Lights, Camera, Read! The Ultimate Guide to 2026’s Must-Read Book-to-Screen Adaptations

If there’s one thing book lovers and film fans agree on, it’s this: the book is always better, especially when you read it first.

2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years yet for literary adaptations, with beloved classics, modern bestsellers, and buzz-worthy thrillers leaping from page to screen across Netflix, HBO, Apple TV, and major motion picture releases.

At Beyond the Book: A Literary Experience, we believe stories deserve to be experienced in every form, read deeply, discussed thoughtfully, and celebrated collectively. Whether you’re building your TBR list, planning your next book club pick, or simply want bragging rights before the credits roll, here’s your insider guide to the books everyone will be talking about in 2026.

Thrillers & Mysteries You’ll Want to Read First

His and Hers — Alice Feeney: A gripping psychological thriller where nothing, and no one, is what they seem. When a murder rocks a small British village, a reporter and a detective find themselves entangled in secrets, suspicion, and shocking twists. Now streaming as a Netflix series starring Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal.

The Seven Dials Mystery — Agatha Christie: A clever classic whodunit turned Netflix series. What begins as a prank with alarm clocks spirals into murder, mystery, and high society intrigue. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries and vintage suspense.

The Last Thing He Told Me — Laura Dave: A page-turning thriller about love, deception, and uncovering the truth after a mysterious disappearance. Season two of the Apple TV series drops this year, perfect timing to read or reread.

Verity — Colleen Hoover: Dark, addictive, and emotionally intense. This psychological thriller is coming to theaters with a powerhouse cast including Anne Hathaway, Josh Hartnett, and Dakota Johnson.

Romance, Heart, & Emotional Favorites

People We Meet on Vacation — Emily Henry: A charming friends-to-lovers story heading to Netflix. Perfect for readers who love witty banter, emotional depth, and travel vibes.

An Offer from a Gentleman — Julia Quinn: The Cinderella-inspired Bridgerton favorite arrives as Season 4 on Netflix. Expect glamour, secrets, and swoon-worthy romance.

Reminders of Him — Colleen Hoover: An emotional redemption story about love, forgiveness, and second chances. Coming soon as a major motion picture.

The Love Hypothesis — Ali Hazelwood: STEM romance fans rejoice! Fake dating, academia humor, and undeniable chemistry head to the big screen.

The Bodyguard — Katherine Center: Rom-com fun with a twist, a female bodyguard protecting a famous actor while pretending to be his girlfriend.

Fantasy, Sci-Fi & Epic Adventures

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms — George R.R. Martin: Set nearly a century before Game of Thrones, this HBO series delivers knights, honor, and adventure.

Project Hail Mary — Andy Weir: Science, survival, and space collide in this blockbuster adaptation starring Ryan Gosling.

The Odyssey — Homer (Emily Wilson translation): Christopher Nolan brings this epic to life with an all-star cast, a perfect opportunity to revisit this timeless classic.

The Magician’s Nephew — C.S. Lewis: Narnia returns with Greta Gerwig directing this magical origin story.

Dune Messiah — Frank Herbert: The saga of Paul Atreides continues in Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated next chapter.

Literary Classics Making a Comeback

Wuthering Heights — Emily Brontë: A haunting tale of obsessive love returns to the big screen with Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.

The Count of Monte Cristo — Alexandre Dumas: Revenge, redemption, and adventure come alive in a new PBS series.

Pride and Prejudice — Jane Austen: A fresh Netflix adaptation starring Emma Corrin and Olivia Colman introduces Austen to a new generation.

Emotional, Thought-Provoking & Standouts

H Is for Hawk — Helen Macdonald: A moving memoir about grief, healing, and human-nature connection, now a film starring Claire Foy.

Remarkably Bright Creatures — Shelby Van Pelt: A heartwarming story featuring an unforgettable octopus and the healing power of connection.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles — Rufi Thorpe: Smart, funny, and socially relevant, coming soon as an Apple TV series starring Elle Fanning and Nicole Kidman.

Revenge Wears Prada — Lauren Weisberger: Fashion lovers rejoice, the sequel to The Devil Wears Prada hits theaters with the original cast returning.

Sunrise on the Reaping — Suzanne Collins: A powerful Hunger Games prequel exploring Haymitch’s origin story.

Remain — Nicholas Sparks & M. Night Shyamalan: Romance meets mystery in this genre-blending cinematic collaboration.