The joy of reading a book or sitting down to watch a movie has lost its spark for young people. Social media has undeniably become the most prominent form of media, and we have all found ourselves unable to stop scrolling.
Interest in reading and traditional cinema experiences have decreased significantly, with global movie ticket sales dropping 23.5% since the pandemic, and 29% of Australian teens no longer reading for fun.
Before we all found ourselves doom-scrolling on TikTok, young adult books and screen adaptations shaped young people’s media landscape. Many of these adaptations and fandoms are still popular today, and some of these fictional worlds have become cultural icons.
So, to encourage us all to trade our phones for a good book or movie, here are the best young adult screen adaptations of the 2010s.
The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games franchise, written by Suzanne Collins, is a cultural phenomenon that paved the way for the dystopian young adult genre. The series follows Katniss Everdeen, a young girl living in a futuristic North America who volunteers for the Hunger Games in place of her sister. She is forced to battle 23 fellow tributes until only one remains. The books series contains five novels, all of which have been adapted into films, including Sunrise on the Reaping which will release in late 2026.
Harry Potter
The Harry Potter series contains seven core books written by J.K. Rowling, and follows a young boy who discovers he is a wizard. The series was adapted into eight blockbuster films, which chronicle Harry’s schooling years at Hogwarts and his battle with the dark wizard who killed his parents, Lord Voldemort. Harry Potter is a global phenomenon with undeniable lasting popularity. The fantasy series has inspired a spinoff movie series, theme parks, a successful sequel play, and a television adaptation expected to be released in early 2027.
The Chronicles of Narnia
The Chronicles of Narnia, a series of seven novels written by C.S. Lewis, follows the adventures of children who discover the fantastical world of Narnia. The series, adapted into three successful films, recounts the adventures of the children who enter Narnia, which is filled with mythical animals and beasts. A new Narnia movie, directed by Greta Gerwig, is set to be released in late 2026.
Little Women
Written by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women is a coming-of-age story originally published in the 1800s. The novel follows Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, the four March sisters, as they grow into young women. The novel has been adapted into many films and TV shows, with the most recent adaptation being a movie directed by Greta Gerwig. With an all-star cast including Timothée Chalamet, Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, and Meryl Streep, the film is a fresh and unique spin on the beloved tale.
The Maze Runner
The Maze Runner is a science-fiction trilogy written by James Dashner that follows a group of teenagers trapped in a place they call the ‘Glade’. The Glade is surrounded by a complex maze, which the teens must escape to discover what has happened to the world beyond. The original book series was adapted into a film trilogy starring Dylan O’Brien, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, and Kaya Scodelario.
Twilight
The Twilight series, written by Stephenie Meyer, contains four fantasy, romance novels as well as two companion novels and one novella. The series is told from the perspective of Bella Swan, who falls in love with a vampire and finds herself entangled in his mythical world. The series was adapted into five widely successful films which launched the careers of Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson.
The Book Thief
Written by Markus Zusak, The Book Thief is a unique and brilliant novel set during World War II in Nazi Germany. Narrated by Death, the story follows a young girl named Liesel, as well as others impacted by the ongoing war. The novel received a film adaptation in 2013, which starred young actress Sophie Nélisse and was successful at the box office.
The Fault in Our Stars
The Fault in Our Stars, written by John Green, is a 2012 novel that follows Hazel Grace Lancaster. Hazel is a 16-year-old girl who has terminal thyroid cancer, and falls in love with Augustus Waters, a boy in remission. The book was adapted into a successful film starring Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort.
In the digital world we live in today, it is more important than ever to engage meaningfully with long-form content. These books and screen adaptations will stand the test of time, so put down your phone and give them a try, they won’t disappoint.
Original photos by Maddie Smith