This month, we are highlighting the most anticipated TV shows and movies arriving in August, with a special focus on exciting book-to-screen adaptations. From captivating dramas to dark-comedy retellings, this month’s lineup promises to bring beloved stories to life in new and compelling ways.

TV

When it comes to adaptations, sometimes a movie isn’t able to capture the story the same way a television series can. And other times, we can indulge without ever having to turn a page. Who doesn’t love a good binge watch?

A Good Girls Guide to Murder

Based on the bestselling novel by Holly Jackson, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a British TV series adapted by Poppy Cogan and directed by Dolly Wells for BBC Three. The first series, with six 45-minute episodes, follows Pip Fitz-Amobi (Emma Myers) as she re-investigates a local schoolgirl’s murder. Premiering in the UK in July 2024 and internationally on Netflix on August 1, 2024, the show brings the popular mystery to life, promising to keep fans of the novel on the edge of their seats.

Bad Monkey

Bad Monkey,  premiering August 14 on Apple TV+, stars Vince Vaughn as Andrew Yancy, a former Miami cop turned health inspector in the Florida Keys. When a human arm is discovered by tourists, Yancy sees a chance to reclaim his detective badge by solving the case amidst a quirky cast of Floridian characters and one mischievous monkey. The show, based on Carl Hiaasen’s novel, boasts an ensemble cast including L. Scott Caldwell, Rob Delaney, and Meredith Hagner, with Bill Lawrence as executive producer.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Season 2)

In season two of The Rings of Power, Sauron returns, stripped of his allies and forced to use his cunning to rebuild his power and forge the Rings of Power. Premiering on August 29, 2024, on Prime Video, this season intensifies the epic struggle as characters face a growing darkness and fractured alliances, with the forces of good fighting valiantly to preserve their bonds.

Kaos

Kaos is an upcoming mythological dark-comedy series created by Charlie Covell for Netflix. Ideal for fans of Greek mythology with a fresh twist, the series follows three humans entangled in an ancient prophecy while dealing with corrupt gods. With Jeff Goldblum bringing his storytelling magic to the role of Zeus, this show promises to captivate and entertain.

Movies

Some of our favorite actors are pairing up with our favorite authors for book-to-screen adaptations that will steal our hearts (or maybe just break them). Either way, we are grabbing the popcorn and some tissues.

It Ends With Us

Colleen Hoover’s bestselling yet complex novel It Ends With Us is brought to the big screen, featuring Blake Lively as Lily Bloom in a deeply emotional story about knowing your worth and letting go. As Lily falls for charming neurosurgeon Ryle (Justin Baldoni), she begins to see dark sides of their relationship that echo her parents’ troubled marriage. With a trailer nodding to Blake’s bestie, this adaptation promises to make tears ricochet as Lily faces a heartbreaking choice between her past love, Atlas (Brandon Sklenar), and her tumultuous future with Ryle. In theaters August 9th.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Blink Twice

Blink Twice, an American thriller directed by Zoë Kravitz in her debut, follows a cocktail waitress, Frida (Naomi Ackie), who becomes infatuated with a billionaire tech mogul, Slater King (Channing Tatum). As she travels to his private island for a luxurious party, the situation takes a dark turn when her friend vanishes. The film, featuring an ensemble cast including Christian Slater, Adria Arjona, and Geena Davis, is set to be released by Amazon MGM Studios on August 23, 2024.

The Crow

The Crow, directed by Rupert Sanders and starring Bill Skarsgård, promises a thrilling reboot of the iconic superhero saga. Based on James O’Barr’s 1989 comic book, it follows a murdered musician brought back to life to seek vengeance for his and his fiancée’s deaths. Don’t miss this electrifying film, set to hit theaters on August 23, 2024, with a standout performance by FKA Twigs.

Trap

Experience a thrilling new M. Night Shyamalan film, “Trap,” featuring Josh Hartnett in a whole new light. When a father and his teen daughter attend a pop concert, they find themselves at the heart of a dark and sinister event. Catch it only in theaters this summer, with original songs by rising star Saleka Shyamalan.