While some people prefer watching movies, others love to read books. However, how would you feel about iconic movies that are based on best-selling books around the world? We've selected the best movies that have adapted your beloved novels into motion pictures for you. As a viewer as well as a reader, you will enjoy perusing this list.
“The Hunger Games”
Advertisement
Before the first part of Suzanne Collins' trilogy was adapted, people were talking about it; yet, it was the film industry that brought the author significant recognition. The big-screen adaptation of "The Hunger Games" ignited a renewed interest in dystopian literature.
“The Martian”
Seven Oscar nominations and two comedy-related wins were bestowed upon the film. Surprisingly, "The Martian" is a grim science-fiction film with adventure aspects rather than a comedy in the traditional sense. The screenplay was based on an Andy Weir novel, which went on to become a global bestseller in almost every nation.
“Cloud Atlas”
Nothing compares to the work written by David Mitchell. The screenwriters and directors worked very hard to turn "Cloud Atlas" into a movie. The outcome was the most costly independent film ever made. Who plays the main role, you wonder? You can count on Tom Hanks to make the 172 minutes of the film worthwhile.
“Game of Thrones”
The entire globe watched the "Game of Thrones" television series, and its creator, George R.R. Martin, is regarded as one of the most important people in the world. And how else would one characterize someone whose creativity captured the attention of millions of people worldwide?
“The Day of the Triffids”
A two-part television program was made based on the classic post-apocalyptic novel "The Day of the Triffids." Following an amazing occurrence known as a green meteor shower, carnivorous plants dominate the surface of the planet. With spores dispersing throughout the world and no sign of relief in sight, the survivors are forced to use their own bravery and intelligence to battle an extraterrestrial threat.
“I Am Legend”
The main character of Richard Matheson's novel "I Am Legend" is a lone survivor amid a large metropolis. That's how Robert Neville feels all the time. He is the last person living in New York; everyone else perished from the "zombie apocalypse" virus.
“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”
A trio of travelers' experiences around the universe are portrayed in the whimsical film adaptation of Douglas Adams' book, "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." Every member of the family will love the daring comedy of Gart Jennings.
“War of the Worlds”
The famous science fiction book "War of the Worlds" by H.G. Wells has been numerous times adapted for the big screen. Steven Spielberg tried his hardest to bring the events of the book to life on screen. The aliens have attacked humanity. Everything happened far too rapidly; it doesn't seem possible. There are crucial situations where the characters must rekindle their relationship.
“The Lord of the Rings”
The best and brightest fantasy books ever written are the ones that have been made into movies. The most widely read tale in the world about the Great Journey and the fight against evil is Tolkien's cycle. The Ring of Power film trilogy gave rise to the "Tolkienism" pop cultural trend as a whole.
“1984”
The novel "1984" by George Orwell is now considered a masterpiece. Winston Smith, one of the millions of workers working for the good of his state, Oceania, is the protagonist of this dystopian novel. He discovers he is dissatisfied one day. Winston starts to have doubts that there are other options besides adhering to the totalitarian regime's beliefs and that his life might have turned out entirely differently.
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
The protagonist of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," a book by Francis Scott Fitzgerald, is a man who is born into old age. Born as an old man, Benjamin is doomed to die as a baby due to a genetic ailment or an unexplained aberration that causes his body to age in reverse. Brad Pitt plays the lead in director David Fincher's extraordinarily thought-provoking film adaptation.
“Shutter Island”
a place in the Atlantic Ocean. a closed mental health facility. Stormy waves and a lot of rain. the patient's disappearance. An inquiry takes place. revealing mysteries that are best left unseen. This is a description of the thriller that Martin Scorsese directed, which was based on Dennis Lehane's book "Shutter Island."
“Perfume: The Story of a Murderer”
The main character is a maniac obsessed with the idea of creating the perfect perfume. But achieving perfection is not that easy. The protagonist of Patrick Süskind’s novel and Tom Tykwer’s film leaves behind thirteen tortured corpses, but has he understood anything, committing horrific crimes and achieving his goal?
“The Silence of the Lambs”
There are many noteworthy accomplishments in the movie version of Thomas Harris's book "The Silence of the Lambs." One of the longest award lists in horror film history belongs to Jonathan Demme's production. In this suspenseful thriller, the condemned Hannibal Lecter and an FBI agent have an odd bond as he helps the investigator find another criminal.
“No Country for Old Men”
The Coen Brothers skillfully turned "No Country for Old Men" by Cormac McCarthy into an exciting movie. The story centers on a Vietnam War veteran who, while hiking in the Texas highlands, unintentionally discovers a crime scene. Next to one of the bodies, he discovers a $2 million case. The main character, unable to resist temptation, takes the money, which causes a number of genuine issues.
