Each year, it seems like more and more movies and television shows are coming out based on books. With each one, there are the critics who say it isn’t as good as the book(s) or the fans who absolutely adore it. But movies and television shows based on books are great ways to find something new without really leaving your comfort zone. Plus, it is becoming standard to add audio description to new releases.
With all the recent premieres and new releases, we created a list of several audio described book-based movies and television series available on DVD or through streaming services (such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, etc.).
Netflix
Lara Jean secretly writes love letters to the five boys she has loved and hides them in a special teal hatbox. One day, however, those letters are mysteriously sent. For senior high and older readers. 2014.
DB 60504 The duke and I by Julia Quinn (Bridgerton series)
Simon Basset, the new duke of Hastings, and Daphne Bridgerton stage a courtship to keep society matchmakers at bay. But when the charade becomes all too real for Daphne, Simon must either marry her or risk ruining her reputation and breaking her heart. Some explicit descriptions of sex. 2000.
DB 85796 Hillbilly elegy by J.D. Vance
Memoir of growing up in the Ohio Rust Belt in a family culture rooted in Scots-Irish Appalachia. Explores political themes affecting these community cultures through the lens of personal and familial experiences. Discusses what it took to go from nearly failing high school to graduating from Yale Law School. Some strong language. Bestseller. 2016.
Prime Video
At the age of thirteen, Theo Decker survives an accident that kills his mother. Abandoned by his father, Theo is raised by wealthy family friends. His one connection to his mother--a painting--draws Theo into New York City's underground art world as he grows older. Strong language, violence and some descriptions of sex. Commercial audiobook. 2013.
DB 34800 The black echo by Michael Connelly (Bosch series)
When Los Angeles police detective Harry Bosch sees the tattoo on a corpse, he recognizes the man as William Meadows, one of his fellow tunnel rats in Vietnam. Although evidence points to death by drug overdose, Bosch's suspicions of foul play soon have him tangling with the FBI. With the help of Agent Eleanor Wish, Bosch begins to uncover a twenty-year-old robbery scheme. Strong language, violence, and some descriptions of sex.
DB 76478 The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick
The Axis powers have won World War II and jointly occupy the United States. A German faction attempts to warn the Japanese about an impending nuclear attack. A subversive novel and a fortune-telling device guide characters' decisions in this alternate history. Some strong language. Hugo Award. Commercial audiobook. 1962.
Hulu
Elena Richardson and her family lead an orderly existence in Shaker Heights, Ohio, until Mia and her daughter rent a house from them. When a neighbor tries to adopt a baby, Elena and Mia end up on opposing sides of the custody battle. Strong language and some descriptions of sex. Commercial audiobook. 2017.
DB 61873 Looking for Alaska by John Green
Entering boarding school in Alabama, sixteen-year-old Miles "Pudge" Halter encounters new experiences: challenging classes, extreme pranks, and Alaska Young, a moody, sexy girl whose death in a car crash might be a suicide. Some explicit descriptions of sex and some strong language. For senior high readers. Printz Award. 2005.
DB 94878 Normal People by Sally Rooney
At school, popular football star Connell and lonely, quiet Marianne pretend not to know each other, although Connell's mother works for Marianne's family. A year later, both are studying at Trinity College in Dublin. They've both changed, but are still drawn to each other. Strong language and some descriptions of sex. Commercial audiobook. 2019.
DVD
DB 49486 The call of the wild by Jack London
Buck, a St. Bernard mix, is stolen and trained to be a sled dog in the Alaskan gold fields. Abused by both men and dogs, Buck learns to fight ruthlessly until he finds a master, John Thornton, whom he loves and respects. For senior high and older readers. 1903.
DB 77471 Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
Years after the horrifying events at the Overlook Hotel described in The Shining (DB 51373), recovering alcoholic Danny Torrance has learned to control his supernatural abilities. He befriends a twelve-year-old whose own psychic powers put her at risk. Violence, strong language, and explicit descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2013.
Basis for movie Jojo Rabbit
Vienna, 1940s. Johannes Betzler is an avid member of the Hitler Youth, but discovers his parents have been hiding a Jewish girl named Elsa in their home. When his parents disappear, he becomes Elsa's only hope for survival. Basis for Jojo Rabbit, winner of 2020 Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2019.