Two of 2026's ‘Most Read' Books Got Movie Adaptations in the Last Year – Where to Stream Them

Now that we're halfway through 2026, it's worth looking at the "most-read" books of the year so far - and platforms like Goodreads and Fable can offer insight into what readers are picking up. Both sites have rounded up the most popular titles from the first half of 2026, based on what their users are reading, and it's no surprise that several are already slated for film and TV adaptations.

Bestsellers give Hollywood solid foundations to draw from, as the upcoming film based on Taylor Jenkins Reid's Atmosphere and Prime Video's looming Fourth Wing show suggest. It's great we'll be able to see some of 2026's most popular reads on-screen soon enough. However, there are already two of them that got adaptations in the last 12 months: The Housemaid by Freida McFadden and Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir.

McFadden's thrillers are some of the most viral books on sites like TikTok, and The Housemaid is the novel that made the author a household name. Meanwhile, Project Hail Mary comes from the same writer behind The Martian - another bestselling sci-fi novel that inspired a hit film adaptation back in 2015.

It's no surprise that either of these books are among the "most-read" titles of 2026. Viewers are likely picking them up in association with their films, both of which got a lot of attention upon their releases and had fairly successful box-office runs.

For those who don't have time to pick up their source material, both films are currently available to stream. Read on to learn where you can find them.

Where to Stream 'The Housemaid' in July 2026

If you're a fan of thriller movies, The Housemaid is a fun one that should be on your radar. It follows Sweeney's character, Millie, who can't find a job after getting out of prison. Her circumstances lead her to take a gig as a live-in maid for Seyfried's Nina Winchester and her husband, Andrew (played by Brandon Sklenar). Something's not right in the Winchester household, however, and it leads to some shocking twists. Clearly, they kept viewers entertained, as the film raked in $400 million at the worldwide box office following its December 2025 release (via Box Office Mojo).

Those interested in experiencing the suspense firsthand can find The Housemaid on digital and streaming. As of this writing, it's only streaming on STARZ. Those with the STARZ add-on for Hulu and Prime Video will be able to access it there as well. It's also available to rent or purchase digitally via Prime Video.

Where to Stream 'Project Hail Mary' in July 2026

Those who prefer stunning sci-fi stories to domestic thrills might want to check out Project Hail Mary instead. The film follows a science teacher, played by Ryan Gosling, who wakes up in the midst of a desperate mission to save humanity by going to space. It goes without saying, then, that the story has high stakes. It's also visually stunning, a contributor to its impressive $683 million box office (via Box Office Mojo).

As of July 3, Project Hail Mary is now streaming on Prime Video. It's also available to stream on MGM+. If you didn't get the chance to see the film in theaters, its really is a must-watch. The book is just as worthwhile, explaining why it's such a hit on Goodreads. And now, readers can enjoy both from the comfort of their own homes.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jul 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published July 11, 2026 at 2:59 PM.