100 Children’s Books made into Movies

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There is nothing more satisfying and tragic then finishing a really good book. I have often found myself putting off reading that last chapter just so the story doesn’t end. One of my favorite things to do with my children after reading a really great book is to see if there is a movie adaptation of it. It is no secret that the movie can never match the quality and depth of insight that a good novel can, but that alone will give you plenty of discussion. I have put together this list of 100 children’s books made into movies so that the fun doesn’t have to end.

Children’s Books Made into Movies

Elementary Picture Books

If you have ever had a child ask you read and re-read a book a dozen times, you’ll appreciate being able to have a change in scenery with these fun adaptations of popular children’s books that not only will give you a break from the routine of reading the same story but watching the story re-imagined on the silver screen will send a wave of nostalgia over you as you step back to relive your own cherished memories.

Every family will have to make the decision and do their own research as to the appropriateness of the books and movies included in this list. I have broken the list up into broad categories just for quicker reference. Many of these books could easily fall into multiple categories.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

In the quirky town of Swallow Falls, inventor Flint Lockwood’s latest contraption accidentally causes food to rain from the sky. Initially a dream come true for the sardine-loving townsfolk, things quickly spiral out of control as the food weather intensifies, threatening to bury the world in giant meatballs and other culinary chaos.

 

Where the Wild Things Are

After a mischievous night of make-believe, young Max is sent to bed without supper. His bedroom transforms into a magical forest, leading him to a faraway island inhabited by fantastical creatures known as the Wild Things. Max is crowned their king, leading them in a wild rumpus before ultimately longing for the comfort of home.

 

The Story of Ferdinand

In the fields of Spain, Ferdinand the bull prefers smelling flowers to fighting in the bullring. Mistaken for a dangerous beast, he’s captured and taken to Madrid. In the arena, Ferdinand’s gentle nature shines through, proving that being different is something to be celebrated.

 

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

Defying his mother’s warnings, curious and adventurous Peter Rabbit sneaks into Mr. McGregor’s garden for a feast of vegetables. A thrilling chase ensues as Peter tries to escape the clutches of the angry gardener and return home safely.

 

Horton Hears a Who

Horton the elephant discovers a speck of dust containing the tiny town of Whoville. Despite being ridiculed and doubted, Horton is determined to protect the Whos, upholding his belief that “a person’s a person, no matter how small.”

 

Cat in the Hat

On a rainy day, two bored siblings are visited by the mischievous Cat in the Hat, who brings chaos and fun into their home. Their fish warns of the trouble to come as the Cat performs tricks, wreaks havoc, and leaves the children questioning whether they should have ever let him in.

 

The Lorax

In a world devoid of nature, a young boy seeks out the Once-ler to learn about the mysterious Lorax and the trees he speaks for. Through the Once-ler’s cautionary tale, the story explores themes of environmentalism, greed, and the importance of protecting the natural world.

 

Paddington

A kind bear from Peru arrives at Paddington Station in London, where he is taken in by the Brown family. With his marmalade sandwiches and endearing clumsiness, Paddington embarks on a series of misadventures, learning to navigate life in a new city and spreading joy wherever he goes.

 

Are you looking for book to movie activities to go along with this list? Check out: Engaging Activities for book to movie adaptations

 

Books made into Movies with Animal Characters

Everyone loves a heart warming movie with an animal. Some of these movie adaptations are just as big of tear jerkers as their book.

A Dog’s Purpose

Through multiple lives and different breeds, a devoted dog searches for his purpose in the world. He experiences joy, love, loss, and ultimately discovers that his true calling is to bring happiness and companionship to the humans he loves.

 

Black Beauty

This classic tale follows the life of a beautiful black horse as he navigates various owners and experiences, both good and bad. Through hardship and friendship, Black Beauty learns valuable lessons about resilience, kindness, and the enduring bond between humans and animals.

 

Call of the Wild

Buck, a pampered St. Bernard-Scotch Collie mix, is kidnapped and forced to become a sled dog in the harsh Alaskan wilderness during the Gold Rush. Buck’s primal instincts emerge as he adapts to the brutal environment and eventually answers the call of his wild ancestors.

 

Balto

Based on a true story, Balto is a half-wolf, half-dogsled dog who becomes a hero when he leads a team of dogs through a blizzard to deliver lifesaving medicine to the children of Nome, Alaska. The film celebrates courage, determination, and the unwavering spirit of man’s best friend.

