Every month, all the major streaming services add tons of newly acquired (or brand new) shows, movies, and documentaries to their ever-changing libraries. So what are the dedicated readers to look out for? Of course, it could be anything, but since this website is called Literary Hub, it has a certain angle. To that end, we’ve hand-picked the best (and most fun/bad) literary films and TV coming to streaming services this month. enjoy.
alien
Netflix, March 1st
Literary bona fides: Original work by Jaroslav Karfash bohemian alien (2017)
Adam Sandler plays Jakub Prochaska, a Czech astronaut sent on a dangerous mission, leaving his wife (Carey Mulligan) behind. Paul Dano plays a giant talking space spider, but for those who haven’t read the novel, that’s all I’ll say about that. It’s always a pleasure to see Sandler in a role like this. I have high expectations for this movie.
Wonka
Max, March 8th
Literary bona fides: Based at some distant point on the work of Roald Dahl charlie and the chocolate factory (1964)
Wonka ” is still in theaters, but will also be released on Max this month. No matter what you think of this latest star-studded IP confection of hers, at least it’s (probably) not bad enough to call the police.
little wing
Paramount+, March 13
Literary bona fides: Based on Susan Orlin’s Little Wing (2006)
susan orleans new yorker A heartwarming coming-of-age story about a teenage girl in the world of pigeon racing, this film adaptation stars Brian Cox, Kelly Reilly, Brooklynn Prince and Che Tafari.
girls on the bus
Max, March 14th
Literary bona fides: Original work by Amy Chozick chasing hillary (2018)
Melissa Benoist stars in Chozick’s adaptation of his best-selling 2018 memoir about his 10-year experience working as a political reporter on Hillary Clinton’s campaign bus. It’s hard to know exactly how this movie will land in the Year of the Lord 2024. While the trailer doesn’t specifically suggest that Clinton herself will be represented, it teases the end of democracy in the same way that some trailers poke fun at exploding bank vaults. (Hahaha?)—But we’ll just have to wait and see.
apples don’t fall
Peacock, March 14th
Literary bona fides: Original work by Liane Moriarty apples don’t fall (2021)
A Mystery Miniseries About Secrets – Isn’t it all about secrets? But if you’re wondering what to expect, Liane Moriarty has written a book that says: big little lies was based on (also called) big little lies) — which should be further enhanced by a star-studded cast that includes Annette Bening, Sam Neill, Alison Brie, and Jake Lacy.
manhunt
Apple TV+, March 15th
Literary bona fides: Original work by James L. Swanson Manhunt: The 12-day hunt for Lincoln’s assassin (2006)
Directed by Monica Beretsky, the historical thriller is based on Swanson’s best-selling, Edgar Award-winning nonfiction book, in which John Wilkes Booth leads Edwin Stanton on a tour across the United States in the days after Lincoln’s assassination. A wild 12-day chase. Starring Tobias Menzies as Stanton and Anthony Boyle as John Wilkes Booth.
palm royale
Apple TV+, March 20th
Literary bona fides: Original work by Juliette McDaniel Mr & Mrs American Pie (2018)
In 1969, hardworking Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig) is trying her best to break into Palm Beach’s “high society.” fun. We are already paying attention not only to the costumes but also to the cast. Wiig will be joined by Ricky Martin, Josh Lucas, Leslie Bibb, Amber Chaudeh Robinson, Mindy Cohn, Julia Duffy, and Kaia Gerber, along with Laura Dern, Allison Janney, and “additional special guests.” join. Starring Bruce Dern and Carol Burnett. Phew.
3 Physical problems
Netflix, March 21st
Literary bona fides: Original work by Liu Cixin three body problem (2008)
David Benioff and DB Weiss (game of thrones) is back, bringing on Alexander Wu to adapt the apocalyptic sci-fi epic by Chinese novelist Liu Cixin, a favorite of President Obama. “The scope was immense,” he says. “So it was fun to read, but also because the day-to-day issues with Congress seemed pretty trivial, nothing to worry about. Aliens are about to invade!” I hope it brings the same level of escapism to those of us staring at the bottom.
Dennis Mon/Prime Video
American Rust: Broken Justice
Prime Video, March 28th
Literary bona fides: based on american last Written by Philipp Meyer (2009)
american last Season 2 returns to the fictional town of Buell, Pennsylvania, where we find Del Harris (Jeff Daniels) and Grace Poe (Maura Tierney) picking up pieces. At the same time, we also deal with a large number of murder cases.
we were lucky
Hulu, March 29th
Literary bona fides: based on we were lucky Written by Georgia Hunter (2017)
Hunter’s bestselling novel is based on her own family’s story of love, loss, and perseverance as World War II tore apart three generations of Polish Jews. This series adaptation stars Joey Lynn King as Halina Kuruk.
Ben Blackall/Paramount+ with Showtime
gentleman from moscow
Paramount+ with Showtime, March 29
Literary bona fides: Original work by Amor Thors gentleman from moscow (2016)
Ewan McGregor plays Count Alexander Rostov in Showtime’s dramatization of the Towles bestseller. After the Russian Revolution, Count Rostov is sentenced to house arrest in the attic of a hotel by the Bolshevik court, during which he discovers a rich world.
Outsider (1983)
Paramount+, March 1
Literary bona fides: based on Outsider Written by SE Hinton (1967)
A classic and beloved film adaptation directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Muppet Babies Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Diane Lane, Ralph Macchio, and C. Thomas. A classic and well-loved novel that matches perfectly. Howell. Perfect his 80’s fun.
stay by my side (1986)
Hulu, March 1st
Literary bona fides: Based on Stephen King’s The Body (1982)
Another cold classic of 80’s cinema (and literature).
devil in a blue dress (1995)
Netflix, March 1st
Literary bona fides: based on devil in a blue dress Written by Walter Mosley (1990)
An underrated neo-noir gem. ’90s Denzel is very good, and ’90s Don He Cheadle is even better.
Birdman Or (The Unexpected Miracle of Ignorance) (2014)
Hulu, March 1st
Literary bona fides: Based on the Broadway version of Raymond Carver’s short story “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love”
In the film, Michael Keaton plays an actor who was once a superhero in a blockbuster movie from the early ’90s. Oh, oh, oh, etc. (Of course, what’s truly literary about this movie is the literal emotional ambiguity at its core, but that’s a discussion for another day.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH3zcuRQX No
carol (2015)
Paramount+, March 19
Literary bona fides: based on price of salt Written by Patricia Highsmith (1952)
Fascinating, gentle, with a sharp edge…carol is undoubtedly one of the best literary adaptations of the past decade and is always worth rewatching, no matter the season.
green knight (2021)
Max, March 1st
Literary bona fides: based on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight By the Pearl Poet (circa 14th century)
David Rowley’s interpretation of Sir Gawain’s Christmas Quest is my favorite adaptation of the last few years and an absolute feast for the eyes. It’s meant to tide you over until the world wakes up for spring.
