Upcoming book-to-screen adaptations 2026
Readers across the UK and Ireland can look forward to seeing their favourite books on screen in 2026. From hit TV series on Netflix, NOW, Apple TV+ and Sky to major films like the Oscar-nominated Hamnet and sci-fi epic Project Hail Mary, this is our guide to all the unmissable adaptations on offer throughout the year.
Whether you love watching novels unfold on screen or discovering the books behind the buzz, 2026 is a year to Go All In – celebrating the perfect chemistry of books, films and TV.

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Everyone's already watching...
Run Away by Harlan Coben (series, Netflix)
When his estranged daughter vanishes and later reappears in obvious danger, a desperate father plunges into a shadowy criminal underworld to save her, risking everything in the process.
Harlan Coben's bestselling thrillers have proved a winning formula for compelling TV, and this latest bingeworthy series is now on Netflix, starring James Nesbitt, Ruth Jones, Alfred Enoch, Minnie Driver, and Ellie de Lange.

All Her Fault by Andrea Mara (series, Now TV)
Sarah Snook, Dakota Fanning, and Jake Lacy headline the Golden Globe-nominated adaptation of Andrea Mara's award-winning novel.
When Marissa Irvine arrives for a simple playdate, she finds her son missing and a stranger at the door. In a seemingly peaceful Dublin neighborhood, suspicion envelops four women – and no one's secrets stay buried for long.

The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden (film)
Luxury is supposed to mean safety – but in this house, it comes with locks, lies, and rules no one explains. When a woman with a carefully hidden past takes a live-in housemaid job with the wealthy Winchesters, she discovers that every closed door conceals manipulation – and that her own secrets may be just as dangerous.
Starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, this erotic psychological thriller brings the internet's most talked-about novel to the screen.

Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell (film)
In 1596 Stratford, twins Hamnet and Judith fall gravely ill while their mother, Agnes, a gifted herbalist, is away – and their father works in London.
Maggie O'Farrell's prizewinning novel is brought to the screen by Chloé Zhao in a haunting, heart-wrenching tale of family, love, and loss. Starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, the film has captivated audiences and earned eight Academy Award nominations, making it one of the most talked-about releases of the year.

Agatha Christie's Seven Dials, inspired by The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie (series, Netflix)
A prank meant to wake one sleeper instead unleashes a deadly mystery. When a man is found dead, Jimmy Thesiger is drawn into the secrets of Seven Dials – a shadowy society with more to hide than meets the eye.
Adapted from Agatha Christie's classic tale, the new Netflix miniseries is written by Chris Chibnall and stars Mia McKenna-Bruce, Martin Freeman, and Helena Bonham Carter.

His & Hers by Alice Feeney (series, Netflix)
A murder in Blackdown forces estranged spouses onto opposite sides of a deadly investigation – Anna, a TV newsreader covering the case, and Jack, the detective leading it. Each suspects the other is lying.
Alice Feeney's twisty thriller can now be enjoyed as a Netflix limited series starring Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal.

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (film)
One vacation a year. Ten years of memories. And one final trip that could change everything. Based on Emily Henry's fan-favorite novel, this heartfelt romantic comedy stars Emily Bader and Tom Blyth and is now streaming on Netflix – perfect for anyone who believes the best love stories start as friendships.

Finding Her Edge by Jennifer Iacopelli (series, Netflix)
Loosely inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion, Jennifer Iacopelli's young adult novel has been reimagined as a swoon-worthy Netflix adaptation that's already capturing hearts. Figure skating prodigy Adriana Russo juggles the pressure of legacy and elite competition when a fake-dating pact with her new partner, Brayden, sparks unexpected feelings – made all the more complicated by the return of an old crush.

H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald (film)
After her father's death, Helen Macdonald channelled her grief into training a wild goshawk, confronting loss, memory, and the untamed nature within herself. Her prizewinning memoir H is for Hawk inspired last year's biographical drama starring Claire Foy and Brendan Gleeson, which has received rave reviews for its moving portrayal of loss and healing.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin (series, Sky)
Game of Thrones fans can dive back into Westeros in HBO's latest fantasy drama, following the adventures of Ser Duncan "Dunk" the Tall, a brave hedge knight, and his squire Egg – who harbours a secret identity as Aegon Targaryen. Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell bring the legendary duo to life in this adaptation of George R.R. Martin's prequel novellas, where danger, intrigue, and epic quests await at every turn.

Bridgerton season 4, inspired by Bridgerton: An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn (series, Netflix)
The hit Netflix series Bridgerton continues with its fourth season, adapting Julia Quinn's beloved third novel. When Sophie Beckett (or Sophie Baek, in the adaptation), an earl's secret daughter living in servitude, encounters the charming Benedict Bridgerton at Lady Bridgerton's masquerade, sparks fly – and a search for love begins.
Can't get enough? Check out our picks for Regency-era and historical romances that fans of the show will adore.

Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid (series, Sky)
Rachel Reid's Game Changers series hits the small screen with all the drama, rivalry, and romance fans crave. Hockey captains Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov share a sizzling secret that could ignite the rink – and the headlines. Step into the novel that launched Shane and Ilya's story.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding (series, BBC)
The first TV adaptation of the 1954 classic novel, adapted by Jack Thorne (His Dark Materials, Adolescence), unfolds across four episodes – each titled after a central character: Piggy, Jack, Simon, and Ralph.
A plane crashes on a desert island. The only survivors are a group of schoolboys. By day, they explore the dazzling beaches, gorging fruit, seeking shelter, and ripping off their uniforms to swim in the lagoon. At night, in the darkness of the jungle, they are haunted by nightmares of a primitive beast.
Orphaned by society, they must forge their own; but it isn't long before their innocent games devolve into something far more dangerous...

February
"Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë (film)
Emily Brontë's classic tale of doomed romance gets the Emerald Fennell (Saltburn), treatment this year in a unique modern take which is loosely based on the original text.
"Wuthering Heights" stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, with an accompanying album by Charli XCX, guaranteeing that you'll never look at Cathy and Heathcliffe's story the same way again.
Want more? Check out author Layne Fargo's favourite Wuthering Heights adaptations.

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave (series, Apple TV)
Apple TV's mystery thriller, starring Jennifer Garner, is back and more suspenseful than ever. Owen Michaels disappears, leaving a cryptic note for his new wife, Hannah, to safeguard his troubled daughter. As she uncovers his hidden past, dangerous secrets threaten to unravel everything.
Inspired by Laura Dave's bestselling novel, the show has already been renewed for a second season.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare (film)
Riz Ahmed stars as everyone's favorite overthinker in a bold new adaptation of Hamlet, set in modern-day London. Ahmed's Hamlet is the heir to a wealthy British South-Asian property development empire, navigating ambition, betrayal, and family intrigue alongside Morfydd Clark, Joe Alwyn, and Timothy Small.

Crime 101, a novella in Broken by Don Winslow (film)
In Crime 101, a tense tale of crime, corruption, and vengeance unfolds across New Orleans, Hawaii, and Southern California, exploring broken lives on the edge of law and morality. Don Winslow's novella from the collection Broken inspired this crime thriller film starring Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, Mark Ruffalo, and Monica Barbaro.

March
The Magic Faraway Tree inspired by The Magic Faraway Tree series by Enid Blyton (film)
Forced to move to the countryside, siblings Beth, Joe, and Fran discover the Enchanted Wood and the magical lands atop the Faraway Tree, where strange realms and whimsical friends await.
This highly anticipated family film is adapted from Enid Blyton's classic book series by Horrible Histories and Ghosts actor Simon Farnaby. It stars Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, and Nicola Coughlan, and will be in cinemas just in time for the Easter holidays!

Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover (film)
Maika Monroe stars in the first of two 2026 adaptations of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novels, bringing her tearjerker to life as a swoony romantic drama.
Fresh out of prison and fueled by fierce hope, Kenna Rowan returns home determined to reconnect with the daughter she barely knows – while a town full of grudges threatens to stand in her way.
Lauren Graham and Bradley Whitford co-star in this poignant story of love, redemption, and second chances.

Young Sherlock inspired by the Young Sherlock Holmes series by Andrew Lane (series, Prime Video)
At fourteen, Sherlock Holmes faces murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy for the first time.
Andrew Lane's young adult series inspires this thrilling new British TV adaptation, directed by Guy Ritchie and starring Hero Fiennes Tiffin – giving teens a chance to meet Sherlock as they've never met him before: brilliant, bold, and on the verge of legend.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (film)
Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace in the eagerly awaited big-screen adaptation of Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary.
Awakening alone on a spacecraft with no memory, two dead crewmates, and a mission to save Earth from extinction, Grace must rely on science, courage – and an unexpected ally – to complete his perilous journey.
From the author of The Martian, this smart, thrilling survival epic combines humor, heart, and high-stakes adventure.

The Bride! inspired by Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (film)
Hot on the heels of Guillermo del Toro's Oscar-nominated adaptation, Frankenstein, comes this reimagining of Mary Shelley's pioneering science fiction masterpiece.
In 1930s Chicago, Frankenstein's monster seeks a companion, leading a renegade doctor to resurrect a murdered woman as the Bride – igniting passion, danger, and social upheaval.
Inspired by both the book and the classic 1935 film, Maggie Gyllenhaal's gothic crime drama stars Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, and Penélope Cruz.

April
Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorp (series, Apple TV)
Rufi Thorpe's witty, heartwarming novel comes to life in a star-studded TV series starring Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, Nick Offerman, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Greg Kinnear.
When broke college student Margo Millet gets pregnant by her professor, she crafts an unconventional solution: a wildly inventive OnlyFans that propels her to viral fame. Sharp, funny, and full of heart, this series promises laughter, drama, and unforgettable moments.

May
Other Mommy inspired by Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman (film)
Eight-year-old Bela's world is threatened by a sinister entity known as Other Mommy, whose growing power puts her family at risk.
Birdbox author Josh Malerman's chilling novel Incidents Around the House is the inspiration for this supernatural horror film, directed by Rob Savage and produced by James Wan, starring Jessica Chastain, Jay Duplass, and Dichen Lachman.

