Friedman's 1966 short story "A Change of Plan" was adapted as a film entitled The Heartbreak Kid. The film was directed by Elaine May, featured Charles Grodin and Cybill Shepherd, and was released by Twentieth Century Fox in 1972. It is available on DVD and VHS from Anchor Bay Entertainment.

Friedman's 1978 collection of essays, The Lonely Guy's Book of Life, was adapted as a film entitled The Lonely Guy. The film, which was directed by Arthur Hiller, featured Steve Martin, Charles Grodin, Merv Griffin, and Dr. Joyce Brothers. It was released by Universal Studios in 1984 and is available on DVD from Universal and on VHS from Goodtimes Home Video.

Friedman's novel Stern (1962) was adapted as an abridged audiobook by Jewish Contemporary Classics, Inc., in 2000. It is read by Adam Grupper.