Movies Based on Books

When you love a book, few things are more exciting (or more nerve-racking) than seeing it turned into a movie. While not every movie based on a book manages to live up to fans' imaginations, the ones on this list are almost as good on the screen as they were on the page. Books made into movies also can be a great way to inspire kids who aren't big readers to crack open a novel they might otherwise have ignored. For more page-to-screen adaptations, be sure to check out our list of TV Shows Based on Books.

Filter by:
The Gruffalo Poster Image
MOVIE

The Gruffalo

age 3+

Favorite book adaptation promotes brains over brawn.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2011)
Lost and Found Poster Image
MOVIE

Lost and Found

age 3+

Picture-book adaptation will delight even youngest kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Poster Image
MOVIE

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

age 3+

Remains faithful to A. A. Milne's beloved classic stories.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1977)
The Snail and the Whale poster
MOVIE

The Snail and the Whale

age 3+

Joyful animation champions adventure, courage, friendship.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
Stellaluna Poster Image
MOVIE

Stellaluna

age 3+

Picture book gets a sweet musical adaptation for families.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2012)
Zog Poster Image
MOVIE

Zog

age 3+

Short animated adaptation is full of positive messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
Alice in Wonderland Poster Image
MOVIE

Alice in Wonderland

age 4+

Surreal animated Disney classic with mild peril.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1951)
Dr. Seuss: Green Eggs and Ham and Other Favorites Poster Image
MOVIE

Dr. Seuss: Green Eggs and Ham and Other Favorites

age 4+

Shoddy animation, but still classic Seuss.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2003)
Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who! Poster Image
MOVIE

Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!

age 4+

Adorable 'toon fun for all, no matter how small.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2008)
The Snowy Day Poster Image
MOVIE

The Snowy Day

age 4+

Love and community central to holiday book adaptation.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)
Bambi Poster Image
MOVIE

Bambi

age 5+

Disney's original circle-of-life story.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1942)
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse TV Poster Image
MOVIE

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse

age 5+

Stunning, thoughtful book adaptation celebrates friendship.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
Charlotte's Web (2006) Poster Image
MOVIE

Charlotte's Web (2006)

age 5+

Enchanting take on a beloved children's classic.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2006)
Dr. Seuss: The Lorax Poster Image
MOVIE

Dr. Seuss: The Lorax

age 5+

Outstanding 1970s parable about protecting nature.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1972)
Mary Poppins Poster Image
MOVIE

Mary Poppins

age 5+

Classic family movie has positive messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1964)
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad Poster Image
MOVIE

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad

age 6+

Two classic stories told in the best Disney style.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1949)
Babe Poster Image
MOVIE

Babe

age 6+

Heartwarming farm story is touching and a bit scary.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1995)
The Bad Guys Poster Image
MOVIE

The Bad Guys

age 6+

Book-based animated heist is so fun, it's criminal.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Poster Image
MOVIE

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

age 6+

A fantastical car story custom-made for kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1968)
Dear Dumb Diary Poster Image
MOVIE

Dear Dumb Diary

age 6+

Books-inspired movie has great social messages for kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)