'100 Nights of Hero' and other movies and television shows adapted from graphic novels

Dec. 5 100 Nights of Hero premieres in theaters this Friday, bringing Isabel Greenberg's graphic novel to life. The "fairy tale romance" features Maika Monroe as Cherry, a noblewoman, and Emma Corrin as her devoted maid Hero. Together, they face the dangerous advances of Manfred, played by Nicolas Galitzine, while Cherry's inattentive husband is away. The film is directed by Julia Jackman and also includes performances by Amir El-Masry, Charli XCX, Richard E. Grant, and Felicity Jones.

"Creating this movie has been a dream ever since I first read Isabel Greenbergs beautiful graphic novel," said Jackman.

Graphic novels continue to inspire films and television. Here are nine notable adaptations:

Butterfly

The Prime Video series, released on August 13, adapts Arash Amel's 2014 graphic novels. It follows a father-daughter duo of spies, with Daniel Dae Kim as David Jung and Reina Hardesty as his daughter Rebecca. Rebecca, believing her father dead, discovers he disappeared to protect her. Kim described the show as a collaboration bridging American and Korean storytelling.

Asteroid City

The 2024 film, based on Richard McGuire's 2014 graphic novel, stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. It depicts multiple families across different generations, including teenage and elderly versions of the leads. The movie reunites Hanks with director Robert Zemeckis, known for Forrest Gump and Castaway, and also features Paul Bettany, Kelly Reilly, Michelle Dockery, and others.

Snowpiercer

Bong Joon-hos 2013 film and the 2020 AMC series are based on Jacques Lob's 1982 graphic novel. The story explores a post-apocalyptic society surviving on a train after Earth freezes. Jennifer Connelly plays Melanie Cavill, while Daveed Diggs portrays Andre Layton, leading a journey beyond the train. The series spans four seasons and examines the complex dynamics of life aboard Snowpiercer.

Watchmen

Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons 1987 graphic novels inspired the 2009 film and the 2019 HBO series. Set in an alternate 1985, the story imagines a world with superheroes, exploring the consequences of their existence. The film starred Billy Crudup, Carla Gugino, and Matthew Goode, while the series featured Don Johnson, Regina King, and Jeremy Irons.

Blue is the Warmest Color

The 2013 film, adapted from Jul Maroh's 2010 graphic novel, tells the story of a young lesbian couple. The narrative follows Adele, a 15-year-old initially interested in boys, who is captivated by a blue-haired girl. The movie stars Lea Seydoux and Adele Exarchopoulos and won the Palme d'Or at Cannes.

30 Days of Night

Based on the 2002 graphic novel by Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith, the 2007 film stars Josh Hartnett. It depicts an Alaskan town plunged into thirty days of darkness, where vampires attack the residents, creating a tense survival story.

Persepolis

Marjane Satrapis 2003 graphic novel was adapted into a 2007 animated film, co-directed by Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud. The story portrays a young girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, capturing the struggles and disillusionment of the era. The voice cast includes Catherine Deneuve and Danielle Darrieux.

A History of Violence

The 2005 film, adapted from John Wagner and Vincent Locke's 1997 graphic novel, centers on a diner owner who becomes a hero during a robbery and must confront his past when his family is threatened. Viggo Mortensen leads the cast, alongside Maria Bello and Ed Harris.

From Hell

Alan Moore and Eddie Campbells 1991 graphic novel inspired the 2001 film. Johnny Depp stars as a Scotland Yard investigator tracking Jack the Ripper in Victorian London. Directed by Albert and Allen Hughes, the film explores the dark, crime-ridden streets of the period. Several other works by Moore, including The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Constantine, and V for Vendetta, have also been adapted for film.

Author: Jackson Miller