Nowadays, movies always seem to be based on a book. Well, that’s not technically a bad thing. While comparing the differences between a novel and the cinematic adaptation, it can often lead to some rage and tears, but that doesn’t stop us from wanting to read the book before it hits the big screen.
2016 will feature a bunch of book adaptations based on young-adult novels, adventure, thriller and even romance. If you haven’t read these six books, given both the critical and Hollywood’s seal of approval, now is the time to dive in before they hit your local movie theater.
Movies are listed in order of release date.
 

“13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi,” by Mitchell Zuckoff

This is a true story based on six soldiers and everything they braved during 13 hours when the U.S. State Department Special Mission Compound and a CIA station were attacked by terrorists in Benghazi. I expect this to be as intense, riveting and eye opening as the novel it’s based on.
Starring: John Krasinski, and Toby Stephens
Release date: Jan. 15, 2016
 

“The 5th Wave,” by Rick Yancey

Based on a science fiction novel, 16-year-old Cassie Sullivan is one of the few left alive on Earth. “Others” — aliens — invaded the planet, and they are attacking the world in waves (electrical outage, coastal destruction, disease and massacre). Now, facing the 5th wave, Cassie has to protect herself and try to save her little brother before it is too late.
Starring: Chloe Grace Moretz and Liev Schreiber
Release date: Jan. 22, 2016

“Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame- Smith

This is an extension of the classic Jane Austen novel. This story begins when a mysterious plague hits Meryton, where the dead are returning to life. Elizabeth Bennet is ready to kill the zombies but gets distracted by Mr. Darcy. The novel is filled with romance, heartbreak, comedic relief and, of course, zombies. Basically, this movie is going to be crazy.
Starring: Lily James and Lena Headey
Release date: Feb. 5, 2016
 

“The Choice,” by Nicholas Sparks

Travis  Parker is living an amazing life – hanging out with friends, playing water sports, traveling and working a good job – but, when Gabby Holland moves in next door, everything changes. Gabby is already in a relationship, but when she starts having feelings for Travis, she has to make a choice. This is a typical Nicholas Sparks romance novel. If you liked his previous work then this is perfect for you.
Starring: Teresa Palmer and Benjamin Walker
Release date: Feb. 5, 2016
 

“The Girl on the Train,” by Paula Hawkins

Rachel takes the same train every day for her morning commute to work, and with it comes a routine of watching a perfect couple eat breakfast on their deck. But, one morning, she witnesses something shocking and reports it to the authorities, becoming involved in the mystery that follows.
Starring: Emily Blunt and Justin Theroux
Release date: Oct. 7, 2016
 

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” by Newt Scamander/J.K. Rowling

One of Harry Potter’s featured textbooks at Hogwarts, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is about the magical creatures in the Wizarding World. The movie, which is written by J.K. Rowling, is about the adventures of writer Newt Scamander in New York’s secret community of witches and wizards 70 years before Harry Potter reads his book in school.
Starring: Eddie Redmayne and Ezra Miller
Release date: Nov. 18, 2016