Book to screen adaptations have audiences hooked like no other. And children’s books are where all the fun is. When a children’s story is adapted for the screen, it often opens itself up to wider ages — adults reminisce the stories that filled their worlds as kids, and young people have a chance to visualise iconic characters and themes. The colours, animations, and costumes don’t have to function within the bounds of rationale, which is the wondrous nature of children’s media itself. Here is Platform's curated list of recently released and upcoming films adapted from picture books, graphic novels and stories written for children.
The Wild Robot
The Wild Robot, directed by Chris Sanders, features stars such as Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal and Kit Connor. The film is based on the book of the same name by Peter Brown, was produced by DreamWorks Animation in 2024, and premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. The animations are dazzling, sentimental and glorious, all at once – it is a sweet, earnest parable about parenthood, purpose and perseverance. Accompanied with big hearted storytelling, plenty of laughs, stirring voice acting and a wonderful score, it comes together to create an emotional, important movie.
Wildwood
Wildwood is directed by Travis Knight, and based on Colin Meloy’s 2011 novel. Brought to life by Laika Studios, the film is all set to release in 2026. The director, in conversation with Empire Magazine, remarked that one of the battle scenes in the film is “the most difficult thing we’re tackling in this movie.” The story revolves around the adventures of the protagonist, Prue McKeel, as she sets off to the forests outside Portland to find her kidnapped brother.
The Twits
Roald Dahl’s The Twits is being adapted into an animated feature film by Netflix, set to be released this fall. The film, directed by Phil Johnston, will star Natalie Portman, Emilia Clarke, Margo Martindale, and Johnny Vegas in voice roles. The story follows the grotesque Mr. and Mrs. Twit, who run a twisted amusement park called Twitlandia and rise to power in their town, while two brave orphans and a family of magical animals try to stop them.
Cat in the Hat
Would this list be complete without a Dr.Seuss classic? Of course not! Produced by Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, Dr, Seuss Enterprises and A Stern Talking To, this comedy film is set to release across theatres and IMAX in February 2026. The Cat, voiced by Bill Hader is sure to spread lots of joy to children and adults alike, in his signature and singularly irreverent way, transporting them and audiences on a fantastical journey through a world they’ve never seen before.
Harold and the Purple Crayon
All children’s literature enthusiasts, spread across from designers to academicians, have loved and cherished Harold and the Purple Crayon. Though seemingly simple, this book by Crockett Johnson was an introduction to imagination and creativity to many young children. The film adaptation was released in 2024, and was directed by Carlos Saldanha. Along with some twists and turns, the movie’s plot is similar to the book, and follows Harold and his magic purple crayon, which can bring anything to life.
Dog Man
Dog Man, a children’s graphic novel series by Dav Pilkey, premiered at the 2025 Festival de l'Alpe d'Huez in Alpe d'Huez, France, and later celebrated its theatrical release by Universal Pictures earlier this year. The movie is fun, kind, silly, and visually stunning. We follow the adventures of an endlessly delightful Dog Man, a police officer with the head of a dog and the body of a human, who is created after a freak accident during a crime-fighting mission.
Words Neeraja Srinivasan
Date 5-8-2025