Best Kids Books That Are Movies List For 2023
Great Children’s Books Made Into Movies
If you’d love to get your kids hooked on reading, this is the article for you! Here, you’ll find kids books that are also movies. Dive into amazing adventures, with twists and turns of the story in both formats.
Read the book. Then, see the movie. This makes for an epic family night anytime you want!
Note: the ages below correspond with the kids books, not the movies. Click on the movies to see their rating.
And if your child is older, don’t miss the teen section at the end! You can use the table of contents to skip to it!
Short Children’s Picture Books That Are Movies
First, these children’s books that are also movies are great for young readers who have big imaginations.
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Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett (Ages 4-8)
Spaghetti raining down from the sky? For the people in the town of Chewandswallow, the weather brings all three meals a day. But what happens when the weather goes awry?
Check out the book and movie >>
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (Ages 1-5)
*Caldecott Winner
“When Max dresses in his wolf suit and causes havoc in the house, his mother sends him to bed. From there, Max sets sail to an island inhabited by the Wild Things, who name him king and share a wild rumpus with him.
But then from far away across the world, Max smells good things to eat…” – Amazon
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson (Ages 3-7)
*A great read aloud!
“A Gruffalo? What’s a Gruffalo?” On a walk through the woods, a mouse uses his wit to outsmart a deer, an owl, a snake, and even a Gruffalo!
Paddington by Michael Bond (Kids Books With Movies Ages 2-6)
*This movie was a blockbuster hit!
Paddington meets the Brown family at a train station, and his adventures only go from there! Soon, the family realizes that Paddington is most unusual, and that ordinary things become quite extraordinary with this bear around.
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss (Ages 3-7)
*Perfect around Earth Day!
“I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees.
Dr. Seuss’s beloved story teaches kids to treat the planet with kindness and stand up and speak up for others.” – Amazon
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter (Ages 1-5)
*Classic story for young readers
When Peter Rabbit doesn’t heed the warning from his mother to stay out of Mr. McGregor’s garden, he’s forced to make a tricky escape!
Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans (Ages 2-5)
*Caldecott Honor Book
“In an old house in Paris
that was covered with vines
lived twelve little girls
in two straight lines
the smallest one was Madeline.”
Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg (Ages 6-9)
*How one unique board game comes to life
“Roll the dice, make your move, and plunge into one of the most imaginative stories of our time!” – Amazon
See the book and the original Jumanji movie >>
Note: the newer Jumanji movies are also very popular, but are rated PG-13.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg (Ages 2-7)
*Christmas magic classics!
“A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical train to the North Pole” – Amazon
The Grinch is another amazing holiday classic to read and then watch! Here’s the book and most recent movie >>
Dumbo by RH Disney (Ages 1-4)
*A Disney classic
“Everyone’s favorite big-eared little elephant finds his way to the skies in this uplifting Little Golden Book.” – Amazon
The Story of Ferdinand by Munroe Leaf (Ages 2-6)
*”A must-see family movie”
This is the story of a young bull named Ferdinand. He’s a sweet bull who’d rather sit and smell the flowers than fight in the bull ring. But one day, he gets the chance to enter the ring…
Related Post: Most Inspirational Books For Kids
G Rated Movies & Shows Based on Books
These animated kid movies and shows based on books are perfect for young ones. And the best part? You don’t have to worry about language or content in this section. It’s all rated G!
Curious George by H.A. Rey (Ages 4-7)
*Teacher’s pick
George is a monkey. And he’s very curious. Join as he makes everyday life an adventure!
See one of the books, the popular PBS kids tv series, and one of the movies >>
Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss (Ages 2-8)
“Choose kindness with Horton the elephant and the Whos of Who-ville in Dr. Seuss’s classic picture book about caring for others!” – Amazon
“A person’s a person, no matter how small.“
*And see other great books to teach kindness to kids here >>
Ordinary People Change the World Series by Brad Meltzer (Ages 5-8)
Read a book out of this unique biography series! Learn about American heroes, their incredible stories, kind hearts, and amazing accomplishments.
Check out a book on Jane Goodall and see the PBS kids tv series >>
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White (Ages 5-9)
“One of America’s top 100 loved novels.”
Follow this little girl, her beloved pig, and his best spider friend as they learn important lessons about friendship and love.
This book is also in our great books list for 8 year olds and 9 year old books.
LLama LLama Red Pajama By Anna Dewdney (Ages 1-3)
*A read-aloud favorite!
Little Llama is like many young children, not wanting mama to leave at bed time. Mama Llama is like many parents with small children, who have a few more things to get done before she can go to bed herself.
