters you know on the big screen!

To celebrate the spooky season I’ve compiled a list of new and upcoming movies based on horror books. I made a similar list in 2019 but none last year because many movie releases were delayed due to the pandemic. Since things are opening up again, hopefully, you’ll get the chance to watch some of these movies at the cinema!

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We Need To Do Something

Based on We Need To Do Something by Max Booth III – out in theatres and streaming on Amazon from 3 September – Trailer

We Need To Do Something was adapted into a screenplay from the book by the author himself and it premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. Featuring a family stuck in a bathroom during a tornado, this movie feels entirely relevant at a time when many of us have experienced being stuck at home during the pandemic. Claustrophobic and tense, it will make you reconsider your relationship with your family.

No One Gets Out Alive

Based on No One Gets Out Alive by Adam Nevill – streaming on Netflix from 29 September – Trailer

No One Gets Out Alive is one of my favourite haunted house books so I’m highly anticipating this movie! Portraying the fears and loneliness of a young woman in a house full of dark secrets, the movie looks terrifying and bleak. If it’s anything like the book, it’ll leave you wanting to sleep with the lights on.

There’s Someone Inside Your House

Based on There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins – streaming on Netflix from 6 October – Trailer

After the success of the Fear Street trilogy (based on RL Stine’s classic book series), this adaptation based on the YA horror book looks like another potential hit. It tells the story of a teenage girl who moves to Hawaii and gets caught up in a nightmare when her classmates are killed one by one. Keep an eye out for this movie if you’re a slasher horror fan!

Fever Dream

Based on Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin – streaming on Netflix from 13 October – Trailer

A surreal horror about parenthood and environmental nightmares, Fever Dream was originally written in Spanish before being translated into English. The author co-wrote the screenplay and it’s been described as a “haunted story of broken souls”. I really liked the book but it’s not an easy source to adapt so I’m looking forward to seeing the result.

Antlers

Based on the short story “The Quiet Boy” by Nick Antosca – out in theatres from 29 October – Trailer

Okay, I cheated because Antlers is based on a short story instead of a book but I had to include it because the story is fantastic! It’s a creepy tale of a teacher who is convinced that one of her students might be living with a supernatural being. The movie was initially scheduled to be released in April 2020 but was delayed due to the pandemic. It’s finally set to be released in theatres in time for Halloween.

The Breach

Based on the audiobook The Breach by Nick Cutter – release date TBD

News of the movie adaptation of The Troop was initially announced so The Breach slipped under the radar, perhaps because it’s only available as an audiobook. It’s a spine-chilling horror featuring a detective investigating a faceless body and a house with a mysterious device. It was confirmed to have wrapped up production so look out for the release date sometime soon.

Firestarter

Based on Firestarter by Stephen King – release date TBD

Stephen King’s stories are a popular source of horror movies and TV shows, with Lisey’s Story on Apple TV+ and Chapelwaite (based on Jerusalem’s Lot) on Epix amongst the recently released adaptations. A new adaptation of Firestarter, the science fiction horror about a girl who develops pyrokinesis, has recently wrapped production. It was originally adapted into a movie in 1984 so it’ll be curious to see how different the new version will be.

Salem’s Lot

Based on Salem’s Lot by Stephen King – to be released in 2022

Another upcoming movie adaptation of a Stephen King book is the vampire horror Salem’s Lot. The cast has been announced and it is currently in production with a scheduled release in fall 2022. If you’re a vampire fan keep this movie on top of your list!

My Best Friend’s Exorcism

Based on My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix – release date TBD

My Best Friend’s Exorcism has seen a recent resurgence on social media and the movie adaptation has been picked up by Amazon Studios. Set in the 80s, it tells the story of two best friends, one of whom is suspected to be possessed by a demon. The cast has been announced and it’s currently filming. I hope the humour and friendship in the book translate well onto the screen!

Foe

Based on Foe by Iain Red – release date TBD

After Netflix’s adaptation of the author’s debut I’m Thinking of Ending Things, his second book is set to be adapted by Amazon Studios. I thought Foe is a great psychological exploration of a marriage with a science fiction influence so I’m excited to see it on the screen. The star-studded cast has been announced and it is set for filming in early 2022.

Dark Harvest

Based on Dark Harvest by Norman Partridge – to be released in 2022

Set in the 1960s, Dark Harvest is about an annual Halloween ritual in a small town where teenage boys confront the legendary killer called October Boy. Originally slated for 2021 release, the production was delayed due to the pandemic. The cast has been announced and it’s currently filming now with a scheduled release in fall 2022.

Devolution

Based on Devolution by Max Brooks – release date TBD

There’s definitely not enough Bigfoot horror movies and Devolution looks set to change that. A mix of survival and eco-horror, the book focuses on an investigation into a town massacre and the possible existence of Bigfoot. While the cast is yet to be announced, the director has been selected and it will be produced by Legendary Entertainment.

So that’s my list! Which movie adaptations are you most interested in?

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