The highly anticipated new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s timeless novel Frankenstein has landed on Netflix, and there are several other must-watch titles you should add to your queue straight away.

Brought to life by acclaimed visionary director Guillermo del Toro, the film is now available to stream.

The star-studded cast includes Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi alongside Mia Goth and Christoph Waltz, offering a fresh perspective on Shelley’s iconic tale.

Despite being published in 1818, the original novel continues to captivate audiences more than two centuries later.

For viewers unfamiliar with the story, the synopsis reads: “A brilliant but egotistical scientist brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.”

Once you’ve finished the latest offering, Netflix has an impressive catalogue of successful literary adaptations ready for your viewing pleasure. The streaming giant boasts numerous films inspired by classic and cherished novels.

Whilst some may be regarded as more contemporary works, they remain thoroughly compelling viewing, reports the Mirror.

All Quiet on the Western Front.

This powerful anti-war masterpiece chronicles the journey of an idealistic young German soldier during the First World War, whose romantic notions of glory quickly dissolve when confronted with the brutal truth of combat. He rapidly discovers that mere survival becomes his greatest aspiration.

The production draws from Erich Maria Remarque’s 1929 semi-autobiographical novel. Remarque, a WWI veteran himself, saw his story brought to life in Netflix’s 2022 adaptation which bagged four Oscars and scored an impressive 90% on Rotten Tomatoes.

One viewer was so moved by the film that they took to social media to express their awe, stating: “I’m just lost for words after watching this masterpiece.”

All Quiet on the Western Front is available to stream on Netflix.

Passing.

British actress Rebecca Hall made her directorial debut with an adaptation of Nella Larsen’s 1929 novel. The film explores the lives of two childhood friends, both light-skinned Black women, who reunite as adults in 1920s New York.

One resides in Harlem and is married to a Black man, while the other ‘passes’ as white and is wed to an ignorant, racist white man. Shot in striking black-and-white to underscore its plot and themes, it has earned a commendable 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Despite being a more grounded drama, it shares elements with Frankenstein through its poignant exploration of character and humanity. One critic praised: “Everything about this astonishing, just-plain-satisfying film feels like a revelation. Bone-deep subversive yet universal, dripping with a quiet dread yet also beautiful and beautifully wise.”

Passing is available to stream on Netflix.

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More.

Should Frankenstein have captured your imagination through its combination of a creative author and an innovative director, then The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More deserves your attention. The production brings together four short films, compiled into a special feature presentation.

Every story draws from the works of renowned author Roald Dahl and has been reimagined by Wes Anderson. Benedict Cumberbatch, Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel, Ben Kingsley, and Richard Ayoade feature across different characters.

The Henry Sugar adaptation alone has achieved a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes. A reviewer recommended: “Watch all four at once and you’ve got a new Anderson-directed, Dahl-inspired feature-length anthology, plus pure, quintessential, gorgeous and thoughtful Anderson gold.”

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More is available on Netflix.

The Power of the Dog.

Adapted from Thomas Savage’s 1967 American novel, Netflix’s 2021 version follows a controlling rancher who reacts with contemptuous brutality when his brother returns home with a new wife and her son, before the unexpected unfolds.

The production marked Jane Campion’s return to directing after a 12-year hiatus and secured her an Academy Award. Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons head the cast.

The production received a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes. One critic was effusive in their praise, stating: “Much has already been said about Jane Campion’s western masterpiece, and for good reason. It is indeed truly great. Benedict Cumberbatch gives a career best performance.”

The Power of the Dog is streaming on Netflix