Chicken Little (Little Classics)
“When the sky really is falling and sanity has flown the coop, who will rise to save the day? Together with his hysterical band of misfit friends, Chicken Little must hatch a plan to save the planet from alien invasion and prove that the world’s biggest hero is a little chicken.” – Walmart
Find the book and the movie >>
Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers (Ages 5-9)
*Teacher’s pick
“From the moment Mary Poppins arrives at Number Seventeen Cherry-Tree Lane, everyday life at the Banks house is forever changed.” – Amazon
See the kids book and the movie >>
(Mary Poppins Returns is a new movie to enjoy as well! It’s Rated PG)
A Little Princess
*A classic children’s novel
Sara Crewe must attend boarding school in London when her father has to leave for India. But despite her hard situation, she remains kind and resilient – the spirit of a true princess.
Chapter Books Made Into Movies List
These movies based off of books for kids are great for middle elementary students to get into!
Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
*Best selling children’s books of all time!
When Harry starts attending Hogwarts, a school for wizards, everything in his life changes. Along with his new friends, he must solve a strange mystery within the walls of his new home.
Grab the first book and the first movie >>
*After, try our book trivia game that has an entire section for this series!
The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey (Ages 6-8)
*New movie – And our family favorite!
They smell and look like bad guys…but are they? Get ready for laughs as you follow these bad guys doing good deeds. Can they turn it around and ditch their bad guy stereotypes?
Find the kids book and movie >>
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (Ages 2-12)
*Story defies logic in this wonderful classic!
Alice’s world changes forever when she falls through a rabbit hole. At the bottom, she finds a fantasy world full of unbelievable things.
Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black (Ages 7-10)
*New York Times Best Seller
Jared and Simon find a mysterious field guide in the attic of an old mansion they just moved into. But their world is changed forever when they discover that a magical faerie world exists that’s parallel to their own.
Get the first book and the movie >>
The Iron Giant by Ted Hughes (Ages 5-11)
A mysterious creature stalks the land, eating barbed wire and devouring tractors and plows. The farmers are mystified—and terrified.
And then they glimpse him in the night: the Iron Giant, taller than a house, with glowing headlight eyes and an insatiable taste for metal. The hungry giant must be stopped at any cost.” – Amazon
See the Chidren’s book and popular movie >>
The BFG by Roald Dahl (Ages 7-9)
*Movie directed by Steven Spielberg
When Sophie is carried off in the night by the BFG, she thinks she is going to be his breakfast! Thankfully, the Big Friendly Giant is not like the other giants. Sophie and the BGF team up to save other children from being eaten by the giants!
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle (Ages 10-14 Years)
*Winner of the Newbery Medal
This thriller begins with an odd stranger on a dark and stormy night. When Meg & Charles learn of a mysterious wrinkle in time, they embark on their own adventures to find their father, who disappeared while doing secret work for the government.
*Find more like this in our best books for 10 year olds list.
The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardbrobe
*One of America’s top 100 most-loved novels
It all starts when four siblings step through a wardrobe door and into an unknown land. This land is called Narnia, it’s unlike anything they’ve ever seen, and it’s enslaved by the White Witch. Get ready for epic battles and astounding creatures in this memorable classic.
See the first book The Lion Witch & The Wardrobe and the movie >>
Matilda by Roald Dahl (Ages 6-10)
*Teacher’s pick
This is the story of a girl who is unwanted, overlooked, and yet exceptional. Matilda finds herself facing her biggest enemy, headmistress Miss Trunchbull. But she discovers she has true power to fight back.
Find the kids book and movie >>
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke (Ages 9-12)
“One cruel night, Meggie’s father reads aloud from a book called INKHEART– and an evil ruler escapes the boundaries of fiction and lands in their living room. Suddenly, Meggie is smack in the middle of the kind of adventure she has only read about in books.” – Amazon
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
“America’s greatest and best-loved homegrown fairytale.” -The Library of Congress
Don’t miss this wonderful classic of Dorothy and her new friends. Follow the yellow brick road and find out that there’s “no place like home.”
The Black Stallion by Walter Farley (Ages 7-12)
This is a beautiful classic tale of a boy, a wild horse, and the unique adventure they take together.
The One & Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate (Ages 8-10)
*NYT Best Seller: Best books ages 9-12
This tale is inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla who spent 27 years behind glass walls in a shopping mall. Ivan hardly ever thinks of the jungle, until a new elephant makes him see things in a new way.
Find the children’s book and movie >>
The Borrowers by Mary Norton (Ages 6-11)
The Clock family is made up of very small people who live under the kitchen floor. They live in peace, until one day, one of the humans spots them! Can the Clock family stay safe in their home?
Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl (Ages 5- 8)
*Teacher’s pick
Someone’s been stealing from the meanest farmers around. They know that it’s Mr. Fox, so they team up to catch him. But Mr. Fox is sly. And he comes up with a fantastic plan to get out of it.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid # 1 by Jeff Kinney (Ages 7-10)
Greg Heffley is new to middle school and has a lot to get used to, including kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. Read about his hilarious adventures, then watch the movie!
