Graphic novel adaptations continue to dominate both film and television, and the latest addition arrives this week with “100 Nights of Hero,” now playing in theaters. The feature brings to life Isabel Greenberg’s acclaimed graphic novel, blending mythology, romance, and dark fairytale energy into a cinematic experience that is already generating strong buzz.
Directed by Julia Jackman, the “fairy tale romance” follows Cherry (Maika Monroe) and her maid Hero (Emma Corrin), who must protect Cherry from Manfred (Nicolas Galitzine), a dangerous visitor attempting to seduce her while her husband is away. The film also stars Amir El-Masry, Charli XCX, Richard E. Grant, and Felicity Jones.
“Making this film has been a longtime dream,” Jackman said, reflecting on discovering Greenberg’s graphic novel years earlier.
“100 Nights of Hero” joins a long history of graphic novels adapted into successful movies and TV series. Here are nine other major titles that followed a similar path.
‘Butterfly’ — Prime Video
Adapted from Arash Amel’s 2014 graphic novels, the Prime Video series premiered August 13. It follows an international spy story centered around a father-daughter duo played by Daniel Dae Kim and Reina Hardesty. The series explores loyalty, secrecy, and complex family ties.
‘Here’ — 2024 Film
Based on Richard McGuire’s innovative graphic novel, Tom Hanks and Robin Wright star in a story told entirely from the perspective of a single physical location across multiple time periods. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the film reunites the team behind Forrest Gump.
‘Snowpiercer’
Originally a 1982 graphic novel by Jacques Lob, “Snowpiercer” inspired a 2013 feature film and later a four-season AMC series. Set aboard a massive train carrying the last survivors of a frozen Earth, the adaptation stars Jennifer Connelly and Daveed Diggs.
‘Watchmen’
One of the most influential graphic novels ever written, Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ Watchmen has been adapted twice: a 2009 film and a 2019 HBO series led by Regina King. The series received widespread acclaim for reimagining the original story’s alternate-timeline themes.
‘Blue Is the Warmest Color’
Based on Jul Maroh’s 2010 novel, the 2013 film starred Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos and won the Palme d’Or at Cannes. The film explores an emotional love story between two young women and the evolution of their relationship.
‘30 Days of Night’
The horror adaptation of Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith’s graphic novel hit theaters in 2007. Set in Alaska, the movie follows a brutal vampire outbreak during a month-long winter darkness, starring Josh Hartnett.
‘Persepolis’
Marjane Satrapi directed the animated film version of her autobiographical novel in 2007, depicting her childhood in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. The work remains a landmark in adult animation.
‘A History of Violence’
Adapted from John Wagner and Vincent Locke’s graphic novel, the 2005 film starred Viggo Mortensen and explores identity, violence, and buried secrets. It earned two Oscar nominations.
‘From Hell’
Based on Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell’s graphic novel about Jack the Ripper, the 2001 film starred Johnny Depp as an investigator navigating conspiracy and terror in Victorian London.
With “100 Nights of Hero,” Hollywood continues to expand on visual storytelling drawn from illustrated literature. As comic and graphic novel adaptations grow more popular, studios increasingly see them as rich sources for ambitious creative projects — and fans welcome the reimagining of beloved illustrated worlds.
