Many books will provide backbone to both theatrical and streaming releases in 2026.
From the long-awaited rom com film adaptation of Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation, which hit Netflix in January, to the Ridley Scott-directed adaptation of The Dog Stars starring Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin and Margaret Qualley coming in August, several major releases will come off the page and to life on the big screen.
Still more films to look forward to later in the year are the adaptations of Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games prequel novel, Sunrise on the Reaping, as well as Denis Villeneuve’s third Dune film. Find all the films based on books coming out next year below:
The Dog Stars by Peter Heller
Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley and more will star in The Dog Stars, directed by Ridley Scott and adapted from Peter Heller’s novel. The post-apocalyptic setting occurs due to a flu plague that wiped out America. Elordi plays a pilot living with an ex-marine. The film was pushed from late March to late August.
RELATED: Jacob Elordi & Josh Brolin Navigate “Kill Or Be Killed” Post-Apocalyptic World In Final Trailer For ‘The Dog Stars’
The Whisper Man by Alex North
Alex North’s bestselling thriller The Whisper Man film adaptation will arrive on Netflix August 28. Starring Adam Scott, Robert De Niro and Michelle Monaghan, the story watches a widowed crime writer reach out to his estranged father after his son is kidnapped. The father is a former police detective, now retired, and they make the disturbing connection that the abduction may be connected to convicted serial killer, “The Whisper Man.” James Ashcroft (The Rule of Jenny Pen) directed from a script by Ben Jacoby and Chase Palmer, with Hamish Linklater, Owen Teague, Acston Luca Porto, and Will Brill rounding out the cast.
The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman
Practical Magic 2, hitting theaters Sept. 11, 2026, will be based on The Book of Magic, the sequel to Alice Hoffman’s first Practical Magic book, producer Denise Di Novi told Entertainment Weekly. Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bulllock will return alongside Dianne West and Stockard Channing. Joey King, Lee Pace, Maisie Williams, Xolo Maridueña and Solly McLeod are newcomers for the sequel film.
RELATED: Everything We Know About ‘Practical Magic 2’ So Far
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman will star in Prime Video’s film adaptation of The Love Hypothesis, coming to the streamer Sept. 23. A trailer has been released. Based on the book by Ali Hazelwood, the story contains the fake-dating trope and some science.
Verity by Colleen Hoover
Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett will lead the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s Verity, a thriller story that stands apart from the other three of her books that got the big screen treatment. The film arrives in theaters Oct. 2, 2026.
RELATED: Everything We Know About Amazon’s ‘Verity’ Movie So Far
Sense And Sensibility by Jane Austen
Following in the footsteps of the 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel, Focus Features will present a new take on the classic starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Esmé Creed-Miles, Caitríona Balfe, Frank Dillane, Fiona Shaw and many more. The film arrives in theaters Oct. 16, 2026. The trailer is now available to watch.
Whalefall by Daniel Kraus
Starring Austin Abrams and Josh Brolin, Whalefall, based on the book by Daniel Kraus, will swim into theaters Oct. 16 as well. Brian Duffield directed the film from a script he co-wrote with Kraus. The film follows the story of a son who scuba dives for his father’s remains and gets swallowed by a sperm whale in the process.
RELATED: ‘Whalefall’ Trailer: Austin Abrams Has An Hour Of Oxygen To Get Out Of A Sperm Whale’s Stomach
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
The Taika Waititi-directed adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s Klara and the Sun, starring Jenna Ortega, Amy Adams, Aran Murphy and Mia Tharia will arrive in theaters Oct. 23. A first look and footage were shown at CinemaCon 2026.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Dune 3
Denis Villeneuve’s final Dune film will pick up with a large time gap after the events of the first book that Frank Herbert wrote. New cast include Robert Pattinson as the major villain as well as two youngsters, one the son of star Jason Momoa, portraying Paul Atreides and Chani’s children.
