The Star Wars franchise has dazzled fans for decades, from the original trilogy's groundbreaking spectacle to the recent TV expansions that have brought new stories to life. But there’s a treasure trove of stories in the Star Wars literary universe that remain untapped by the big screen. These novels, full of thrilling adventures, compelling characters, and rich world-building, are the perfect candidates for cinematic adaptations. Whether set in the Legends timeline or part of the current Canon, these Star Wars books are a goldmine waiting to be rediscovered.

Here are some of the most notable Star Wars novels that deserve their chance to shine as movie adaptations.

1. Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn (Legends)

Few Star Wars books hold the legendary status of Heir to the Empire. Written by Timothy Zahn and published in 1991, this novel kicked off the Thrawn Trilogy and was a monumental moment for Star Wars fans. It gave audiences their first glimpse of what happened after the events of Return of the Jedi and introduced one of the franchise’s all-time greatest villains: Grand Admiral Thrawn.

Why It Deserves a Movie

Thrawn is the perfect antagonist for a cinematic epic. His cunning, tactical mind makes him a unique and unforgettable character, offering a departure from the typical dark-side-wielding bad guys. The story also features returning heroes like Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Leia Organa navigating their roles in the fragile New Republic while fending off Thrawn’s calculated schemes.

The novel’s sweeping battles, intriguing political dynamics, and the introduction of Mara Jade, another fan-favorite character, make it a prime candidate for adaptation. Some of the groundwork for Thrawn has already been laid in the Star Wars Rebels TV series and his upcoming live-action debut in Ahsoka. Bringing Heir to the Empire to life as a movie would not only satisfy longtime fans of the Legends timeline but could also act as a capstone to the established Thrawn narrative in the current Canon.

2. Lost Stars by Claudia Gray (Canon)

Claudia Gray’s Lost Stars is one of the most emotionally resonant entries in the Star Wars Canon. Published in 2015, the novel follows Thane Kyrell and Ciena Ree, two childhood friends from the Outer Rim who grow up during the rise of the Empire. They eventually stand on opposing sides of the Galactic Civil War, with Thane becoming a rebel and Ciena serving as an Imperial officer.

Why It Deserves a Movie

What makes Lost Stars stand out is its intimate, character-driven narrative. It’s a story about loyalty, love, and the personal costs of war, all told against the backdrop of legendary Star Wars events like the destruction of Alderaan and the Battle of Endor.

Lost Stars is a perfect example of how so-called “ordinary” characters can ground the Star Wars saga in relatable, human stakes. A movie adaptation could serve as a standalone love story while weaving in the larger conflicts of the franchise. Imagine seeing iconic battles like the Death Star assault from fresh perspectives, with an emotional core that draws in new fans and longtime devotees alike.

3. Darth Bane Trilogy by Drew Karpyshyn (Legends)

The birth of the Rule of Two is a dark and fascinating chapter in Star Wars history. Drew Karpyshyn’s Darth Bane trilogy (including Path of DestructionRule of Two, and Dynasty of Evil) takes readers deep into the origins of the Sith as we know them. It chronicles the rise of Darth Bane, the Sith Lord who fundamentally reshaped their order by deposing their weakened ranks and establishing the “one master, one apprentice” way.

Why It Deserves a Movie

The Sith are among the most iconic elements of the Star Wars universe, yet their backstory is rarely examined beyond Palpatine’s machinations. Darth Bane’s story is rich with conflict, philosophy, and action. Watching his transformation from a miner to a powerful Sith Lord, and his fraught relationship with his apprentice Darth Zannah, would provide fans with a compelling and morally ambiguous narrative.

A Darth Bane adaptation would also enrich the darker corners of the Star Wars universe, exploring themes of ambition, betrayal, and power. Plus, the visual spectacle of Sith rituals, lightsaber duels, and Bane’s mastery of raw destructive energy could rival the franchise’s best battles.

4. Bloodline by Claudia Gray (Canon)

Claudia Gray strikes again with Bloodline, a political drama that sheds light on Leia Organa’s role as a senator in the New Republic and her struggle to maintain peace as the galaxy edges closer to chaos. The stakes are heightened when Leia’s true parentage as the daughter of Darth Vader is exposed, complicating her reputation and her efforts to protect democracy.

Why It Deserves a Movie

With its focus on political intrigue, Bloodline offers something different from the typical action-heavy Star Wars movie. Bringing Leia’s story to the big screen would give audiences a chance to explore her transition from rebel hero to seasoned politician. The novel skillfully bridges the gap between Return of the Jedi and the rise of the First Order, enriching our understanding of the galaxy’s tumultuous political landscape.

Carrie Fisher’s iconic portrayal of Leia remains a central pillar of Star Wars history, and a Bloodline adaptation could serve as a fitting tribute to her character’s intelligence, strength, and unwavering resilience.

5. Shatterpoint by Matthew Stover (Legends)

Mace Windu often stands in the shadow of characters like Yoda and Obi-Wan, but Matthew Stover’s Shatterpoint gives him a much-needed spotlight. This novel dives into Mace’s psyche as he deals with the horrors of war during the Clone Wars. The story follows him to his jungle homeworld of Haruun Kal, where he confronts an old student who has fallen to the dark side.

Why It Deserves a Movie

Shatterpoint offers a meditation on leadership, morality, and the personal toll of war. It also showcases Mace Windu’s unique abilities, particularly his use of Vaapad, a lightsaber form that channels a warrior’s aggression. With its gritty tone and focus on a deeply flawed and introspective Jedi Master, a cinematic adaptation of Shatterpoint could bring an entirely new dimension to the Star Wars saga.

Samuel L. Jackson has expressed interest in reprising his role as Mace Windu, and this story would provide the perfect vehicle for his return to the franchise—even if set as a prequel to the prequels.

6. The High Republic Series (Canon)

The ongoing High Republic books and comics explore a golden age of the Jedi, centuries before the Skywalker Saga. With characters like Avar Kriss, Elzar Mann, and Marchion Ro, the series dives into a galaxy in a time of exploration, hope, and peril, as the Jedi face the looming threat of the Nihil, a violent group of space marauders.

Why It Deserves a Movie

The High Republic timeline offers limitless potential to evolve the Star Wars franchise. It introduces new Jedi Orders, philosophies, and foes without being tied to established events. A movie based on Light of the Jedi or its sequels could deliver a sense of adventurous optimism alongside epic action sequences and dazzling visuals.

The High Republic also brings in fresh characters and settings, making it an ideal entry point for people who feel overwhelmed by the existing Star Wars lore.

7. Knight Errant by John Jackson Miller (Legends)

For a deep exploration of the Sith and their fractured power, Knight Errant by John Jackson Miller delivers a unique narrative. It follows Kerra Holt, a lone Jedi Knight stranded in Sith-controlled space, as she battles against multiple Sith warlords during a time of chaos.

Why It Deserves a Movie

Knight Errant is perfect for fans who crave a darker take on Star Wars. Its narrative of survival, espionage, and rebellion would work wonders on the big screen, offering fans a perspective that shows the wider scope of Sith politics and the lone Jedi caught in the middle.