 

White Fang

Set in the Yukon Territory, this story follows the life of a wolf-dog hybrid as he journeys from the wild into the world of humans. Through hardship and violence, White Fang learns to trust and love, ultimately finding his place in a world divided between nature and civilization.

 

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh

A widowed field mouse seeks the help of intelligent rats to move her home and save her sick son. Mrs. Frisby’s courage and determination are tested as she uncovers the rats’ secret origins and navigates a dangerous world to protect her family.

 

Where the Red Fern Grows

A young boy in the Ozarks saves up money to buy two redbone coonhound pups, Old Dan and Little Ann. Together, they embark on unforgettable hunting adventures, forging an unbreakable bond and experiencing the joys and sorrows of life in the wilderness.

 

Charlottes Web

Wilbur the pig, destined for the dinner table, finds friendship and protection from a clever spider named Charlotte. Through her web-spinning talents and unwavering loyalty, Charlotte teaches Wilbur and those around them the true meaning of friendship, sacrifice, and the cycle of life.

 

Shiloh

Marty Preston, a young boy in West Virginia, befriends an abused beagle and names him Shiloh. Determined to protect Shiloh from his cruel owner, Marty embarks on a secret mission, testing his courage and learning valuable lessons about compassion and responsibility.

 

Because of Winn Dixie

India Opal Buloni, a lonely ten-year-old girl, finds companionship and adventure when she adopts a stray dog she names Winn-Dixie. Through Winn-Dixie’s playful antics and the friends they make along the way, Opal learns to open her heart and heal from the pain of her past.

 

Black Stallion

Alec Ramsey and a wild black Arabian stallion form an unbreakable bond after surviving a shipwreck together. Their journey back to civilization and Alec’s dream of racing the Black lead to a thrilling adventure and a testament to the power of friendship and perseverance

 

The One and Only Ivan

Ivan, a silverback gorilla who lives in a shopping mall enclosure, reflects on his life and dreams of freedom. When a baby elephant named Ruby arrives, Ivan’s sense of purpose is awakened, leading him to take action and fight for a better future.

 

Tale of Despereaux

Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with big ears and an even bigger heart, defies expectations and embarks on a heroic quest. This heartwarming tale celebrates bravery, compassion, and the power of forgiveness.

 

Mr. Poppers Penguins

Mr. Popper, a house painter with a passion for adventure, receives a surprise delivery of penguins. As he learns to care for his new feathered friends, Mr. Popper’s life is turned upside down in this charming story about family, friendship, and following your dreams.

 

Dr. Dolittle

Dr. Dolittle, a kind-hearted physician, discovers he can talk to animals and embarks on a series of extraordinary adventures. With his animal companions by his side, Dr. Dolittle learns valuable lessons about empathy, compassion, and the importance of respecting all living creatures.

 

Movies made from Beverly Clearly Books

Beverly Clearly books are a staple of every childhood. Several of the stories from these classic literature books have been made into delightful movies where the characters come to life.
Mouse and the Motorcycle and Runaway Ralph

 

Beezus and Ramona

 

Movies Made from Roald Dahl Books

If you have a young student that you just can’t get interested in reading, you may want to try a Roald Dahl book. They will simultaneously be shocked and delighted with every turn of the page. Not yet made into a movie, I recall reading The Twits to my second grade class and having a hard time getting through the pages without laughing myself.
Fantastic Mr. Fox, BFG, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, Matilda

 

Books made into Disney Movies

While the original story can often be far from the tale that Disney produces, many of the movies are still fantastic and give a great opportunity for discussion and to highlight the differences with a Venn Diagram.
Pocohontas

 

Winnie the Pooh

 

Cinderella

 

Beauty and the Beast

 

Peter Pan

 

Alice and Wonderland

 

Jungle Book

 

Dumbo

Dumbo – 70th Anniversary – DVDDUMBODumbo (Disney Animated Classics)

 

Classic Books made into Movies

No movie is ever going to hold a candle to the classics but if you have older children reading these stories and then watching a movie, will give you ample opportunity to discuss things like; whether the author’s purpose was carried over to the movies, character analysis comparisons for both the movie and the book and whether the ending of the movie was more or less satisfying than the book.
The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden: Collectible Clothbound Edition (Abbeville Illustrated Classics)The Secret Garden (2020)

Little Women

Little Women: The Original Classic Novel Featuring Photos from the Film!Little Women

Robin Hood

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood (Barnes & Noble Children’s Leatherbound Classics) (Barnes & Noble Leatherbound Children’s Classics)Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves

