Top 5 YA Book-to-Film Adaptations You Need to Know in 2026
Here are the best Young Adult (YA) book-to-film adaptations for 2026. Whether youโre looking for buzzy premieres, emotional storytelling or genre-defying hits, this list breaks down everything you need to know. Each pick includes key features, pros and why it stands out! The choices are endless โ from dystopian prequels to zombie thrillers and skating romance.
For readers whoโve dogโeared their favorite chapters, argued about casting choices in group chats and sworn theyโll โread the book firstโ (even if the premiere is in two weeks), 2026 is shaping up to be a cinematic feast. These adaptations arenโt just pageโtoโscreen transfers โ theyโre full-on love letters to the YA stories that shaped us. Directors, streaming platforms and fandoms are all stepping up to honor the source material with big budgets, bold choices and a whole lot of heart. From Suzanne Collins expanding the Hunger Games universe to Courtney Summersโ gritty survival horror finally getting its moment, this is the year YA goes big, ambitious and beautifully bookish.
#1 โ Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
What It Is
A major prequel to The Hunger Games, following a young Haymitch Abernathy during the brutal 50th Hunger Games. Itโs poised to be the YA event of the year.
Why Itโs Ranked #1
Suzanne Collins returning to Panem is enough to break the internet. Add a fanโfavorite Victorโs backstory and blockbusterโlevel production, and itโs the clear top pick.
Key Features
- Release Date: November 20, 2026
- Platform: Theaters
- Genre: Dystopian, action, drama
- Connection: Prequel to The Hunger Games
Pros
- Massive builtโin fanbase
- High production value
- Strong early buzz
Best For
Dystopian fans, franchise loyalists and anyone who loves morally complex heroes.
#2 โ This Is Not a Test by Courtney Summers
What It Is
A raw, characterโdriven survival thriller that traps six teens inside their high school during a zombie outbreak โ with a protagonist who isnโt sure she wants to survive.
Why Itโs a Top Pick
Courtney Summers writes emotional devastation like itโs an Olympic sport, and this adaptation promises the same intensity with a horror edge.
Key Features
- Release Date: February 20, 2026
- Platform: Theaters
- Genre: Horror, psychological thriller, YA drama
Pros
- Unique blend of horror and emotional realism
- Strong character focus
- Appeals to both YA and genre fans
Best For
Readers who love survival stories, messy emotions and highโstakes tension.
#3 โ Finding Her Edge by Jennifer Iacopelli
What It Is
A YA sportsโromance series about a figure skater from a legendary family who fakes a relationship with her partner โ only to catch real feelings.
Why It Made the List
Itโs the perfect blend of romance, athletic pressure and family legacy, tailorโmade for Netflixโs swoony YA audience.
Key Features
- Release Date: January 22, 2026
- Platform: Netflix
- Genre: Romance, sports drama, YA contemporary
Pros
- Strong, determined heroine
- Love triangle tension
- Gorgeous skating sequences
Best For
Perfect for To All the Boys fans, sportsโromance readers and anyone who loves a gentle slow burn.
#4 โ Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer
What It Is
An animated adaptation of Twilight from Edwardโs POV.
Why Itโs a Top Pick
Meyer is directly involved, and the fandom is already buzzing after the franchiseโs anniversary re-release. The project taps into long-standing Twilight nostalgia while offering a fresh stylistic angle through animation.
Key Features
- Platform: Netflix
- Release Date: TBD 2026
- Format: Animated YA fantasy
- Source Material: Edward-centered retelling of Twilight
Pros
- Strong built-in fanbase
- Unique animated approach for the franchise
- High nostalgia factor
- Author involvement increases confidence in tone and accuracy
Best For
Fans of Twilight, longtime YA fantasy readers and anyone curious about a new perspective on a familiar story.
#5 โ The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli
What It Is
A heartfelt Simonverse adaptation following Mollyโs journey toward first love.
Why Itโs a Top Pick
Soft, heartfelt and touched with Albertalliโs familiar warmth. The storyโs gentle tone and inclusive cast make it a natural fit for YA viewers who want something tender and relatable.
Key Features
- Platform: TBD
- Release Date: Expected 2026
- Genre: Contemporary YA romance
- Universe: Part of the Simonverse
Pros
- Warm, emotionally grounded storytelling
- Inclusive characters and relationships
- Strong appeal for fans of contemporary YA
- Faithful to Albertalliโs signature voice
Best For
Viewers who love soft romance, character-driven stories and the comforting tone of the Simonverse.
How These YA Adaptations Were Chosen
The YA adaptations are assessed with verified release windows, production developments, cultural impact and the overall strength of fan anticipation. Research drew on industry announcements, adaptationโtracking resources and Book Riotโs 2026 roundup. The selections showcase a wide range of genres, strong emotional resonance and projects supported by distinguished creative teams.
These are the standout YA bookโtoโfilm adaptations to look for in 2026. Whether youโre in the mood for emotional depth, cinematic spectacle or cozy contemporary charm, each title offers something distinct. Let this list shape your watchlist, spark a reread or finally motivate you to shrink that TBR stack before the credits roll.
