There’s something comforting about seeing a beloved adaptation on the big screen again, especially one you first watched on cable at 2 a.m., quoted endlessly with friends or discovered years after its original release.

Fathom Events continues to bring notable book-to-screen adaptations back to theaters throughout 2026, including literary classics, cult favorites and holiday staples.

Here’s a look at what’s returning and the books that inspired them.

‘Fried Green Tomatoes’
May 10 and 13

The 1991 film “Fried Green Tomatoes” is based on “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe,” the 1987 novel by Fannie Flagg. The story follows the friendship between Evelyn Couch and Ninny Threadgoode, whose stories about life in a small Alabama town reveal decades of love, loss and resilience.

‘Legally Blonde’ 25th Anniversary
May 24 and 27

“Legally Blonde” is based on the 2001 novel by Amanda Brown, who drew inspiration from her experiences at Stanford Law School. Reese Witherspoon stars as Elle Woods, a sorority queen who heads to Harvard Law School after a breakup and quickly proves everyone wrong about her. Luke Wilson and Selma Blair also star. It’s the perfect time to watch as the film’s prequel series “Elle” will premiere on Prime Video on July 1.

‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’
Aug. 2 and 5

The 1971 film “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” returns to theaters this summer. Starring Gene Wilder, it’s based on “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” Roald Dahl’s 1964 children’s novel about young Charlie Bucket’s unforgettable visit to the mysterious candy factory owned by Willy Wonka.

‘Tales from Earthsea’
Aug. 8 and 10

The 2006 anime film “Tales from Earthsea” is inspired by the first four novels from Ursula K. Le Guin’s “Earthsea” fantasy series, including “A Wizard of Earthsea,” “The Tombs of Atuan,” “The Farthest Shore” and “Tehanu.” It was produced by Studio Ghibli.

‘Gone with the Wind’
Oct. 10-14

“Gone with the Wind” is based on Margaret Mitchell’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1936 novel set during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. The 1939 adaptation remains one of the most iconic and debated literary epics in film history.

‘A Beautiful Mind’
Nov. 22 and 23

“A Beautiful Mind” is based on Sylvia Nasar’s 1998 biography of John Nash, mathematician and Nobel Prize winner. The film stars Russell Crowe as Nash and explores both his work and struggles with schizophrenia. Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany also star.

‘The Maltese Falcon’ 85th Anniversary
Dec. 6 and 9

“The Maltese Falcon” returns to the screen for its 85th anniversary. The noir classic is based on Dashiell Hammett’s influential 1930 detective novel, centered on private investigator Sam Spade and a priceless black statuette.

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
Dec. 18-25

“It’s a Wonderful Life” is based on “The Greatest Gift,” a 1943 short story by Philip Van Doren Stern, inspired by Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” The holiday classic follows George Bailey as he learns the impact one life can have on an entire community.

About the writer

S. Lynn Bonanno recently saw “Fight Club” in theaters and was reminded how great the film is. She cannot wait to experience “The Maltese Falcon” on the big screen for the first time and thinks seeing “Legally Blonde” in theaters sounds like a very good time.