100+ Movies based on Great Books and Where to Watch and Read Online for Free!

My family loves to read great books. And then we love to watch the movies that are based on them. Sometimes we even watch the movie first and read the book later. Yes, that is all right too ;-)

Suddenly and unexpectantly, we find ourselves at home with extra time on our hands . . . . And we are choosing to spend some of that time enjoying family movie nights, or let's be honest, movie afternoons or movie mornings!

What better way to spend our screen time than escaping into our favorite books? So, I have spent hours and hours finding many, many movies based on really great books. And since our library is closed right now, I have focused on how to stream those movies and read or listen to those books online . . . for free, when possible.

About watching movies for FREE:
I have searched high and low to link to the following places to watch movies for free
YouTube - free for everyone
Hoopla - free with a library subscription, please read #1 on this list to learn how you can get access even if your local library doesn't subscribe
Kanopy - free with a library subscription, please read #1 on this list to learn how you can get access even if your local library doesn't subscribe
Subscription Services, like Amazon Prime, Netflix, Disney+, HULU, you can watch without additional cost if you have a subscription
Overdrive/Libby - No movies, but lots of free audiobooks and ebooks with a library subscription, please read #1 on this list to learn how you can get access even if your local library doesn't subscribe

I realize that not everyone pays for subscriptions like Amazon Prime and Netflix, so I have prioritized truly free content higher on the list. But, I have also linked to common subscription options and to movies that are only available to purchase from Amazon. I list these as Amazon $.

This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure to learn more.

Tips for getting free movies from Amazon:

• If you don't subscribe to Amazon Prime, see if a family member will add your household to their Prime account. Every Prime account can be linked to two Amazon accounts so if you can--share!
• Earn promotional credit to use for free movies by shipping items separately and choosing no rush shipping when possible.
• Earn free Amazon gift cards to use for movies with Microsoft Rewards (my preference) or Swagbucks (annoying, but it works).

A few words about this list:

• NOT ALL MOVIES ARE FREE (see above) but I've ordered the list mainly from free to paid options.
• ALMOST ALL (except 3 movies/books) can be watched or read/listened for free if your library subscribes to Kanopy, Hoopla, and Overdrive/Libby, so if you can't watch it for free, maybe you can read it now and borrow it later when your library reopens.
• If your local library doesn't give you access to the titles I've listed in Kanopy, Hoopla, or Overdrive/Libby, please read #1 on this list to learn how you may be able to get more or better access.
• I didn't include popular movies like Harry Potter and there are MANY more movies based on books out there. 
• I didn't include movies based on "good" books but I did include "bad" movies based on great books. But it is all subjective, so if I left off your favorite movie based on a GREAT book,  let me know!

****I recommend checking Common Sense Media before viewing****

Find a mistake or a change? Please let me know and I'll update the list:

100+ Movies based on Great Books and Where to Watch and Read Online for Free!

Anne with an E (and others!) based on Anne of Green Gables:: Anne with an E on Netflix, 2016 movie version on Hoopla, paid version on GazeboTV Anne of Green Gables (1985 Canadian Miniseries) (my fave!),  / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla and Overdrive/Libby*

Paddle to the Sea (see YouTube links) based on Paddle to the Sea :: Movie available on YouTube (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) / Audiobook on Hoopla*

The Selfish Giant (1977) and The Selfish Giant (2017) :: 1977 version on YouTube, 2017 version Amazon Prime  / Audiobook and ebook on Hoopla*

The Velveteen Rabbit based on The Velveteen Rabbit :: 1985 version on YouTube / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla*, ebook on Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

David Macaulay PBS movies:

• Pyramid based on Pyramid :: Movie available on YouTube and Hoopla* / Ebook available on Hoopla*
• Castle based on Castle :: Movie available on YouTube and Hoopla* / Ebook available on Hoopla
• Roman City based on City :: Movie available on YouTube and Hoopla* / Ebook available on Hoopla*
• Cathedral based on Cathedral :: Movie available on YouTube and Hoopla* / Ebook available on Hoopla
• Mill Times based on Mill :: Movie available on YouTube and Hoopla* / Ebook available on Hoopla*

