Best Movie Adaptations Of Books Coming In 2025 And Early 2026

For book lovers, few things are as exciting as watching a beloved novel come alive on screen. The best movie adaptations of books coming out in 2025 and early 2026 span gothic romance, pulse-pounding thrillers, cozy mysteries, and award-season literary dramas. Whether you’re waiting for Netflix drops, prestige festival films, or Valentine’s weekend romantic spectacles, these are the best movie adaptations of books 2025 (and just into 2026) that deserve a spot on your watchlist.

At a Glance

Frankenstein (Oct–Nov 2025, Netflix + theaters): Guillermo del Toro’s gothic reimagining, a major entry among the best movie adaptations of books 2025.
The Woman in Cabin 10 (Oct 2025, Netflix): Ruth Ware’s yacht thriller, one of the most anticipated best movie adaptations of books coming out this fall.
Hamnet (Late 2025, theaters): Chloé Zhao’s Shakespearean drama, already an awards favorite among the best movie adaptations of books 2025.
Wuthering Heights (Feb 2026, theaters): Emerald Fennell’s bold gothic romance with Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, a top pick for the best movie adaptations of books coming out in early 2026.

1) Frankenstein

Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is set to be one of the most anticipated best movie adaptations of books 2025, honoring Mary Shelley’s gothic masterpiece while adding his trademark humanist vision. Oscar Isaac stars as Victor, Jacob Elordi as the Creature, and Mia Goth as the haunted love interest. With a fall theatrical launch and a November Netflix debut, it’s positioned for awards glory and mass audience appeal.

Based on: Mary Shelley’s novel.
Release: Theaters Oct 17, 2025; Netflix Nov 7, 2025 (Netflix Tudum).
Starring: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth.
Why it matters: A gothic classic reimagined by an Oscar-winning auteur—an instant entry among the best movie adaptations of books coming out.

2) The Woman in Cabin 10

Ruth Ware’s bestselling yacht-set thriller drops on Netflix in October and is already a contender for the best movie adaptations of books coming out this year. Keira Knightley plays a journalist whose luxury cruise assignment turns sinister after she witnesses a possible murder. Expect paranoia, gaslighting, and plenty of sleek twists—perfect for thriller readers.

Based on: Ruth Ware’s novel.
Release: Oct 10, 2025 on Netflix (Netflix Tudum).
Starring: Keira Knightley, Guy Pearce, Hannah Waddingham.
Why it matters: A glossy locked-room mystery that stands out as one of the best movie adaptations of books 2025 for thriller fans.

3) The Housemaid

Freida McFadden’s viral hit lands in theaters just before Christmas, primed to be one of the best movie adaptations of books coming out in 2025. Sydney Sweeney plays the young housekeeper hired by a wealthy family, while Amanda Seyfried embodies her glamorous, manipulative employer. With its deadly twists and social-media-friendly buzz, this adaptation is set for holiday breakout status.

Based on: Freida McFadden’s novel.
Release: Dec 19, 2025 in theaters (People).
Starring: Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried.
Why it matters: A social media sensation turned cinematic event—one of the most talked-about best movie adaptations of books 2025.

4) Hamnet

Chloé Zhao’s take on Maggie O’Farrell’s novel Hamnet already has serious awards momentum, after winning TIFF’s People’s Choice Award. Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley headline this intimate tale of Shakespeare, Agnes, and the child they lost, blending literary prestige with emotional resonance. It’s shaping up as one of the best movie adaptations of books 2025 for audiences who crave sweeping, character-driven period dramas.

Based on: Maggie O’Farrell’s novel.
Release: Late 2025 awards corridor (AP News).
Starring: Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal.
Why it matters: A prestige drama with Oscar potential, cementing it as one of the year’s best movie adaptations of books coming out.

5) Wuthering Heights

Emerald Fennell directs a bold, feverish adaptation of Emily Brontë’s gothic classic, making this one of the most daring best movie adaptations of books coming out in early 2026. Margot Robbie stars as Catherine Earnshaw, while Jacob Elordi takes on Heathcliff in a reimagined tale of obsession and ruin. First-look footage promises provocative intensity, stormy visuals, and even original music by Charli XCX—ensuring global conversation when it hits theaters.

Based on: Emily Brontë’s novel.
Release: Theatrical Feb 13, 2026 (Valentine’s weekend) (Entertainment Weekly).
Starring: Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, Hong Chau.
Why it matters: Gothic romance elevated with modern star power—an essential among the best movie adaptations of books coming out in 2026.

6) Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy

Renée Zellweger returns as Bridget for Valentine’s weekend 2025, cementing this rom-com as one of the most joyful best movie adaptations of books 2025. With Hugh Grant reprising his role and Leo Woodall joining as a new romantic lead, this chapter blends nostalgia with fresh chemistry. Fans worldwide streamed it on Peacock or caught it in theaters for the ultimate Galentine’s or date-night watch.

Based on: Helen Fielding’s novel.
Release: Feb 13, 2025 on Peacock (US); international theatrical release (Peacock).
Starring: Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant, Leo Woodall.
Why it matters: A Valentine’s treat and a standout among the best movie adaptations of books coming out for rom-com fans.

7) The Amateur

Rami Malek leads this grounded spy thriller based on Robert Littell’s novel, marking one of the more traditional but highly anticipated best movie adaptations of books 2025. With Rachel Brosnahan and Caitríona Balfe in supporting roles, the story follows a CIA cryptographer forced into the field after tragedy. Its April theatrical release sets it up as counter-programming to blockbuster franchises.

Based on: Robert Littell’s novel.
Release: Apr 11, 2025 in theaters (20th Century Studios).
Starring: Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan.
Why it matters: A cerebral spy thriller poised to stand tall among the best movie adaptations of books coming out.

8) Mickey 17

Oscar-winner Bong Joon Ho adapts Edward Ashton’s Mickey7 into a darkly comic sci-fi spectacle, firmly among the best movie adaptations of books 2025 for genre fans. Robert Pattinson headlines as the expendable clone Mickey, navigating survival, identity, and corporate exploitation. Global buzz from its February premiere confirms its appeal as smart, accessible science fiction.

Based on: Edward Ashton’s novel.
Release: Global rollout Mar 5, 2025 (Reuters).
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun.
Why it matters: Visionary director + inventive novel = a sci-fi highlight among the best movie adaptations of books coming out.

9) The Electric State

The Russo brothers adapt Simon Stålenhag’s illustrated novel into a Netflix tentpole, making it one of the best movie adaptations of books coming out in spring 2025. Millie Bobby Brown stars as a runaway girl journeying through a retro-futurist wasteland with her robot companion, with Chris Pratt co-starring. Early trailers emphasize visual splendor and emotional depth, ideal for both sci-fi and literary audiences.

Based on: Simon Stålenhag’s novel.
Release: Mar 14, 2025 on Netflix (Netflix Tudum).
Starring: Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt.
Why it matters: A visually stunning road movie among the best movie adaptations of books 2025.

10) Animal Farm (early 2026)

Andy Serkis tackles George Orwell’s allegorical novella in animated form, set to arrive in early 2026 after festival showings in 2025. Featuring the voices of Seth Rogen and Glenn Close, this reimagining leans into political satire while reintroducing the story to new generations. As an early 2026 release, it stands out as one of the most intriguing best movie adaptations of books coming out on the horizon.

Based on: George Orwell’s novella.
Release: Early 2026 after 2025 festivals (Cartoon Brew).
Voices: Seth Rogen, Steve Buscemi, Glenn Close.
Why it matters: A timeless allegory reborn, ranking high among anticipated best movie adaptations of books coming out.

FAQ

1. What are the best movie adaptations of books coming out in fall 2025?

Frankenstein (Oct 17 theaters, Nov 7 Netflix) and The Woman in Cabin 10 (Oct 10 Netflix) are the top fall releases among the best movie adaptations of books 2025.

2. Which adaptation has the most awards momentum?

Hamnet is the standout, fresh off its TIFF People’s Choice Award, and firmly in the running as one of the best movie adaptations of books coming out in 2025.

3. What’s the top romantic adaptation in 2025?

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (Feb 13, Peacock US + theaters intl) is the must-watch rom-com on the list of best movie adaptations of books 2025.

4. Are there any spy thrillers based on books in 2025?

Yes. The Amateur (Apr 11 theaters) is a spy drama based on Robert Littell, marking it as one of the most traditional best movie adaptations of books coming out.

5. Which early 2026 adaptations should readers mark now?

Wuthering Heights (Feb 13, 2026) and Animal Farm (early 2026) are the big early entries among the best movie adaptations of books coming out.

Final Chapter: Bookshelf to Box Office

From Brontë’s windswept moors to Ware’s tense cruise liner, the best movie adaptations of books coming out in 2025 and early 2026 highlight the richness of literature translated to film. Whether prestige dramas like Hamnet, thrillers like The Housemaid, or bold reinventions like Wuthering Heights, these stories prove that the written word continues to inspire cinema at its most exciting.