From cult classics to book hidden gems, here are the stories screaming for a screen but stuck on the page.
Books and movies have always had a love-hate relationship. Some books get faithful adaptations (Pride and Prejudice, anyone?), some get butchered (*looking at you, Eragon), and then there’s an entire category that’s simply ignored. These are the books without movie adaptations—the books that need movies but, for some strange reason, haven’t even gotten a whiff of Hollywood interest.
In this article from Riya’s Blogs, we’re diving deep into that overlooked territory. These are the sleeper hit books, the obscure novels, the cult classic books that quietly built a loyal following without ever being noticed by major studios. They’re filled with cinematic moments, unforgettable characters, and plot twists that would kill on screen—but they probably never will make it to the big screen.
So grab a coffee, curl into your reading nook, and let’s talk about 8 books more people should read, and yes—books that need movies.
1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Let’s kick off with a fan favorite that’s been stuck in development hell for years.
This magical tale about two dueling illusionists and a mysterious circus that appears without warning is already a visual feast in the imagination. It’s one of those books that need movies not just for the story, but for the vibes—a movie with that atmospheric flair of Daisy Jones, but dipped in black and silver glitter.
Why it won’t get made? The world-building is so intricate, so deeply tied to the page, that studios have been hesitant to take the risk. But for lovers of hidden gem books, this one is essential.
2. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Now hold on—you’re thinking, isn’t this already being adapted? And yes, Netflix claimed the rights. But it’s been sitting quietly since, and with industry delays, fans are losing hope. This is one of those cult classic books with a massive internet fandom—yet no actual film.
Evelyn Hugo’s tale of fame, love, identity, and sacrifice reads like a Golden Age Hollywood epic. If you loved books like Daisy Jones, this is her older, wiser, more heartbreaking cousin.
And still—no trailer, no cast, no updates.
It’s one of those rare good books that somehow keeps slipping through the production cracks.
3. We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry
An absolute gem. A mix of 1980s field hockey, witchcraft, and feminist fury, this novel is a riot. It’s both hilarious and sharp-edged—a story about a high school team dabbling in dark forces for a winning season. It screams teen-drama-comedy-horror in the best possible way.
Why hasn’t anyone picked it up? It’s niche, sure, but it’s exactly the kind of weird brilliance we need more of.
If you’re a fan of books with small fandom or looking for book recommendations unique, We Ride Upon Sticks is it. It’s also one of the most underrated novels of the past decade.
4. The 25th Hour by David Benioff
Okay, technically this did have a movie adaptation back in 2002 with Edward Norton, but it was barely marketed and has been almost completely forgotten. Which is criminal.
This book captures the last 24 hours of freedom for a man about to go to prison, and it’s full of raw energy, gritty New York vibes, and existential dread. It feels more relevant now than ever.
It’s one of those forgotten novels that could use a reboot for a new generation. For fans of underrated fiction 2025, this is a must-read.
5. Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson
Children who spontaneously combust. That’s the premise.
Now tell me why this book hidden gem isn’t on every executive’s desk?
Nothing to See Here is bizarre, tender, and brilliantly written. It takes something absurd and uses it to explore real feelings of grief, parenting, and identity. It’s the perfect sleeper hit book that could explode into a cult classic with the right screenplay.
If you’re into indie author books and lesser known books with a strange but lovable heart, you have to pick this up.
6. The Pisces by Melissa Broder
A woman falls in love with a merman. But it’s not a fairy tale—it’s raw, sensual, and painfully real.
The Pisces is one of those books you haven’t read but should. It explores loneliness, sex, mental health, and myth in a way that’s as uncomfortable as it is poetic. Imagine a dark, artsy A24 film adaptation.
But let’s face it—studios don’t know what to do with obscure novels like this. And that’s a shame, because this story lingers.
7. This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone
This novella is breathtaking. Two agents on opposite sides of a war across time send letters to one another—and fall in love. It’s poetic, intimate, and unlike anything else.
This is one of those underrated fiction 2025 picks that feels tailor-made for a creative film adaptation—but it would take real vision to get it right. It’s a perfect example of a cult classic book in the making.
If you’re searching for books that need movies, this might top the list.
8. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Yes, we’re ending with a heavyweight.
This is a literary thriller about a group of classics students who commit murder. It’s chilling, elegant, and totally unforgettable. It’s been beloved for decades, yet has never been adapted. Studios have tried—scripts were written, interest was pitched—and still, nothing.
It’s almost become too sacred to touch, which is ironic, considering it’s one of the books more people should read and see. It’s the ultimate sleeper hit book just waiting for the right visionary director.
If you love dark academia, twisted friendships, and philosophical spirals—this is your next read.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about lesser known books and book hidden gems—the ones that haven’t been picked apart by pop culture yet. While some books thrive on being kept in the shadows, others are just waiting for the right light.
Hollywood might never give these stories the adaptation they deserve. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pick them up, fall into their worlds, and recommend them to your fellow bookworms.
Because honestly? These are the rare good books, the underrated fiction 2025 picks, and the books with small fandoms that are worth shouting about.
And maybe—just maybe—if we shout loud enough, someone will listen.
Want more book recommendations unique and worth your time? Keep following Riya’s Blogs—where we read the obscure, love the underrated, and never gatekeep a good story.
Want to read a bit more? Find some more of my writings here-
Night Knows Me: A Poem About Finding Yourself in the Quiet
James Baldwin: The Voice That Still Echoes Through America’s Conscience
Book Review: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
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