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If you love reading a book before it hits the screen, 2026 is shaping up to be a huge year for book-to-movie and TV adaptations. From bestselling thrillers and beloved classics to BookTok favorites and long-awaited sci-fi epics, these stories are about to get the Hollywood treatment.
Below is a curated list of books becoming movies or TV shows in 2026 — perfect for building your TBR now, before spoilers take over the internet.
🎬 Confirmed Book-to-Screen Adaptations for 2026
Margo’s Got Money Troubles — Rufi Thorpe
A sharp, funny, and surprisingly tender novel about motherhood, money, and modern survival. This one has already built serious buzz for its screen adaptation.
Best for: Contemporary fiction readers, character-driven stories
People We Meet on Vacation — Emily Henry
One of the most beloved romance novels of the last decade finally gets its screen moment. Expect slow burn, banter, and emotional payoff.
Best for: Romance readers, Emily Henry fans
Remain: A Supernatural Love Story — Nicholas Sparks & M. Night Shyamalan
A genre-blending collaboration that mixes romance with the supernatural — and yes, it’s exactly as intriguing as it sounds.
Best for: Readers who like romance with a dark or eerie twist
The Five-Star Weekend — Elin Hilderbrand
A coastal, friendship-focused novel that feels tailor-made for a limited series. Emotional, reflective, and very binge-able.
Best for: Beach reads, book club picks
Wuthering Heights — Emily Brontë
A fresh adaptation of the gothic classic. If you’ve always meant to read it, now’s the time.
Best for: Classic literature readers
Project Hail Mary — Andy Weir
One of the most anticipated adaptations of the decade. Sci-fi, heart, humor, and high-stakes problem solving — all wrapped into one unforgettable story.
Best for: Sci-fi fans, audiobook listeners
I am almost done reading this! I am very excited for the movie. I hope they do the book justice!
Verity — Colleen Hoover
Dark, divisive, and impossible to stop talking about. Whether you loved it or hated it, this adaptation is going to dominate conversations.
Best for: Psychological thriller fans
👉 Check out my review of Verity HERE!
Sunrise on the Reaping — Suzanne Collins
A Hunger Games prequel exploring Haymitch’s story. Expect heartbreak, political tension, and a return to Panem.
Best for: YA dystopian readers, Hunger Games fans
Remarkably Bright Creatures — Shelby Van Pelt
A deeply emotional, quiet novel with unexpected charm — yes, including an octopus. Perfect for readers who love heartfelt storytelling.
Best for: Literary fiction readers
His & Hers — Alice Feeney
A twisty psychological thriller that plays with perspective and truth. One of two Alice Feeney adaptations coming in 2026.
Beautiful Ugly — Alice Feeney
Another dark, mind-bending thriller from Feeney — proof that psychological suspense continues to dominate screen adaptations.
Best for: Thriller binge-readers
The Magician’s Nephew — C. S. Lewis
The Chronicles of Narnia returns, starting at the very beginning. A foundational fantasy story for all ages.
Best for: Fantasy readers, families
Carrie — Stephen King
Yet another adaptation of King’s iconic debut novel — because some stories never stop haunting us.
Best for: Horror readers
The Pout-Pout Fish — Deborah Diesen
Yes — even picture books are getting screen adaptations. A fun one for parents and young readers.
The Book of Magic — Alice Hoffman
A continuation of the Practical Magic universe, bringing witchy family drama back to the screen.
Best for: Magical realism readers
The Odyssey — Homer
An epic classic reimagined once again. Whether you read it in school or skipped it entirely, this is a great excuse to revisit it.
Incidents Around the House — Josh Malerman
A chilling, atmospheric horror novel heading to the screen — perfect for readers who like dread over gore.
Best for: Horror and psychological suspense fans
📖 Why You Should Read the Book Before the Movie
Readers almost always agree on one thing: the book is better — richer characters, deeper themes, and fewer shortcuts. Reading these now lets you:
- Avoid spoilers
- Experience the full story as intended
- Decide for yourself if the adaptation does it justice
📌 Final Thoughts
If you’re building a 2026 reading list, these adaptations give you a built-in motivation to read — and something to look forward to watching later. Whether you love romance, thrillers, sci-fi, classics, or horror, this list proves one thing:
Books aren’t going anywhere — they’re just getting bigger screens.
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