Here’s Your 2026 Literary Film & TV Preview

A new year, a new slate of entertainment to distract ourselves from the burning house we’re all streaming from. But we’ve got to do something with our time, so for those of you who need a little break from reading, here’s a selection of literary films and tv shows hitting screens large and small in the year to come.

(NB that premiere dates are subject to change, and plenty haven’t been announced yet, especially in the second half of the year.)

Run Away
Netflix, January 1

Literary bona fides: based on Run Away by Harlan Coben (2019)

Yet again, Netflix has released a Harlan Coben adaptation on New Year’s Day—and again it’s written by Danny Brocklehurst (Fool Me Once). In this year’s thriller, which stars James Nesbitt, Ruth Jones, Minnie Driver, and Alfred Enoch, a father’s hunt for his missing daughter gets him involved in a complex murder case that threatens to destroy his family forever.

His & Hers
Netflix, January 8

Literary bona fides: based on His & Hers by Alice Feeney (2020)

Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal star as an estranged married couple—a reporter and a cop, respectively—who each suspect the other of a murder in this adaptation of Feeney’s twisty psychological thriller.

People We Meet on Vacation
Netflix, January 9

Literary bona fides: based on People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (2021)

The first of what will no doubt be many adaptations of Emily Henry’s delightful and bestselling rom-coms, People We Meet on Vacation looks incredibly charming. Emily Bader and Tom Blyth play best friends who travel together every summer—until something changes (or merely reveals itself?). Lukas Gage, Jameela Jamil, Alan Ruck, and Molly Shannon round out the cast for extra fun.

The Night Manager (Season 2)
Netflix, January 11

Literary bona fides: based on The Night Manager by John le Carré (1993)

It’s been almost a decade since the much-garlanded first season of The Night Manager premiered, and now, at last—after the writer David Farr had a dream about it the same night le Carré died, apparently—it’s back, with Tom Hiddleston and Olivia Colman reprising their roles as the British-soldier-turned-luxury-hotel-night-manager and the Foreign Office agent who recruits him for an undercover operation, respectively. First season was great, so here’s hoping the second lives up.

Bookish 
PBS, January 11

Literary bona fides: concerning a bookstore owner who solves crimes!

Mark Gatiss stars in this charmingly cozy series as a book shop owner named Gabriel Book (Book’s Books!), who helps police solve crimes in 1946 London. Watch when in need of comfort, ideally with a cup of tea and some biscuits.

Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials
Netflix, January 15

Literary bona fides: based on The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie (1929)

For even more British sleuthing, you can’t go too far wrong with a new Agatha Christie adaptation,in which a prank at a country house leads to….you guessed it. Starring Mia McKenna-Bruce as the amateur detective Lady Bundle Brent, along with Helena Bonham Carter and Martin Freeman.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
HBO, January 18

Literary bona fides: based on the Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas by George R. R. Martin (1998-2010)

In the latest George R.R. Martin adaptation, set 100 years before the events of Game of Thrones, Peter Claffey is Ser Duncan the Tall (“Dunk”), a hedge knight on a quest to prove himself, and Dexter Sol Ansell is his squire Aegon Targaryen (“Egg”). This has been teased for so long that one must expect it to be good.

The Beauty
FX/Hulu, January 21

Literary bona fides: based on The Beauty by Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley (2016)

Ryan Murphy’s latest show, based on the comic of the same name, imagines a world where anyone can become beautiful with a single injection, invented by “The Corporation” (Ashton Kutcher). But of course, there are side effects, and two FBI agents must try to stop Kelso before it’s too late for humanity. The guest star list is particularly fun/chaotic: Isabella Rossellini has a recurring role, and Bella Hadid, Ben Platt, Meghan Trainor, Vincent D’Onofrio, Nicola Peltz Beckham, Billy Eichner, John Carroll Lynch, and others appear.

