Something that really gets me excited—and gives me something to look forward to—is when a great book gets turned into a movie. As a rom-com girl and a huge Emily Henry fan, one recent book-to-movie adaptation I was excited for was Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation, which debuted on Netflix this past January.
When our favorite novels become movies, you know they resonate with an audience. And Henry’s book isn’t the only popular read being turned into a film nowadays. Movies like The Love Hypothesis and Sunrise on the Reaping are on everyone’s must-see lists for this year, too. What better way to get hyped up than by reading the book beforehand? I’ve rounded up 22 books to read before they hit theaters or are available to stream from the comfort of your own couch. These are adaptations with confirmed releases—what we know for sure is coming to theaters or streaming this year or next. So, grab a cozy spot and a bowl of popcorn and dive into this TBR list.
Keep reading to find 22 of the most-anticipated upcoming book-to-movie adaptations. You’ll definitely want to read (or re-read!) these novels before you watch their on-screen versions!
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Why people read books before a movie adaptation comes out
Have you ever read a book cover to cover and ended it thinking, “I hope this gets turned into a movie”? I know I have. Books that become movies are feel-good reads, give you the biggest book hangover (in a good way!), and have a storyline that’s too captivating not to depict with on-screen characters.
Whether BookTok made you read it or the latest buzz about who will be starring as the main protagonist sparked your interest, there’s one thing that reels people in: people love to compare books to movies. Just look at the classics that everyone still talks about today, like Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Meg Cabot’s The Princess Diaries, and The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger. As for newer book-to-movie adaptations, my husband and I read Project Hail Mary together before the movie starring Ryan Gosling hit theaters this spring.
Should I wait to read the book?
Oftentimes, popular books get more hype when news breaks that they’re being turned into a film. While some people choose to read new books after their movie adaptations come out to delve deeper into the story, others swear by knowing the plot inside and out so they can judge how strong the big-screen version is. Thankfully, most book-to-movie reads are ones that you can read over and over again, so whatever your timing preference is, you’ll likely enjoy the book—and hopefully the movie, too.
Where to watch book-to-movie adaptations
In the modern world of streamers, some of these films don’t always hit the movie theater. If they’re not hitting the literal big screen, you can usually find them on digital platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.
Book-to-movie adaptations I can’t wait to see on screen
Rom-Coms
From laugh-out-loud one-liners to witty characters with great chemistry, these romance books becoming movies are definitely ones to read before they hit theaters or streaming platforms. They may even be spicy!
Stream on Amazon Prime Video: September 23, 2026
Popular rom-com author Ali Hazelwood’s viral 2021 book The Love Hypothesis follows a fake romance between two scientists. But when Olive Smith decides to put her own feelings under the microscope, she realizes things are more complicated than she could imagine with hotshot professor Dr. Adam Carlsen. The movie version of this story is coming soon and starring Lili Reinhart as Olive and British actor Tom Bateman as Adam. We can’t wait!
Stream on Netflix: Late 2026 (exact date TBA)
Bestselling writing duo Christina Lauren’s fan-favorite holiday romance is coming to Netflix this year! In a Holidaze follows Maelyn Jones, who’s going-nowhere job and limited romantic prospects have left her feeling especially hopeless this holiday season. But when a last-minute plea sends her (quite literally) back to where she started, Maelyn must fight to escape her time loop and get back on the right path.
Stream on Netflix: Late 2026 (exact date TBA)
This bestselling 2022 romance novel is being adapted by Netflix into a movie titled Guarding Stars, starring Leighton Meester and Jared Padalecki. The novel is a charming romance about a no-nonsense bodyguard assigned to protect an A-list celebrity over the holiday season. The cast is enough reason to get me to tune in—I can’t wait!
Romances
We love a good romance book! You’ll want to read these before you watch their real-life characters fall in (or out of) love on the big screen.
Stream on Amazon Prime Video now!
