Read These Books Before They Become Your Favorite New Show or Movie

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Winter is a great time for a vacation, whether you travel far away or just relax at home.

Fans of Emily Henry’s popular novel, The People We Meet on Vacation, will be happy to know the story is coming to Netflix on January 9th! The movie stars Emily Bader and Tom Blyth as Poppy and Alex, best friends who take a yearly trip together. Their adventures around the world are fun, but their friendship is tested when they start to develop romantic feelings for each other.

With fans eagerly anticipating the movie adaptation—and with several other books by Emily Henry planned for the screen—Netflix’s People We Meet on Vacation has already received the author’s enthusiastic endorsement.

She shared with TopMob that she was able to visit the movie set, which gave her confidence in the project. However, seeing the finished cut of the film was even more impactful. It reshaped her understanding of the characters, and she believes that’s a mark of a truly excellent movie.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Emerald Fennell is releasing her highly anticipated adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic tragic romance, Wuthering Heights. Starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as the doomed lovers Catherine and Heathcliff, the film arrives on February 13th. The trailer hints at a dark and atmospheric take on the story, set on the Yorkshire Moors and featuring music by Charli XCX.

While some classic books like Wuthering Heights are falling out of favor for summer reading, one epic story is about to get a big-screen adaptation. Director Christopher Nolan, known for Oppenheimer, is bringing Homer’s The Odyssey to life in a new film. The movie boasts a huge cast, including stars like Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, and Robert Pattinson, and is expected to be a major event this summer.

Okay, so Ben Affleck isn’t in the Troy movie with Matt, which is a tragedy, honestly. But everyone kept asking him about Matt’s insane physique while he was doing press for The Accountant 2, so he had to talk about it! He basically couldn’t escape questions about how ripped Matt got, and he totally spilled the beans on the transformation. I mean, can you blame people for being obsessed? It’s Matt Damon looking like a god!

As Affleck admitted on New Heights in April, “I was like, ‘The one time he got in shape!'”

He still complimented his friend for the effort he put into playing Odysseus. “It looks great!” the actor from The Town said. “It’s not easy getting into character when you’re approaching fifty, you guys will understand!”

Damon’s been hitting the gym, but don’t forget to make time for reading! Here’s a list of books you should check out before their adaptations hit the screen


Oh my goodness, you guys, I’m SO excited for this! It’s based on Maggie O’Farrell’s incredible novel, and it tells the story of William Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet, who died when he was just eleven. The book completely wrecked me – I couldn’t put it down! And now it’s being made into a movie with Paul Mescal, Jessie Buckley, Joe Alwyn, and Emily Watson?! Seriously, the cast is AMAZING. Plus, ChloĂ© Zhao – yes, the ChloĂ© Zhao – is directing and even co-wrote the screenplay with Maggie O’Farrell herself! It’s hitting theaters December 12th, and I already know it’s going to be absolutely devastating… in the best way possible. I’m already counting down the days!

Based On: Freida McFadden’s 2022 novel

Starring: Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar and Michele Marrone

Premieres: In theaters December 19

We’re really looking forward to this new adaptation because of its incredible cast. The story centers around a maid who discovers dark secrets within a wealthy family. Plus, Paul Feig, known for his twisty thrillers like A Simple Favor, is directing, so we expect a suspenseful and exciting ride.

Based on: Alice Feeney’s 2020 Novel

As a lifestyle expert, I’m always asked about the talent behind the projects everyone’s buzzing about! For this one, you’ve got an incredible cast including Tessa Thompson, Jon Bernthal, Pablo Schreiber, Crystal Fox, Sunita Mani, and Rebecca Rittenhouse – seriously, a group of phenomenal actors!

Premieres: January 8, 2026, on Netflix

We’re hooked by this thrilling limited series because of its intriguing premise: a mysterious person returns to their hometown, and their arrival coincides with a murder investigation. The local detective leading the case – played by recent Emmy winner Bernthal – is immediately captivated by this newcomer, Anna Thompson.

This film is adapted from Emily Henry’s 2021 novel and stars Tom Blyth, Emily Bader, Lucian Laviscount, Jameela Jamil, Lukas Gage, and Sarah Catherine Hook.

Premieres: January 8, 2026, on Netflix

We’re thrilled to see Henry’s popular novels adapted for the screen! With strong performances in films like The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and My Lady Jane, Blyth and Bader seem ideally cast as Alex and Poppy.

Based on Laura Dave’s novel The First Time I Saw Him (available January 6, 2026), this Apple TV+ series stars Jennifer Garner, Angourie Rice, David Morse, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Judy Greer, and Rita Wilson. It will premiere on February 20, 2026.

Season two of the popular Apple series picks up with Hannah Hall (Garner) and her stepdaughter Bailey (Rice) five years after the disappearance of Hannah’s husband and Bailey’s father, Owen (Coster-Waldau). They’ve begun to build a new life, but their past comes back to haunt them when Owen unexpectedly reappears, just before a devastating family event throws them into a dangerous fight for survival.

Based On: Julia Quinn‘s 2001 Bridgerton novel An Offer From A Gentleman

The show stars Luke Thompson, Yerin Ha, Jonathan Bailey, Claudia Jessie, Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Adjoa Andoh, Ruth Gemmell, Katie Leung, Michelle Mao, and Isabella Wei.