Five Children and It (BBC Series on YouTube) based on Five Children and It :: BBC series is available on YouTube / Ebook and audiobook available on Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang based on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Magical Car :: Movie available on Hoopla*, Amazon Prime, Netflix / ebook available on Hoopla and Overdrive/Libby*

The Little Princess (1939) and A Little Princess (1995) based on A Little Princess :: 1939 version on Amazon Prime and Hoopla*, 1995 version on Netflix, Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

Gulliver's Travels (1939) and other versions based on Gulliver's Travels :: 1939 version on Hoopla*, Amazon Prime, Kanopy* / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby*and elsewhere

Where the Red Fern Grows based on Where the Red Fern Grows :: Movie available on Hoopla, Amazon Prime / Ebook and audiobook available on Overdrive/Libby*

Swallows and Amazons based on Swallows and Amazons :: Movie available on Hoopla*, Amazon Prime / Ebook available on Hoopla*

The Pilgrim's Progress based on The Pilgrim's Progress :: Movie available on Hoopla*, Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook on Hoopla* and elsewhere

The Black Stallion based on The Black Stallion :: Movie available on Hoopla*, Amazon $ / Audiobook available on Overdrive/Libby*

Kidnapped (many versions!) based on Kidnapped :: 1960 version on Amazon $, Disney+, 1995 version on Hoopla* / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

The Borrowers (Many versions!) and The Secret World of Arrietty based on The Borrowers :: BBC TV series available on YouTube (episode 1 here), other versions Amazon $ / Ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby*

The Boxcar Children based on The Boxcar Children :: Movie available on Hoopla, Amazon $ / Ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

The Railway Children (2000) and The Railway Children (2016) based on The Railway Children :: 2000 version on Amazon Prime, 2016 version on Hoopla / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

The Jungle Book (1942) (1967) (2016), Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle and other versions based on The Jungle Book :: 1942 version on Hoopla and Amazon Prime, 1967 version on Disney+, 2016 version on Amazon $, Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle on Netflix, animated series on Netflix, animated series on Hoopla / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

Pippi Longstocking (1997) and The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking (1988) (other versions available!) based on Pippi Longstocking :: Movies available on Amazon $, 1997 version on Hoopla*, Shirley Temple version on Hoopla* / Audiobook available on Overdrive/Libby*

The Miracle Worker (1962) and The Miracle Worker (1979) and other versions based on The Miracle Worker: The Play based on The Story of My Life :: 1979 version Amazon Prime, 1962 version on Hoopla, Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla*, ebook available on Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

Heidi (many versions!) based on Heidi :: 1993 version on Amazon Prime, 2015 version on Amazon Prime, same version on Hoopla* / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

The Reluctant Dragon and Shirley Temple's Storybook: The Reluctant Dragon based on The Reluctant Dragon :: Movie available on Amazon $, Disney+, Shirley Temple version on Hoopla and Amazon Prime / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

Treasure Island (multiple versions!) based on Treasure Island ::  Our favorite 1990 version is Amazon $, 1954 version is Amazon $, Disney+, two versions are Amazon Prime (1971) and (1986), Hoopla also has a free version / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby*and elsewhere

The Secret Garden (1993) based on The Secret Garden :: 1993 version on Amazon $, 2017 version Amazon Prime, Hoopla* has a 16-minute version / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

The Prince and the Pauper (2000) and The Prince and the Pauper (1962) (and other versions) based on The Prince and the Pauper :: 2000 version on Amazon Prime and Hoopla*, 1962 version on Amazon $, Disney+ / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, ebook on Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

