James Pattersonis one of the most successful author of his coevals , with an enormous catalog of acute thriller and gripping mysteries that are all different but equally exciting . His stories are the stark cloth to be transformed into motion-picture show and TV show : normally standalone adventures , with a fundamental closed book that drives the history forward with fun characters and interesting locations . The writer is best known for his characterAlex Cross , who ’s been adapted several timeson the small cover .

Patterson has been writing novel since the late 1970s , since when his output has only gotten more impressive . He has one of the largest bibliographies of any endure writer , with Brobdingnagian amount of stories that cater to wildly different audiences . As such , many of his best works have been picked up for TV shows and blockbuster movies throughout the years . While most have n’t been able to seize the thaumaturgy of the original story , there have been some bang-up examples that understand why Patterson ’s narratives are so essentially compelling .

10Sundays At Tiffany’s (2010)

Starring Eric Winter & Alyssa Milano

William Ashley Sunday at Tiffany’sis one of James Patterson ’s less ceremonious stories , not fall into the action or thriller genres that he ’s more wide have a go at it for . Instead , the narrative concentrate on around a char who ca n’t decide on her wedding preparations despite her lifelong dream to get wed , do her to muster an fanciful friend to help guide her through the big determination .

What ’s so great aboutSundays at Tiffany’sis how original and creative it is : It ’s a typical romance on the surface , butPatterson and Gabrielle Charbonet ’s writing is so different from anything else that exists in the literary genre , translating to the screen . The story takes many twists and turns that consultation likely wo n’t see coming , but the familiarly quixotic sheen of the movie helps lull the audience into a false sense of security .

9Maximum Ride (2016)

Starring Lyliana Wray & Allie Marie Evans

Cast

While it ’s mediocre to say that Patterson made his name with eminent - octane thriller and mystery novels , the author has made a material exertion in the back one-half of his career to infract liberal of these conventions and experiment with unexampled forms and style . HisMaximum Rideseries is a perfect example of this , as it leans unapologetically into the sci - fi literary genre with some of his piercing melodic theme to date .

8Miracle On The 17th Green (1999)

Starring Robert Ulrich & Ernie Hudson

Miracle on the 17th Greenis probably one of Patterson ’s least - known account book , but that for certain does n’t make it his defective . The novel follows a middle - aged man who ’s let go from his job and decide to take up golf instead , finding a huge grade of success that quickly takes him all the way to the PGA Seniors Open . This story does n’t have the distinctive crimes and detectives that Patterson became known for , but it ’s a brilliant practice in standalone drama that gives the author a chance to try something new .

The 1999 TV dramaMiracle on the 17th Greenis closely based on Patterson ’s noveland works so well because it captures the inherent drollery of this booster ’s situation while balancing that with the dramatic , more fascinating aspect of the " miracle " that happens at the Seniors Open . There are n’t many authors who are uncoerced to merge genres and styles as frequently as James Patterson , and this always makes his book ' adaptations entrancing to find out .

7Zoo (2015-2017)

Starring James Wolk & Billy Burke

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The Zoo Gang follows a former boxer know as Old Leather Face , who opens a nightspot called the Zoo . Facing poor business sector prospects , he partners with a group of homeless stripling aiming to turn it into a profitable venture while contending with threat from a local mob .

Zoowas a pop show that run on CBS between 2015 and 2017 , broadly speaking adapted from Patterson ’s novel of the same name . The account is a typical thriller about a vernal scientist examining a trend of dangerous behavior in zoological garden animals , but it quickly takes a sci - fi - urge act that quickly help the show get its object consultation . The show , and the original book , expect all the trademarks of Patterson ’s trend but it still represents an attempt from the author to phlebotomise into a new subgenre .

Morgan Freeman as Alex Cross in Along Came a Spider

Where show likeCrosshave changed much about the original books , Zooattempted to cling much more nearly to Patterson ’s original visual sensation , which was both its biggest strength and ultimate untying . While it made the show more respectable in the eyes of Patterson ’s devotee , Zooadmittedly is n’t one of the generator ’s stronger works , and many of the story problems of that story still survive in the show . The characters are n’t as interesting as the majority of Patterson ’s protagonists , and the story really takes a while to get blend in .

6The Postcard Killings (2020)

Starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan & Naomi Battrick

The Postcard Killings is a crime thriller directed by Danis Tanović , found on the James Patterson and Liza Marklund novel . The flick keep up New York detective Jacob Kanon , play by Jeffrey Dean Morgan , as he look into a string of murders across Europe . Each crime is predate by the orca sending a postcard to a diary keeper . The tale delves into idea of brokenheartedness , obsession , and the quest for justice .

2020’sThe Postcard Killingsis base on the novelThe Postcard Killers , co - written by James Patterson and Liza Marklund . The narrative centers around a New York Police Officer whose daughter is murdered while vacation in Europe , leading him down a glum World Wide Web of conspiracy and intrigue that takes him across the whole continent in hunt of the man who consume his minor from him .

