20 Movies Based on Books That Bring Stories to Life

Wonder is a heartfelt movie based on the bestselling book by R.J. Palacio, following a boy with a facial difference as he navigates school for the first time. It's an inspiring story about kindness, empathy, and acceptance that's perfect for family movie night.

Kelly R said:  This family movie (and the book that inspired it) have been revisited many times in my house, and I'm glad for all of the opportunities to talk about kindness and acceptance.

The literary bear with a soft spot for marmalade travels from Peru to London and is taken in by the Brown family. Belly laughs ensue as Paddington adjusts to his new life and tries to escape being added to the collection at the Natural History Museum.

Kelly R said:  My family has enjoyed this more than once, and we loved the sequel too!

Four siblings, neglected by their parents, hatch a plan to improve their circumstances in this family movie based on the book by Lois Lowry. Funny, sweet and a little bit dark, The Willoughbys is one of the best family movies on Netflix.

Kelly R said:  This fantastic movie took us by surprise, and is absolutely one of the best family movies on Netflix!

Fans of the popular Wild Robot book won't want to miss the movie, now on Netflix! The story is about a shipwrecked robot that washes ashore on a deserted island.

Based on the wildly popular children's fantasy books, the Harry Potter films are perhaps best suited as movies for tweens and older kids, as the story grows darker in its later chapters and can be scary for younger viewers. Harry's adventures upon discovering that he is a wizard, and his central role in saving the world from the evil wizard Voldemort, is one beloved by kids and parents alike.

The 2006 movie version of Charlotte’s Web is a touching adaptation of the classic children’s book by E.B. White, telling the story of a pig named Wilbur and his extraordinary friendship with a spider named Charlotte. It’s a gentle, beautifully made family film that brings one of the most beloved books to life.

Alexandra F. said:  My son loved watching this movie after hearing the book read aloud in class when he was in first grade. Both this live action and the older cartoon version are great.

Delinquent boys spend their days digging holes at mysterious Camp Green Lake in this summer family movie that does the book justice.

In this film adaptation of the spooky book (adjusted for a happier ending much to the dismay of Roald Dahl), a boy discovers a convention of witches and tries to thwart their plans to turn children into mice. Anjelica Huston is superb as the Grand High Witch. This was the last film that Jim Henson worked on, and the incredible makeup and puppetry might be scary for younger viewers.

Kelly R said:  Older kids will be better able to appreciate and understand the humor in this dark comedy based on the Roald Dahl book about witches who want to turn the world's children into mice. Some intense scenes and scary imagery might be a bit much for younger ones.

Based on some of the best books for middle schoolers and up, The Hunger Games movie is probably best for older kids, tweens and teens given the darkness of the theme, as well as the (non-graphic) violence.

A visually stunning family adventure directed by Martin Scorsese, Hugo is based on the illustrated novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. Set in a 1930s Paris train station, it’s a magical movie that blends mystery, invention, and a love for early cinema.

Kelly R said:  I was surprised and pleased by how much my kids enjoyed Hugo, but who doesn't love a good Scorsese film?! On the surface it's a story about an orphaned boy who lives in a Paris train station, a once-famous old man who works there, and an automaton that is mysteriously tied to both. At a deeper level, it's a beautifully-shot tribute to the history of filmmaking. Quieter and more layered than many traditional family movies, I love that there is much more to appreciate than just a good plot: a fantastic cast, beautiful cinematography, and amazing detail.

The 1993 movie The Secret Garden is an adaptation of the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, following a lonely girl who discovers a hidden, magical garden. It's a timeless family movie based on a book that celebrates friendship, healing, and the wonders of nature.

Jaclyn Keifer said:  When a young girl is sent to live with her uncle after the death of her parents, his manner and sorrow leaves her feeling bitterly alone. Neglected once again, she begins exploring the estate and discovers a garden that has become hidden and, aided by one of the servant's boys, begins restoring it to its former glory. The secret garden was one of my favorites as a child and I’m thrilled to see the 2020 remake.

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey is a beloved family film based on the classic book about two dogs and a cat who trek across the wilderness to find their owners.

Tera Lee Culverwell said:  This is a wonderful movie that the whole family will enjoy! We've watched this over and over! It will definitely keep the family interested.

Featuring amazing stop-motion animation, young Coraline finds a door that leads to an alternate world that looks almost like her own. With some creepy visuals, this is a step up in intensity from some of the other tamer kids Halloween movies.

Young Matilda must overcome her neglectful family and cruel principal to stand up for herself and what is right. Having special superpowers doesn't hurt. Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman are memorable as Matilda's ridiculous parents. This movie is based on the book by Roald Dahl.

A Viking teenager befriends a dragon in the first movie based on the beloved children's book series.