20 Best Books Made Into Movies And TV Shows
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Nothing beats a great book-to-movie adaptation. Whether you’re a bookworm who loves to see their favorites brought to life on the silver screen, or a film buff looking for some of the best works in cinematic history, there is no shortage of books that have been made into movies. From classic novels like Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights to modern bestsellers such as The Hunger Games and Harry Potter, there are countless books that have been adapted into movies. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most iconic book-based movies and explore why these stories make for great adaptations. So let’s dive in!
Movie released: 2011
The Help is a 2009 novel by Kathryn Stockett, which was adapted into a feature film starring Emma Stone, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer in 2011. The story follows the lives of black maids working for white families in Jackson, Mississippi during the 1960’s. The book-based movie touched hearts around the world and earned a whopping four Oscar nominations. The film was praised for its accurate portrayal of the era’s racial issues, as well as its powerful performances.
Movie released: 1994
Forrest Gump is a 1986 novel by Winston Groom, which was adapted into a Hollywood classic starring Tom Hanks in 1994. The story follows the titular character’s journey through life as he meets many influential figures in American history and touches countless lives along the way. The book-based movie was an instant success, winning six Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor for Tom Hanks. The film’s simple yet profound message resonated with audiences across the globe, making it one of the most beloved movies of all time.
Movies released: 2001-2011
Harry Potter is an iconic book series written by J.K Rowling, which was adapted into eight feature films from 2001 to 2011. The story follows a young wizard and his friends as they battle dark forces, discover dark secrets and uncover the truth about themselves along the way. The book-based movie adaptations were met with huge success, earning billions of dollars worldwide and winning numerous awards including multiple Academy Awards. The movies are also credited for launching the careers of its young cast members like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.
Movies released: 2012-2015
The Hunger Games is a 2008 novel by Suzanne Collins, which was adapted into four feature films from 2012 to 2015. The story follows Katniss Everdeen as she participates in the deadly Hunger Games, an annual event where 24 teenagers fight to the death for the entertainment of their oppressive government. The book-based movie adaptations received both critical acclaim and commercial success, grossing over $2 billion at the box office and earning numerous award nominations.
Movie released: 2005
Pride & Prejudice is a classic novel by Jane Austen, which was adapted into a feature film starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen in 2005. The story follows the five Bennet sisters as they navigate their way through love, family and society in early 19th century England. The book-based movie earned positive reviews from critics, who praised its faithfulness to the source material and its strong performances.
Movie released: 2019
David Copperfield is a timeless novel by Charles Dickens, which was adapted into a feature film starring Dev Patel and Tilda Swinton in 2019. The story follows the titular character as he navigates his way through poverty, heartache and society to find joy and fulfillment in life. The book-based movie earned two Academy Award nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Cinematography. It also won several other awards from international film festivals, including Best Picture at the British Independent Film Awards.
Book published: 1964
Movies released: 1971 & 2005
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a classic children’s novel by Roald Dahl, which was adapted into two feature films from 1971 to 2005. The story follows the adventures of Charlie Bucket as he wins a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory. The book-based movie adaptations were both met with critical and commercial success, with the 2005 remake starring Johnny Depp grossing over $475 million worldwide.
Movies released: 2001-2003
The Lord of the Rings is a beloved fantasy novel by J.R.R Tolkien, which was adapted into three feature films from 2001 to 2003. The story follows the adventures of Frodo Baggins and his quest to destroy the One Ring, reunite Middle Earth and defeat the evil forces of Sauron. The book-based movie adaptations were met with tremendous success, grossing over $2 billion at the box office and winning numerous awards, including 17 Academy Awards.
Movie released: 1987
The Princess Bride is a fantasy romance novel by William Goldman, which was adapted into a feature film starring Cary Elwes and Robin Wright in 1987. The story follows Westley as he embarks on a quest to save his one true love from an evil prince. The book-based movie earned both critical acclaim and commercial success, grossing over $30 million at the box office and winning several awards.