Movies in the Making Based on Books:
- Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi, Film adaptation coming to theaters in 2027 directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, adapted by Prince-Bythewood and Adeyemi
- Beach Read by Emily Henry – Film Being Written, Director Yulin Kuang Attached, Phoebe Dynevor Cast as January Andrews, Patrick Schwarzenegger Cast As Gus Everett, production has wrapped
- Jeré Longman’s book, The Girls of Summer: The US Women’s Soccer Team and How It Changed the World, feature adaptation coming to Netflix starring Zoey Deutch, Emily Bader, Emilia Jones & moreIn a Holidaze by Christina Lauren (Combined pen name of Christina Hobbs & Lauren Billings Luhrs) – In the works with Netflix with Tiffany Paulsen writing and Cast of Maddie Ziegler, Rob Lowe and more
- The Bodyguard by Katherine Center – In the works at Netflix with Leighton Meester, Jared Padalecki & more
- Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley, Feature film in the works with A24 starring Drew Starkey and Cailee Spaeny
- The Midnight Library by Matt Haig – Florence Pugh attached to star in movie from Studiocanal and Blueprint Pictures, launching at Cannes
- Book Lovers by Emily Henry – Sarah Heyward To Write Film Script for Tango
- Funny Story by Emily Henry – Henry Writing Movie Script
- None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell – Netflix Adapting into Film, Eleanor Burgess Writing Script
- Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell – Film Adaptation from Crystal City Entertainment and Moonshot Films
- Happy Place by Emily Henry – Originally optioned by Jennifer Lopez’s Nuyorican Productions for TV Show, but now becoming a film for Netflix
- The Pearl Thief by Fiona McIntosh – Film Feature Adaptation from Made Up Stories
- Some Part of Her by Amy Chozick – Feature Film Adaptation, Rights Optioned by Fifth Season
- Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall – Sony 3000 Acquired Film Rights, Hello Sunshine Producing
- The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory – Tracy Oliver Adapting for Netflix with Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Producing
- Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton, Starring Sydney Sweeney, Leo Woodall and more
- Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders – Film Adaptation Produced and Directed by Duke Johnson with Tom Hanks starring as Lincoln
- The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, Feature Adaptation in the works at Lionsgate with Jane Fonda attached, Cat Vasko penning script and Todd Lieberman’s Hidden Pictures producing
- The Favorites by Layne Fargo, in development at Netflix with Welle Entertainment banner
- Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden, Going to Netflix starring Gwyneth Paltrow
- Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke, Amazon MGM won auction before publication with Anne Hathaway attached to star, Hannah Friedman penning adaptation
- Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter, Feature adaptation in the works at Netflix with Julia Hart (I’m Your Woman) directing and co-writing the project with husband and creative partner Jordan Horowitz
- Fake Skating by Lynn Painter, Feature film adaptation in the works from Will Gluck’s Olive Bridge and Sony Pictures, to be directed by Josh Boone
- Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood, Feature film in the works at Prime Video with Sofia Alvarez directing and Colleen Hoovers’ Heartbones production company producing
- Deep End by Ali Hazelwood, Movie adaptation in the works at Netflix with Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps & Alex Cooper’s Unwell Productions behind it
RELATED: Emily Henry Adapting ‘Funny Story’ Novel Into Feature Film With Lyrical Media and Ryder Picture Company
Films, based on books, that arrived earlier this year (2026):
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Brett Haley directed the movie, which will star Tom Blyth, Emily Bader, Lucien Laviscount, Molly Shannon, Alan Ruck, Miles Heizer and many more. The rom com arrives on Netflix Jan. 9.
RELATED: Everything We Know About The ‘People We Meet On Vacation’ Movie So Far
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Though many question whether this film will actually be a true adaptation or more of Cathy’s (Margo Robbie) dream world of sorts, Emerald Fennel’s blockbuster adaptation has drawn much attention and criticism for its avoidance of casting a person of color in the role of Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi). The film arrives in theaters Feb. 13, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Sony Pictures Animation’s ‘GOAT’ – Based on Chris Tougas’ Unpublished Funky Dunks
Sony Animation’s GOAT, which stars a voice cast of Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Nicola Coughlan, David Harbour, Stephen Curry and more, is inspired by Funky Dunks written by Chris Tougas.
Midwinter Break by Bernard MacLaverty
Bernard MacLaverty’s novel has been adapted into a Focus Features film starring Lesley Manville and Ciarán Hinds. They play a retired couple who take a trip to Amsterdam, which brings up past feelings that challenge them. The film arrives in theaters Feb. 20.
Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
The Colleen Hoover book-to-movie adaptations continue with Reminders of Him starring Maika Monroe, Rudy Pankow, Tyriq Withers, Lauren Graham and more. The film is equal parts love story and tragedy as Monroe’s character grapples with a decision that cost her a lot and put her in prison. Reminders of Him hits theaters March 13.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
From the author of The Martian came Project Hail Mary, which has come to life in a film starring Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, a teacher forced to become an astronaut in an eleventh hour attempt to save Earth from a dying sun. The film also stars Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung and Milana Vayntrub.
