50 Best Kids Books That Are Movies To Watch (For Reading Motivation)
These best movies based on kids books are amazing if you’re ready to get kids hooked on reading. Dive into amazing adventures, with story twists in both formats.
Read the book. Then, see the movie. This makes for an epic family night anytime you want!
In a hurry? Top 3 Picks: Bad Guys, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Percy Jackson
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And if your child is older, don’t miss the teen section at the end. 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 with big imaginations.
Note: The age ranges below align with the kids books. Click on the movies to see their rating.
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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 gets in trouble, his mother sends him to his room. But from there he sets sail to an island inhabited by the Wild Things. And he is named their king!
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson (Ages 3-7)
*A great read aloud!
Hmm, what’s a Gruffalo? Find out in this walk through the woods as a mouse outsmarts 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 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.“
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)
Roll the dice and make your move as this imaginative game comes to life!
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 lies awake on Christmas Eve until he is welcomed on the Polar Express. It’s the trip of a lifetime.
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 in this classic Dr. Seuss adventure.
“A person’s a person, no matter how small.“
*And see other great books to teach kindness to kids >>
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.
Related:
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. She has a few more things to get done before she can go to bed herself.
Chicken Little (Little Classics)
The sky is falling! Chicken Little and his friends hatch a plan to save the planet from alien invasion and prove that the world’s biggest hero is a chicken.
Find the book and the movie >>
Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers (Ages 5-9)
*Teacher’s pick
Life at the Banks house is changed forever when a strange Mary Poppins arrives.
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.
Related: Movie Trivia Questions for Kids
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 Harry Potter This or That Game or Harry Potter trivia questions!
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, eats barbed wire, and terrifies the farmers. Will they get rid of him?
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 minute, Meggie’s father reads aloud from a book called INKHEART, and the next an evil ruler escapes the pages and lands in the living room. Suddenly, Meggie is thrown into the kind of adventure she’s only read about in books.
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 into a tranquil kingdom. But evil threatens to shatter the peace and change Soren’s life forever.
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)
*New prequel movie Wonka out now!
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
Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station and his survival depends on secrets. But when he meets an eccentric girl and a bitter old man, his undercover life begins to unravel.
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)
Stuart is a mouse who lives 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.
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 Disney 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 >>
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.
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
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 during the war. She’s also a book thief. And soon she’s sharing her hidden books with neighbors during bomb raids.
“The kind of book that can be life-changing.”
—The New York Times
Enola Holmes by Nancy Springer (Ages 10+)
Enola Holmes is Sherlock Holme’s sister. When her mother disappears, she quickly journeys to London in search of her. But she is not prepared for what awaits.
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, New Disney+ TV Series
Percy, the son of the sea god Posideon, and his demigod friends 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
Follow the four March sisters from childhood to womanhood.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Ages 10+)
*Crazy popular! “May the odds be ever in your favor.”
Katniss Everdeen believes it’s a death sentence when she takes her sister’s place in the Hunger Games. And as she fights to win (and stay alive), she must make choices that weigh humanity, life, and love.
Find the first book and movie >>
Coraline by Neil Gaiman (Ages 9+)
*New York Times Best Seller & Newbery Medal Winner
Coraline steps through a door to find a house that looks strangely like her own. And it seems better too. But there’s another mother and father there, and they want her to stay with them forever. Coraline must fight to save herself.
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’s must choose between staying with her family and transferring factions.
Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne (Ages 10-13)
A geology professor stumbles upon a manuscript from a 16th-century explorer. Next, a journey of a lifetime begins on a route to the earth’s core.
The Giver by Lois Lowry (Ages 10+)
*Lois Lowry’s Newbery Medal
A young boy discovers dark secrets behind his ideal world.
Check out the book and movie >>
The Fault in Our Stars
#1 NYT Bestseller, Wall Street Journal Bestseller, USA Today Bestseller, International Bestseller
Hazel is a terminal patient. But when Augustus suddenly appears at the Cancer Kid Support Group, her story takes an unexpected twist.
See the teen book and movie >>
The Maze Runner by James Dashner (Ages 10+)
*Blockbuster hit!
Thomas wakes up in a lift, with no memory except for his name. He’s surrounded by other boys whose memories are also gone, and the only way out is an ever-changing maze. Unfortunately, no one’s made it out alive yet.
Check out the book and movie >>
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (Ages 13+)
*New York Times Best Seller
This growing up novel follows Charlie as he navigates first dates, family drama, and new friends. It’s a great coming of age story that teens relate to.
Find the YA book and movie >>
More Fun With Teens:
To Consider With Children’s Books Made Into Movies
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!