Movie released: 2018
A Wrinkle in Time is a science fantasy novel by Madeleine L’Engle, which was adapted into a feature film starring Reese Witherspoon, Oprah Winfrey and Mindy Kaling in 2018. The story follows Meg Murry as she embarks on a journey through time and space to save her father from an evil presence. The book-based movie earned mixed reviews from critics, but it was praised for its visuals and strong performances.
Movie released: 1975
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest is a classic novel by Ken Kesey, which was adapted into an Academy Award-winning feature film starring Jack Nicholson in 1975. The story follows the lives of patients at a mental institution as they are forced to confront the oppressive control of Nurse Ratched. The book-based movie earned widespread acclaim from critics, who praised its powerful themes and performances. It won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Movie released: 1962
To Kill a Mockingbird is a beloved classic by Harper Lee, which was adapted into an award-winning feature film starring Gregory Peck in 1962. The story follows Atticus Finch as he defends a falsely accused African-American man against charges of rape in the segregated south. The book-based movie earned widespread critical acclaim and won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It has since become a classic in American literature and film.
Movies released: 1993 & 2015
Jurassic Park is a sci-fi novel by Michael Crichton, which was adapted into two feature films from 1993 to 2015. The story follows a group of scientists who have created a theme park filled with living dinosaurs. The book-based movies were both met with critical and commercial success, with the 1993 original grossing over $1 billion at the box office worldwide. It spawned two sequels, a video game franchise and numerous merchandise.
Movie released: 2018
The Hate U Give is a young adult novel by Angie Thomas, which was adapted into a feature film starring Amandla Stenberg in 2018. The story follows Starr Carter as she navigates between the poverty-stricken neighborhood she grew up in and the wealthy private school she attends. The book-based movie earned widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its powerful themes and performances. It was nominated for several awards, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Movie released: 1984
Dune is a science-fiction novel by Frank Herbert, which was adapted into a feature film starring Kyle MacLachlan in 1984. The story follows Paul Atreides as he leads his people against the oppressive rule of Baron Harkonnen and Emperor Shaddam IV. The book-based movie earned mixed reviews from critics, but it was praised for its visual effects and strong performances. It has since become a cult classic and spawned numerous sequels, video games and merchandise.
Movie released: 1980
The Shining is a horror novel by Stephen King, which was adapted into an iconic feature film starring Jack Nicholson in 1980. The story follows Jack Torrance as he descends into madness while taking care of the Overlook Hotel. The book-based movie earned widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its psychological horror and Kubrick’s masterful direction. It has since become one of the greatest horror films ever made, spawning numerous sequels, video games and merchandise.
Movies released: 2005-2010
The Chronicles of Narnia is a series of fantasy novels by C.S. Lewis, which was adapted into four feature films from 2005 to 2010. The story follows the Pevensie children as they explore the magical world of Narnia. The book-based movies were both met with critical and commercial success, grossing over $1 billion at the box office worldwide. The series has since become a fantasy classic and spawned numerous merchandise, video games and theme park attractions.
Movie released: 1972
The Godfather is a crime novel by Mario Puzo, which was adapted into a feature film starring Marlon Brando in 1972. The story follows the Corleone family as they take control of the mafia in 1940s New York. The book-based movie earned widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its performances and iconic lines. It has since become a classic of American cinema and spawned two sequels, a video game franchise and numerous merchandise.
19. 12 Years A Slave by Solomon Northup
Movie released: 2013
12 Years a Slave is a memoir by Solomon Northup, which was adapted into an Academy Award-winning feature film starring Chiwetel Ejiofor in 2013. The story follows Northup as he is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the American South. The book-based movie earned widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its powerful story and performances. It has since become an important film in American cinema and won numerous awards, including three Academy Awards.
Movie released: 1999
Fight Club is a novel by Chuck Palahniuk, which was adapted into a feature film starring Brad Pitt and Edward Norton in 1999. The story follows an unnamed narrator as he discovers the underground fight club scene. The book-based movie earned widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its bold visuals and thought-provoking themes. It has since become a cult classic and spawned numerous video games and merchandise.
From timeless classics to contemporary bestsellers, these books have all been adapted into feature films that have captivated audiences around the world. Whether you prefer to dive into the world of literature or explore the world of film, these books made into movies are sure to provide hours of entertainment!