The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen with Pictures by Dan Hannah
Nick Offerman will voice the titular blue fish in the Richard Cussó-directed The Pout-Pout Fish, which swims into theaters March 20.
The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
While sequel film The Devil Wears Prada 2 will likely diverge somewhat from Weisberger’s novel that inspired the 2006 film. There were more books that Weisberger wrote, including Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns. The followup film will hit theaters May 1.
RELATED: Everything We Know About ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Andy Serkis directed the animated Animal Farm film based on George Orwell’s novella. The film, which stars a voice cast of Seth Rogen, Glenn Close, Gatan Matarazzo, Iman Vellani and many more — arrives in theaters May 1.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Shelby Van Pelt’s beloved octopus story Remarkably Bright Creatures, directed and co-written by Olivia Newman, stars Sally Field, Lewis Pullman, Colm Meaney and more. Alfred Molina will voice Marcellus, the main octopus. The feature adaptation arrived on Netflix May 8.
RELATED: How ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’ Director Olivia Newman Established CGI “Protagonist” Octopus Narrator And Met Request Of “More Marcellus” Upon Delivering Film’s First Cut
Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann
Based on the novel Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann, The Sheep Detectives comes from Craig Mazin’s screenplay and story and is directed by Kyle Balda. The film arrives in theaters May 8, and it stars Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau, Emma Thompson, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein and Rhys Darby.
Jackman plays George, a shepherd who reads detective novels to his sheep every night. Though he doesn’t think they could possibly understand what goes on in those books, the sheep apply what they’ve learned after something happens on the farm.
Masters of the Universe
Masters of the Universe starring Nicholas Galitzine and Camila Mendes, has roots in comic books as well as the Mattel action figure. The film arrives in June.
Homer’s The Odyssey
Christopher Nolan’s rendition of The Odyssey will arrive in theaters July 17. It stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Tom Holland as Telemachus and many more.
Heartstopper Forever by Alice Oseman
The film conclusion to Netflix’s live-action Heartstopper television series arrives July 17 on Netflix. Its source material, Oseman’s sixth and final graphic novel in her best-selling series, arrives July 2, 2026.
RELATED: ‘Heartstopper Forever’: Nick & Charlie Prepare For Long Distance In Trailer For Netflix Finale
Find book adaptation films that came out in 2025 below:
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy by Helen Fielding – February 14, 2025
Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) returns in the fourth film, based on the book of the same name by Helen Fielding, after three previous installments: Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001), Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004) and Bridget Jones’s Baby (2016). Leo Woodall (The White Lotus, One Day) and Chiwetel Eijofor (Rob Peace, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) will star as newcomers to the franchise. Isla Fisher (Wedding Crashers), Josette Simon (Anatomy of a Scandal), Nico Parker (Suncoast, How to Train Your Dragon) and Leila Farzad (I Hate Suzie) are also set to appear.
RELATED: New Bridget Jones Film Is “Very Sad,” Hugh Grant Reveals
Mickey7 by Edward Ashton – Theaters – March 7, 2025
Bong Joon Ho has directed an adaptation of Edward Ashton’s Mickey7 titled Mickey 17 because Robert Pattinson’s titular Expendable, who dies ten more times than in Ashton’s book according Bong, hence the title change. Mickey is sought out to help colonize Niflheim, an ice world, on a suicidal mission, as demonstrated in the film’s trailer. Naomi Ackie (Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker), Steven Yeun (Beef), Toni Collette (Hereditary), and Mark Ruffalo (Poor Things) will also star in the film from the Parasite director.
The Electric State by Simon Stålenhag – Netflix, March 14
Netflix’s feature film adaptation of The Electric State was directed by Anthony and Joe Russo. It stars Millie Bobby Brown as Michelle and Chris Pratt as Keats, in addition to Stanley Tucci, Giancarlo Esposito and Key Huy Quan. The robots are voiced by Brian Cox, Anthony Mackie, Woody Harrelson and Jenny Slate, to name a few.
