10 Upcoming Fantasy Movies Based on Books We Can’t Wait to See

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Lots of exciting fantasy movies are on the way, and many of the most anticipated ones are based on existing books. This makes sense, as some of the best fantasy films of recent years – including huge hits like The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, as well as smaller films like The Green Knight – were originally novels. This trend continued on television, with popular shows like Game of Thrones, The Wheel of Time, and The Witcher all starting as books.

Hollywood continues to enthusiastically adapt popular fantasy novels for the screen. Several projects have been greenlit recently, including a TV series based on Fourth Wing for Amazon and a Dark Tower series. This trend isn’t limited to streaming and television; major studios are also bringing these stories to the big screen, promising fantasy fans plenty of new movies in the years ahead.

10) The Will of the Many

James Islington’s Hierarchy series gained a huge following after the release of The Will of the Many in 2023. It wasn’t surprising when Sony Pictures announced plans to turn the fantasy novels into a movie last November. Though there haven’t been many updates since, fans are excited about the possibility of seeing this world come to life on screen. If the film stays true to the books, it promises intense political drama, a fascinating magic system, and plenty of unexpected turns – everything needed for a truly epic story. The book’s blend of murder mystery and academic setting also makes it well-suited for a film adaptation, and it has the potential to become the next major fantasy franchise.

9) Mistborn

Fans are thrilled that Brandon Sanderson’s epic Cosmere universe is heading to the screen, with Mistborn set to become a feature film. This adaptation has been a long time coming, and it’s incredibly exciting news for fantasy fans. Beyond its timeless themes of power and rebellion – which feel particularly relevant today – Mistborn’s unique magic system, based on manipulating metals, promises stunning and inventive action sequences that will make it a truly spectacular movie.

8) The Fifth Season

Sony Pictures bought the rights to The Fifth Season in 2021 (according to Deadline), and even though we haven’t heard much about it since, it’s a project with huge potential. Hopefully, it will still be made. N.K. Jemisin’s world deserves to be brought to life on film, and with growing interest in stories about troubled futures, now is the perfect time to adapt The Broken Earth trilogy. The Fifth Season features a wonderfully diverse cast, which would be a welcome change in the fantasy genre, and its themes of climate change, prejudice, and oppression would make it a truly meaningful film.

7) Children of Blood and Bone

The movie adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone is scheduled to come out in 2027, and it’s already generating a lot of buzz. The film boasts an incredible cast including Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Viola Davis, and Amanda Stahlberg, making it even more anticipated. Based on a popular young adult fantasy novel from the 2010s, the movie is set in a unique West African-inspired world and tackles important themes like inequality, prejudice, and colonialism. With its strong cast, compelling setting, and relevant themes, this film promises to be impactful and has the potential to be one of the best fantasy movies of the decade.

6) Shield of Sparrows

The romantasy novel Shield of Sparrows became a major hit in 2025, and Amazon MGM Studios quickly announced plans to adapt it into a film (according to Deadline). The story’s unique world and captivating, slow-developing romance promise to translate well to the screen. Visualizing the monsters and creatures within this world will be a fantastic addition, and the central relationship offers a strong emotional core that could help the film stand out. Romantasy is more popular in books than in fantasy films, making this adaptation particularly exciting.

5) Divine Rivals

Fans of romantasy are in for a treat: Divine Rivals is being adapted into a movie by Paramount Pictures (according to The Hollywood Reporter). What’s interesting is that the story’s relatively simple fantasy world actually gives it a good chance of success. Divine Rivals is set in a world that feels similar to our own, and it prioritizes the love story over complex mythology, making it easy for both new viewers and book fans to enjoy. While the central romance is the main draw, the charming plot involving newspapers and the story’s exploration of the impact of war are also compelling. If the movie does well, there’s even a possibility that a film adaptation of its spin-off, Wild Reverence, could happen too, giving us a deeper look into the world’s more complex backstory.

4) Quicksilver

Netflix is making a big bet on a romantasy movie called Quicksilver, having paid a substantial amount – over a million dollars – for the rights to the novel (according to Deadline). This signals they have high expectations, and we’re excited too! The story is packed with fantasy elements, including fae and vampires, which promises an entertaining adaptation. It also has the potential to streamline the story and, like other upcoming fantasy romances, will add some much-needed romantic focus to the genre. If Netflix stays true to the original book, it could be quite passionate!

3) The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

V.E. Schwab is a fantasy author whose books are ripe for a movie adaptation – in fact, fans are eagerly awaiting one! While several of her works are in development, the most promising project is currently a film adaptation of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. eOne acquired the rights in 2020 (according to Variety), and the book’s unique take on identity and time promises a compelling cinematic experience. Because The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a standalone story, filmmakers won’t feel pressured to alter it to set up sequels. However, if the movie is successful, it could encourage Hollywood to adapt more of Schwab’s novels, including Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil, which shares the same universe.

2) The Magician’s Nephew

Following the underwhelming Disney films, fans are excited about a fresh adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ beloved Chronicles of Narnia series. Luckily, Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Netflix version, due in 2026, promises just that. The idea of such a skilled director tackling The Chronicles of Narnia is already fantastic, but the fact that she’s starting with The Magician’s Nephew – a story never before adapted for the screen – is what really makes this movie special. While The Magician’s Nephew isn’t considered the best of the Narnia books, it’s a delightful story and a perfect way to launch a complete adaptation of the series – something fans have been waiting a long time for.

1) The Odyssey

Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film, The Odyssey, is inspired by the classic poem – now widely available as a book. The 2026 fantasy movie appears to be as grand in scale as the original story, which is exactly what you’d expect from Nolan. The recently released trailer has fans eagerly anticipating its July 17th release. It promises stunning visuals and exciting adventures as Odysseus continues his journey after the Trojan War. With a fantastic cast including stars like Matt Damon and Zendaya, the film is likely to deliver some truly memorable performances. The Odyssey is poised to be one of the year’s biggest releases, and that’s fantastic news for fantasy enthusiasts.

Okay, fellow fantasy fans, I gotta know – what upcoming adaptation are you most hyped for? Seriously, let me know in the comments, and let’s chat about it all over on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-29 05:12