The hottest book-to-screen adaptations of 2026 are here. Dive into these must-read stories and check out the film and TV versions.
Why are book adaptations so popular?
Have you ever been so absorbed in a book that you can see it all playing out in your head? The characters’ expressions and the atmosphere of a scene – it’s like your own private movie. That’s the magic of reading. And the best part is that no two readers imagine it the same way. You and someone else can read the same words and come away with completely different worlds in your minds – that’s what makes it so special.
So, when a book gets adapted for TV or film, it’s a chance to see your imagination brought to life – were the characters how you pictured them? Did the setting match your vision? That curiosity is a huge part of the buzz around book adaptations. Plus, most adaptations come with a built-in fanbase. These stories already have loyal readers who love the characters, and seeing them on screen offers a way to experience them all over again through a fresh perspective.
Popular adaptations so far this year
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
The dark, all-consuming romance between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff hit the big screen again in February 2026 – and it definitely got people talking. Originally published in 1847, Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë is often hailed as one of the most influential works in British literature. It dives into dark, complex themes, from social class and the supernatural to obsession and self-destruction.
Having already been adapted for film several times, this year it was director Emerald Fennell's turn. Starring Margot Robbie as Cathy and Jacob Elordi as the brooding Heathcliff, Fennel gave the classic tale her unique spin with extravagant costumes and bold visuals. And if it couldn't get any cooler, Fennell enlisted the help of Grammy Award winner Charli xcx to create the movie's soundtrack, which would later become a full Wuthering Heights album.
With the film's release the day before Valentine's Day, couples and best friends alike turned out in huge numbers to witness the classic love story anew. If uncontrollable passion and creative flair are your thing, you'll love the new Wuthering Heights movie.
The Deal by Elle Kennedy
The Deal by Elle Kennedy is a fun, flirty college romance with plenty of heart. Released in 2015, it follows Hannah, a focused music student, and Garrett, an ice hockey star who needs help passing a class. They strike a deal: she tutors him, and he helps her make another guy jealous. Of course, what starts as a fake arrangement quickly turns into something very real.
Packed with chemistry and emotional moments, it’s the perfect mix of swoon-worthy romance and feel-good drama. Nominated for Best Romance at the Goodreads Choice Awards, the ice hockey-themed series continues over five books and an Amazon Prime TV series.
Spread across one season and eight episodes (so far!), Hannah and Garrett's love story comes alive. Packed with undeniable chemistry, it's no wonder the show hit #2 to watch in the UK on Prime.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is the ultimate “what could go wrong?” story. Victor Frankenstein becomes obsessed with creating life – and when he finally does, his experiment takes a seriously spooky turn. What follows is a mix of chaos, consequences and a creature who just wants to understand its place in the world. It’s creepy and surprisingly emotional – a gothic rollercoaster you won’t forget.
The iconic tale got a fresh new adaptation in 2025 with Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein on Netflix. Packed with a monster-sized cast, including Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the Creature, the film stays true to the structure of Shelley's novel by unfolding across three distinct parts. Equal parts eerie, tragic and visually spectacular, this take on a gothic classic introduced a whole new generation to Frankenstein's unforgettable story. Del Toro's latest masterpiece is now available as part of The Criterion Collection.
And the story isn’t slowing down anytime soon because it’s inspired a bold new 2026 film, The Bride! – a stylish, slightly chaotic reimagining directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal. This version flips the focus, following Frankenstein’s monster, played by Christian Bale. The Monster asks a scientist to create him a companion, so a murdered woman is brought back to life as the bride, played by Jessie Buckley. But instead of playing the perfect partner, she has other ideas - cue drama and a rebellious streak.
With a star-studded cast, including Penélope Cruz, Jake Gyllenhaal, Annette Bening and Peter Sarsgaard, expect a dark love story with a twist – dramatic and just a little bit wild.
Still to come in 2026
The Odyssey by Homer
The Odyssey is one of the oldest works of literature, thought to have been written in the 7th or 8th century BCE. The poem picks up after the Trojan War, when Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, is yearning to return home to his wife… but the universe has other plans. Along the way, he’s up against everything from cyclops and sirens to storms and spellbinding gods. Each challenge pushes him further, turning his trip home into a full-blown legend.
And now, this epic tale is heading to the big screen with a huge new film adaptation, directed by Christopher Nolan, that lands in cinemas in July 2026. The film stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, alongside Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson and Charlize Theron, making it one seriously stacked cast. Expect a bold, action-packed retelling with massive visuals and mythological creatures as Odysseus battles his way home – proof that sometimes it's the journey, not the destination, which makes the greatest story.
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
The ultimate tale of head vs. heart, Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen was first published in 1811. It follows sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, who couldn’t be more different: Elinor is all about calm logic (sense), while Marianne dives headfirst into emotion (sensibility). After their father’s death leaves them in a shaky financial position, the sisters navigate love and society’s expectations – learning that a balance of both sense and sensibility might be the way forward.
That mix of romance and drama is exactly what makes it such a timeless favourite – and now it’s being brought to life again in a brand-new film adaptation. Directed by Georgia Oakley, the upcoming release stars Daisy Edgar-Jones as Elinor and Esmé Creed-Miles as Marianne, with George MacKay as Edward Ferrars, Caitríona Balfe as Mrs Dashwood, and Fiona Shaw as Mrs Jennings. This new adaptation is set to hit UK cinemas on 25 September 2026. It promises a fresh take on Austen’s classic while keeping all the emotion and iconic relationships fans love.
Relive your favourites at hmv before they hit the screen
Want to brush up on your literary knowledge before the new TV or film adaptations come out? We've got you covered! Our extensive range of books from various talented authors is available to browse online and in-store. Whether you're into horror, like Frankenstein, or fantasy, like The Odyssey, you'll find genres for every mood.
Browse all our TV and film adaptations books
Not sure which edition is right for you? Or maybe you have a question about delivery? Check out our help centre for tons of useful information to help make ordering a breeze. Alternatively, contact our knowledgeable team for tailored, expert advice.