Treasure Island

Treasure Island: Classic Illustrated EditionTreasure Island

Swiss Family Robinson

The Swiss Family Robinson (Classic Starts Series)The Swiss Family RobinsonSwiss Family Robinson (Vault Disney Collection) by John Mills

Ann of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables (Puffin in Bloom)Anne of Green Gables, Complete 8-Book Box SetE1 ENTERTAINMENT, Anne of Green Gables: 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition

Heidi

HeidiHeidi: Complete and Unabridged

Wizard of OZ

The Wizard of OzThe Wizard of Oz: The Official 75th Anniversary CompanionOz, the Complete Hardcover Collection (Boxed Set): Oz, the Complete Collection, Volume 1; Oz, the Complete Collection, Volume 2; Oz, the Complete … 4; Oz, the Complete Collection, Volume 5

Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins: The Illustrated Gift EditionMary Poppins: 50th Anniversary Edition (DVD + Digital Copy)

To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird Publisher, 50th Anniversary EditionTo Kill a Mockingbird 60th Anniversary (4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital)

 

Fantasy Books Made into Movies

Howls moving Castle, Never Ending Story, Tuck Everlasting, Tomorrowland, The Borrowers, Harry Potter, The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, Princess Bride, A Wrinkle in Time, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Giver, Animal Farm

Complete World of Howl Collection: Howl’s Moving Castle, House of Many Ways, Castle in the Air ( 1- 3 )Howl’s Moving Castle – Limited Edition Steelbook [Blu-ray + DVD]The NeverEnding StoryThe Neverending StoryTuck Everlasting by Walt Disney Home VideoTuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit (2007) PaperbackTomorrowland: A World Beyond [Blu-ray]The BorrowersThe Borrowers (1997) / The Borrowers (2011) (Double Feature)The Hobbit: Illustrated EditionThe Hobbit: The Motion Picture Trilogy (Extended Edition) (Blu-ray)Harry Potter: The Complete Collection (1-7)Harry Potter: The Complete 8-Film Collection [DVD]The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the KingThe Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the RingThe Princess BrideThe Princess BrideThe Wrinkle in Time Boxed Set, Includes 5 books and an Exclusive JournalA Wrinkle in Time (2018)Journey to the Center of Earth (2008)Journey to the Centre of the EarthThe Giver Illustrated Gift Edition: A Newbery Award Winner (The Giver Trilogy Book 1)The Giver (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD)Animal Farm – George Orwell’s Classic, A 1954 Animated VersionAnimal Farm – New – by George Orwell

Movies from Books that are part of a Series

The fun of book series is that the fun doesn’t have to end after the first book. Most of these books only have 1 movie made after them, and several of them have tried to condense an entire series into one movie. Decide for yourself if the movies live up to the hype.
Artemis Fowl
(DVD to be released soon)
Series of Unfortunate events
Chronicles of Narnia
Boxcar Children
Percy Jackson and the lightning Thief
Twilight
The Borrowers
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
City of Ember
Last Kids on Earth
(Netflix Original series)
How to Train your Dragon
Nancy Drew
Spiderwick Chronicles
Judy Moody

Movies made from Books with Girl Leads

These novels with strong girl characters will put a smile on anyone’s face. There are several different genres to choose from depending on what you’re in the mood for. We recently watched the Enola Homes Netflix movie and loved it.
The Little Princess
Ella Enchanted
Coraline
Madeline
Harriet the Spy
Nim’s Island
The Enola Homes Mysteries
(Netflix Movie Original)

Movies made from books with strong Boy Leads

There are no shortage of wonderful book to movie film adaptations in this category. We have read and watched most of them. If you are looking to teach compassion and empathy I would suggest starting with Wonder and Freak the Mighty, both will give you much to discuss about children who might look or act a little different than what is considered the norm.
Wonder
Freak the Mighty
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Holes
Indian in the Cupboard
My Side of the Mountain
Alexander and the Terrible No Good Very Bad Day

Life of Pi
Hoot
How to eat Fried Worms

Books about Family Relationships for Better or Worse

Do you want to be able to chat with your child about tough subjects without making it awkward. These novels might be just the thing to get the conversation going. These novels remind us that no family is perfect.
Secret life of Bees
The Willoughbys
(A Netflix Original)
The War with Grandpa
Bridge to Terabithia

Holiday Books made into Movies

Enjoy the holidays even more with these movie adaptations of popular Christmas books.
Keep the fun going by grabbing this Polar Express mini unit here. 
The Polar Express
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
A Christmas Carol

Adventure Books Made into Movies

Jumanji
Inkheart

What other book/movies have you seen that we should add to this list?