[8] A feature film, Bert: The Last Virgin, based on the series was made in 1995, for which Alfredson received a Guldbagge nomination for Best Direction.

After reading the novel, Alfredson wanted to get involved in a film adaptation, and approached Lindqvist: "They [sic] was a crowd banging on his door to make a movie, so I was #40 or something.

"[12] The film tells the story of a 12-year-old bullied boy who befriends a child vampire in early 1980s Blackeberg, Sweden.

[16] The film quickly became an international success, with the rights being sold to more than forty countries[17] before its theatrical release on 24 October 2008.

[20] He stated that he had grown tired with the Swedish film and television industry, which he considered "drained of power, courage, and gravity.

"[21] While he had received several offers from Hollywood producers, he was reluctant to leave his "home, children and all the colleagues I depend on to be good.

[22] In July 2009, Alfredson signed to direct a film adaptation of John le Carré's 1974 novel Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

Despite the all-star cast and it being based on a book from the popular series by Jo Nesbø, the movie was mostly panned by critics and received a 7% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.