The Adventures of Huck Finn (1993) and Huckleberry Finn (1974) (and other versions!) based on The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn :: 1974 version on Amazon Prime and Hoopla, 1993 version on Amazon $, Disney+ / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, ebook on Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Robin Hood (1973), Robin Hood (1952) and other versions based on various sources, my favorite is The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood :: Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves available on Netflix, Amazon $, 1973 version on Amazon $, Disney+, 1952 version on Amazon $, Disney+, 1960s series on Amazon Prime, other versions on Hoopla* / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, ebook on Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959) (Many versions!) based on Journey to the Center of the Earth :: 2 less well-reviewed versions on Hoopla, 1959 version on Amazon $, Disney+, 2008 version on Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla*, ebook on Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) and other versions based on 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea :: Animated version on Hoopla, Classic 1954 version on Amazon $, Disney+ / ebook available on Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

The Secret of NIMH based on Mrs. Fristby and the Rats of NIMH :: Movie available on Amazon Prime / Audiobook available on Overdrive/Libby*

The Secret of Moonacre based on The Little White Horse :: Movie available on Amazon Prime / Ebook available on Hoopla*

The Sign of the Beaver based on The Sign of the Beaver :: Movie available on Amazon Prime / Ebook and audiobook available on Overdrive/Libby*

Peter Pan (2003), Peter Pan (1953), and Hook based on Peter Pan :: Hook on Netflix, Amazon $, 1953 version on Amazon $, Disney+, 2003 version on Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

Watership Down based on Watership Down :: Limited Series available on Netflix, Movie available on Amazon $ / Ebook and Audiobook on Overdrive/Libby*, ebook on Hoopla*

Oliver! (many versions!) based on Oliver Twist :: 2007 BBC series on Amazon Prime, 1985 BBC series on Amazon, the musical version on Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla and Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

Black Beauty based on Black Beauty :: Movie available on Amazon Prime / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla and Overdrive/Libby* and Google Books

Hugo based on The Invention of Hugo Cabret :: Movie available on Netflix, Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Overdrive/Libby*, audiobook available on Hoopla*

Swiss Family Robinson based on Swiss Family Robinson :: Movie available on Amazon $, Disney+, but animated series is Amazon Prime / Ebook and audiobook on Hoopla and Overdrive/Libby* and ebook free on Amazon and elsewhere

The Neverending Story based on The Neverending Story :: Movie available on Amazon $ / Audiobook available on Hoopla and Overdrive/Libby*

Old Yeller based on Old Yeller :: Movie on Amazon $, Disney+ / Audiobook on Hoopla*, ebook on Overdrive/Libby*

Winnie the Pooh (1977) based on The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh :: Movie on Amazon $, 2011 version on Disney+ / Audiobooks available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby*

Rikki Tikki Tavi based on Rikki Tikki Tavi in The Jungle Book :: Movie available on Amazon $ / Ebook free on Amazon and Hoopla, audiobook on Hoopla and Overdrive/Libby*

Willie Wonka and the Cholocate Factory and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory based on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory :: Movies available on Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Overdrive/Libby*

Matilda based on Matilda :: Movie available on Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Overdrive/Libby*

James and the Giant Peach based on James and the Giant Peach :: Movie available on Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Overdrive/Libby*

The Phantom Tollbooth based on The Phantom Tollbooth :: Movie available on Amazon $ / Ebook and audiobook available on Overdrive/Libby*

Mary Poppins based on Mary Poppins :: Movie available on Amazon $, Disney+ / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla and Overdrive/Libby*

Bedknobs and Broomsticks based on The Magic Bedknob AND Bed-Knobs and Bonfires and Broomsticks :: Movie available on Amazon $, Disney+ / ebook on Hoopla

Johnny Tremain based on Johnny Tremain :: Movie available on Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Overdrive/Libby*

Because of Winn Dixie based on Because of Winn Dixie :: Movie on Amazon $, Disney+ / Audiobook and ebook available on Overdrive/Libby*, ebook on Hoopla*

Little Women (multiple versions!) based on Little Women :: Movie available on Amazon $, Series on Amazon Prime / Audiobook and ebook available on Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

