The pipeline from bestselling books to blockbuster screen adaptations is flowing faster than ever in 2026. With numerous highly anticipated films and television series based on literary works set for release, readers have a prime opportunity to dive into the original stories before they dominate our screens. This year's slate showcases a diverse range, from psychological thrillers and romantic dramas to timeless classics reimagined for modern audiences.
The Unmissable Literary Adaptations of 2026
The trend of transforming popular books into cinematic and television hits shows no signs of slowing. Recent successes like Alice Feeney's His & Hers topping Netflix charts and Emily Henry's People We Meet on Vacation captivating viewers globally demonstrate the powerful appeal of page-to-screen stories. Even Agatha Christie's classic Seven Dials is receiving a fresh interpretation, while George R.R. Martin's A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has already landed on HBO. For those who pride themselves on reading the book first, the coming months offer a wealth of source material to explore.
Notable Upcoming Book-to-Screen Projects
The Beauty by Jeremy Haun and Jason A Hurley arrives on Disney+ on 21 January. This graphic novel presents a chilling premise where a disease grants people extraordinary beauty at a deadly cost. With Ryan Murphy at the helm, known for his camp stylings in American Horror Story, and a cast featuring Evan Peters alongside cameos from Isabella Rossellini and Bella Hadid, this adaptation promises high drama.
H Is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald reaches cinemas on 23 January. This profoundly moving memoir about training a goshawk while grieving a father's loss features Claire Foy as Helen and Brendan Gleeson as her father, continuing the poignant theme of birds and human sorrow recently explored in other adaptations.
Broken by Don Winslow debuts in cinemas on 13 February. Chris Hemsworth stars as a master thief in this exhilarating novella adaptation, with Mark Ruffalo playing the detective pursuing him. The supporting cast includes Barry Keoghan and Halle Berry, ensuring a gripping heist narrative.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë receives a bold new cinematic treatment from director Emerald Fennell, releasing on 14 February. Starring Margot Robbie as Cathy, this gothic tale's trailer has already sparked considerable discussion, promising a fresh and intriguing take on the classic novel.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is reinterpreted by Maggie Gyllenhaal in The Bride!, arriving on 6 March. Focusing on the monster's often-overlooked bride, with Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley leading the cast, this version aims to inject new life into the iconic horror story.
Postmortem by Patricia Cornwell launches on Prime Video on 11 March, with Nicole Kidman portraying forensic pathologist Kay Scarpetta. This adaptation of the popular crime series leverages Kidman's recent television success and the enduring appeal of forensic mysteries.
Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover hits cinemas on 13 March, featuring Maika Monroe as a woman rebuilding her life after prison. Following the controversial adaptation of It Ends With Us, this romantic drama seeks to capture Hoover's emotional storytelling.
Imperfect Women by Araminta Hall streams on Apple TV+ from 18 March. With Elisabeth Moss, Kerry Washington, and Kate Mara starring, this psychological thriller about crime impacting a friendship group will appeal to fans of series like Big Little Lies.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir lands in cinemas on 20 March, starring Ryan Gosling as an amnesiac astronaut. From the author of The Martian, this science fiction tale promises high-stakes survival drama.
Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe arrives on Apple TV+ on 15 April, with Elle Fanning as a single mother turning to OnlyFans. Supported by Michelle Pfeiffer and Nick Offerman, this modern motherhood story blends wit and heart.
The Odyssey by Homer receives the blockbuster treatment from Christopher Nolan, releasing on 17 July. Featuring an all-star cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Zendaya, this epic adaptation of the ancient Greek poem is one of the year's most anticipated films.
Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen comes to cinemas on 11 September, with Daisy Edgar-Jones as Elinor Dashwood. Directed by Georgia Oakley, this new take on Austen's classic aims to capture its emotional depth.
Verity by Colleen Hoover releases on 2 October, starring Dakota Johnson, Anne Hathaway, and Josh Hartnett. This twisty thriller marks a departure from Hoover's usual romantic dramas, focusing on a writer uncovering dark secrets.
Lucky by Marissa Stapley will stream on Apple TV+ later in 2026, with Anya Taylor-Joy as a grifter who wins the lottery. Produced by Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine, this coming-of-age tale explores themes of identity and risk.
Why Reading First Enhances Viewing
Engaging with the original book before watching its adaptation allows readers to appreciate the nuances of character development, plot intricacies, and thematic depth that may be condensed or altered for the screen. It also provides the satisfaction of comparing interpretations and understanding the creative choices made by directors and actors. With such a rich array of adaptations scheduled, 2026 presents an ideal opportunity for literary enthusiasts to stay ahead of the cultural curve.
