10 Books To Read Before The Screen Version Comes Out
Picture this: You’re scrolling through your favorite streaming service and suddenly spot a new movie or show based on a book everyone’s been talking about.
Before you hit play, why not grab the book first?
Reading the original story gives you a front-row seat to all the details, emotions, and surprises that might not make it to the screen.
Here are ten incredible books you should absolutely read before their adaptations drop!
1. Project Hail Mary – Andy Weir
Imagine waking up alone on a spaceship with no memory of how you got there, millions of miles from Earth.
That’s exactly what happens to Ryland Grace in this mind-blowing science fiction adventure by the author of The Martian.
Ryan Gosling stars in the movie version hitting theaters March 20, 2026.
If you loved solving impossible problems alongside Mark Watney, you’ll adore this story about saving humanity from extinction through science, humor, and an unexpected friendship with an alien.
2. Sunrise on the Reaping – Suzanne Collins
Fans of Panem, get ready to return to the brutal world of the Hunger Games!
Suzanne Collins is taking us back fifty years before Katniss Everdeen volunteered as tribute.
This prequel focuses on the Second Quarter Quell, where twice as many tributes entered the arena.
Expect political intrigue, heartbreaking sacrifices, and the trademark Collins commentary on war and survival.
3. Verity – Colleen Hoover
Dark secrets hide in manuscript pages waiting to be discovered.
Lowen Ashleigh accepts a job completing a bestselling series for injured author Verity Crawford, but what she finds in Verity’s notes is absolutely chilling.
This psychological thriller is nothing like Hoover’s typical romance novels – it’s twisted, intense, and genuinely creepy.
The movie adaptation promises to bring those disturbing revelations to life.
4. Remarkably Bright Creatures – Shelby Van Pelt
An octopus solving mysteries sounds ridiculous until you meet Marcellus.
This extraordinarily intelligent cephalopod lives at an aquarium where elderly widow Tora works the night shift.
Together, they form an unlikely friendship that helps Tora uncover secrets about her son’s disappearance decades ago.
Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel charmed readers everywhere with its quirky premise and genuine heart.
5. The Magician’s Nephew – C. S. Lewis
Before Lucy stepped through the wardrobe, Narnia had an origin story involving magic rings, a dying world, and a lion’s song of creation.
C. S. Lewis wrote this prequel to explain how the wardrobe became magical and where the White Witch came from.
Digory and Polly’s accidental dimension-hopping adventure is pure fantasy magic.
6. Margo’s Got Money Troubles – Rufi Thorpe
What would you do if you were broke, pregnant, and living with your former pro-wrestler dad?
Margo decides to start an OF account, and her dad becomes her unlikely business partner and cameraman.
Rufi Thorpe writes with humor and compassion about modern financial struggles and unconventional families.
Though the premise sounds wild, the emotional core is surprisingly tender and real.
7. Sense and Sensibility — Jane Austen
Two sisters, opposite personalities, both searching for love in Regency England.
Elinor represents sense – practical, reserved, hiding her heartbreak.
Marianne embodies sensibility – passionate, romantic, wearing her heart on her sleeve.
Jane Austen’s first published novel explores how both approaches to life have strengths and weaknesses.
The newest adaptation promises fresh perspectives on this classic tale of sisterhood, society, and finding balance between head and heart.
8. Heartstopper Volume 6 – Alice Oseman
Charlie and Nick’s relationship continues to blossom in the latest installment of this beloved graphic novel series.
Alice Oseman’s webcomic turned publishing phenomenon has captured hearts worldwide with its authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ teen romance.
The Netflix series already adapted earlier volumes, and fans eagerly await this newest chapter.
Expect more adorable moments, mental health discussions, and that signature Heartstopper wholesomeness that makes everyone smile.
9. Wuthering Heights – Emily Brontë
Love, revenge, and ghosts haunt the Yorkshire moors in this Gothic masterpiece.
Heathcliff and Catherine’s toxic obsession spans generations, destroying everyone around them.
Emily Brontë created one of literature’s most intense and controversial romances – calling it unhealthy would be an understatement!
The 2026 adaptation starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi drops February 13th.
Fair warning: this isn’t your typical Valentine’s Day romance; it’s dark, twisted, and utterly unforgettable.
10. Remain – Nicholas Sparks
Nicholas Sparks returns with another emotional journey guaranteed to tug your heartstrings.
While specific plot details remain under wraps, Sparks fans know what to expect . small-town settings, impossible choices, and love that transcends obstacles.
His novels have inspired countless adaptations from The Notebook to Dear John.
If past patterns hold, Remain will feature ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances with courage and heart.