Pollyanna (multiple movies available) based on Pollyanna :: Movie available on Amazon $, Disney+ / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe based on The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe :: Movie available on Amazon $, Disney+ / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby*

Mr. Popper's Penguins based on Mr. Popper's Penguins :: Movie on Amazon $ / Ebook on Hoopla*, ebook and audiobook on Overdrive/Libby*

My Side of the Mountain based on My Side of the Mountain :: Movie available on Amazon $ / Audiobook available on Overdrive/Libby*

Charlotte's Web (2006) or (1973) based on Charlotte's Web :: 1973 version on HULU, 2006 version on Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Overdrive/Libby*

Pinocchio based on Pinocchio :: Classic 1940 edition on Amazon $, Disney+, but Amazon Prime has a limited series (2010) / Audiobook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby*; ebook available on Hoopla* and elsewhere

Tuck Everlasting based on Tuck Everlasting :: Movie available Amazon $, Disney+ / Audiobook and ebook available on Overdrive/Libby*

Misty based on Misty of Chincoteague :: DVD only for now (but I've seen it on Hoopla) / Audiobook available on Hoopla and Overdrive/Libby*

White Fang (1991), White Fang (2018) based on White Fang :: 1991 version on Amazon $, Disney+, 2018 version on Netflix / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

Alice in Wonderful (1951), (1933) and other many versions based on Alice in Wonderland :: 1951 version on Amazon $, Disney+, 1933 version on Hoopla*, Amazon $

A Wrinkle in Time (2018) and A Wrinkle in Time (2004) based on A Wrinkle in Time :: 2018 version on Netflix, Both versions on Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Overdrive/Libby*

The Black Cauldron based on The Book of Three and The Black Cauldron :: Movie on Amazon $, Disney+ / Audiobook and ebook available on Overdrive/Libby*

National Velvet based on National Velvet :: Movie available on Amazon $ / Ebook available on Hoopla*

The Hobbit (1977) (kid version!) based on The Hobbit :: Movie available on Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby*

The Wizard of Oz based on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz :: Movie available on Amazon $, 1987 version on Hoopla / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla*, ebook on Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

Return to Oz based on The Marvelous Land of Oz and Ozma of Oz / Movie available on Amazon $, Disney+ / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

Justin Morgan Had a Horse based on Justin Morgan Had a Horse :: Movie available on Amazon $, Disney+ / Audiobook available on Hoopla*

The Incredible Journey (1963) or Homeward Bound (1993) based on The Incredible Journey :: 1963 (my favorite) and 1993 versions available on Amazon $, 1963 version on Disney+ / Audiobook on Overdrive/Libby*

Around the World in 80 Days based on Around the World in 80 Days :: Movie available on Amazon $, Disney+ / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

Emil and the Detectives based on Emil and the Detectives :: Movie available on Amazon $, Disney+ / Ebook available on Hoopla*

Paddington based on A Bear Called Paddington :: Movie available on Amazon $ / Audiobook available on Hoopla and Overdrive/Libby*

Rascal based on Rascal :: Movie available on Amazon $ / Audiobook available on Hoopla*

Doctor Dolittle (1967) and Dr. Dolittle (1998) based on The Story of Doctor Dolittle :: Movies available on Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla* and elsewhere

Hidden Figures based on Hidden Figures :: Movie on Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla and Overdrive/Libby*

Hachi: A Dog's Tale based on Hachico Waits :: Movie available on Amazon $ / Only available as a book

Born Free based on Born Free: A Lioness of Two Worlds :: Movie available Amazon $ / Only available as a book

The Last Unicorn based on The Last Unicorn :: Movie available on Amazon $ / Only available as a book

For older viewers:

Murder on the Orient Express based on Murder on the Orient Express :: Movie available on Amazon Prime, Kanopy* / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla and Overdrive/Libby*

Les Miserables (2012) and Les Miserables (1998) and other versions! based on Les Miserables :: 25th Anniversary Edition (my favorite!) available on Hoopla, other movie versions on Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Ebook version free on kindle, Overdrive/Libby*