This coming-of-age, LGBTQ+ romance is beautifully written and super sweet! Hayley Kiyoko was actually inspired to write the novel based on her hit song and music video, “GIRLS LIKE GIRLS.” The story follows Coley and Sonya as they cross paths in small town Oregon and grapple with an immediate and powerful attraction to one another.
Stream on Amazon Prime Video now!
When Kenna Rowan is released from prison five years after a life-changing accident, she attempts to find a new beginning and reunite with her young daughter. As Kenna grapples with her past and the family that has been taking care of her daughter all this time, she finds love in the most unexpected place, but this risky relationship forces her to make hard decisions. “The story is emotional, gripping, and kept me hooked from start to finish,” says one review.
In theaters: October 16, 2026
For the Jane Austen fans, the movie version of Austen’s first novel, Sense and Sensibility, will star Daisy Edgar-Jones as Elinor Dashwood. The story follows the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, as they navigate love, with Marianne falling for an unsuitable gentleman and Elinor struggling to find connection. The two try to find happiness in a world where status is what matters most—regardless of true love.
Contemporary Reads
Complex characters, relationships, and emotion-packed stories to read before they come to a screen near you. You’ll definitely want to grab the book version first!
Stream on Disney+ now!
The Devil Wears Prada fans were over the moon when The Devil Wears Prada 2 hit theaters earlier this year, with lead actresses Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway returning to the big screen. If you want to hype yourself up before you stream the film, read Weisberger’s second book of the series, Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns. It’s been years since Andy and Emily left Miranda Priestley at Runway, and they’re now running their own magazine, The Plunge. Andy has even fallen in love, and with her wedding day nearing, the devil comes knocking back on her door.
While the second movie does not directly follow this book’s plot completely, it’s still a story worth reading!
Stream on Netflix now!
“You’ll want to read this book ASAP. I felt surprisingly connected to the non-human narrator who has so many meaningful observations about the humans he encounters, including his caretaker—a 70-year-old widow named Tova.”—Kathy, Senior Editor
Fantasies, Sci-Fi & Mythology
These books will have you diving deep into otherworldly adventures. From epic quests to magical curses, add these compelling fantasy books, sci-fi adventures, and dystopian sagas to your TBR list ASAP.
Stream on Amazon Prime Video now!
If you love stories that literally keep you on the edge of your seat, lock in and join Hollywood heartthrob Ryan Gosling in this sci-fi thriller. In Project Hail Mary, a “last-chance” quest is all astronaut Ryland Grace has as the only living survivor of a mission to save Earth and the human race. Consider me sold!
In theaters now!
Homer’s epic poem just got its newest movie adaptation, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, who journeys home after the Trojan War. Filled with treacherous encounters, like meeting cyclops, sirens, and more, Odysseus makes a long trek home to his wife (played by Anne Hathaway) and son (played by Tom Holland). Read The Odyssey before heading to your local theater.
In theaters: August 28, 2026
This post-apocalyptic novel follows Hig, a man who—after losing his entire family—has resigned himself to a lonely life, with only his dog to keep him company. But when a mysterious radio transmission has him feeling hopeful for the first time in a long time, he sets out on a journey to find its source.
In theaters: September 18, 2026
It’s been over 20 years since the Owens sisters entranced us in the 1998 book-to-movie adaptation, Practical Magic. If you’re someone who grew up watching Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman in this movie classic, then get ready for Practical Magic 2 by reading The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman before its theatrical release. The Owens family is at it again working together to break a curse. What magic will they conjure up this time? What will they do for love? And what familial secrets will they uncover?
In theaters: October 23, 2026
Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams are just two members of the star-studded cast for this long-awaited adaptation. The story follows Klara, an “Artificial Friend” who is adopted to be the companion of a sickly teenager. But when their bond grows alarmingly deep, questions and concerns begin to arise. The book is certainly worth the read—it won the Nobel Prize in literature!
In theaters: November 20, 2026
If you’ve been following The Hunger Games since the first novel came out in 2008, the prequel to the series, Sunrise on the Reaping, hits theaters in November. In this story, readers follow 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy—well before he was Katniss and Peeta’s adviser—as a tribute from District 12 during the 50th Hunger Games.
