2026 book-to-film adaptations list

Hollywood’s 2026 movie calendar is packed with novels, from Netflix romances to Amazon MGM thrillers and big-budget science fiction. (deadline.com) Deadline’s April 16 roundup says the slate already includes *People We Meet on Vacation*, which debuted on Netflix in January, *Project Hail Mary*, which opened in U.S. theaters on March 20, and *Verity*, which is set for May 15. (deadline.com; aboutamazon.com; variety.com) Netflix’s *People We Meet on Vacation* adapts Emily Henry’s 2021 novel and stars Emily Bader as Poppy and Tom Blyth as Alex, the mismatched friends at the center of the story. Netflix lists the film as a 2026 PG-13 romance, and Tudum says it is directed by Brett Haley. (netflix.com; netflix.com) Amazon MGM’s *Project Hail Mary* turns Andy Weir’s 2021 bestseller into a theatrical science-fiction film led by Ryan Gosling. Amazon says Gosling plays science teacher Ryland Grace, with Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce and Ken Leung in the cast, and the film is now in theaters. (aboutamazon.com) *Verity* brings Colleen Hoover’s 2018 thriller to theaters with Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett starring for director Michael Showalter. Variety reported the May 15, 2026 release date last year, with Nick Antosca credited on the current script. (variety.com) The list stretches well beyond those three titles. Deadline also points to *Remarkably Bright Creatures* on Netflix on May 8, *The Sheep Detectives* in theaters on May 8, and Ridley Scott’s *The Dog Stars* arriving in August. (deadline.com) Studios are pulling from different parts of the bookstore at once: Emily Henry’s contemporary romance, Weir’s hard-science survival story, Hoover’s psychological suspense, George Orwell’s *Animal Farm*, and Shelby Van Pelt’s *Remarkably Bright Creatures* all appear on the same release-year list. Deadline also flagged later 2026 adaptations tied to *Sunrise on the Reaping* and a third *Dune* film. (deadline.com) That mix gives streamers and theaters different kinds of book audiences to chase in the same year. By mid-April, one adaptation is already on Netflix, one is already selling movie tickets, and another has begun rolling out first-look marketing ahead of its May release. (netflix.com; aboutamazon.com; variety.com)