There’s nothing quite like seeing your favourite book characters and scenes leap off the page and onto the screen and 2026 is shaping up to be a huge year for book adaptations. While we’ll always champion reading the book first — and strongly encourage it — we can’t deny our excitement for the wave of upcoming 2026 movies and TV shows based on books.
From our favourite ice-hockey heartthrobs to a long-awaited return to Panem, we’ve rounded up the biggest page-to-screen adaptations of 2026 that every book lover should have on their radar. Whether you’re a “read it first” loyalist or a “watch then read” rebel, there’s something for every kind of bookworm.
Should I Read the Book Before the Movie?
The age‑old question. The debate that divides book clubs. The hill many readers are willing to die on.
Here’s the truth: there’s no single right answer. Whether you dive into the book first or save it for after the credits roll is entirely personal preference. Some readers love spotting the differences. Others prefer going in blind. And some of us… well, we’ll happily do both.
Biggest Book Adaptations of 2026
Books will always be our home, our comfort zone, our favourite escape, but revisiting our favourite story worlds on the big screen will always make us feel a flutter of excitement.
The Magic Faraway Tree
Based on: The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton
Release: March 2026
A childhood classic is stepping back into the spotlight. Expect whimsy, nostalgia, and a whole lot of magical lands at the top of that iconic tree. This one is perfect for families, nostalgia‑seekers, and anyone who still secretly wishes there was a magical tree at the back of their garden.
Off Campus
Based on: Elle Kennedy’s Off‑Campus series
Release: May 2026
Hockey boys. Banter. Slow‑burn romance. Need we say more? This TV adaptation is set to bring the beloved Briar U crew to life — and fans of Garrett, Hannah, and the gang are already buzzing. Expect swoons, chaos, and a whole lot of chemistry.
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Based on: Remarkably Bright Creatures, Shelby Van Pelt’s bestselling novel
Release: May 2026
A heartwarming story featuring an elderly woman, a mystery, and an unforgettable octopus narrator. If the adaptation captures even half the charm of the book, we’re in for something special.
Every Year After
Based on: Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
Release: June 2026
The ultimate second‑chance summer romance is heading to TV. Expect lakeside nostalgia, emotional reunions, and the kind of yearning that makes you want to reread the book immediately.
The Love Hypothesis
Based on: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Release: September 2026
Olive (Lili Reinhart) and Adam (Tom Bateman) are finally making their on‑screen debut. Lab coats, fake dating, and academic chaos — this adaptation is set to be a rom‑com highlight of the year.
Verity
Based on: Colleen Hoover’s psychological thriller, Verity
Release: October 2026
Dark, twisty, and impossible to put down — Verity is one of those books you finish in one breathless sitting. The film, starring Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson, promises to be just as unsettling. Prepare for mind games...
Sunrise on the Reaping
Based on: Suzanne Collins’ return to the world of The Hunger Games
Release: November 2026
We’re heading back to Panem — and this time, to the 50th Hunger Games. Fans had been waiting years for this prequel, and the adaptation is already shaping up to be one of the biggest releases of the year.
Final Thoughts on 2026’s Book Adaptations
Whether you’re a fantasy fan, a romance reader, or a thriller addict, 2026’s book adaptations are delivering something for every kind of bibliophile. And while we’ll always champion the joy of reading first, there’s something undeniably fun about seeing our favourite stories reimagined.
