For book lovers, November is shaping up to be an exciting month of stories making the leap from page to screen. The upcoming lineup spans animated adventures, psychological thrillers, classic Christmas tales, heartfelt family stories and one of the most anticipated fantasy franchises of recent years.
From Dr. Seuss’s mischievous Cat to Haymitch Abernathy’s return to the Hunger Games arena, these adaptations offer something for readers across genres. Here are some of the book-based films and television series arriving this November.
The Cat in the Hat
Based on: The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
Release date: November 6
Where to watch: Cinemas
The beloved children’s story is returning to the big screen in a new animated adventure. Voiced by Bill Hader, the Cat takes on a new assignment that brings him into the lives of siblings Gabby and Sebastian, who are struggling to adjust to a move to a new town.
The film expands on Dr. Seuss’s classic tale, bringing its playful spirit and familiar chaos into a larger adventure. With Matt Berry, Quinta Brunson, Xochitl Gomez, Giancarlo Esposito and America Ferrera also among the cast, the adaptation is set to introduce a new generation to the iconic character.
The Good Daughter
Based on: The Good Daughter by Karin Slaughter
Release date: November 12
Where to watch: Peacock
Karin Slaughter’s gripping thriller is arriving as a six-episode limited series, with the author adapting her own novel for television. The story follows sisters Samantha and Charlotte Quinn, whose lives were deeply affected by a violent event in their past.
When another crime shakes their hometown, the sisters are forced to confront painful memories, family secrets and the complicated relationship that binds them together. Starring Rose Byrne and Meghann Fahy, the series blends crime, family drama and psychological tension. All six episodes are scheduled to premiere together on Peacock.
Ebenezer
Based on: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Release date: November 13
Where to watch: Cinemas
Charles Dickens’s timeless Christmas tale receives another screen interpretation with Ebenezer, starring Johnny Depp as Ebenezer Scrooge. Directed by Ti West, the film revisits the story of the miserly businessman whose supernatural encounters force him to confront his past, present and future.
The cast includes Ian McKellen as Jacob Marley, Rupert Grint as Bob Cratchit and Daisy Ridley among the performers bringing Dickens’s familiar characters to life. With its ghostly premise and darker atmosphere, the film offers a new take on a classic story of regret, redemption and the possibility of change.
Victorian Psycho
Based on: Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito
Release date: November 13
Where to watch: Cinemas
For viewers drawn to gothic fiction and psychological horror, Victorian Psycho brings Virginia Feito’s unsettling novel to the screen. The story centres on Winifred Notty, a governess whose seemingly proper exterior hides disturbing impulses.
As tensions rise at the isolated estate where she works, the film explores the unsettling contrast between Victorian respectability and the darkness lurking beneath it. The adaptation promises a blend of psychological suspense, sharp satire and gothic atmosphere.
Guarding Stars
Based on: The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
Release date: November 18
Where to watch: Netflix
Katherine Center’s romantic novel The Bodyguard is being adapted into a holiday-season film titled Guarding Stars. Starring Leighton Meester and Jared Padalecki, the story brings together romance and the unusual circumstances of a bodyguard assignment.
The adaptation adds a festive setting to a story built around unexpected connection, personal challenges and the complications that arise when professional responsibilities become personal. It is one to look out for among November’s lighter, romance-focused adaptations.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Based on: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Release date: November 20
Where to watch: Cinemas
One of November’s most anticipated releases takes audiences back to Panem with The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The prequel follows a young Haymitch Abernathy as he is selected to participate in the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell.
The story explores an earlier chapter in the history of the dystopian world, long before Katniss Everdeen’s fight against the Capitol. Joseph Zada stars as Haymitch, alongside a cast that includes Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace and Ralph Fiennes.
Based on Suzanne Collins’s novel, the film is set to revisit the brutal spectacle of the Games while revealing more about the experiences that shaped one of the franchise’s most memorable characters.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians – Season 3
Based on: The Titan’s Curse by Rick Riordan
Release date: November 20
Where to watch: Disney+
The world of Greek mythology and modern-day demigods returns with the third season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. The new season adapts The Titan’s Curse, the third book in Rick Riordan’s popular series.
Percy and his friends face another dangerous quest as the conflict between the gods and the forces threatening their world continues to grow. The story introduces new challenges, mythical encounters and important developments for the central characters.
For fans of the books, the upcoming season offers another opportunity to see Riordan’s imaginative world brought to life on screen.
Way of the Warrior Kid
Based on: Way of the Warrior Kid by Jocko Willink
Release date: November 20
Where to watch: Apple TV
Jocko Willink’s inspirational novel is becoming a film starring Chris Pratt, Linda Cardellini and Jude Hill. The story follows Marc, a young boy struggling with bullying and the challenges of middle school.
When his uncle Jake, a decorated Navy SEAL, comes to stay with him, Marc begins a summer programme designed to build his confidence and resilience. Rather than focusing simply on physical strength, the story explores courage, discipline and learning how to face difficult situations.
Directed by McG, the adaptation brings the book’s message about personal growth and perseverance to the screen.
From Bookshelves to Screens
November’s adaptations highlight the wide range of stories that continue to inspire filmmakers and television creators. From beloved children’s classics and bestselling thrillers to contemporary romance and expansive fantasy worlds, the month’s releases demonstrate how books can be reinterpreted for different audiences and formats.
For readers, these adaptations offer a chance to revisit familiar stories in a new way. For those discovering the books for the first time, they may provide the perfect reason to pick up a novel before watching its screen version.
Whether you prefer reading the book first or heading straight to the adaptation, November offers plenty of stories to add to your watchlist.
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