Finding Her Edge
Netflix, January 22

Literary bona fides: based on Finding Her Edge by Jennifer Iacopelli (2022)

The adaptation of Iacopelli’s YA romance (itself based on Jane Austen’s Persuasion) has everything you want in a teen drama: love triangles, fake dating, a niche universe with high stakes (I hear people are pretty into ice sports these days). Let’s just hope it has a little edge.

H Is For Hawk
in theaters, January 23

Literary bona fides: based on H Is For Hawk by Helen Macdonald (2014)

Claire Foy stars as Helen Macdonald in this adaptation of their bestselling memoir about spending a year training a goshawk after their father’s death (Brendan Gleeson plays Helen’s father in the film).  For extra literary merit, the screenplay was co-written by novelist Emma Donoghue, with director Philippa Lowthorpe. Looks lovely.

Bridgerton (Season 4)
Netflix, January 29

Literary bona fides: based on An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn (2001)

The fourth season of Bridgerton (based on the third book) is basically a retelling of Cinderella with Benedict as the prince. Well, can’t go wrong with the classics.

Pillion
in theaters, February 6

Literary bona fides: based on Box Hill by Adam Mars-Jones (2020)

Harry Melling stars as a young introvert who meets an older biker (Alexander Skarsgård) and becomes his submissive. The movie has been out in the UK for a few months, where it’s been met with critical acclaim: in The Guardian, Peter Bradshaw wrote that “it’s basically what Fifty Shades of Grey should have been” and called it “a BDSM Wallace and Gromit,” which is something I really have to see.

Hamlet
in theaters, February 6 (UK)

Literary bona fides: based on Hamlet by William Shakespeare (c. 1601)

Aneil Karia’s adaptation of Hamlet, starring Riz Ahmed in the titular role, has a February 6 release date in the UK, but hasn’t been announced on this side of the pond (though it does have US distribution lined up). Transposed to contemporary London, with Hamlet as the scion of a wealthy South Asian family. Morfydd Clark appears as Ophelia, Joe Alwyn as Laertes, Sheeba Chaddha as Gertrude, Art Malik as Claudius, and Timothy Spall as Polonius. It almost feels retro to see a modern, dark reimagining of a Shakespeare play that uses the original text again, but early reviews are good, and you can always count on Riz Ahmed.

Crime 101
in theaters, February 13

Literary bona fides: based on Crime 101 by Don Winslow (2010)

Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Nick Nolte, and Halle Berry star in Bart Layton’s adaptation of Winslow’s novella, in which a jewel thief who hits marks all along the Pacific Coast Highway keeps himself incognito with a list of rules he calls “Crime 101.” It’s worked for years, but now that he’s trying to end his career with one final score, things might have to be a little different.

Cold Storage
in theaters, February 13

Literary bona fides: based on Cold Storage by David Koepp (2019)

The trailer for this comedy horror movie feels pleasantly like it comes from a different era—not totally surprising, considering the adaptation by Koepp, known for his screenplays for Jurassic Park (1993), Mission: Impossible (1996) and Spider-Man (2002), among other things. Georgina Campbell and Joe Keery star as employees of a self-storage facility on top of a former military base, from whence a killer fungus emerges one night. Liam Neeson arrives to give them some guidance as they try to save the world.

“Wuthering Heights”
in theaters, February 14

Literary bona fides: based on Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (1847)

Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of the classic virgin’s story has already upset everyone, especially people who care about the book, which is no doubt the point. It’s not Wuthering Heights, remember. It’s “Wuthering Heights.” There’s a difference. Anyway, she’s done her work properly, because I at least am very curious to see the film (corpse ejaculations and all (?)).

The Last Thing He Told Me (Season 2)
Apple TV, February 20

Literary bona fides: based on The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave (2026)

Despite mixed reviews for the first season, Apple is steaming ahead with The Last Thing He Told Me, with a second season based on Dave’s newly released sequel, set five years after the events of the first book, in which Owen returns to threaten Hannah and Bailey’s newly settled life.

The Count of Monte Cristo
PBS Masterpiece, March 1

Literary bona fides: based on The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (1846)

Sam Claflin stars as Edmond Dantes in this 2024 TV adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic revenge novel, now coming to American audiences on PBS. Jeremy Irons, Ana Girardot, and Blake Ritson also star.

