Many literary bestsellers have maintained their popularity on Netflix over the years. From You to Bridgerton, Lupin, The Witcher, or the Haunting of franchise, it’s common to see literary adaptations serving as the foundation for compelling stories.

But there’s no denying that investments in great literary classics have also been gaining ground, and in 2026, at least three major books will be adapted into series.

Pride and Prejudice

The attempt to enter Jane Austen’s irresistible universe hit more snags than successes with Persuasion. Dakota Johnson played Anne Elliot in 2022, but the effort to “modernize” the story altered the character’s personality so drastically that she ended up resembling Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice far more.

Well then, now we’re getting the author’s most popular work in a new miniseries starring Emma Corrin, Olivia Colman, and Jack Lowden. And no, the initial reaction wasn’t exactly one of trust, precisely because of Persuasion. Another shadow looming over this undeniably talented trio is that of their legendary predecessors.

For Emma, who starred in the 2021 Netflix adaptation of the classic Lady Chatterley’s Lover, this is yet another opportunity for a challenging role. The script is written by Dolly Alderton and directed by Euros Lyn. They’ve promised that “the adaptation will remain faithful to the original text” and that the goal is “to introduce Austen to a new generation.” It stings, but the last major version of the novel turned 20 in 2025—it’s time for a new one.

The Age of Innocence

Just a few weeks ago, Netflix confirmed it is working on an adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel written in 1920 by Edith Wharton: The Age of Innocence.

I’m in love with the novel, which was brilliantly adapted for film in 1992 by Martin Scorsese, in a movie starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder. And again: after what Apple TV Plus did with The Buccaneers, I’m terrified to think of what this new series might become. Yes, The Gilded Age has shown us that there’s no need to anachronize every classic for younger audiences to appreciate them—but will they stay faithful to Wharton’s text? Emma Frost (The White Queen, The White Princess, Jamaica Inn, Shameless) is the showrunner, but the cast has not yet been announced.

Again, Netflix assures that “the new approach promises to be faithful to Wharton’s novel but will speak to a new generation as it moves through the ballrooms and bedrooms of its young characters, asking what is love—and what is lust? And ultimately, should we be guided by our heads or our hearts?” We shall see…

Frankenstein

Frankenstein, Mary Shelley’s horror tale, has fewer than 300 pages, yet it’s one of the most adapted books in film history. There are direct versions (about 70), loose ones, parodies, reinventions, and even films vaguely inspired by the “scientist who creates life.” From the first silent short film in 1910 to the 1931 classic or the disappointing Kenneth Branagh version from 1994, this is a story that continues to fascinate generations, and Netflix didn’t miss the opportunity to adapt it.

It’s written and directed by none other than Guillermo del Toro, who has been obsessed with this story and working on a Frankenstein film for over a decade. Yes, it’s said to be a movie “faithful to the source.”

The cast includes Jacob Elordi as the Creature and Oscar Isaac as Dr. Frankenstein. I suspect this strange tale of necrophilia will intrigue female audiences.

The film is expected to premiere in November—we’re counting down the months!

East of Eden

And of course, in 2026 we’ll also see a new adaptation of the American classic East of Eden, written by John Steinbeck, and brought to life by Zoe Kazan. The new version stars Florence Pugh, Mike Faist, and Christopher Abbott, and promises to be more complete than the 1955 film, which focused only on the final quarter of the novel.

Considering that Christopher Nolan is currently filming The Odyssey and Emerald Fennell is working on Wuthering Heights, we’ll be well supplied with great, timeless stories. And this list is sure to grow.