If you feel like every year has that moment where you ask, “Wait, that book is a movie now?”, 2026 is going to be that year. From epic sci‑fi missions to gothic romance and cozy holiday classics, here are the book‑to‑screen adaptations we’re most excited to binge, debate, and maybe judge a little.
1. Wuthering Heights
Brooding romance and gothic drama. Starring Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie, this classic tale promises heartache, storms, and questionable life choices.
Scheduled for February 13 in theaters.
2. Scarpetta
Patricia Cornwell’s famous detective comes to life with a top-notch cast led by Nicole Kidman, Bobby Cannavale, Simon Baker, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Expect crime-solving, suspense, and very satisfying “aha” moments.
Scheduled for March 11 on Prime Video.
3. Project Hail Mary
Ryan Gosling in space trying to save humanity? Sign us up. It’s The Martian energy but with more existential dread and fewer potatoes.
Scheduled for March 20 in theaters.
4. Margo’s Got Money Troubles
College-dropout mom, ex-wrestler dad, and life’s quirky twists—starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Elle Fanning, and Nicole Kidman (who’s clearly owning 2026). A funny, chaotic reminder that adulting is hard, and no one has it figured out.
Scheduled for April 15 on Apple TV.
5. The Odyssey
Homer’s epic tale with gods, monsters, and questionable decisions by Odysseus finally lands on screen. Adventure as it was meant to be, starring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron. Did I mention Christopher Nolan is directing it?
Scheduled for July 17 in theaters.
6. Sense & Sensibility
Jane Austen, but new again. This regency drama gets a fresh coat of prestige casting and period feels, which means tea, heartbreak, and emotional letters you’re not supposed to read out loud.
Sense and Sensibility (1995) with Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson
Scheduled for September 11 in theaters.
7. Practical Magic 2
Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman’s 90s classic gets a fresh screen spin. Witches, love spells, family drama? Count us in for the charm (and maybe the chaos). Nicole Kidman, three for the win!
Practical Magic (1998) with Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.
Scheduled for September 18 in theaters.
8. Verity
Colleen Hoover’s thriller about secrets, lies, and moral chaos is coming to life. A hit novel featuring Josh Harnett, Dakota Johnson, and Anne Hathaway. It’s tense, dark, and messy, and twists on twists on twists. Good luck sleeping after this one.
Scheduled for October 2 in theaters.
9. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Panem is back, and we’re ready for more dystopian politics, rebellion, and archery action. The story dives into Haymitch Abernathy’s origin, starring Joseph Zada as the young Haymitch. It may be the sequel we didn’t know we needed.
Scheduled for November 20 in theaters.
10. Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The wardrobe is back, and yes, it’s as magical as you remember. We’re excited to see writer-director Greta Gerwig’s take on talking animals, epic battles, and winter wonderland vibes included. Nostalgia levels: maximum.
Scheduled for November 26 in theaters.
Ready to Watch on Netflix: Early 2026 Releases
His & Hers
Psychological thriller vibes with messy exes, small-town murder, and a slow-burn suspense that will wreck your sleep in the best way.
Release: January 8
Episode Count: 6
People We Meet on Vacation
Emily Henry’s friends-to-more summer rom-com with chemistry, banter, and endless beach vibes.
Release: January 9
Movie duration: 1hr 57min
Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials
Classic whodunit energy with clever twists and murder-mystery intrigue that will keep you guessing, starring Mia McKenna-Bruce. Featured artists include: Helena Bonham Carter and Martin Freeman.
Release: January 15
Episode Count: 3
Honorable Mentions
Not on our main list, but they’re definitely on the radar:
- Bridgerton, Season 4 – January 29 & February 26, Netflix
More corsets, more gossip, more longing glances. *screams internally* Phoebe Dynevor returns as Daphne, joined by Simone Ashley and new faces in the Bridgerton clan. It’s the period drama soundtrack to pretty much every shower thought you’ve ever had. - 56 Days – February 18, Prime Video
Political romance adaptation about a public figure and a journalist navigating love and scandal in 56 days. - Reminders of Him – March 13, Theaters
Heartfelt drama about love, redemption, and reconnecting with the people who matter most. - The Sheep Detectives – May 8, Theaters
Quirky countryside mystery with charming sleuths, Hugh Jackman, and cozy intrigue. - The Dog Stars – August 28, Theaters
Post-apocalyptic survival story with emotional stakes and man’s best friend at the center. - Remain – October 23, Theaters
Mystery thriller about identity, memory, and what happens when past choices catch up to you. - Dune: Part Three – December 18, Theaters
Epic conclusion to the sci-fi saga. Politics, power, and desert planet drama, all turned up to 11.
2026 is oddly stacked, from swoony rom-coms that make you feel things, to sci-fi that messes with your sense of reality, to literary classics finally getting the treatment they deserve.
From childhood favorites to nail-biting thrillers, this year’s book-to-screen adaptations are taking over your weekends, your popcorn supply, and probably your group chat debates.