The Capture by Kathryn Lasky (Ages 8-10)
“Soren is born in the forest of Tyto, a tranquil kingdom where the Barn Owls dwell. But evil lurks in the owl world, evil that threatens to shatter Tyto’s peace and change the course of Soren’s life forever.” – Amazon
Grab the kids book and movie >>
Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh (Ages 8-11)
*Teacher’s pick
Harriet is a spy who uses her notebook to write down all of her observations. But when the notebook goes missing and her words are exposed, she must face the family and friends that she’s been spying on.
Related: Best Kids Mystery Books & Novels
Goosebumps: Night of the Living Dummy by R.L Stine (Ages 7-11)
“A frightfully fun flick for families”
Start from the creepy beginning in this bone-chilling original. Lindy finds a ventriloquist dummy and has a lot of fun with him. Until unusual things start to happen.
Related: Non-Spooky Halloween & Horror Movie Trivia
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl (Ages 6-9)
When Charlie finds a rare and precious golden ticket, he is invited into Willy Wonka’s famous chocolate factory. He and four other winners have quite a unique and adventurous time.
See the children’s book and movie >>
Holes by Louis Sachar (Ages 10-13)
#1 NYT besteller – Multiple award winner – One of Time Magazine’s Best YA Books of All Time
Stanley is under a curse. And when he gets unjustly sent to a detention center at Camp Green Lake, he finds that there’s a lot more going on than meets the eye. He soon realizes that the boys are digging holes…because the warden is looking for something.
How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell (Ages 7-10)
*New York Times Best Selling Book
Will Hiccup be able to pass the initiation test of his Viking clan by catching and training a dragon? Join his many misadventures as he finds that there may just be a new way to live with the dragons.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (Ages 8-12)
*Caldecott Award Winner
“Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity.
But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo’s undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy.” – Amazon
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl (Ages 7-11)
One of Time’s 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time
When James drops magic crystals by an old peach tree, the peach starts to grow. It becomes the size of a house! Then James meets a group of interesting, yet oversized friends and a great fantasy adventure begins!
Check out the book and movie >>
Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard Atwater (Ages 6-9)
*Newbery Honor Book
When Mr. Popper receives a penguin, his life changes forever. Pretty soon, he has an entire performing group of penguins on tour! Parents and kids will laugh out loud at the escapades in this delightful story.
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren (Ages 6-9)
The new girl just moved in next door and she has her own style, own flair, and her own sense of adventure! Meet Pippi Longstocking, the girl with red pigtails, a horse, a monkey, and no parents.
The Bad Beginning (A Series of Unfortunate Events #1) by Lemony Snicket (Ages 8-12)
Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are intelligent, but also extremely unlucky. In the first story, the three children meet a strange and greedy villain. Will the children make it through the mysteries and crazy plots that await?
Snag the book, the movie, and check out the Netflix series >>
Stuart Little by E.B. White: Children’s Books Made Into Movies (Ages 5-8)
This is the classic story about the big adventures of a small mouse. Stuart is a mouse, living with a human family when he discovers his best friend, a bird, goes missing. He leaves his home for the very first time, encountering many adventures along the way.
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo (Ages 7-10)
*Newbery Medal Winner
Join a mouse, a cat, a girl, and a Princess as these delightful characters take a unique journey together. They soon find themselves in a repulsive dungeon, a glittering castle, and so much more.
Check out the book and movie >>
*This book is also in our best 7 year old books list.
More Kids Books Made Into TV Series
Next, these books turned into popular Netflix series that you can watch anytime.
Ivy + Bean Series by Annie Barrows
Ivy + Bean is a series that follows two friends who were never meant to be together. Until one day, Ivy rescues Bean from a tough situation – and they realize they’re perfect together. It’s a sweet series that’s funny, but also promotes empathy and friendship in the stories.
See the first book and Netflix series >>
Ada Twist, Scientist (The Questioneers) by Andrea Beaty (Ages 5-7)
#1 New York Times Bestseller, Wall Street Journal Bestseller, USA Today Bestseller
Ada Twist has a head full of questions! Although her experiments do not always go as planned, she continues to search for the answers that satisfy her young scientist’s curiosities.
See the book and Netflix series >>
The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier (Ages 8-11)
*Over 7 million copies in print!
Jack Sullivan and his team are on a mission to defeat the monster known as Blarg. They live in a treehouse and for them, life is a video game. This book is both a fun and funny adventure series!
See the kids book and Netflix series >>
Related Fun With Kids:
- Best This or That Kids Questions
- Free Nature Scavenger Hunt Printable
- Fun Kids Debate Topics To Discuss
More Epic Kids Books That Have Been Turned Into Movies
There are so many amazing kids books that are movies! Don’t miss these great combinations below for all ages, then keep reading for unique ideas for young adults.
