TL;DR: The British Are Coming (Back)
If your family’s watchlist is feeling a little stale, 2025 and 2026 are about to drop a massive wave of high-quality British literary adaptations. We’re moving past the "brain rot" era of neon-colored YouTube nonsense into a golden age of "Cozy British Vibes." Here are the heavy hitters to keep on your radar:
- Paddington in Peru — The marmalade-loving GOAT returns in early 2025.
- The Twits — Netflix’s animated take on Roald Dahl’s most unhinged couple.
- The Chronicles of Narnia — Greta Gerwig is taking us back through the wardrobe for Netflix.
- The Magic Faraway Tree — Enid Blyton’s classic gets a star-studded cinematic makeover.
Ask our chatbot for a personalized reading list based on these upcoming movies
Let’s be real: a lot of what hits the "Trending" tab on Netflix for kids is basically digital candy—high energy, zero substance, and designed to keep them clicking. British children’s literature, by contrast, tends to lean into what I call "The Three Ws": Wit, Whimsy, and a Weirdly Dark Streak.
Whether it’s the dry humor of Paddington or the grotesque justice in a Roald Dahl book, these stories actually respect a child’s intelligence. They don't talk down to them. In an era where AI-generated content is flooding YouTube, these adaptations represent a return to deliberate, intentional storytelling.
Ages 4+ The first two Paddington films are arguably the most perfect family movies ever made. No notes. In early 2025, we finally get the third installment. This time, the Brown family heads to South America to visit Aunt Lucy. Parent No-BS Take: If this movie is even 70% as good as Paddington 2, it’s a win. It’s the ultimate "safe" bet for a family movie night that won't make you want to scroll on your phone the whole time.
Ages 7+ Netflix bought the Roald Dahl Story Company for a staggering amount of money, and The Twits is their next big animated swing. Directed by Phil Johnston (Wreck-It Ralph), it’s going to be gross, mean-spirited, and hilarious. Parent No-BS Take: Some parents find The Twits a bit much because the characters are genuinely awful to each other. But kids love the subversion of mean adults getting their comeuppance. Just be prepared for your kids to try the "worm spaghetti" prank.
Ages 6+ Based on the beloved Enid Blyton book, this movie features Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy. It follows children who discover a tree that leads to different magical lands (The Land of Topsy-Turvy, The Land of Take-What-You-Want, etc.). Parent No-BS Take: This is aiming for that Harry Potter level of wonder. It’s a great bridge for kids who are aging out of Bluey but aren't quite ready for the intensity of Stranger Things.
Ages 8+ The biggest news in the industry is Greta Gerwig (of Barbie fame) taking on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. We likely won't see the first film until late 2025 or early 2026, but the hype is already building. Parent No-BS Take: The 2005 films were okay, but they felt a bit "diet Lord of the Rings." Gerwig usually brings a lot of emotional depth. This is the perfect time to start reading the Chronicles of Narnia series with your kids so they can be "experts" before the movie drops.
One thing you’ll notice as these shows drop: British kids' stories are often darker than American ones.
- Roald Dahl involves child endangerment and body horror.
- Enid Blyton has some "of its time" social dynamics that might need a conversation.
- C.S. Lewis puts kids in the middle of actual wars.
Don't let this scare you off. Research shows that "safe" scares in literature help kids develop emotional resilience. When they watch Matilda stand up to the Trunchbull, they aren't just being entertained; they’re seeing a model for dealing with unfair authority.
Ages 8+ This recent adaptation of the Famous Five books is already out in the UK and making its way globally. It’s a detective vibe—think Stranger Things but with more tea and less interdimensional monsters. Parent No-BS Take: This is a fantastic alternative to the high-stress, high-stakes American teen dramas. It’s wholesome but still has a "mystery" hook that keeps 10-year-olds engaged.
We’re all trying to figure out how to balance screen time, and the 2025 British takeover gives us the perfect leverage.
- The "Read-Ahead" Rule: For movies like The Twits, make it a rule that you finish the book together first. Because the books are often short and illustrated (shoutout to Quentin Blake), it’s an easy win for reluctant readers.
- Spot the Difference: British adaptations often change the endings or modernize the characters. Ask your kids: "Why do you think they changed that?" It’s a low-key way to teach media literacy without sounding like a teacher.
- Vocabulary Check: You're going to hear words like "knackered," "daft," and "chuffed." Embrace it. It’s better than them saying "skibidi" for the 400th time today.
- Preschool (Ages 3-5): Stick to Paddington and Peter Rabbit. Avoid the newer Dahl stuff until they’re older; the visuals can be a bit overstimulating.
- Early Elementary (Ages 6-8): The Magic Faraway Tree and Matilda the Musical. This is the "sweet spot" for British whimsy.
- Tween (Ages 9-12): The Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter. They can handle the peril and the complex themes of sacrifice and bravery.
Just because we loved these books doesn't mean our kids will instantly vibe with a slow-paced adaptation. If you put on a 1980s BBC version of The Silver Chair, they will likely revolt.
The 2025/2026 wave is being made for this generation. They have faster editing, better CGI, and more diverse casting. For example, the new Famous Five is much more inclusive than the original books from the 1940s. Screenwise supports these updates—they make these "classic" stories accessible to every kid sitting on the couch today.
The British Literature Takeover is a gift for intentional parents. It’s a chance to move away from mindless algorithm-driven content and toward stories that have stood the test of time.
Start with Paddington if you haven't already. It’s the ultimate "digital wellness" movie—it’s kind, it’s slow-paced enough to be relaxing, and it’s genuinely funny.
- Check the Calendar: Mark your 2025 calendar for Paddington in Peru.
- Library Run: Grab a copy of The Twits or The Magic Faraway Tree this weekend.
- Survey Your Habit: Take the Screenwise Family Tech Survey to see how your current media mix compares to other families in your community. Are you heavy on YouTube? This British wave might be the perfect "reset" button.
Ask our chatbot about other upcoming book-to-screen adaptations for 2026