6 Extreme Horror or Splatterpunk Books That Could Be Adapted into Films

Across the decades we have seen books turned into films and or television series. Some of the most popular media that we've consumed were once novels, novellas, or long-running series prior to receiving screen adaptations. But there are some books that haven't received that treatment. Whether they might be perceived as “too much” to be translated to screen, too controversial, or aren't big name books that garner widespread attention. Extreme horror and splatterpunk books can fall into any of those categories, especially modern day. 

For those who aren't aware of what extreme horror is, the definition for the film subgenre generally applies to books as well. Splatterpunk is similar in definition, but it all varies person to person as to how both are different from one another. They are often books that go against the grain (hence the word “punk” being part of the term), and feature graphic violence and more. Just like in anything, every person has their own individual threshold in terms of what they can handle consuming. Some topics are much too triggering or aren't handled properly by authors. 

Therefore if you find yourself squirming at reading any of the descriptions of the following books, there's no shame in that at all. However, if you're interested in the potential vision of these books being adapted into film, keep reading. Please look up content warnings if you are planning to read any of these books. 

Party Games (2018)

Author: Jon Athan

If you've seen Funny Games (the original and or the remake) and didn't vehemently hate it, then you might enjoy this book. Party Games follows an estranged group of individuals who gather for a reunion, only to let the wrong stranger into the house who wants to play “games” with them. The events of the book could've been avoided if they hadn't let the man inside the home, and that makes it all the more frustrating. 

There have been more than a few horror films about home invasion, deadly games, and often unsavory people having to suffer. A film adaptation would have to flesh out the characters a bit more, add some likeability to the characters, and there would need to be consideration in terms of the ending. But otherwise those who love the Saw franchise, enjoy (very loose term) Funny Games, and home invasion horror would likely tune into a film adaptation of this. 

Into the Wolves' Den (2019)

Author: Jon Athan 

Revenge tales aren't new for the horror genre, and certainly not when it comes to parents or other loved ones getting revenge or trying to save someone. Into the Wolves' Den  follows a police officer named Keith who goes rogue to save his daughters after they're kidnapped by traffickers and snuff filmmakers. It's a disturbing book that doesn't hold back in a lot of ways, but it also might be incredibly triggering for some people.  

There's a lot of potential for this to be made into a feature length film, especially when there are plenty of horror and or thrillers that focus on trafficking, snuff films, or pay-to-torture operations for the rich. This book has a lot of cinematic moments that would translate well to screen, not to mention horrible people that never suffer consequences in real-life being taken down is so satisfying in horror. And just like in the book, there's a lot that can be implied in a film without having to explicitly show anything. Especially regarding Carrie and Allie, the daughters of Keith. 

Boys Will Be Boys (2020)

Author: Rayne Havok 

The term “boys will be boys” is unfortunately still part of our current society. Boys Will Be Boys follows a group of friends who go on a hiking trip, only to have several boys join them with sinister intentions. There's no triumph to be found in this book, and the ending will absolutely make you shake with anger because of the countless cases of injustice in everyday life. The uncomfortable reality is ever present in this short read. 

Exploring topics like “boys will be boys” often does overlap with rape culture, and it's not to say only boys commit crimes involving sexual violence, but the term itself focuses just on those who identify as boys (and the term often mostly applies to cis men/boys). We've seen countless horror films touch upon this topic, and they don't all end well. In terms of a film adaptation, there are several routes that could go. Without spoiling anything, you could give the audience an ending that's easier to swallow. Either way, a film adaptation would be confronting for a lot of people, and sometimes it's necessary to be uncomfortable. 

Psychic Teenage Bloodbath I + II (2022) + (2023)

Author: Carl John Lee 

A super queer story with a huge dose of Carrie inspiration with the psychic abilities. Psychic Teenage Bloodbath focuses on the aftermath of an accident that left Susan Ward in a coma, and when she gains psychic abilities to get revenge, her former girlfriend is the only one willing to stop her. There's much to spoil in terms of the second book's premise, but it continues the story and expands it even further. Both books are very queer, ruthlessly violent, and heartbreaking in their own specific ways. 

The books would make for great films because there's a lot of Carrie in them, they are explicitly queer with queer characters, and there's a love story that you can't help but root for. And it would appeal to those who are into extreme horror films, especially when they pertain to revenge and moral complexity. The first book would be more easily adapted and have more practical effects. Some people also might prefer one story to the other, but the fact remains that these books would be interesting to see as film adaptations. Not to mention queer villains whose villainy isn't their queerness is a bonus. 

Red Womb (2025)

Author: C.M. Guidroz 

Feminine rage and a section of hell that is dedicated to making deplorable men suffer? You're in the right place if you're looking for that. Red Womb follows Maddox Barbo, a serial killer who was put to death and immediately finds himself in a section of hell where despicable men are sent to suffer for all of eternity. There's no reprieve for any of the men, and they are deplorable human beings one way or another. And it's essentially an eternity of karma for them.

A book like this could easily become a film, but it would have to be tackled by a woman filmmaker. Feminine rage horror has existed for a long time across media. And while this book becoming a film would absolutely generate some controversy, it would likely gain a fanbase. The gothic vibes would be immaculate, practical effects would do this film wonders, and who doesn't love a good helping of revenge? There are never enough solid horror films about feminine rage, therefore this might be warmly welcomed as a film adaptation.