The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman – Netflix – March 28
Netflix’s The Life List is based on the book by Lori Nelson Spielman. Alex (Carson) has a great life, a good job and a longtime boyfriend, but when her mother (Connie Britton) dies after a second wave of cancer, Alex’s perspective shifts. Her mom leaves her beind prompts from her life list, executed by Brad (Kyle Allen) to help Alex get back on track and live a life she loves.
The Friend by Sigrid Nunez – Theaters – April 4, 2025
Naomi Watts stars in Bleecker Street’s film adaptation of Sigrid Nunez’s The Friend, which she wrote about a bond with a Great Dane. The film also stars Bill Murray, Carla Gugino, Constance Wu, Sarah Pidgeon, Noma Dumezweni and more.
On Swift Horses – Theaters – April
Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi and Will Poulter star in On Swift Horses, based on the book by Shannon Pufahl. The film is directed by Daniel Minahan (Deadwood: The Movie), and the story follows Muriel (Edgar-Jones) and her husband Lee (Poulter) as they are beginning a bright new life in California upon Lee’s return from the Korean War. Elordi plays Julius, a wayward gambler with a secret past. The adaptation hits theaters April 25.
My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan – Netflix – August 1, 2025
After previously appearing in another Netflix film based on a book, The Life List earlier this year, Sofia Carson’s next project, My Oxford Year, based on the book by Julia Whelan, will arrive on the streamer August 1. Carson will portray Anna De La Vega, who studies at Oxford University for a graduate program before returning to the U.S. for a high-paying job at Goldman Sachs that she has already secured. However, a spark with her poetry professor Jamie Davenport (Corey Mylchreest) could throw all those plans to the wind.
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman – Netflix – August 28, 2025
Netflix’s The Thursday Murder Club, based on the book by Richard Osman from director Chris Columbus, will arrive on the streamer August 28. The film will star the core four characters from Osman’s book: Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Ron (Pierce Brosnan), Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley) and Joyce (Celia Imrie) as well as Naomi Ackie, Daniel Mays, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Tom Ellis, Jonathan Pryce, David Tennant, Paul Freeman, Geoff Bell, Richard E. Grant and Ingrid Oliver. The titular quartet spend their time solving cold case murders for fun until an unexplained death occurs in their territory, they take their casual sleuthing to the next level to solve the whodunnit.
Caught Stealing by Charlie Huston – Theaters – Aug. 29, 2025
Darren Aronofskey’s Caught Stealing is based on the book by Charlie Huston. The film, starring Austin Butler, Zoë Kravitz, Matt Smith Regina King and more arrived in theaters August 29. Hank Thompson (Butler) is asked by his neighbor Russ (Smith) to watch Bud the cat, but he unfortunately gets caught up in Russ’ business, which complicates his life significantly. Kravitz plays Hank’s girlfriend.
The Long Walk by Stephen King – Theaters – Sept. 12, 2025
Stephen King’s The Long Walk has been adapted into a feature film directed by Francis Lawrence (Catching Fire, Mockingjay Parts 1 and 2 and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes). The dystipian horror novel came out in 1979, initially published under King’s pseudonym Richard Bachman. The film will star Cooper Hoffman (Licorice Pizza), David Jonsson (Alien: Romulus), Garrett Wareing (Ransom Canyon, Manifest), Charlie Plummer (Looking for Alaska) and Mark Hamill (The Life of Chuck). The title refers to an exercise similar to The Hunger Games in which 50 teenage boys compete to walk at a pace of 3 miles forever without rest until only one remains.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another – Vineland by Thomas Pynchon
Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film, One Battle After Another, is loosely based on Thomas Pynchon’s novel Vineland. Anderson wrote the screenplay for the film, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Regina Hall, Chase Infiniti and more.
