Movies Based on Books (For Kids & Youth)
So many wonderful classics have been adapted for screenplay over the years. Whether you are a book lover who enjoys seeing the theatrical version, or a movie lover who wants to know the storyline without lifting the pages, this list is for you.
Pre-read and Preview
Below you will find a list of classic children’s & youth literature and their movies. While this list has been filtered to include titles I believe to be appropriate for youth and families, these movies have not all been screened for content. Not every title on this list is appropriate for all ages. Some are meant for upper grade reading and viewing only. I always recommend you do your own research for content before showing any movies or giving books to your family. Consider looking up the book reviews on GoodReads.com or movie critiques at Dove.org or PluggedIn.com.
The printed books are linked by clicking its title below. Movie releases are listed after their release year [which is in brackets]. I have included purchasing and streaming links on Amazon when available.
Why DVD’s?
We’re an old school family, and purchase nearly all of our movies on DVD as a way of curating a safe library for our kids, and avoiding monthly subscription costs. I find it a lot easier and less stressful to select from something we have on hand, rather than wasting 30 minutes scrolling the endless options on the internet. It also means our kids will know what is safe for them to watch and we can keep a watch guard over the content they have access to. I purchase most of our DVD’s from secondhand sites like thrifbooks.com or eBay. It’s easy to pick them up for a dollar or two at thrift stores or garage sales, and it ends up saving us money in the long run.
Books with their Movies
Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery : [1985] (Watch on Amazon) (Buy DVD Set)
Ben Hur by Lewis Wallace: [1959] (Watch on Amazon) (Buy DVD)
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson : [2024] (Watch on Amazon)
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell: [1994] (Watch on Amazon) (Buy DVD)
Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink: [2003] (Buy DVD)
Charolotte’s Web by E.B. White: [2006] (Watch on Amazon) (Buy DVD)
The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis: [2005] The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe (Watch on Amazon) (Buy DVD)
The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis: [2008] Prince Caspian (Watch on Amazon) (Buy DVD)
The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis: [2010] The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Watch on Amazon) (Buy DVD)
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine : [2004] (Watch on Amazon) (Buy DVD)
Emma by Jane Austen : [1996] (Watch on Amazon) (Buy on DVD) [2020] (Watch on Amazon) (Buy on DVD)
Heidi by Joanna Spyri: [1937] (Watch on Amazon) [1993] (Buy DVD) [2005] (Watch on Amazon)
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien: [2012] (Watch on Amazon)
Holes by Louis Sachar :[2003] (Watch on Amazon) (Buy DVD)
Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss: [2008] (Watch on Amazon) (Buy DVD)
Hotel for Dogs by Lois Duncan: [2009] (Watch on Amazon) (Buy DVD)
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh : [1977] (Watch on Amazon) (Buy DVD)
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingall’s Wilder: [1974] (Watch on Amazon) (Buy DVD with Pilot Movie)
Little Women by Louisa Mae Alcott : [1994] (Watch on Amazon) [2019] (Watch on Amazon) (Buy Combo DVD)
The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien: [2001] (Watch on Amazon)
The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers by J. R. R. Tolkien : [2002] (Watch on Amazon)
The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien : [2003] (Watch on Amazon)
Old Yeller by Fred Gipson : [1957] (Watch on Amazon) (Buy DVD)
Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers: [1964] (Watch on Amazon) (Buy on DVD)
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: [1995] (Watch on Amazon) [2005] (Watch on Amazon)
The Secret Garden by Francis Hodges Burnett : [1993] (Watch on Amazon) (Buy DVD)
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen : [1996] (Watch on Amazon)
The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Davis Wiess: [1960] (Buy DVD)
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls : [1974] (Watch on Amazon) (Buy DVD)
Now It’s Up To You
I hope you find time with your family (or just for yourself) to read and watch some of these movies in the coming months. Enjoy!
Did I Miss One?
Drop a comment below with your favorite book-turned-movie. It just might get added to the list!
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