A Tale of Two Cities (1980) (and other versions) based on A Tale of Two Cities :: 1980 version on Amazon Prime and Kanopy*, different animated movies available on Kanopy* and Hoopla* / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla and Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

To Kill a Mockingbird based on To Kill a Mockingbird :: Movie available on Amazon Prime / Audiobook and ebook available on Overdrive/Libby*, Audiobook on Hoopla*

The Last of the Mohicans (1992) and The Last of the Mohicans (1936) based on The Last of the Mohicans :: 1936 version on Amazon Prime and Kanopy*, 1992 version on Amazon $ / Ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

Jane Eyre (1996) (multiple versions!) based on Jane Eyre :: 1996 version on Hoopla, Amazon $, 1983 Series Amazon Prime, 2006 Series Amazon Prime / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

Frankenstein (1992) (many versions!) based on Frankenstein :: 1973 version on Amazon Prime and Hoopla, 1992 version on Amazon $, other versions on Amazon $ and Hoopla / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, ebook on Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

Emma (1996), Jane Austin's Emma and other versions based on Emma :: 1996 version on Hoopla, many versions on Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

Mansfield Park (1999), Mansfield Park (2008) and other versions based on Mansfield Park :: 1999 version on Netflix, Hoopla, Amazon $, 2008 version on Hoopla, Amazon $, 1983 BBC Series on Amazon Prime / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla*, ebook available on Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

Pride and Prejudice (multiple versions!) based on Pride and Prejudice :: 1980 series is Amazon Prime, but 2005 movie Amazon $ and 1995 series Amazon $ and HULU / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

Sense and Sensibility (2008) (1995) (1981) based on Sense and Sensibility :: 2008 series on Amazon Prime, 1995 version on Amazon $, 1981 series on Amazon Prime / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

The Count of Monte Cristo (1975) and The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) based on The Count of Monte Cristo :: 1975 version is Amazon Prime, 2002 version is Amazon $, 1934 version on Kanopy* / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

The Three Muskateers based on The Three Muskateers :: Available on Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

The Man in the Iron Mask (1998) (1977) (1939) (and other versions!) based on The Man in the Iron Mask :: 1998 and 1977 versions available on Amazon Prime, 1939 version on Kanopy*, Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

Anna Karenina (2012)  (and other versions!) based on Anna Karenina :: 2012 version on Netflix, Amazon $, 2015 series on Amazon Prime / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

The Scarlet Letter (1934) (1995) (and other versions!) based on The Scarlet Letter :: 1934 version available on Amazon Prime, 1995 version on Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Hoopla, Overdrive/Libby* and elsewhere

Lord of the Flies based on Lord of the Flies :: Move available on Kanopy*, Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Overdrive/Libby*

Doctor Zhivago (2002) and Doctor Zhivago (1965) based on Doctor Zhivago :: 2002 version on Amazon Prime, 1965 on Amazon $ / Book only available

The Outsiders based on The Outsiders :: Movie available on Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Overdrive/Libby*

Of Mice and Men based on Of Mice and Men :: Movie available on Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Overdrive/Libby*

A Beautiful Mind based on A Beautiful Mind :: Movie available on Amazon $ / Audiobook and ebook available on Overdrive/Libby*

The Crucible based on The Crucible :: Movie available on Amazon $ / Audiobook on Hoopla* and ebook available on Overdrive/Libby*

The Color Purple based on The Color Purple :: Movie available on Amazon $ / Ebook available on Hoopla and Overdrive/Libby*

Glory based on One Gallant Rush: Robert Gould Shaw and His Brave Black Regiment :: Movie available on Amazon $ / Only available as a book

*Sources marked with an * include Kanopy, Hoopla, and Overdrive/Libby. Each of these is available through a public library subscription. Check your library's website to see if they subscribe. If they don't subscribe to one or more, read #1 on this list to learn how you may be able to get access through another library.

Find a mistake or a change? Please let me know and I'll update the list:

Books mentioned on the list:

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