Young Sherlock
Prime Video, March 4

Literary bona fides: based on the Young Sherlock Holmes series by Andrew Lane (2010-present)

Guy Ritchie has returned to the well with a new Holmes “origin story,” following the 19-year-old pre-detective at Oxford, where he does not, in fact, stay out of trouble. Hero Fiennes Tiffin (nephew of Ralph and Joseph) stars as Holmes, with Zine Tseng, Dónal Finn, Joseph Fiennes, and Natascha McElhone. There’s even a glimpse of man-about-town Colin Firth in this trailer.

The Bride!
in theaters, March 6

Literary bona fides: descended from Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (1818)

Jessie Buckley’s next literary (ish) star turn (after Hamnet) will come this spring as she stars as The Bride (to Christian Bale’s Frankenstein’s Monster) in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s very cool and chaotic-looking latest. Peter Sarsgaard, Annette Bening, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Penélope Cruz round out the cast. Is it technically a literary adaptation? No, but it’s at least the reconstituted corpse of one, and it looks cool enough that I’m willing to bend the rules.

Scarpetta
Prime Video, March 11

Literary bona fides: based on Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta series (1990-present)

Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis produce and star in this adaptation of Patricia Cornwell’s long-running crime series, with Kidman as medical examiner Kay Scarpetta and Curtis as her sister Dorothy. . . solving mysteries!

Reminders of Him
in theaters, March 13

Literary bona fides: based on Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover (2022)

The next Hoover tragedy juggernaut tells the story of a woman who kills her boyfriend in a car accident and then returns, after seven years in prison, to try to connect with their daughter and start again. Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, Rudy Pankow, and Lainey Wilson star, as well as Lauren Graham and Bradley Whitford as the boyfriend’s parents, just for fun.

Imperfect Women
Apple TV, March 18

Literary bona fides: based on Imperfect Women by Araminta Hall (2020)

Elisabeth Moss and Kerry Washington star in Annie Weisman’s adaptation of Hall’s psychological thriller about three friends who find their secrets exposed after one of them is murdered.

Project Hail Mary
in theaters, March 20

Literary bona fides: based on Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (2021)

Drew Goddard, who was nominated for a Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar for his adaptation of Weir’s The Martian, also wrote the adaptation for Project Hail Mary, in which a scientist (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of why he’s there. He soon discovers he’s there to save the world—and meets an alien trying to do the same for its own people.

The Pout-Pout Fish
in theaters, March 20

Literary bona fides: based on The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen (2008)

Nick Offerman voices the iconic (if slightly problematic) Pout-Pout Fish in this animated adaptation of the popular children’s book.

The Forsytes
PBS Masterpiece, March 22

Literary bona fides: based on The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy (1922)

This six-part adaptation of Galsworthy’s classic series, written by Debbie Horsfield (Poldark), premiered in the UK last year; soon it will slake that lavish period drama thirst for American viewers too.

Henry David Thoreau
PBS, March 30

Literary bona fides: a documentary about the writer

Ken Burns produces this new documentary about Henry David Thoreau, which “traces Thoreau’s journey from his early days in Concord, Massachusetts to his deep engagement with the moral crises of his time, including industrialization, slavery, war, and environmental degradation.” George Clooney narrates, the voice of Thoreau is provided by Jeff Goldblum, and Ted Danson, Tate Donovan, and Meryl Streep also lend a hand.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles
Apple TV, April 15

Literary bona fides: based on Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (2024)

Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, Nick Offerman, and Nicole Kidman star in David E. Kelley’s miniseries adaptation of Thorpe’s delightfully oddball novel, in which the daughter of a former pro-wrestler (and a former pro Hooters waitress) finds herself pregnant with her English professor’s baby, and turns to OnlyFans to support herself. Things go better than expected (at least in some ways).