This is a great one to watch with your tween or teen who loves the books!
In theaters: December 18, 2026
Dune: Part Three hits theaters at the end of this year, based primarily on the second book in the Dune trilogy, Dune Messiah. Set 12 years after the events of Dune, Emperor Paul Atreides faces a conspiracy by the Bene Gesserit, the Spacing Guild, and the Tleilaxu. Stars like Zendaya, Florence Pugh, and Timothee Chalamet will all make an appearance in the film!
Suspense & Thrillers
Grab a friend or two to read these suspenseful storylines with, then experience them in their movie form together.
In theaters: October 2, 2026
“I’m not a huge Colleen Hoover fan—I didn’t love It Ends With Us (don’t come for me)—but I couldn’t put down Verity. In the book, Verity is an author who writes novels so disturbing, fans want to ‘throw the book across the room.’ There’s a scene in this book where I wanted to do the same. I still wonder, what was real? What was true? I’m looking forward to seeing the movie adaptation coming this year with stars like Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett.” —Kathy, Senior Editor
In theaters: October 16, 2026
When a scuba diver is swallowed by an eighty-foot, sixty-ton sperm whale, he has one hour to escape before he runs out of oxygen. The suspenseful nature of the story will no doubt make for a nail-biting, cinematic experience. Make sure to read the book before you watch!
Book to movie adaptations coming in 2027
Though these books becoming movies may be a little farther off, make sure to mark your 2027 calendars for these releases. From YA book adaptations to historical fiction novels coming to the screen, you won’t want to miss any of these!
In theaters: January 15, 2027
Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls. But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.
This popular book is being turned into a movie (coming in early 2027!) starring Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, and Idris Elba—we can’t wait to see it!
In theaters: March 19, 2027
The much-anticipated film adaptation of this bestselling book will be depicted by real-life sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning. “Like the book, I have an older sister, so I was naturally drawn to the story. The two sisters live completely different lives, yet have one goal—to survive—in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. I couldn’t help but imagine myself in their shoes. Kristin Hannah’s way of storytelling is poetic, profound, and just darn cry-worthy.” —Patty, Editorial Assistant
In theaters: May 7, 2027
Everyone’s favorite romance author is back with yet another adaptation, this time of her beloved novel Beach Read. Set against the backdrop of a dreamy Michigan beach town, Beach Read focuses on two writers staying in neighboring cottages and racing to meet their publisher’s deadlines. Inevitably, sparks will fly and feelings will be expressed.
For any Bridgerton fans out there, Phoebe Dynevor—our beloved Daphne—will play January Andrews! We can’t wait to see what she does with the role.
Stream on Netflix: Summer-Fall 2027 (exact date TBA)
For those who loved movies like To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before and Kissing Booth, you won’t want to miss this adorable rom-com featuring teenagers Wes and Liz—next door neighbors and complete opposites. Liz wants help getting her crush to notice her, and when he hits it off with Wes, Liz has no choice but to befriend him. Soon, unexpected feelings arise, and Liz and Wes both have to ask themselves what they really want.
In theaters: December 17, 2027
Anyone else totally obsessed with Freida McFadden thrillers? Well, you won’t have to wait too long for another movie adaptation of her work. The Housemaid’s Secret—The Housemaid’s sequel—is set to get a movie of its own. The story picks up as Millie Calloway takes a new job cleaning and cooking for the Garrick’s in New York City. As per usual, secrets lurk beneath the surface of their picture-perfect life, and Millie will have to put together the pieces.
Patty Schepel, Associate Editor
As the Associate Editor, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, editing freelance articles, and more. With Patty’s passion for writing, experience as a mother of two, and expertise as a pediatric nurse, she brings a thoughtful and informative perspective to The Everymom.
Rebecca Smith, Editorial Assistant
As an Editorial Assistant, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented.
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