Upcoming Book Adaptations to Watch: Must-See Films & Series in 2025 and 2026

From gripping psychological thrillers to epic fantasy and emotionally rich romances, 2025 and 2026 promise a golden era of literary adaptations. The lineup includes star-studded casts, visionary directors, and major streaming platforms ready to bring beloved books to vivid life on screen.

Key Takeaways

• Psychological thrillers like The Woman in Cabin 10 and Crime 101 lead the pack with stellar casts and suspenseful storytelling.
• Romance adaptations from bestselling authors Emily Henry and Colleen Hoover offer heartfelt and nuanced narratives on platforms like Netflix.
• Science fiction and fantasy adaptations feature epic scope, with titles such as Project Hail Mary and The Magician’s Nephew showcasing immersive worlds.
• Reboots and sequels, including Wicked: For Good and The Devil Wears Prada 2, bring fresh energy to beloved franchises.
• Major streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Paramount are fueling the booming trend of book-based content.

Table of Contents

• 1. Psychological Thrillers: Stories That Keep You Guessing
• 2. Romance Adaptations: Love Stories With Heart and Depth
• 3. Sci-Fi and Fantasy Adaptations: Epic Stakes, Immersive Worlds
• 4. Horror and Dark Speculative Adaptations: Haunting Tales Reimagined
• 5. Reviving Classics: Beloved Novels, New Perspectives
• 6. Expanding Famous Franchises: Sequels and Reboots Fans Will Love
• 7. Where to Watch: Streaming Platforms Powering the Adaptation Boom
• FAQ

1. Psychological Thrillers: Stories That Keep You Guessing

Dark, suspenseful, and filled with twists, psychological thrillers dominate the upcoming adaptations with star power and gripping plots.

The Woman in Cabin 10 (Fall 2025)

Ruth Ware’s taut thriller follows a journalist convinced she has witnessed a murder aboard a luxury cruise ship, with Keira Knightley headlining the cast. Expect tension, suspense, and an exploration of isolation amidst opulence.

• Streaming: Expected Fall 2025 on a major streamer (platform TBA)
• Why Watch: Masterful psychological suspensefull of chilling twists

Crime 101 (February 2026)

Don Winslow’s novella adaptation stars Halle Berry, Chris Hemsworth, and Mark Ruffalo in a sleek heist thriller bursting with deception and strategic moves.

• Release Date: February 13, 2026
• Genre Appeal: Nuanced crime drama for fans of layered performances

The Long Walk (September 2025)

Based on Stephen King’s pseudonymous dystopian novel, this survival horror follows a brutal contest where only one boy survives. Expect relentless tension and dark psychological themes.

• Genre: Survival horror, dystopian fiction
• Why It Works: Classic King psychological edge brought to life

2. Romance Adaptations: Love Stories With Heart and Depth

BookTok favorites and contemporary bestsellers fuel a thriving romance adaptation wave, capturing emotional complexity and relatable relationships.

People We Meet on Vacation (January 2026)

Emily Henry’s beloved rom-com gets a Netflix adaptation starring Tom Blyth and Emily Bader as best friends navigating the line between friendship and romance.

• Platform: Netflix
• Highlight: Captures the emotional nuance of slow-burn romance

Regretting You (October 2025)

Colleen Hoover’s emotionally charged story of mother-daughter love, grief, and forgiveness, coming with confirmed cast details but pending streaming platform announcement.

• Cultural Buzz: Strong fanbase engagement expected

Margo’s Got Money Troubles (2026)

Rufi Thorpe’s contemporary novel blends humor and financial strain in a character-driven narrative about flawed romance and ambition.

• Release: Scheduled for 2026
• Unique Angle: Satirical take on modern relationships and money

3. Sci-Fi and Fantasy Adaptations: Epic Stakes, Immersive Worlds

Speculative fiction lovers will be thrilled by high-concept films, reboots, and franchises helmed by visionary directors and featuring blockbuster casts.

Project Hail Mary (March 2026)

Andy Weir’s new sci-fi mission stars Ryan Gosling as an astronaut racing to save humanity, directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.

• Release Date: March 20, 2026 (Paramount)
• Why Watch: Science-driven drama with charismatic leads

The Magician’s Nephew (Nov–Dec 2026)

Greta Gerwig directs this theatrical and Netflix timing release, reintroducing *The Chronicles of Narnia* to a new generation with a pivotal new chapter.