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (film)
From Shelby Van Pelt's acclaimed debut novel comes a Netflix adaptation starring Sally Field and Lewis Pullman.
Tova Sullivan, still mourning the loss of her son, discovers an unlikely ally in Marcellus, a genius giant Pacific octopus whose secrets might unlock the truth behind a decades-old disappearance.
Poignant, mysterious, and unforgettable, this story dives deep into love, loss, and the bonds we never expect.

The Sheep Detectives inspired by Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann, translated by Andrea Bell (film)
After their shepherd is found murdered, a flock of unusually intelligent sheep launch an investigation, filling a rare niche for an adult animal detective story. Led by the sharp-witted Miss Maple, they spy on human suspects from the hedgerows.
Leonie Swann's international bestseller is the inspiration for this original whodunnit, directed by Kyle Balda and starring Hugh Jackman with an all-star voice cast.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 inspired by Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns by Lauren Weisberger (film)
The fashion world isn't done with Andy Sachs – or Miranda Priestly. Twenty years after the original, this Devil Wears Prada sequel reunites Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci.
Andy is thriving, engaged, and determined to keep Miranda behind her – but the ultimate boss is ready to reclaim her spotlight.
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July
The Odyssey by Homer (film)
Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated adaptation of the world's most famous literary epic comes to cinemas this summer, with Matt Damon as Odysseus and Anne Hathaway as his wife, Penelope. Expect Nolan's gritty, realistic lens and signature non-linear approach to bring a new dimension to this mythical adventure story. The film also stars Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron.

August
The Dog Stars by Peter Heller (film)
Described as Cormac McCarthy's The Road but with hope, this post-apocalyptic novel provides ample inspiration for a big-screen adaptation – and who better to bring it to life than legendary director Ridley Scott?
After a global disaster, grieving survivor Hig clings to life with his dog, a volatile neighbour, and a small plane, until a mysterious radio signal lures him on a dangerous, hope-filled flight beyond safety.
The film features "Wuthering Heights" star Jacob Elordi alongside Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce and Josh Brolin.

September
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (film)
Austen fans will be flocking to see this iconic novel brought back to the big screen, thirty years since Emma Thompson's beloved and star-studded adaptation. This one is no less star-fuelled, with Normal People's Daisy Edgar-Jones in the leading role.
After losing their home, sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood navigate love, heartbreak, and social pressure, learning to balance reason and passion while seeking happiness in a society ruled by money, manners, and marriage.

Practical Magic 2 inspired by The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman (film)
2026 is truly the year of the return to iconic book-to-screen favourites – this sequel sees Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Stockard Channing, and Dianne Wiest reprising their roles from the 1998 film, and is based on the fourth book in Alice Hoffman's romantic fantasy series.
Cursed in love for centuries, the Owens family races against time when a young woman falls for the wrong man, forcing three generations of witches to risk everything to finally break the spell.

October
Verity by Colleen Hoover (film)
Dakota Johnson, Anne Hathaway, and Josh Hartnett star in the psychological thriller adaptation of Colleen Hoover's gripping novel.
Struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh takes on a ghostwriting job for an injured bestselling author – only to uncover a chilling secret manuscript that blurs obsession, truth, and desire.
This is the second major screen adaptation of Hoover's work this year, and it's as tense and seductive as it sounds.

Remain by Nicholas Sparks with M. Night Shyamalan (film)
A novel co-conceived by bestselling author Nicholas Sparks (of The Notebook fame) and acclaimed filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan is a book-to-screen match made in heaven!
Grieving architect Tate Donovan arrives in Cape Cod seeking a fresh start, but falls for the mysterious Wren, whose past hides dark secrets and a supernatural truth.
Remain on the big screen is the perfect blend of romance and suspense, and stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Phoebe Dynevor.

November
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (film)
Set during the fiftieth Hunger Games, Haymitch Abernathy faces a deadly, rigged Quarter Quell that will shape him for a lifetime. Joseph Zada leads an all-star cast – including Jesse Plemons, Maya Hawke, Elle Fanning, Kieran Culkin, Whitney Peak, and Glenn Close – in the film adaptation of Suzanne Collins's gripping prequel, a publishing sensation in 2025 that takes fans back to Panem decades before Katniss's saga.

Narnia: The Magician's Nephew inspired by The Magician’s Nephew by C. S. Lewis (film)
The Narnia origin story arrives in Greta Gerwig's spectacular adaptation, featuring Daniel Craig, Emma Mackey, and Carey Mulligan.
On a daring quest against a powerful sorceress, two friends witness the birth of Narnia, a realm of magic, mystery, and endless adventure.

December
Dune: Part Three inspired by Dune: Messiah by Frank Herbert (film)
The epic conclusion of Denis Villeneuve's space opera trilogy is out in time for the Christmas holidays.
For this adaptation of Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah, stars of the previous two films – including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Anya Taylor-Joy, Josh Brolin, and Rebecca Ferguson – return, joined by Jason Momoa and Robert Pattinson, to tell a story of power, prophecy, and desert warfare.