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware – Netflix – Oct. 10, 2025
Ruth Ware’s The Woman in Cabin 10, is getting a film adaptation starring Kiera Knightly, Guy Pearce, Hannah Waddingham, David Ajala, David Morrissey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Kaya Scodelario, Gitte Witt, Art Malik, Daniel Ings, Christopher Rygh, Paul Kaye, Lisa Loven Kongsli, John Macmillan, Pippa Bennett-Warner and Ayọ̀ Owóyẹmi-Peters. The story follows a journalist who sees a cruise passenger get tossed overboard one night, only to be told she dreamed the scenario and that all passengers are accounted for the next day. Her search for answers and suspicion will lead her on a twisty path that puts her own in danger. Ware recently published a sequel to The Woman in Cabin 10, The Woman in Suite 11.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley – Theaters Oct. 17 & Streaming on Netflix Starting Nov. 7
Photo Credit: Ken Woroner / Netflix
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein will get two adaptations this year, with Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride opening in theaters in September while Guillermo Del Toro’s adaptation for Netflix is slated for some time this year. Gyllenhaal’s film follows Christian Bale’s lonely Frankenstein, who ventures to Chicago in the 1930s to ask Dr. Euphronius for help in creating a companion for himself. The two reanimate a murdered young woman, and an explosive romance ensues catching the attention of society. Del Toro’s adaptation will star Jacob Elordi, Christoph Waltz, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley and Christian Convery. Deadline broke the news of Oscar Isaac’s role as Victor Frankenstein, and that Mia Goth is also set to star in the pic. Andrew Garfield was originally playing the role that Elordi now has — that of Frankenstein’s monster.
Regretting You by Colleen Hoover – Theaters – Oct. 24, 2025
Paramount’s film adaptation of a Colleen Hoover book, Regretting You, starring Allison Williams, Mckenna Grace, Dave Franco and Mason Thames will arrive in theaters in October. Josh Boone (The Fault in Our Stars) will direct from Susan McMartin’s (After) script. The film comes from Constantin Film, whose Robert Kulzer is set to produce along with Brunson Green and Anna Todd. The story follows Morgan Grant (Williams), who became a mother at a young age, and her daughter, Clara (Grace). Morgan struggles with putting her ambitions on pause to raise Clara, and their relationship gets stretched after a tragic accident takes the life of Clara’s father and Morgan’s husband Chris which further complicates the tension of Clara being a teenager. Franco will portray Morgan’s love interest Jonah, who she meets after Chris’ death.
RELATED: ‘Regretting You’ Trailer: Allison Williams & Mckenna Grace Star As Mother And Daughter In Paramount’s Colleen Hoover Adaptation
Train Dreams – Select Theaters Nov. 7, on Netflix Nov. 21
Train Dreams, directed by Clint Bentley is an adaptation of the novella by Denis Johnson. The script was co-written by Bentley and Greg Kwedar. The story follows Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton) who works in the forests of the Pacific Northwest to expand America’s railroad. Felicity Jones plays his sweetheart and eventual wife, Gladys. The film also stars William H. Macy and Kerry Condon. Nathaniel Arcand and Alfred Hsing also appear, and Will Patton serves as the narrator.
The Running Man by Stephen King – Theaters – Nov. 14, 2025
Edgar Wright has written and directed a film adaptation of Stephen King’s The Running Man for Paramount. Glen Powell will star in the film, which is produced by Nira Park and Simon Kinberg. King originally published the novel under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, and the story of a futuristic America and dystopian society set in the year 2025 has already been adapted into an 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
RELATED: ‘The Running Man’ Trailer: Glen Powell Leads Edgar Wright’s Latest
Wicked: For Good – Theaters – Nov. 23, 2025
The second part of Jon M. Chu’s Wicked film adaptation will arrive a year after its first half made magic at the box office ahead of Thanksgiving 2024. The second half of the film will pick up after the rousing rendition of “Defying Gravity” performed by Cynthia Erivo at the end of the first film as she flew to the Western skies. Erivo has also recently hinted of an original song she wrote for the film.
RELATED: Wicked: For Good’ Trailer Pits Elphaba Vs. Glinda In Battle For Oz: “There’s No Going Back”
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell – Theaters – Nov. 27 Limited, Wide Release December 12
Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet is getting a feature film adaptation treatment from Eternals and Nomadland director Chloe Zhao. Zhao cowrote the film, from Focus Features, with O’Farrell, whose book tells a powerful love story based on Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. The film will star Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson and Joe Alwyn. Producers are Liza Marshall, Pippa Harris, Nic Gonda, Sam Mendes and Steven Spielberg on behalf of Amblin. EPs are Kristie Macosko Krieger on behalf of Amblin, Laurie Borg and Zhao. The book came out in 2020.
The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden – Christmas Day 2025
Paul Feig’s The Housemaid feature film adaptation of Frieda McFadden’s book will star Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar. Adapted by Rebecca Sonnenshine, the film will release in theaters Dec. 25, 2025 alongside Timothée Chalamet’s Marty Supreme. Michele Morrone, who also stars in Feig’s Another Simple Favor followup to A Simple Favor (2018), will appear in The Housemaid as well.
