By June Ramli
Screen adaptations are continuing to shape what Australians read, with books tied to film and television enjoying renewed momentum across genres ranging from literary fiction to romance and fantasy.
As audiences increasingly move between screens and pages, publishers and platforms are seeing a growing appetite for original works that sit behind popular adaptations.
That trend is being reflected in both older classics and newer titles, with readers turning to stories they first encountered through cinemas, streaming platforms and television series. The crossover is also influencing which books are gaining traction in Australia, particularly when high-profile productions bring existing stories to new audiences.
In an interview with DailyStraits.com, Natasha Williams, Content Sales Manager at Rakuten Kobo for ANZ and the UK, said screen adaptations were continuing to shape reading behaviour, while also influencing which genres and titles readers were gravitating towards.
The most downloaded title that has also been adapted into a film in 2025?
Film adaptations continue to play a significant role in shaping reading behaviour, with audiences increasingly seeking out the original stories behind their favourite films. In 2025, we saw renewed interest in classic titles such as Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s Frankenstein, with combined editions on our platform experiencing a 253% increase in unit sales year-on-year, highlighting the enduring appeal of well-known narratives when reintroduced through modern adaptations.
The most downloaded title that has also been adapted into a TV show in 2025?
Television adaptations are having a particularly strong impact on readership, especially when local stories reach global audiences. Richard Flanagan’s The Narrow Road to the Deep North, starring Jacob Elordi, saw a 373% year-on-year increase following its screen adaptation, while Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton has continued to perform strongly into 2025.
More recently, Rachel Reid’s Heated Rivalry has broken into our top five titles for 2026, driven by the combined momentum of both its book release and on-screen adaptation from late last year.
What’s the most popular TV/film adaptation thus far in 2026 and which 2026 releases do we see being huge in AU?
In 2026, we’re seeing an even stronger connection between screen and reading habits. Heated Rivalry remains one of the most popular titles, while Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir has surged to our second biggest book of the year, with a 1,112% increase in units compared to the same period in 2025.
We’re also seeing significant growth across titles such as Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell (+1,861%), Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R.R. Martin (+3,414%) and Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (+7,700%), demonstrating how both contemporary releases and classic literature can experience major resurgence when tied to screen adaptations.
How many books do Australians typically read per year, and which genres are most popular?
While reading habits vary widely, we’re seeing clear genre trends shaped by screen adaptations. Romance, fantasy and literary fiction continue to lead, particularly when tied to major film and television releases.
Looking ahead, upcoming adaptations such as Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins, Verity by Colleen Hoover and Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt are expected to drive further reader interest in Australia. With streaming companies and film studios constantly adapting books at a fast pace, we expect many more to drop in for the rest of the year,and look forward to watching them all (always striving to read the book first!).
Suggestions for people who don’t enjoy reading, or feel like work/burnout makes it a chore
It’s incredibly common for people to struggle with picking up a book at the end of a long workday, especially when they’re feeling mentally drained. One of the best ways to make reading feel more accessible is to experiment with format. Audiobooks, for example, can be a great alternative because they allow you to enjoy a story to absorb ideas without the pressure of sitting down and concentrating on a page. Listening while walking, commuting, cooking or winding down at home can make reading feel more like a moment of relaxation than another task on the to-do list. For many people, having access to different formats – whether that’s an eBook, audiobook or print – helps remove pressure and makes it easier to fit reading into everyday life.
Tips for readers who leave books half-finished and struggle to pick them back up
Leaving books unfinished is something almost every reader experiences, and it often reflects life getting busy rather than a lack of interest. A helpful way to return to reading is to lower the expectation, even reading for five minutes or one chapter can help rebuild momentum. Many people also find it easier when reading becomes attached to an existing habit, such as a morning coffee, lunch break or part of their evening routine. Digital reading can also help because picking up where you left off is immediate, whether that’s on a device or through syncing across formats. And most importantly, if a book no longer feels engaging, it’s okay to move on; finding the right story at the right time is often what keeps a habit going.
Advice for people wanting to get into reading later in life (especially if they haven’t been regular readers before)
It’s never too late to develop a reading habit, and the best starting point is choosing books that genuinely match your interests rather than what you feel you should be reading. Whether that’s crime, memoir, romance, sport or current affairs, enjoyment is what creates consistency. Starting with short reading sessions or books that feel approachable can also make the habit easier to maintain. For many people, access plays a big role too. Being able to carry multiple titles, sample books, or switch between formats can make it easier to discover what holds your attention and build confidence as a reader over time.
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