Release Date: Part One: January 29, 2026; Part Two: February, 26, 2026, on Netflix

Fans will be thrilled to see Benedict Bridgerton finally find love in the next season! After spending three seasons searching for his place within his family and understanding himself, he’s met Sophie Baek, a new character played by Ha, who looks set to be his romantic interest.

Based on: Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel

Release Date: In theaters February 13, 2026

Starring: Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie

We’re thrilled to announce a new adaptation of Wuthering Heights! Director Emerald Fennell, who brought us Saltburn, is working again with stars Jacob Elordi and Robbie, promising a fresh and unique take on the story of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff. Get ready to return to the dramatic moors!

This film is based on the 2022 novel by Hoover and stars Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, Rudy Pankow, Lauren Graham, Bradley Whitford, Lainey Wilson, and Nicholas Duvernay. It will be released in theaters on February 13, 2026. The story follows Kenna, who returns to her hometown after five years hoping to reconnect with her daughter. She unexpectedly finds support from a local bar owner who offers her a second chance. Notably, the author of the bestselling novel also co-wrote the screenplay with Lauren Levine, making this adaptation particularly special.

This new series is based on the bestselling books by Patricia Cornwell, which currently number 26. The show stars Nicole Kidman, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana DeBose, Bobby Cannavale, Simon Baker, and Jake Cannavale. It will premiere on Prime Video on March 11, 2026. We’re particularly excited about this one because Nicole Kidman consistently delivers captivating performances (like in Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers, and The Undoing). Plus, the show features two Oscar-winning actresses playing crime-solving sisters, making it a top contender for our favorite new show of the year.

 

Based On: Andy Weir’s 2021 novel of the same name

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Sandra HĂŒller and Milana Vayntrub

Release Date: In theaters March 20, 2026

We’re thrilled about this new project! Ryan Gosling has played an astronaut before, but this time, he’s the only survivor of a mission to a star system 12 light-years away. After waking from a coma, he’s on his own and has to complete the mission: fix a problem that’s causing the sun to dim and prevent humanity from going extinct. No big deal, right?

Based on: Rufi Thorpe’s 2024 novel
Starring: Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer and Nicole Kidman

The series will debut on Apple TV on April 15, 2026. We’re especially excited because of the casting of Nicole Kidman! The show is based on a fantastic book about a woman who, after becoming a single mother at 20, turns to OnlyFans. With Kidman on board, this eight-episode series is definitely one to watch.

Based on: Hoover‘s 2021 book

Starring: Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett

Premieres: In theaters May 15, 2026

We’re thrilled about this project, especially with Anne, Dakota, and Josh on board! The story—about a writer taking over a popular book series after the original author has an accident—is full of unexpected turns. Having these talented actors bring it to the screen makes it even more captivating.

Based On: The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, Stockard Channing, Dianne Weist, Joey King

Premieres: In theaters September 18, 2026

We’re thrilled to announce the long-awaited sequel! Almost thirty years after the first movie, this new film – based on a novel by Andrew Hoffman – continues the story of Sally, Gillian, Frances, and Jet. They’re now dealing with a family curse that’s starting to affect their daughters and granddaughters.

Based On: Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel

As a lifestyle expert, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news! Get ready for a fantastic new film starring Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jesse Plemons, and the incredible Ralph Fiennes. Mark your calendars – it hits theaters November 20, 2026! I have a feeling this will be a must-see event.

We’re thrilled to announce that Lionsgate is making a movie about Haymitch Abernathy’s time in the Hunger Games! This news came on the same day as the announcement of the next Collins book. The film will focus on Haymitch—the mentor to Katniss and Peeta—and tell the story of how he won the 50th Hunger Games.

 

This movie is based on Ali Hazelwood’s popular 2021 novel. Starring Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman, it’s a big-screen adaptation of the fake dating romance that became a huge hit on #BookTok. What makes this project especially interesting? It started as fanfiction inspired by Star Wars characters Rey and Kylo Ren, and Tom Bateman happens to be married to Daisy Ridley, who played Rey! We’re definitely intrigued to see how this all plays out.

 

Based on Holly Gramazio’s 2024 novel and starring Juno Temple, this upcoming Apple TV series centers around Lauren, a woman who comes home one day to find a husband she’s never met. Soon, she discovers a seemingly endless stream of husbands are appearing from her attic! The series follows Lauren as she tries to figure out what she truly wants in life and whether she’ll take control of her complicated romantic situation.

This new series is based on Elin Hilderbrand’s 2023 novel and stars Jennifer Garner. It will be available to stream on Peacock, with the premiere date yet to be announced. Fans are excited because Hilderbrand is known for her captivating Nantucket beach stories, and pairing that with a talented actress like Garner is a winning combination. Garner plays Hollis, a food blogger whose life is shaken up by a tragedy. To help herself heal, she plans a special weekend getaway with her closest friends, but the trip reveals hidden tensions and secrets that threaten their relationships. It sounds like a must-watch!

Adapted from Stephanie Meyer’s 2020 novel, a new animated version of the Twilight saga, told from Edward Cullen’s perspective, is coming to Netflix. After a ten-year wait for the book’s release, fans will soon be able to see this retelling come to life – and get a look at the famously sparkling vampire in animated form!

This upcoming Apple TV series is based on Marissa Stapley’s 2021 novel and stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Drew Starkey, Annette Bening, Timothy Olyphant, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. The story follows a young woman who returns to a life of deception—the world she grew up in—hoping to build a secure future for herself. With Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine producing and a fantastic supporting cast, it’s shaping up to be a must-watch!

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2025-12-21 20:19