By Ashly Moore Sheldon • July 27, 2026
Summer is well under way and, as always, there are plenty of exciting new book-to-screen adaptations to enjoy. But before we watch, we're going to read (or reread) the source material, because, as we all know, the book is (almost) always better. Here are X of the books that inspired all the best new and upcoming adaptations.
Note: Age recommendations often vary between the book and its adaptation. We have consulted internet sources such as commonsensemedia.org to provide age recommendations and ratings for many of these materials, but we encourage readers to do their own research before watching.
Streaming now on Apple TV
Lucky Armstrong is a tough, talented grifter who has just pulled off a million-dollar heist with her boyfriend, Cary. She's ready to start a brand-new life, with a new identity—when things go sideways. This is a novel about truth, personal redemption, and the complexity of being good. Anya Taylor-Joy and Annette Bening star in the limited series, rated TV-MA.
The Odyssey by Homer
In theaters now
Homer's ancient epic poem follows the hero Odysseus on a perilous ten-year journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the newest film adaptation of the ancient Greek epic boasts a glittery cast including: Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron. The film is rated R for violence.
Heartstopper: Volume 6 by Alice Osman
Heartstopper Forever is streaming now on Netflix
Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. Charlie and Nick balance love with new independence as they face the challenge of a long-distance relationship. Get your preorder in for the final graphic novel (out July 7) in the bestselling Heartstopper series about life, love, and everything that happens in between. This also marks the end of the series adaptation, rated TV-MA.
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
Tony premieres in theaters August 7
The late celebrity chef's bestselling memoir features revealing stories about his early years working in a Cape Cod restaurant. The upcoming film, co-written and directed by Matt Johnson, draws from Bourdain's coming-of-age and training under the tutelage of Ciro, a Brazilian-born restaurateur. The film stars Dominic Sessa, Antonio Banderas, Emilia Jones, and Leo Woodall.
The Enchanted Wood by Enid Blyton
The Magic Faraway Tree premieres in theaters August 21
Joe, Beth and Frannie are three young siblings who move with their parents to the countryside, where they find the Enchanted Wood on the doorstep of their new home, and when they discover The Magic Faraway Tree it is the start of a wonderful series of magical adventures. The fantasy adventure film adaptation stars Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Nicola Coughlan, and Rebecca Ferguson.
Premieres in theaters August 28
Hig's wife is gone, his friends are dead, and he lives in the hangar of a small, abandoned airport with his dog, Jasper, and a mercurial, gun-toting misanthrope named Bangley. This post-apocalyptic story is a gripping ode to friendship and the value of life. The film adaptation, directed by Ridley Scott, stars Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Allison Janney, and Guy Pearce.
Premieres on Netflix August 28
This dark, suspenseful thriller weaves a multi-generational tale of a father and son caught in the crosshairs of a decades-old case of a serial killer convicted of preying on a small town. Tom Kennedy is a grieving young widower whose life is turned upside down when his young son is abducted. The psychological thriller film, rated R, stars Robert De Niro, Michelle Monaghan, Adam Scott, and Michael Keaton.
The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman
Practical Magic 2 is coming to theaters September 11
For over three-hundred years a curse has kept the Owens family from love—but all of that is about to change in this breathtaking conclusion to the Practical Magic series. Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Stockard Channing, and Dianne Wiest reprise their roles from the 1998 film alongside new cast members Joey King, Maisie Williams, Lee Pace, and Xolo Maridueña.
The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie
Tommy & Tuppence Premieres on Netflix September 15
Alongside her better known sleuths, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, Christie deemed Tommy & Tuppence her favorite creations and her enthusiasm for the couple is apparent on the page. The new six-part miniseries offers a modern take on the series, set in upscale London. The duo tackles murders and mysteries amidst playful chemistry and witty banter.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Premieres on Prime Video September 23
When a fake relationship between scientists meets the irresistible force of attraction, it throws one woman's carefully calculated theories on love into chaos. Third-year Ph.D. candidate Olive Smith doesn’t believe in lasting love and when she sets out to prove her theory, she finds it isn’t as simple as she thought. The movie adaptation, rated R, stars Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman.
Premieres on Prime Video October 1
Carrie White may be picked on by her classmates, but she has a gift. And she’s learning how to use it. King's legendary debut tells the story of a teenage outcast and the revenge she enacts on her enemies. Mike Flanagan has adapted the 1974 novel as a miniseries starring Summer Howell. While there is no official rating yet, this series is likely to be inappropriate for young children.
Coming to theaters October 2
Lowen Ashleigh thinks she has landed the job of a lifetime when the husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford hires the struggling writer to complete his injured wife’s novels. But the job turns out to be more than she bargained for. The adaptation, rated R, is described as a psychological erotic thriller, starring Dakota Johnson, Anne Hathaway, and Josh Hartnett.
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Coming to theaters October 16
This classic has been adapted before, of course, but we never get tired of fresh new takes on Austen’s beloved novels. The new film, rated PG, is described a charming, witty, and deeply relatable story of love and sisterhood directed by Georgia Oakley and starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Esmé Creed-Miles, Caitríona Balfe, Frank Dillane, George MacKay, and Fiona Shaw.
Most anticipated
Here are a few of the exciting upcoming adaptations we've got on our radar.
Hopefully this has given you some ideas for titles to add to your shelves this summer. And shop our Endless Summer Reads page where you can get in on summer promos.
Keep an eye out for upcoming Endless Summer posts, including:
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