4 Kids Walk into a Bank
in theaters, April 17

Literary bona fides: based on 4 Kids Walk into a Bank by Matthew Rosenberg and Tyler Boss (2017)

In this black comedy adapted from the graphic novel, when a bunch of thugs come to her door demanding that Paige’s grandfather (Liam Neeson) help them out with a bank heist, Paige decides to rescue him by doing it herself, with her friends.

The Testaments
Hulu, April

Literary bona fides: based on The Testaments by Margaret Atwood (2019)

The Handmaid’s Tale finally concluded last year after six seasons (only the first of which was actually an adaptation of the novel), so now there’s room for The Testaments, based on Atwood’s sequel, which is set five years after the Handmaid’s Tale finale and follows a generation of young women growing up in Gilead. Most exciting is that it stars One Battle After Another star Chase Infiniti as Agnes, June’s daughter.

The Devil Wears Prada 2
in theaters, May 1

Literary bona fides: based on Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns by Lauren Weisberger (2013)

There’s a lot of suspect millennial bait coming to screens in 2026 (Scrubs and Malcolm in the Middle, I’m looking at you), but this is some IP The People are actually excited for—despite the acknowledged fact that The Devil Wears Prada is a perfect film that needs no sequel. Oh well!

Animal Farm
in theaters, May 1

Literary bona fides: based on Animal Farm by George Orwell (1945)

This new animated adaptation of Orwell’s classic novel, written by Nicholas Stoller and directed by Andy Serkis, has gotten mixed early reviews (and the trailer is tonally…odd), but if nothing else, it’ll be a curio, especially with a cast like this: Seth Rogen, Gaten Matarazzo, Woody Harrelson, Steve Buscemi, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Laverne Cox, Woody Harrelson, Jim Parsons, Kathleen Turner, etc. (That’s voice work for you.)

The Sheep Detectives
in theaters, May 8

Literary bona fides: based on Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann (2005)

Yes, the detectives are literally sheep, who are moved to solve the mystery of their shepherd’s (Hugh Jackman) murder. Emma Thompson, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, and Hong Chau star (as people), and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein, and Rhys Darby play some sheep.

The Odyssey
in theaters, July 17

Literary bona fides: based on The Odyssey by Homer (c. 8th century BC)

Christopher Nolan does Homer—safe to say it’ll be a massive summer epic. Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, who hopes to return home to his wife (Anne Hathaway) after the Trojan War, but (famously), encounters a few obstacles. Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron also appear.

The Dog Stars
in theaters, August 28

Literary bona fides: based on The Dog Stars by Peter Heller (2012)

Ridley Scott takes on Peter Heller’s post-apocalyptic novel, in which survivors of a flu pandemic (Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin) mourn the past, fight for their scant existence, and—when an unexpected radio transmission comes through—seek a better one. Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, and Benedict Wong also star.

Practical Magic 2
in theaters, September 18

Literary bona fides: based on The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman (2021)

Double Midnight Margaritas, anyone? Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Stockard Channing, and Dianne Wiest are all back in the sequel to witchy 1998 cult classic Practical Magic. This is the second sequel to a perfect film that doesn’t need it this year, but again, millennials will be watching anyway.

Sense and Sensibility
in theaters, September 25

Literary bona fides: based on Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (1811)

Daisy Edgar-Jones stars as Elinor and Esmé Creed-Miles is Marianne in the latest adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, directed by Georgia Oakley. The Austen well will never run dry.

Verity
in theaters, October 2

Literary bona fides: based on Verity by Colleen Hoover (2018)

Michael Showalter directs the second Colleen Hoover adaptation of the year, which gives me some hope (his take on The Idea of You was much better than it had to be). Anne Hathaway stars again, along with Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett (speaking of millennials). This one is a “romantic thriller” about a writer (Johnson) is hired to finish a bestselling book series after its author (Hathaway) winds up in a coma—but soon discovers a web of secrets and lies.

Other Mommy
in theaters, October 9

Literary bona fides: based on Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman (2024)

In which an 8-year-old girl in a fracturing family is haunted by a malevolent entity she calls “Other Mommy.” Jessica Chastain, Jay Duplass, and Dichen Lachman star.

