If you’ve ever finished a book and immediately thought, “This would make an incredible film or TV series,” 2026 is shaping up to be your year. From beloved classics and BookTok favourites to gripping thrillers and epic sci-fi, the screen is once again turning to the bookshelf for inspiration.
Streaming platforms and film studios are doubling down on literary adaptations, bringing familiar characters and stories to life for a whole new audience. Whether you’re planning your watchlist, your reading pile, or both, these are the films and TV series in 2026 that started life as books.
TV Series Adapted From Books (2026)
New Series & Limited Series
- The Seven Dials Mystery – Netflix
Based on the Agatha Christie novel. - Young Sherlock – Amazon Prime Video
Adapted from Andrew Lane’s Young Sherlock Holmes book series. - A Tale of Two Cities – BBC / MGM+
Based on the classic novel by Charles Dickens. - His & Hers – Netflix
Psychological thriller adapted from Alice Feeney’s novel.
Returning Series Based on Books
- Bridgerton – Season 4
Continues adapting Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton novels (An Offer From a Gentleman). - Sweet Magnolias – Season 5
Based on Sherryl Woods’ romance book series. - Reacher – Season 4
Adapts Gone Tomorrow by Lee Child. - The Last Thing He Told Me – Season 2
Continues the story world from Laura Dave’s novel.
Films Adapted From Books (2026)
Major Confirmed Releases
- Project Hail Mary
Sci-fi adaptation of Andy Weir’s novel. - Verity
Psychological thriller based on Colleen Hoover’s bestseller. - Wuthering Heights
New adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel. - Sense and Sensibility
Fresh take on Jane Austen’s beloved novel. - The Cat in the Hat
Animated adaptation of the Dr. Seuss children’s book.
Other Highly Anticipated Book Adaptations
- People We Meet on Vacation
Romantic adaptation of Emily Henry’s novel. - Reminders of Him
Film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel. - The Odyssey
Epic cinematic adaptation of Homer’s ancient poem. - Practical Magic 2
Continuation of Alice Hoffman’s book universe. - Sunrise on the Reaping
The Hunger Games prequel based on Suzanne Collins’ novel. - Dune: Messiah (Dune Part Three)
Based on Frank Herbert’s continuation of the Dune saga.
With so many book-to-screen adaptations arriving in 2026, it’s clear that storytelling still begins on the page. Whether you prefer to read the book first or jump straight into the screen version, there’s no shortage of stories to get excited about this year.
If anything, this list is your excuse to revisit a classic, discover a new author, or finally read the book everyone’s been talking about before the adaptation lands. Just don’t be surprised if your “to be read” pile grows almost as fast as your watchlist.