While some people may argue that reading is better than watching its adaptation, something is exciting about seeing a story you once imagined in your head come to life on screen. From the characters you’ve read to the big screen, TV, and film adaptations allow people to experience their favorite books in an entirely new way. Here are the 5 most anticipated YA book adaptations coming out/ in production in 2026-2027.
1 – “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” – Movie
“Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!”
This is one of the most well-known adaptations that are coming out in 2026. “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” is set as a prequel, taking place 24 years before the original trilogy, which tells the story of Haymitch Abernathy, played by Joseph Zada. In the story, Haymitch is separated from his family to join the 50th reaping, but everything turns upside down when the original tribute is killed by the Peacekeepers, forcing Haymitch to become the replacement tribute.
The best-known stars in this movie are McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner and Elle Fanning as young Effie Trinket. Overall, this adaptation is meant to explain and give a closer look at Haymitch’s story and how he became one of the mentor viewers meet in the original trilogy. This movie is scheduled for release on Nov. 20, 2026.
2 – “The Summer I Turned Pretty” – Movie
While originally a Prime Video TV show, author Jenny Han has confirmed that there is a movie coming up. The movie is supposed to be a direct continuation of the original show, and is being described as a “definitive final chapter to the story.”
The TV show first aired on June 17, 2022, and had 86% of approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The story talks about Belly as she spends her summers at Cousins Beach, where she starts to get involved in a complex love triangle with her childhood friends, Conrad and Jeremiah, who are also brothers. The story’s romance and coming-of-age themes can subtly mirror the 1954 movie, Sabrina, an Audrey Hepburn classic about a chauffeur’s daughter who returns from Paris transformed, only to get caught in a love triangle between two brothers, very similar to the TV show.
While the plot details are not known, Jenny Han has stated that the movie focuses on a major milestone in Belly’s journey that couldn’t be properly explored in the TV show form. Fans speculate that the movie is going to be about Conrad’s and Belly’s wedding from the pictures taken of the actors shooting the film. While the release date has not yet been announced, Jenny Han has said to come out sometime around 2027.
3- “A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder” – TV Series
Another popular YA adaptation is “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” based on the best-selling mystery novel by Holly Jackson. The story follows high school student Pip Fitz-Amobi, who decides to reopen a closed murder case for a school project.
The series became extremely popular essentially because of its plot twists and fast-paced storytelling. Booktok was very excited when the first book of the series was adapted to the Netflix TV show. Now, the second season just premiered on May 27, 2026, but author Holly Jackson has confirmed that the third season for the show has already been written and filmed, although a release date has not yet been announced
Like many successful YA thriller series, the adaptation is a mix of mystery, drama, and coming-of-age themes, making it one of the most talked-about young adult TV shows currently streaming.
4- “Children of Blood and Bone” – Movie
Another popular YA adaptation to come to the big screen is “Children of Blood and Bone,” based on the fantasy novel by Tomi Adeyemi. The story takes place in the kingdom of Orïsha and follows Zélie Adebola, played by Thuso Mbedu, a young girl who is determined to restore magic after it was taken away from her people by the monarchy. The novel became popular for its fast-paced writing style and emotional storytelling and was heavily inspired by West African mythology and culture.
The movie is currently expected to be released in 2027 and is considered one of the most anticipated YA fantasy adaptations in development.
5- “Powerless” – Movie
Finally, this YA adaptation is based on the bestselling romance-and-fantasy novel by Lauren Roberts. This story is set in a kingdom where magical abilities determine social status, and follows the story of Paedyn Gray (whose actress has not been confirmed yet). Paedyn Gray is an ordinary girl forced to hide along with powerful elites despite her lack of abilities.
As Paedyn becomes involved in a dangerous royal trial, she develops a complicated relationship with Prince Kai. This relationship creates one of the most popular and loved elements in books: enemies-to-lovers romance, one of the main reasons this novel became known on Booktok. Although casting details and and offical release dates have not been confirmed to the public, the adaptation is currently in development and is expected to come out towards the end of 2027.