There are many other films like The Postcard Killings that fan of this suspenseful , crime thriller about nonparallel killings would likely also enjoy .

7 Best Movies like The Postcard Killings

The Postcard Killingsis another movie that perfectly understand how simplicity is the keyto any of Patterson ’s novel . Despite the sweeping narration and extensive shape of lineament , the film takes a very linear and digestible approach to storytelling that keeps the audience invested without necessitate too much of them . This may be deterring to audiences look for a more highbrow secret , but it ’s a not bad adaptation of the spirit of Patterson ’s and Marklund ’s story .

5Instinct (2018-2019)

Starring Alan Cumming & Bojana Novakovic

inherent aptitude is a crime drama series star Alan Cumming as Dr. Dylan Reinhart , a former CIA private detective work author and university prof . Recruited by NYPD detective Elizabeth Needham ( Bojana Novakovic ) , Reinhart uses his unique skills to help solve complex case in New York City . The serial commingle psychological insights with police force adjective element .

Instinctis based on Patterson ’s novelMurder Games , and it ’s a much more typical narration from the author ’s catalog . The original book tells the story of a vicious psychologist named Dylan whose works are found at a brutal law-breaking panorama that New York police by and by connect with a dangerous serial killer — and Dylan is the only mortal with the knowledge to get inside their drumhead and help practice of law enforcement catch the criminal . Instinctis a thrilling plot of cat - and - mousewith all the tress and turn one could expect from such a veteran author in the genre .

Instinctwas a fairly close adaptation of the book that deliver the goods thanks to its unwavering dedication to drawing as much stress and intrigue out of this taradiddle as potential . Every single episode takes itself badly and keeps the audience on the bound of their butt , which is something that Patterson ’s story are renowned for . It also boasts an excellent jumper lead carrying into action from Alan Cumming , who brings a whole newfangled dimension to Dylan ’s character . WhileAlan Cumming has some very renowned movies , Instinctmay be his most underrated body of work .

Morgan-Freeman

4Middle School: The Worst Years Of My Life (2016)

Starring Griffin Gluck & Lauren Graham

Middle School : The high-risk old age of My Life is a arrive - of - age comedy film liberate in 2016 , focusing on Rafe Katchadorian , a creative teenager who decides to rebel against his strict middle school rule with the help of his best friend , Leo , by strategically break every rule in the school ’s handbook .

Patterson’sMiddle Schoolseries is another of his most successful works , mainly because it ’s mastermind towards a much young audience . The book of account were written in collaboration with Chris Tebbetts , and chop-chop became some of Patterson;s most notable story . They center around a new male child named Rafe , who fight to integrate into his new school and quickly takes up the challenge of break as many rules as possible . The Holy Scripture is noteworthy for its acute humor and creative illustrations that contrast with Patterson ’s more serious works .

James Patterson confirm that a sequel toMiddle Schoolwas in production in 2020 .

Alex (Aldis Hodge) meets Ed Ramsey at a gala in Cross Season 1

Image via Prime Video

TheMiddle Schoolmovie might not have all the flair and expressive style of the book , but it ’s a close adaptation that baffle closely to the original level and does a smashing job of bringing Rafe ’s protagonist to life . Griffin Gluck delivers an excellent lede performance that ’s both funny and relatable , whiledirector Steve Carr trance the playful spirit of the novel through shining colors and slapstick humor . Itscoming - of - age story is n’t a perfect depiction of teenage life , but it ’s still a fun one that ’s worth find out .

3Kiss The Girls (1997)

Starring Morgan Freeman & Ashley Judd

snog the Girls is a crime thriller directed by Gary Fleder and based on James Patterson ’s novel . It stars Morgan Freeman as forensic psychologist Alex Cross , who teams up with Dr. Kate McTiernan , play by Ashley Judd , to track down a sequent kidnapper . The film delves into suspenseful investigating and dramatic deliverance , offering a gripping narrative on the hunt for a crafty crook .

Gary Fleder’sKiss the Girlsopened to a fairly interracial response in 1997 , with many criticizing the storytelling and focusing on the film ’s flaw — but there ’s actually much to be appreciated in this melodramatic , stylise retelling of Patterson ’s democratic novel . The story centers around Detective Alex Crossas he search for his niece after she is abducted by a dangerous killer , employ the help of his late victims to get across him down .

Morgan Freeman has been do for 60 years , and in that time , he has care to create an impressive body of body of work with incredible performances .

Sunday at Tiffany’s

WhileKiss the Girlscertainly is n’t as gripping and captivating as the novel that it ’s adapted from , it ’s still an excellent motion-picture show that does n’t get the citation it deserve as a simple , traditional thriller that adheres to the present-day convention but does it well . Morgan Freeman delivers an fantabulous performance with his good turn as Alex Cross , becharm all the charisma and stoicism that made Patterson ’s protagonist so popular in the first place .

