Top 10 Must-Read Books Before They Hit Screens in 2026
2026 is shaping up to be an incredible year for book lovers and screen fans alike! Whether you’re preparing for a movie night with popcorn or a cosy streaming session on the sofa, reading the original stories before they hit screens adds extra depth and excitement. Here are 10 great reads to enjoy before (or while!) watching their adaptations in the coming year.
1. Bridgerton – Julia Quinn
Romance | Period Drama
Netflix’s Bridgerton universe continues to expand, and the books remain the heart of the series. Reading the novels gives you richer character arcs, deeper relationships, and plenty of moments that never make it on screen.
✨ Perfect if you love: Regency romance, gossip, slow-burn tension.
2. The Love Hypothesis – Ali Hazelwood
Romantic Comedy
From viral BookTok favourite to screen adaptation, The Love Hypothesis is heading to film — and it’s easy to see why. Smart, funny, and unexpectedly tender, this STEM-set romance is ideal for readers who love modern love stories with charm.
✨ Perfect if you love: Fake dating, academic settings, witty banter.
3. People We Meet on Vacation – Emily Henry
Contemporary Romance
This beloved friends-to-lovers novel is officially being adapted, and fans are already emotionally preparing. Emily Henry’s storytelling shines in quiet moments, nostalgia, and longing — all best experienced on the page first.
✨ Perfect if you love: Slow burns, travel, emotional depth.
4. Wuthering Heights – Emily Brontë
Classic Literature
A new adaptation of this gothic classic is set to reintroduce Heathcliff and Catherine to a new generation. Dark, dramatic, and beautifully written, this is a timeless reminder that obsession and love often blur.
✨ Perfect if you love: Literary classics, gothic romance, moody atmospheres.
5. Verity – Colleen Hoover
Psychological Thriller
One of Colleen Hoover’s most talked-about novels is finally making its way to the screen. Twisted, unsettling, and impossible to put down, Verity is best read before spoilers start circulating.
✨ Perfect if you love: Dark thrillers, unreliable narrators, shocking twists.
6. The Odyssey – Homer
Epic | Mythology
Ancient stories never go out of style. With fresh cinematic interpretations of Greek myths continuing to emerge, The Odyssey remains essential reading. It’s a story of adventure, survival, and the long journey home.
✨ Perfect if you love: Mythology, epic journeys, timeless storytelling.
7. Sunrise on the Reaping – Suzanne Collins
Dystopian | Fantasy
Set in the Hunger Games universe, this highly anticipated prequel focuses on a younger Haymitch, and fans are already counting down. Expect political tension, moral complexity, and heartbreaking choices.
✨ Perfect if you love: Dystopian worlds, character-driven stories, high stakes.
8. Dune – Frank Herbert (Ahead of Dune: Part Three)
Science Fiction
As the Dune saga continues on screen, revisiting the original novel (or reading it for the first time) adds depth to the cinematic spectacle. Politics, prophecy, and power collide in this sci-fi masterpiece.
✨ Perfect if you love: World-building, philosophical sci-fi, epic scale.
9. Project Hail Mary – Andy Weir
Science Fiction
From the author of The Martian, this science-heavy yet emotionally rich novel is headed for the big screen. Funny, clever, and surprisingly moving, it’s a favourite among both sci-fi fans and casual readers.
✨ Perfect if you love: Space stories, science puzzles, humour with heart.
10. Outlander: Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone – Diana Gabaldon
Historical Romance | Fantasy
The ninth book in the Outlander series continues Jamie and Claire’s story as the TV adaptation progresses. Reading ahead gives fans a deeper understanding of the characters and the emotional weight behind the series’ final chapters.
✨ Perfect if you love: Historical fiction, time travel, epic romances.
📚 Read It First
Watching a story unfold on screen is magical but reading it first lets you imagine the world your own way. Whether you’re preparing for a cinema release, a streaming binge, or simply want to stay ahead of the conversation, these books deserve a spot on your shelf in 2026.
Explore these titles and more at Lowplex Books, and start your reading journey before the opening credits roll.
