These Classic Children's Books Were Made Into Movies
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As a child, I was a huge reader. I had a library card for as long as I can remember, and I easily went through a book a day. Reading was always a way for me to escape into a world of imagination, and I loved imagining who the characters were and how they would play out in “real life”.
Fast forward to 2024, and almost everything can be seen on screen. Many books that I knew and loved as a kid have had at least one on screen adaptation at this point. Watching some of my favorite stories come to life has been magical. And as a mom who works to instill the love of reading in her children as well, it’s always interesting to see some of their favorite books make it onto the big screen. (And admittedly, my character voices suck — so it helps to have a voice other than mine that my children can put to the characters!)
Here are 15 children’s books that were made (or are going to be made) into movies. Grab a copy of your favorite — and then get the popcorn ready for a family movie night.
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Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
I can vividly remember this book being read to me by my elementary school teacher. It was indeed a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. The film adaptation of the movie stars Steve Carrell, so even if your children don’t enjoy it, most adults will get some laughs out of it.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Where to watch: Streaming on Disney+, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play Movies
Alice in Wonderland
The story of Alice in Wonderland has been brought to life countless times on screen. And whether you’re a fan of Alice, The Queen of Hearts, or the Mad Hatter you’re sure to find an adaptation of the film that you love. Disney Junior even has a series called Alice’s Wonderland Bakery for the smallest Alice lovers! The most recent adaptation of the film was done by Tim Burton, so you may want to give it a quick screen before letting younger kids view it.
In terms of book versions, this one from Little Golden Books is the most kid-friendly — but older kids may want to read the original, too!
Alice in Wonderland
Where to watch: Streaming on Disney+, YouTube, Google Play Movies
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
This book was a staple for me in my tween/early teen years. From discussions around puberty, to religion and parent/child relationships Judy Blume handles Margaret’s story with amazing care. And even with the book originally being published in 1970, it remains a relatable story of growing pains.
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Google Play Movies, Apple TV, Starz, Sling TV
A Wrinkle in Time
If you know what a tesseract is, then you likely read A Wrinkle in Time a time or two. The book used to be required reading on school reading lists; however, it has since been banned and removed from school libraries. Those elements aside, it’s a wonderful story — and the on-screen version is beautifully imagined.
A Wrinkle in Time
Where to watch: Streaming on Disney+, YouTube, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies
Captain Underpants
If your child is a fan of potty humor and practical jokes, the Captain Underpants series is sure to entertain. George and Harold’s shenanigans were probably the first chapter books my son became interested in and we have countless Captain Underpants stories laying around the house. The on-screen version is technically a series, but still fun for families!
The Adventures of Captain Underpants
Where to watch: Streaming on Netflix, Google Play Movies, Apple TV, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Another great story that has been brought to life numerous times on screen. The latest version is another Tim Burton film, however, the 1970s version is still a fun one of nostalgia. There is also a 2023 film, Wonka, being released that is supposed to serve as a prequel to the book, following Willy Wonka in his days prior to opening the chocolate factory.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Where to watch: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) is streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV, and YouTube; Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) is streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or HBO Max
Clifford the Big Red Dog
Clifford and Emily Elizabeth have numerous books detailing their adventures, and seeing a huge red dog come to life on screen is sure to get some giggles out of the kids. The on-screen version tells the story of how Clifford came to live with Emily, and is fun for children that are into “live action” movies.
Clifford the Big Red Dog
Where to watch: Streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, Google Play Movies, and Paramount Plus
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Another tween favorite, Diary of a Wimpy Kid follows the story of middle school kid Greg Heffley, who journals his daily life in a diary. The book series is fairly new and stories are still being written for the series, but there have been two films made thus far.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Where to watch: Streaming on Disney+, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home
How to Train Your Dragon
Toothless is the cutest dragon, and with three movies based off of Cressida Cowell’s story of the same name, families will love this imaginary Viking world. It is a fun coming-of-age story which talks about “rites of passage” and lessons in bravery.
How to Train Your Dragon
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube, Google Play Movies, Fandango at Home
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
Animal lovers will love the story of Lyle the singing crocodile. If musicals are your thing, then the on-screen version will definitely spark joy. Plus, it makes the stories even more fun to read once you hear Lyle’s voice on screen.
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
Where to watch: Streaming on Netflix, Google Play Movies, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube, Fandango at Home
Matilda
I wanted superpowers after reading Roald Dahl’s Matilda and watching the movie with my siblings. The 1996 version of the film was directed by (and stars) Danny Devito, and is still my favorite of the versions available to watch. But Matilda the Musical also has great reviews!
Matilda
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
While technically Miles Morales is a character out of Marvel comics, and some wouldn’t consider that a “book”, the movie is just too good to keep off this list! If you have comic/superhero lovers in your family then you have probably already seen the beautifully-animated movie version.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Where to watch: Streaming on Hulu, fuboTV, Apple TV, FXNOW, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube
The Bad Guys
Everyone can change, right? This is a really fun story of what happens when the bad guys go good. It’s also a fun one for animal lovers, since the main characters of the story are animals that are known to be “dangerous”.
The Bad Guys
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, Apple TV
The Lorax
While many of Dr. Seuss’s books have made it to film/TV, I have found The Lorax to be the most fun and family-friendly (we’re looking at you, Cat in the Hat!). Both the story and movie can be enjoyed by kids of all ages.
The Lorax
Where to watch: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Apple TV, Fandango at Home
The BFG
Another Roald Dahl classic, The BFG is about the unlikely friendship between an orphaned girl named Sophie and a mysterious — big — giant. It was voted one of Time Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Books of all time, and Disney’s screen adaptation is amazing (but may be a bit scary for very young kids; reviewers recommend it for ages 6+).
The BFG
Where to watch: Streaming on Disney+, Google Play Movies, Apple TV, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Gome
