Some start the new year with goals like traveling the world, discovering a new hobby, attending their favorite band's concerts, or embarking on a fitness journey, among others. But for bookworms and cinephiles, the slate of upcoming book releases and movies truly sets their hearts racing. Even more exciting is the intersection of these two worlds—book-to-movie adaptations.

For those who love both media, these adaptations are a niche delight that brings stories to life in a new way. The anticipation of seeing how the production translates the magic of every page and captures a character’s essence on-screen sparks endless debates and awe-filled moments.

If you're eagerly awaiting this year's book-to-movie adaptations, there's plenty to look forward to, with various genres palatable for everyone's taste.

1. Mickey 17

(Photo from Warner Bros)

After making history as the first foreign-language film to win the Oscar for Best Picture for Parasite, Korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho will bring Ashton Edward’s acclaimed sci-fi novel Mickey7 to the silver screen in Mickey 17, starring Robert Pattinson.

Mickey 17 follows a man named Mickey who works in a job where dying is part of the role. Each time he dies, a new body is created, retaining most of his memories. However, during an attempt to colonize the icy planet Niflheim, unforeseen events lead to the creation of two Mickeys.

For sci-fi fans, Mickey 17 is set to hit PH cinemas on Jan. 29.

2. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy

(Photo from Universal Pictures)

Could a Bridget Jones comeback be what we need this Valentine's Day?

The fourth installment in the beloved Bridget Jones film series is based on Helen Fielding's third book, national bestseller Mad About the Boy. The story follows Bridget as a widow, navigating life while raising her children and dipping her toes back into the dating world, eventually falling into a dating dilemma.

The book's adaptation marks the return of a cherished character who hasn't been seen on screen for years. Fans can look forward to Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy hitting theaters on Feb. 14.

3. Animal Farm

(Photo from IMDb)

George Orwell's Animal Farm has stood the test of time as a powerful reflection of society, earning accolades such as the 1946 Retro Hugo Award and the 2011 Prometheus Award. The story follows a group of farm animals who rebel against their human owners in pursuit of equality and freedom.

Plans for a film adaptation began in 2012, with Rupert Wyatt originally slated to direct and Andy Serkis co-writing the screenplay. After several delays, the production resumed in 2022, now as an animated film by Serkis.

This highly anticipated adaptation, which blends timeless themes with modern animation, is scheduled for release in 2025– on July 11, according to reports.

4. The Running Man

(Photo from Apple Books)

Set in the year 2025, Stephen King's The Running Man will captivate readers with its gripping tale when it comes to life on the big screen in yep, you guessed it, 2025. Edgar Wright is directing a remake of the story, which follows a man who enters a dangerous game show to earn money and provide for his struggling family. His fight for survival becomes a battle to secure a better future for his loved ones.

The first film adaptation, released in 1987, received mixed reviews from critics, including Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times. Wright said that his 2025 version will be more faithful to the book's storyline.

The film’s date was moved to Nov. 7 from Nov. 21 to avoid clashing with the highly anticipated Wicked: For Good.

5. Wicked: For Good

(Photo from IMDb)

Who isn't looking forward to the second chapter of Wicked?

One of the most eagerly awaited fantasy sequels of the year, Wicked: For Good transports audiences back to the world of Oz. Jon M. Chu's Wicked Part 1 premiered in November 2024 after nearly three years of production and extensive promotion.

Following the success of the first installment—now the highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptation— fans were left eager to see the next chapter. With Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande reprising their roles as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, the sequel will continue to unravel Gregory Maguire's reimagined origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good, promising even more depth and complexity of the story and characters.

Wicked: For Good will cast its spell in theaters on Nov. 21.

6. The Housemaid

(Photo from Goodreads)

Fans of Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney have something exciting to look forward to with the film adaptation of The Housemaid, as both stars have been announced as part of the cast.

Based on Freida McFadden's The Housemaid, the story follows a woman with a troubled past who works as a live-in housekeeper for a wealthy couple. While everything seems fine at first, she begins to notice strange behaviors and uncovers dark secrets that she never expected to deal with.

With the book named as a New York Times and USA Today bestseller, The Housemaid was officially announced for adaptation in October 2024, sparking excitement among fans. As of now, the film is set to premiere on Christmas Day 2025.

With these adaptations coming to our screens, 2025 is shaping up to be a year filled with watchlists to check off and a true cinematic celebration for book lovers. Watch for future announcements, as the year is just beginning, and more incredible adaptations may be on the way.

Here's to a fruitful and eventful year for moviegoers as we once again dive into the magic of cinema and experience pure movie bliss.