5 YA Sci-fi Novels That Deserve To Be Movie Adaptations
SEPTEMBER 16TH, 2026
5 YA SCI-FI NOVELS THAT DESERVE TO BE MOVIE ADAPTATIONS
How many times do you read a book and think – “WOW! That would make a great movie?”
YA sci-fi novels are full of high-concept visions, strange worlds and a variety of aliens. Let’s take a look at five novels I think will leave readers casting their favourite actors into the character roles … before they’ve finished the final chapter.
5. The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer (2021)
Ambrose Cusk and Kodiak Caelum are the only crew members of the spaceship Coaxing Coals. They’ve been sent on a mission to rescue Ambrose’s stranded sister. But Ambrose and Kodiak are from warring nations and don’t trust each other.
The book starts as a survival story, but as the two boys work together, they become lovers. I really enjoy this trope. But what really pulled me into the story is the mystery they uncover. The plot twists and the truth!
Why The Darkness Outside Us deserves adaptation: Intense psychological tension, mystery and a powerful enemies-to-lovers romance.
If you loved this novel, watch – ARRIVAL
4. Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao (2021)
18-year-old Wu Zetian volunteers to become a concubine-pilot with only one thought in mind – to assassinate the ace pilot who murdered her sister!
This novel is really fast-paced. I loved the world-building, which combined ancient China with dystopian technology. The giant mecha battles are driven by rage, rebellion and a Zetian who refuses to be silent.
Why Iron Widow deserves adaptation: High-tech combat and a fantastic heroine.
If you loved this novel, watch – PACIFIC RIM
3. This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi (2022)
Okay – so this story leans more toward fantasy than sci-fi, but its world-building, destiny-driven plot and layered Persian mythology have the same feel as a classic sci-fi story.
Alizeh, the long-lost heir to an ancient kingdom, lives as a drudge. But when her path collides with Kamran (the crown prince) an ancient prophecy and forbidden romance threaten their worlds.
Why This Woven Kingdom deserves adaptation: High-stakes and forbidden romance. The rich world based on ancient Persian culture. Mythological creatures. Alizeh’s unique magical talent.
If you loved this novel, watch – PRINCE OF PERSIA: SANDS OF TIME
2. Sky’s End by Marc J Gregson (2024)
I loved this world of floating islands and giant monsters. 16-year-old Conrad enters the Selection to become a Hunter and find a way to rescue his sister, while avenging his family.
The world building is so fresh. The aerial battles are intense and unforgiving. Conrad’s deep desire for revenge does force him to make questionable choices – which is great, and the Selection is page-turning.
Why Sky’s End deserves adaptation: A unique world, high-octane action and morally grey characters
If you loved this novel, watch – MORTAL ENGINES
1. Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou (2023)
Io is a private investigator working in the half-submerged metropolis of Alante. When she starts investigating a string of impossible murders, Io discovers a deadly conspiracy and a boy fated to be her soulmate.
What really intrigued me about this story was Io’s ability to see the life tethers, emotional threads and the soulmate cord of people. She can also use special scissors to cut the threads, erasing memories or instantly ending life.
Why Threads That Bind deserves adaptation: It blends an unusual magic system, a film noir tone mixing Greek mythology with a gritty detective story.
If you loved this novel, watch – PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS
Final Thought
So why do I think these novels will make great movies?
Space, floating islands, and flying monsters grab our attention, but it’s enemies-to-lovers, rebellions, and chosen-one destinies that capture our emotions. When stories leap from the page into our imaginations, we want to see them on the big screen.
Fingers crossed we will …
Which recent YA sci-fi novel would be your dream adaptation?
- Jane
Fiction Rebellion Heroine