Movies Based on Books

Last updated: May 1, 2026

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.

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Lost and Found Poster Image

MOVIE

Lost and Found

age 3+

Picture-book adaptation will delight even youngest kids.

October 15, 2013 2013 NR (54 minutes)

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Stellaluna Poster Image

MOVIE

Stellaluna

age 3+

Picture book gets a sweet musical adaptation for families.

February 21, 2012 2012 G (41 minutes)

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Tabby McTat movie poster: A gray tabby cat sits next to a bearded busker with a guitar in front of a river

MOVIE

Tabby McTat

age 3+

Friendship, perseverance, and change in animated adaptation.

December 25, 2023 2023 NR (25 minutes)

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The Gruffalo Poster Image

MOVIE

The Gruffalo

age 3+

Favorite book adaptation promotes brains over brawn.

August 16, 2011 2011 G (40 minutes)

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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.

March 11, 1977 1977 G (74 minutes)

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The Snail and the Whale poster

MOVIE

The Snail and the Whale

age 3+

Joyful animation champions adventure, courage, friendship.

October 5, 2021 2021 NR (27 minutes)

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Zog Poster Image

MOVIE

Zog

age 3+

Short animated adaptation is full of positive messages.

December 16, 2019 2019 NR (26 minutes)

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Alice in Wonderland Poster Image

MOVIE

Alice in Wonderland

age 4+

Surreal animated Disney classic with mild peril.

July 28, 1951 1951 G (75 minutes)

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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.

March 13, 2008 2008 G (86 minutes)

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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.

October 7, 2003 2003 G (110 minutes)

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The Snowy Day Poster Image

MOVIE

The Snowy Day

age 4+

Love and community central to holiday book adaptation.

November 25, 2016 2016 NR (59 minutes)

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Bambi Poster Image

MOVIE

Bambi

age 5+

Disney's original circle-of-life story.

August 21, 1942 1942 G (70 minutes)

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Charlotte's Web (2006) Poster Image

MOVIE

Charlotte's Web (2006)

age 5+

Enchanting take on a beloved children's classic.

December 14, 2006 2006 G (97 minutes)

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Dr. Seuss: The Lorax Poster Image

MOVIE

Dr. Seuss: The Lorax

age 5+

Outstanding 1970s parable about protecting nature.

February 14, 1972 1972 NR (25 minutes)

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Mary Poppins Poster Image

MOVIE

Mary Poppins

age 5+

Classic family movie has positive messages.

August 29, 1964 1964 G (140 minutes)

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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.

December 25, 2022 2022 NR (35 minutes)

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The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland: Santa and others at table

MOVIE

The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland

age 5+

Cartoon falls, crashes in endearing book-based holiday film.

November 15, 2024 2024 NR (80 minutes)

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Babe Poster Image

MOVIE

Babe

age 6+

Heartwarming farm story is touching and a bit scary.

August 4, 1995 1995 G (91 minutes)

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Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Poster Image

MOVIE

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

age 6+

A fantastical car story custom-made for kids.

December 18, 1968 1968 G (144 minutes)

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Dear Dumb Diary Poster Image

MOVIE

Dear Dumb Diary

age 6+

Books-inspired movie has great social messages for kids.

November 15, 2013 2013 PG (84 minutes)

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