Loving Amazon Prime Video’s Cross? Acclaimed author James Patterson has written everything from thrillers to true crime to young adult sci-fi to romance. These books have been adapted into major blockbusters, and even a poignant Netflix docuseries about Jeffrey Epstein. There’s plenty to dive into.
‘Kiss the Girls’ (1997)
Before Aldis Hodge took on the role of Alex Cross, Morgan Freeman played the character in one of the best Cross adaptations. In the thriller movie Kiss the Girls, based on Patterson’s 1995 novel of the same name, Cross searches for his missing niece. As he investigates, he learns that she isn’t the only young woman in town who has mysteriously disappeared. When one of the victims’ bodies is found in the forest in a gruesome scene, the intensity ramps up as Cross, with the help of other detectives and FBI agents, races against time to make sure no one else meets the same fate.
Critics didn’t receive the movie, which also stars Ashley Judd, Cary Elwes, and Tony Goldwyn, well. However, fans were more generous. Since it’s a predictable story with a strong lead actor and supporting cast, it’s the type of movie that you can watch over and over again, and you won’t care that you already know how it ends. You may find yourself compelled to watch it multiple times to keep up with all the complex twists and turns.
‘Along Came a Spider’ (2001)
Despite lukewarm reviews for Kiss the Girls, the story continued in the sequel Along Came a Spider, with Freeman reprising his role as Cross. This time, he was joined by Jay O. Sanders, who played FBI agent Kyle Craig. Alona Tol plays Kayla Craig in Cross, which is a similar gender-swapped role. Based on Patterson’s 1993 novel of the same name, the movie follows Cross as he comes out of retirement after the kidnapping of the daughter of a U.S. senator. Someone is clearly playing a dangerous long game with sinister motives.
Once again, many criticized the movie, and it only earned a 32% score on Rotten Tomatoes along with a 53% audience score. However, many praised Morgan’s performance. Unfortunately, the story is predictable and filled with plot holes. However, it’s still an entertaining, well-acted popcorn thriller.
‘Maximum Ride’ (2016)
Based on Patterson’s young adult sci-fi novel series of the same name and adapting the first half of the inaugural book, The Angel Experiment, Maximum Ride follows Jeb (Peter O’Brien), who rescues genetically enhanced children from the evil school that created them. The flock, as the kids have become known, led by Max (Allie Marie Evans), use their abilities of flight to thwart attacks from half-human, half-wolf creatures known as Erasers.
A very different story from Cross, Maximum Ride received the same negative critical reception as many other Patterson-inspired movies. However, it’s one of the more under-the-radar projects that’s worth watching if you’re a fan of the sci-fi genre. The film had issues from the jump, including the original director quitting and the screenwriter passing away during the development process. But don’t discount this high-octane story. It might have a bit of “been there, done that” flavor, but it’s entertaining, nonetheless.
‘The Postcard Killings’ (2020)
The Postcard Killings tells the story of the murder of a young girl while her detective father is on his honeymoon. So, Jacob (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) hires Swedish journalist Dessie (Cush Jumbo) to help when he realizes his daughter isn’t the only one meeting this tragic fate. Both The Postcard Killings and each season of Cross tells a tale about a serial killer.
Based on Patterson’s novel The Postcard Killers, which was released a decade prior and which he co-wrote with Liza Marklund, critics weren’t big fans of this one, either. It has a dismall 22% Rotten Tomatoes score. However, it’s another chilling crime story that will appeal to Cross fans. It’s worth noting that a sequel called The Postcard Killer is on the way, although its filming date has been pushed back, leaving the project in limbo.
‘Women’s Murder Club’ (2007–2008)
This long-forgotten police procedural and legal drama show Women’s Murder Club is based on Patterson’s novels of the same name. The main characters include four San Francisco-based women with jobs that are all about crime and punishment. Inspector Lindsay Boxer (Angie Harmon) is a homicide detective, Jill Bernhardt (Laura Harris) is a deputy district attorney, Dr. Claire Washburn (Paula Newsome) is a medical examiner for the police department, and Cindy Thomas (Aubrey Dollar) is a crime reporter. Rather than operate in silos, they come together to solve cases using each of their unique talents.
The show had one 13-episode season, but it wasn’t renewed for a second. Reviews were polarizing, and many felt it was simply okay. With almost two dozen books in the series to draw from, however, it’s a shame the show didn’t come back and dive more into the source material. For now, you can check out the first and only season of Women’s Murder Club to see more strong female characters like those in Cross.
‘Child of Darkness, Child of Light’ (1991)
One of Patterson’s earlier adaptations, the 1991 TV movie Child of Darkness, Child of Light, is based on his 1980 novel Virgin. The story centers around Father Rosetti (Paxton Whitehead), a Catholic priest who is catatonic after trying to investigate a virgin birth. Father Justin O’Carroll (Tony Denison) takes over, looking into two virgin births, one by God and the other by the devil, after learning troubling information from the Vatican.
With a unique plot about religion, Child of Darkness, Child of Light isn’t going to end up on any best movie lists. But it’s an interesting watch for fans of horror who aren’t spooked by the religious undertones. Keep an eye out for some notable actors in small roles, including Brendan Fraser, Sela Ward, and Josh Lucas.
‘Zoo’ (2015–2017)
Airing for three seasons and with 39 episodes total, Zoo is a drama based on Patterson’s novel that he co-wrote with Michael Ledwidge. Suddenly, animals are violently attacking humans all over the world. A group of skilled individuals, including a zoologist, safari guide, veterinary pathologist, French intelligence agent, and reporter, comes together to try and figure out what’s causing the outbreak and how to stop it.
Zoo had a good run on CBS and was streaming on Netflix for a while, too. The show is a must-watch for animal fans and has the same idea of people coming together to solve crimes as Cross. Its was canceled thanks to low ratings, but there are plenty of episodes to sink your teeth into (pun intended) if you love Patterson’s writing.
‘Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life’ (2016)
While viewers can’t watch Cross with their young kids, Patterson has also written young adult novels, and Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life is one of his more family-friendly adaptations. Rafe (Griffin Gluck) is the stereotypical troublemaker. So, when his mean principal, Ken Dwight (Andy Daly), keeps making him follow the rules, he sets out to achieve the impossible: break every last one of them.
With a talented comedic cast that also includes Lauren Graham, Rob Riggle, Adam Pally, and Retta, Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life received mixed reviews but performed decently at the box office. It’s a charming pick for family movie night that you can enjoy with the kids before sending them to bed and watching the latest episode of Cross.
‘Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich’ (2020)
Many people may not know that the documentary series Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich, which unsurprisingly began trending again in 2025, is actually based on Patterson’s 2016 book of the same name. Delivered in four parts, it tells the devastating story of Epstein’s alleged activities, told from the perspective of survivors, former staff members, and the former police chief who was involved in the first criminal case against him.
While it’s tough to watch, the series is a chilling look at the moments that guided his life and events that led to his eventual arrest and death. Outside of Cross, it’s actually the best-reviewed TV or movie adaptation of Patterson’s work and has a solid 81% Rotten Tomatoes score. For those who have watched other documentaries or read books and headlines about Epstein, there aren’t any breaking news revelations. However, the perspective and handling of the sensitive material that focuses on the people affected, which is what’s most important about the story, sets it apart.
