Get ready to see some of your favourite characters on screen: here are 10 children’s and teen books being adapted for television and film in 2026.
Every year, we get really excited about the children’s and teen books making their way from the page to the screen – it’s a great opportunity to revisit some of our favourite stories or discover tales we haven’t read yet.
But it’s also a fantastic opportunity to engage children in books, using what they see on TV or at the cinema to encourage them to check out the source material.
2026 is no exception, so we’ve picked out 10 adaptations coming our way soon…
Original book by: Enid Blyton
Release date: 27 March
We cannot wait to dive into this fantastical world and join Moonface, Dame Washalot, The Saucepan Man and more for adventures in a magical tree!
We have high hopes for this adventure, which has been scripted by Paddington and Wonka writer Simon Farnaby and has an impressive cast including Claire Foy, Andrew Garfield, Nicola Coughlan, Nonso Anozie, Lenny Henry, Michael Palin, Jennifer Saunders… and more!
Original book by: C.S. Lewis
Release date: 25 December on Netflix – may appear in cinemas earlier
Get ready to enter the world of Narnia! We are so excited about this first adaptation of C. S. Lewis’s classic series, which is being directed by Greta Gerwig.
Not only are we expecting an all-star cast including Daniel Craig and Carey Mulligan, but Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt are co-composing the score after working with Greta on Barbie. There have even been unconfirmed rumours that Meryl Streep could be voicing Aslan! Whether or not that turns out to be true, we’re expecting an epic adventure.
Original book by: Laura Ingalls Wilder
Release date: TBC
Netflix has announced that we’ll be getting a brand new “transformed adaptation” of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s classic series, describing it as “part family drama, part epic survival tale, and part origin story of the American West”.
We don’t have a release date yet, but filming has taken place, so we’re hoping to see it in 2026.
Original book by: Suzanne Collins
Release date: 20 November
Are you ready to enter the arena again? This prequel follows a young Haymitch as he’s selected to compete in the 50th Hunger Games – the Second Quarter Quell, in which each district of Panem must send twice the number of tributes to the Capitol to fight.
The cast for this film is astonishing, including Glenn Close, Ralph Fiennes, Jesse Plemons, Mckenna Grace, Kieran Culkin, Billy Porter, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke and more… is it November yet?
Original book by: Alice Oseman
Release date: TBC
Alright, this is a cheat – we’ve been enjoying Heartstopper on Netflix for three seasons now. But the adaptation of Alice Oseman’s fantastic graphic novel series will come to an end in 2026 with a feature-length TV movie, Heartstopper Forever.
The film is based on the sixth volume of Heartstopper plus the Nick and Charlie novella. We’re already preparing to sob.
Original book by: Deborah Diesen and Dan Hanna
Release date: TBC (20 March in USA)
Deep in the water, Mr. Fish swims about with his fish face stuck in a permanent pout.
This picture book is being adapted into a film about grumpy Mr Fish teaming up with hyperactive sea dragon Pip on a quest to save their home – expect voices from the likes of Nick Offerman, Amy Sedaris and Jordin Sparks.
Original book by: Stephenie Meyer
Release date: TBC
Midnight Sun is the Twilight companion novel which retells the events of the series from Edward Cullen’s point of view – and Netflix has announced that they will be adapting it into an animated series. But there aren’t many details at this stage and it’s been in the works for a while, so one to keep an eye on!
Original book by: Dr Seuss
Release date: 6 November
Get ready for lots of Dr Seuss coming your way – this adaptation of The Cat in the Hat will reportedly be part of the ‘Seussiverse’, with Thing One and Thing Two and Oh, The Places You’ll Go also in the works.
The Cat in the Hat will see siblings Gabby and Sebastian struggling with their move to a new town – can The Cat cheer them up? Bill Hader will be voicing the main character, and other stars involved include Matt Berry, Quinta Brunson, Ginacarlo Esposito and America Ferrera.
Original book by: Jeff Kinney
Release date: Late 2026 TBC
Disney+ just can’t get enough Wimpy Kid… like lots of young readers we know! The Getaway will be the fifth animated film based on these hugely popular books.
Jeff Kinney will be adapting The Getaway for the screen himself, with the film focusing on Greg and his family escaping to a tropical island resort for a much-needed break. What could possibly go wrong…?
Original book by: Eric Morecambe
Release date: TBC
This new BBC comedy, based on the 1980s series of books by Eric Morecambe, looks like it will be an absolute treat! The fantastic Lenny Rush stars as Val, who is brought up in a vampire family only to accidentally come across his own reflection… and realise he’s not a vampire at all!
The cast is packed with comedians, including Tom Davis, Sian Clifford, Charlie Cooper, Asim Chaudhry, Joe Wilkinson, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Bill Bailey and Ross Noble – so expect lots of laughs.