Rapid rise of cinematic adaptations of blockbuster novels

German literature is making a significant impact on the silver screen and streaming services this year, with a variety of adaptations and new productions based on popular novels.

Twenty years after its publication, Patrick Süskind's novel 'Perfume' was adapted into a film, while Bernhard Schlink's 'The Reader' was adapted 14 years after. Fast-forward to 2025, and Mona Kasten, the author of the series "Maxton Hall - Die Welt zwischen uns", has been chosen to adapt her work for the series, which will be released on Amazon Prime Video on November 7.

Timur Vermes' debut novel 'Look Who's Back' about Adolf Hitler was adapted into a film in 2015, three years after its publication in 2012. David Wnendt directed the film adaptation of the controversial novel.

Annette Hess, known for historical dramas like "Weissensee" and "Ku'damm 56", is preparing her novel "German House" for TV. The adaptation will premiere on Disney+ this year. Hess' previous novel was also adapted into a Disney+ miniseries in 2023.

Caroline Wahl's debut novel '22 Lanes', published in 2023, is set to hit theaters in 2025 on September 4. The young adult novel "Save me" was released as a six-part series on Amazon's Prime Video in 2024. It's a college love story and was produced by Ufa.

Hape Kerkeling's autobiography "The Boy Must Go Out" was adapted into a film and released in cinemas in Christmas 2018. Caroline Link directed the film adaptation, while Julia von Heinz handled the adaptation of Kerkeling's travelogue "Jakobsweg", released around nine years after its publication in 2006.

The young adult novel "Save me" is not the only production based on Kerkeling's works. His novel "Jakobsweg" was also adapted into a film in 2015.

The TV series 'Babylon Berlin', based on Volker Kutscher's works, has been a hit in many countries and is currently in production for its final season. The series is an adaptation of Kutscher's 'Der nasse Fisch - Gereon Raths erster Fall', published in 2008.

Felix Lobrecht's novel "Sonne und Beton" was adapted into a film in 2023. The novel is about four boys growing up in Berlin's Neukölln district. Fatih Akin directed the film adaptation of Wolfgang Herrndorf's novel 'Tschick' after initially trying to secure the film rights shortly after its release. Helene Hegemann directed the film adaptation of her own controversial novel "Axolotl Roadkill", titled "Axolotl Overkill", which was released in 2017.

These adaptations and new productions demonstrate the enduring appeal of German literature and the creative talent behind bringing these stories to life on screen. Whether it's historical dramas, young adult love stories, or autobiographical accounts, there's something for everyone this year.