The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex (Ages 8-11)
Ramona and Beezus by Beverly Cleary (Ages 4-9)
Check out the children’s book and movie >>
The Princess Diaries Series by Meg Cabot (Ages 11+)
See the first book and movie >>
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson (Ages 9+)
Find the award winning book and movie >>
Witches by Roald Dahl: (Ages 7-10)
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (Ages 8-12)
Check out the book and movie >>
Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey (Ages 6-8)
Find the first book and movie >>
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C O’Brien (Ages 7-11)
See the kids book and movie >>
Nim’s Island by Wendy Orr: Kids Movies Based on Books (Ages 7-10)
The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling (Ages 3-9)
The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi
Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (Ages 8-10)
Check out the book and movie >>
Tween and Teen Books Made Into Movies
Finally, here are great movies based on books for middle school and high school. Enjoy this young adult fiction that helps older minds read, connect, and imagine.
The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak (Ages 11+)
*New York Times Best Seller, One of Time’s 100 Best YA Books of All Time
“Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books.
With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.” – Amazon
“The kind of book that can be life-changing.”
—The New York Times
Enola Holmes by Nancy Springer (Ages 10+)
“When Enola Holmes, sister to the detective Sherlock Holmes, discovers her mother has disappeared, she quickly embarks on a journey to London in search of her. But nothing can prepare her for what awaits.” – Amazon
Check out the book and movie >>
Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien (Ages 12+)
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.
Find the first book and movie >>
Bonus: Don’t miss The Hobbit if your child is a Lord of the Rings fan!
The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau (Ages 9-14)
In this thrilling adventure, only two lamps keep away the prevailing darkness for those remaining of the human race.
Grab the first book and movie >>
The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan (Ages 9-12)
*New York Times bestseller list for 10+ years
Follow Percy, the son of the sea god Posideon, and his demigod friends as they embark on thrilling and dangerous adventures. From Greek mythology monsters, gods, and dangerous creatures, will this group of friends have what it takes to keep the Olympians safe?
See the first book and movie >>
Little Women by Luisa May Alcott
*Beloved Classic
“This story follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy— from childhood to womanhood and is loosely based on the author and her three sisters. Although Little Women was a novel for girls, it differed notably from the current writings for children, especially girls.” – Amazon
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Ages 10+)
*Crazy popular! “May the odds be ever in your favor.”
“In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem. The Capitol keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.” – Amazon
Find the first book and movie >>
Coraline by Neil Gaiman (Ages 9+)
*New York Times Best Seller & Newbery Medal Winner
“When Coraline steps through a door to find another house strangely similar to her own (only better), things seem marvelous.
But there’s another mother there, and another father, and they want her to stay and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go.
Coraline will have to fight with all her wit and courage if she is to save herself and return to her ordinary life.” – Amazon
Check out the book and movie >>
Divergent by Veronica Roth (Teen Books With Movies)
*Goodreads Choice Award Winner “One choice can transform you.”
Join this thrilling story of a dystopian world transformed.
“Beatrice Prior’s society is divided into five factions—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). Beatrice must choose between staying with her Abnegation family and transferring factions.” – Amazon
Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne (Ages 10-13)
“An adventurous geology professor chances upon a manuscript in which a 16th-century explorer claims to have found a route to the earth’s core. Professor Lidenbrock can’t resist the opportunity to investigate, and with his nephew Axel, he sets off across Iceland in the company of Hans Bjelke, a native guide. ” – Amazon
The Giver by Lois Lowry (Ages 10+)
“Celebrate Lois Lowry’s Newbery Medal–winning classic story of a young boy discovering the dark secrets behind his seemingly ideal world.” – Amazon
Check out the book and movie >>
The Fault in Our Stars
#1 NYT Bestseller, Wall Street Journal Bestseller, USA Today Bestseller, International Bestseller
“Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.” – Amazon
See the teen book and movie >>
The Maze Runner by James Dashner (Ages 10+)
*Blockbuster hit!
“When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone. Outside the towering stone walls that surround them is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive.” – Amazon
Check out the book and movie >>
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (Ages 13+)
*New York Times Best Seller
“Perks follows Charlie as he charts a course through the strange world between adolescence and adulthood. First dates, family drama, and new friends. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it, Charlie must learn to navigate those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up.” – Amazon
Find the YA book and movie >>
More Fun With Teens:
To Consider With Children’s Books Made Into Movies
Phew! That was a big list!
Read the books aloud or start a family book club to get through all of these excellent kids books that are movies. You’ll have memorable family nights AND amazing things to talk about with your kids.
And get started with our free reading challenge today! You’ll love the free insights, recommendations, and printables to help you get your family into the reading groove any time of year!