• Platform: Netflix post-theatrical release
• Franchise Potential: Cinematic revival of the Narnia saga

Children of Blood and Bone (TBA, likely 2026)

Tomi Adeyemi’s West African-inspired fantasy, featuring Idris Elba and Viola Davis, is set to become a landmark franchise emphasizing Black voices in epic storytelling.

The Odyssey (July 2026)

Christopher Nolan’s mythological adaptation stars Matt Damon and Tom Holland in a spectacular retelling of the classic epic with sweeping visuals and philosophical themes.

• Release Date: July 17, 2026
• Audience: Fans of literary epics and Nolan’s visionary style

4. Horror and Dark Speculative Adaptations: Haunting Tales Reimagined

Classic and fresh horror stories receive bold cinematic reinterpretations, blending gothic terror with modern social commentary.

Frankenstein (Fall 2025–2026)

Mary Shelley’s iconic horror novel returns with Netflix spearheading a modernized take on the monster mythos, part of a larger brood of chilling thrillers.

The Running Man (TBA, 2025–2026)

Stephen King’s dystopian thriller is refreshed with Glenn Powell and Josh Brolin, delivering social critique wrapped in high-energy action and suspense.

5. Reviving Classics: Beloved Novels, New Perspectives

Timeless works from Austen, Brontë, and others are adapted for contemporary audiences, blending faithful storytelling with fresh directorial vision and diverse casting.

Sense and Sensibility (TBA)

Focus Features and Working Title’s new Austen adaptation is in production, promising respect for classic themes with a modern appeal likely debuting in 2026 or later.

Wuthering Heights (February 2026)

Emerald Fennell directs this intense take on Emily Brontë’s gothic romance, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.

• Release Date: February 13, 2026 (theatrical)
• Strengths: Moody visuals and rich emotional depth

Pride and Prejudice (TBA)

Netflix is producing a six-part limited series starring Emma Corrin and Olivia Colman, allowing for deeper exploration of characters and story arcs.

6. Expanding Famous Franchises: Sequels and Reboots Fans Will Love

Fan favorites grow with sequels and reboots that mix nostalgia with modern storytelling, attracting broad audiences.

Wicked: For Good (2025)

A theatrical sequel to the hit musical-turned-film, featuring Ariana Grande and expanding the magical world of Oz.

The Book of Magic (Practical Magic 2) (2026)

Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman reunite in this sequel combining love, family, and witchcraft with multigenerational themes.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 (May 2026)

The fashion world returns with sharp commentary and iconic characters reprised in this highly anticipated sequel.

Little House on the Prairie (TBA)

Netflix’s reboot of the classic frontier drama promises a faithful but modernized storytelling approach, currently filming as of mid-2025.

7. Where to Watch: Streaming Platforms Powering the Adaptation Boom

Major streaming services are rapidly expanding their book adaptation slates, each carving out unique niches:

• Netflix: Leading with titles like The Magician’s Nephew, People We Meet on Vacation, and the Little House reboot.
• Amazon Prime Video: Focused on young adult dramas such as We Were Liars and The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3.
• Paramount: Investing in prestige sci-fi and fantasy with theatrical releases like Project Hail Mary and the upcoming Children of Blood and Bone.

FAQ

Which psychological thriller adaptation is most anticipated in 2025?

Many eagerly await The Woman in Cabin 10 starring Keira Knightley, praised for its tense atmosphere and plot twists.

Where can I watch People We Meet on Vacation?

It will stream exclusively on Netflix starting January 2026.

Are any classic novels being adapted into series rather than films?

Yes, Netflix is adapting Pride and Prejudice into a six-part limited series, allowing for expanded storytelling.

What makes the 2026 adaptation of The Magician’s Nephew noteworthy?

Helmed by Greta Gerwig, it marks the cinematic revitalization of the Narnia franchise with a theatrical release followed by Netflix streaming.

How are streaming platforms influencing book adaptations?

Platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are aggressively investing in book adaptations to attract devoted fanbases, offering both exclusive series and films that drive subscriber growth.

Ready to dive deeper into these captivating stories? Explore more about the upcoming adaptations and add your favorites to your watchlist to stay ahead in this thrilling era of book-to-screen storytelling.