“Dark Places”
Gilles Paquet-Brenner turned Gillian Flynn's detective novel "Dark Places" into a movie. The story revolves around a horrible crime that happened in the Texas home of the Day family 25 years ago. The only son, a fifteen-year-old kid, murdered his mother and two sisters. Libby, the youngest sister who survived, is still plagued by the horrific recollections of that day. But when Libby needs money, she determines she can sell everything, including the account of her family's demise.
“Requiem for a Dream”
The story of a girl who longs for happiness is told in the movie based on the book "Requiem for a Dream." She believes that fate is treating her and her surroundings unfairly in some way. Someone inherits a fortune or wins the big prize in the national lottery, but luck doesn't appear to be on her side. As a result, it's critical to refrain from passing judgment on people who, motivated by a lovely promise, risk all and ultimately fail—even losing themselves.
“The Girl on the Train”
Tate Taylor's psychological thriller is what keeps the viewer on edge right up until the very end. This "18+" movie is based on Paula Hawkins' book of the same name, which was written a year before it was adapted. DreamWorks Pictures acknowledged the author's skill at evoking a menacing mood. The revenue from the box office surpassed the budget by nearly four times!
“Gone Girl”
David Fincher managed to create a tense thriller based on Gillian Flynn’s book “Gone Girl”. The storyline bears some resemblance to Alfred Hitchcock’s films. Perhaps, to describe what this movie is about, the concise term “suspense” would be most fitting.
“The Jungle Book”
For 127 years, readers of all ages have enjoyed reading Rudyard Kipling's timeless masterpiece "The Jungle Book," and every stage version of this novel brings in fervent crowds.
“Sherlock Holmes”
Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective stories about Sherlock Holmes provide modern filmmakers with ample room for imagination. Guy Ritchie borrowed from the writer only the image of the legendary detective and the historical era in which the events of his stories took place. The rest was the work of the screenwriters. The plot turned out to be original and captivating.
“The Children of Men”
Although Alfonso Cuarón's adaptation of Phyllis James's novel "The Children of Men" was a box office bust, critics and a large number of spectators with an interest in philosophy praised it. Deep moral quandaries are explored in this dystopian novel, which is set in the near future and depicts humanity as having lost the ability to procreate. What do the terms "bloody regime" and "resistance" imply when there is no future at all?
“Angelique, the Marquise of the Angels”
Numerous readers have been enlightened by the works of Anne and Serge Golon. The Count de Peyrac is forced to marry off the stunning Angelique. The beautiful woman finds the unloved man to be a kindred spirit after initially resisting giving in to him. The audience reacted favorably to the novel's adaptation.
“Oliver Twist”
A poignant picture about the unfortunate destiny of a young English orphan was directed by Roman Polanski. Polanski's adaptation emphasizes mercy and a faith in the victory of human kindness, but Dickens's work has more cruelty and filth. In many respects, the adaptation seems to be a softer version of the original novel.
“Ben-Hur”
The film received eleven Oscars for its adaptation of the well-known Lew Wallace novel, which explored mankind, religion, and Rome. The viewpoint from which the crucifixion of Christ is portrayed in these creative works will startle anyone who hasn't read the books or seen the movie.
“Schindler’s List”
It's difficult to read Thomas Keneally's novel without gagging, and there's really nothing to say about Spielberg's movie. This narrative doesn't need to be promoted because it is based on historically accurate facts; it is sufficient that it actually happened. It is our collective responsibility to remember and stop the horrors of the 20th century, including the Holocaust and repressions.
“Arrival”
Many moviegoers were unaware that "Arrival," which was shown in theaters, was an adaptation of Ted Chiang's story "Story of Your Life." Despite this, Denis Villeneuve's film was a huge hit, earning eight Oscar nominations and positive reviews for its account of unexplained phenomena that coincide with humanity's encounter with extraterrestrial intelligence.
“The Long Road”
The melodrama directed by G. Tillman Jr. based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks tells the story of the whimsical dependency of fate on the coincidences that happen to us. It’s a life story of three people who must overcome their predicaments by entrusting each other with the most valuable things: memories and emotions.
“Les Misérables”
For any director, adapting Victor Hugo's beloved novel "Les Misérables" into a movie is a dangerous undertaking. Tom Hooper cast a wide range of well-known performers in his film, including Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, and Helena Bonham Carter, possibly in an attempt to be cautious. The result was an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from viewers.
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”
Regarding Ken Kesey's book, it's important to note that the fame of the original work is insignificant compared to that of the adaptation. The book-based screenplay with Jack Nicholson in the major role guaranteed an outpouring of fan adulation. Without this movie, the cinematography would not be complete.
