Books on Screen: Book adaptations’ importance to the UK’s creative industries and reading for enjoyment
As part of the National Year of Reading, the Publisher’s Association commissioned O&O to undertake research into a new report exploring the relationship between publishing and screen, and the extent to which books continue to provide a vital pipeline for successful film and television content. Our research highlights that books are a major source of successful screen content, providing proven source material for many of the most-watched dramas and highest-performing films.
Among the report’s key findings:
48% of original UK and US drama series released on Disney+, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video between January 2024 and June 2025 were adapted from books.
Five of the ten most-viewed first-run TV dramas of 2024 were book adaptations.
Across the top 50 grossing films released between 2020 and 2024, adaptations generated 57% higher box office revenues than non-adaptations.
The last six BAFTA Best Film winners were all based on books.
The Publishers Association report, based on O&O’s research, was launched at the 2026 London Book Fair and you can read it here.