Whalefall
in theaters, October 16

Literary bona fides: based on Whalefall by Daniel Kraus (2023)

What’s (arguably) worse than being trapped on Mars? Being trapped alive inside a whale. Austin Abrams stars as a scuba diver who, while searching for his father’s (Josh Brolin) body, gets swallowed and must find a way to escape. Elisabeth Shue, John Ortiz, Jane Levy, and Emily Rudd also star.

Remain
in theaters, October 23

Literary bona fides: based on Remain by Nicholas Sparks with M. Night Shyamalan (2025)

Apparently, Sparks and Shyamalan came up with the idea for this story together, and each translated it into their respective mediums, so whether it’s technically an adaptation is up for debate, but we’ll count it anyway. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Tate Donovan, a depressed architect who takes a break from New York City to design a house on Cape Cod for a friend. But soon he meets a young woman named Wren (Phoebe Dynevor), “who will challenge every assumption he has about his logical and controlled world.” Ok!

The Cat in the Hat
in theaters, November 6

Literary bona fides: based on The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss (1957)

The 2003 live-action feature adaptation of The Cat in the Hat—starring Mike Myers as the titular character—was so universally reviled (and so financially unsuccessful) that Seuss’s widow, Audrey Geisel, put a moratorium on any further live-action adaptations of her husband’s work. Now, as part of their overall deal, Warner Bros. is trying again, with a fully animated feature, starring a fairly unrecognizable Cat in the iconic Hat. Bill Hader voices the Cat, and Matt Berry is the fish, which should be fun.

Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol
in theaters, November 13

Literary bona fides: based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (1843)

Johnny Depp is Scrooge in horror director Ti West’s take on the holiday classic. Details are scant, but I’d expect a dark take. Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, Ian McKellen, and Rupert Grint are also listed among the cast.

Sunrise on the Reaping
in theaters, November 20

Literary bona fides: based on Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (2025)

The Hunger Games movies are usually pretty great, honestly, so despite the endless march of IP, I expect the same from this second prequel, which tells the story of Haymitch’s year in the games.

Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew
in theaters, November 26

Literary bona fides: based on The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis (1955)

Greta Gerwig is doing Narnia! Here’s hoping she gives it the Barbie treatment.

Dune: Part Three
in theaters, December 18

Literary bona fides: based on Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert (1969)

Soon you will be able to continue watching Dune.

Also expected but unscheduled for 2026:

Wildwood (in theaters, TBD; Literary bona fides: based on Wildwood by Colin Meloy (2011)) • The Five-Star Weekend (Peacock, TBD; Literary bona fides: based on The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand (2023)) • Remarkably Bright Creatures (Netflix, TBD; Literary bona fides: based on Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (2022)) • Carrie (Prime Video, TBD; Literary bona fides: based on Carrie by Stephen King (1974)) • Lord of the Flies (BBC One, TBD; Literary bona fides: based on Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1954)) • The Love Hypothesis (TBD; Literary bona fides: based on The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood (2021)) • The Magic Faraway Tree (in theaters, TBD; Literary bona fides: based on The Magic Faraway Tree series by Enid Blyton (1939-1951)) • The Stranger (in theaters, TBD; Literary bona fides: based on The Stranger by Albert Camus (1942)) • Pride and Prejudice (Netflix, TBD; Literary bona fides: based on Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)) • East of Eden (Netflix, TBD; Literary bona fides: based on East of Eden by John Steinbeck (1952)) • Agatha Christie’s Tommy & Tuppence (BritBox, TBD; Literary bona fides: based on characters that first appeared in Agatha Christie’s The Secret Adversary (1922)) • The House of the Spirits (Prime Video, TBD; Literary bona fides: based on The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende (1982)) • Lucky (Apple TV, TBD; Literary bona fides: based on Lucky by Marissa Stapley (2021)) • Vladimir (Netflix, TBD; Literary bona fides: based on Vladimir by Julia May Jonas)