The year 2026 is poised to be a banner year for enthusiasts of both literature and visual storytelling, with an impressive lineup of films and television series adapted from acclaimed books. Audiences can anticipate a diverse array of genres hitting screens, ranging from romantic comedies and science fiction epics to intense psychological thrillers and deeply personal memoirs. This trend highlights the enduring appeal of transforming beloved narratives into dynamic visual experiences, promising a captivating year for viewers everywhere.
Anticipated Book-to-Screen Adaptations of 2026
In 2026, the convergence of literary and visual arts continues to flourish, bringing forth an exciting roster of adaptations. This month alone witnessed the debut of “Heated Rivalry,” an HBO Max series based on Rachel Reid’s romantic saga, and Netflix’s rendition of Emily Henry’s charming novel, “The People We Meet on Vacation.”
Beyond romantic tales, the year is set to deliver groundbreaking science fiction with “Project Hail Mary,” an intergalactic adventure penned by Andy Weir. Furthermore, Emily Brontë’s enduring classic, “Wuthering Heights,” is receiving a fresh and vibrant interpretation from Emerald Fennell, starring Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie, set to be distributed by Warner Bros. Colleen Hoover’s dedicated readership can also rejoice, with adaptations including the psychological thriller “Verity,” which has enlisted Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett for Amazon MGM Studios.
Adding to the diverse selection, Aliya Whiteley’s unsettling novella, “The Beauty,” which explores a post-apocalyptic world devoid of women, has been adapted by Ryan Murphy and is premiering on FX this week. Josh Malerman’s eerie horror novel, “Incidents Around the House,” also finds its way to the screen as Universal Pictures’ “Other Mommy,” featuring Jessica Chastain, Jay Duplass, and Dichen Lachman.
Literary legend Homer's epic, “The Odyssey,” is being brought to life by Christopher Nolan, with Matt Damon in the lead role, scheduled for a summer theatrical release. Agatha Christie’s mystery, “Seven Dials,” a tale of young socialites entangled in a secret society, will be presented as a three-part Netflix series from Steven Spielberg this month.
On the non-fiction front, Michelle Zauner’s poignant memoir, “Crying in H Mart,” chronicling her journey of self-discovery and grief, is being adapted into a feature film directed by Will Thorne. Critically acclaimed works such as Brit Bennett’s “The Vanishing Half,” a saga of identical twin sisters navigating diverging paths in the Jim Crow South, is being developed into an HBO series by Aziza Barnes. Additionally, Alice Feeney’s intricate thriller, “His & Hers,” which explores a marriage built on a shared secret, is becoming a Netflix series starring Tessa Thompson.
Lastly, Bret Easton Ellis’s chilling narrative, “The Shards,” set amidst affluent Los Angeles teens haunted by a serial killer in the 1980s, is reportedly in development as an HBO series. Matthew Quirk’s debut novel, “The Method,” which delves into the intense world of New York theater and the dangerous pursuit of artistic greatness, has been picked up by Hulu for a television adaptation.
The sheer volume and variety of these upcoming adaptations underscore a powerful cultural phenomenon: the continuous re-imagining of narratives across different media. This trend not only introduces classic and contemporary stories to new audiences but also demonstrates the profound influence literature has on shaping our entertainment landscape. For creators, it's an exciting challenge to translate the intimacy of a book into the expansive visuals of film or television, offering fresh perspectives and interpretations that can deepen our engagement with these cherished tales.