2Along Came A Spider (2001)

Starring Morgan Freeman & Monica Potter

Along Came a Spider follows detective and author Alex Cross , who is delineate out of retreat to investigate the kidnapping of a senator ’s daughter . Partnered with a Secret Service agentive role , Cross unravels a complex web of clues revealing the kidnaper ’s motive extend beyond ransom .

Along Came a Spideris Morgan Freeman ’s 2d jaunt as Cross , and while it ’s hard to beat the excitement of the original , there ’s something expectant about this subsequence that ’s unacceptable to traverse . It ’s an version of Patterson ’s book , which actually come up beforeKiss the Girlsand mark Cross ' literary introduction . The story follows Cross as he ’s dragged into a dark vitrine concerning a nonparallel abductor whose methodical actions enchant the tending of the Washington D.C. police .

Once again , the best part ofAlong come a Spideris Freeman ’s fierce lead performance . He takes everything that worked about the original movie and replicate down on it , allowing the role to tread fully into the spotlight and order the inexorable details of the pillow slip somewhat to the side . This was a controversial decision , but it sure enough help make this character such an iconic figure over metre .

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1Cross (2024)

Starring Aldis Hodge & Ryan Eggold

Cross keep up the liveliness of Alex Cross , a skilled yet troubled homicide police detective poise his role as a devoted father and unappeasable law-breaking tec . Haunted by his married woman ’s murder , he navigate personal convulsion while persistently pursue justice in the side of dangerous adversaries .

Amazon’sCrossseries has debuted splendidly with critics , instantly making it one of the most successful version of James Patterson ’s whole kit and caboodle . The show is a much looser adaptation of the character than either of the Morgan Freeman movies , taking various aspects from throughout the serial publication and applying them to a new , somewhat original story that ’s been update for a more modern audience .

The most telling aspect ofCrossis its power to adhere to the sinister , melodramatic expressive style ofJames Patterson ’s novels whilst desegregate some sharp humor and lighthearted subplots at the same metre , which helps give the character even further dimensions and make him more relatable . Aldis Hodge ’s portrayal of Alex Cross is near - perfect , as he captures all the metier and word of the fictitious character while giving him a more human , flawed side as well .

Miracle on the 17th Green

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The Zoo Gang follows a former boxer known as Old Leather Face, who opens a nightclub called the Zoo. Facing poor business prospects, he partners with a group of homeless teenagers aiming to turn it into a profitable venture while contending with threats from a local gang.

Headshot Of Jason Gedrick

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The Postcard Killings is a crime thriller directed by Danis Tanović, based on the James Patterson and Liza Marklund novel. The film follows New York detective Jacob Kanon, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, as he investigates a string of murders across Europe. Each crime is preceded by the killer sending a postcard to a journalist. The narrative delves into themes of grief, obsession, and the quest for justice.

Headshot Of Jeffrey Dean Morgan In The Premiere Of The Walking Dead

Headshot Of Famke Janssen

Instinct

Instinct is a crime drama series starring Alan Cumming as Dr. Dylan Reinhart, a former CIA operative turned author and university professor. Recruited by NYPD detective Elizabeth Needham (Bojana Novakovic), Reinhart uses his unique skills to help solve complex cases in New York City. The series combines psychological insights with police procedural elements.

Headshot Of Alan Cumming

Headshot Of Daniel Ings In The London premiere of Netflix series ‘The Gentlemen’

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Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life is a coming-of-age comedy film released in 2016, focusing on Rafe Katchadorian, a creative teenager who decides to rebel against his strict middle school rules with the help of his best friend, Leo, by strategically breaking every rule in the school’s handbook.

Headshot Of Lauren Graham In The NBCUniversal Winter Press Tour 2020

Headshot Of Griffin Gluck

Headshot Of Alexa Nisenson In The Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix’s ‘Cobra Kai’ Season 5

Headshot Of Andy Daly

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Kiss the Girls is a crime thriller directed by Gary Fleder and based on James Patterson’s novel. It stars Morgan Freeman as forensic psychologist Alex Cross, who teams up with Dr. Kate McTiernan, played by Ashley Judd, to track down a serial kidnapper. The film delves into suspenseful investigations and dramatic rescues, offering a gripping narrative on the hunt for a cunning criminal.

Headshot Of Morgan Freeman In The 63rd International Television Festival - ‘The Gray House’

Headhsot Of Ashley Judd

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Along Came a Spider follows detective and author Alex Cross, who is drawn out of retirement to investigate the kidnapping of a senator’s daughter. Partnered with a Secret Service agent, Cross unravels a complex web of clues revealing the kidnapper’s motives extend beyond ransom.

Cross (2024) Official Poster

Cross follows the life of Alex Cross, a skilled yet troubled homicide detective balancing his role as a devoted father and relentless crime investigator. Haunted by his wife’s murder, he navigates personal turmoil while persistently pursuing justice in the face of dangerous adversaries.

Headshot Of Aldis Hodge

Headshot Of Isaiah Mustafa