My Favourite Book Adaptations of All-Time

Few film genres have earned recognition of the book adaptation. Since the 1960’s, the genre has produced unforgettable movies. Whether it’s magical teachers, ring bearers or redemptive prisoners, the genre has created many strong characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best book adaptations ever made that deserve to be celebrated.

1. The Shawshank Redemption

Hope is something I’ve always found challenging finding. Several years ago, my life hit a crushing low when I began failing classes in school causing sorrow. Unable to cope with pressure posed by high school studies, I experienced intense anxiety. During a painful time, it was impossible for me to see a bright light at the end of the pitch-black tunnel. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the power of hope allowing people to achieve redemption as powerfully as “The Shawshank Redemption”. Ever since its release in 1994, Frank Darabont’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest literary adaptation ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Darabont did an extraordinary job of adapting a beloved book about prisoners facing despair. Darabont has always had an aptitude for demonstrating emotions through voice-over narration, and his strengths as a filmmaker are evident in “The Shawshank Redemption”. For instance, the scene in which Red narrates his harrowing memories of the time when Andy escapes the prison is one of the greatest moments of the adaptation genre. At the centre of it all are two phenomenal performances from Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins, capturing prisoners facing despair. Ultimately, what makes “The Shawshank Redemption” my favourite book adaptation of all-time is its message. The film accomplishes exactly what a literature adaptation should do which is honour the source material. The film delivers a strong message about hope which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years after the release of a classic about hopeless inmates that question whether they should get busy living or get busy dying searching for redemption in a terrifying prison, it’s a bold reminder about a book that is worthy of celebration.

2. The Godfather

Gangsters have always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather that loved gangsters causing damage. An offer that he simply couldn’t refuse, he adored gangsters that shaped his worldviews. As someone treasuring a grandfather admiring gangsters, I adored “The Godfather”. Released in 1972, Francis Ford Coppola’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about gangsters. Coppola did an extraordinary job of adapting a classic book about gangsters. Unlike most adaptations, what makes “The Godfather” stand out is its strong attention to detail. For instance, the scene in which Michael Corleone commits his first murder in local restaurants becoming a member of the mafia is one of the best moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Marlon Brando, who embodied a gangster created years ago. Ultimately, what makes “The Godfather” a crime classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about fatherhood which would resonate with everyone. A grand adaptation of a great book about gangs given offers they can’t refuse, it’s a bold reminder of a grand genre making great movies that have earned rave reviews.

3. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

The Lord of the Rings is a fantastic fantasy book series that my teacher always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a teacher that loved a series about rings causing damage. Drawn to the power of rings that were dangerous, he loved a famous fantasy series he considered precious. In 2001, Peter Jackson honoured the fantasy series about rings in his movie “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”.  Jackson has always excelled at creating fantastical worlds, and “The Fellowship of the Ring” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the iconic scene in which Gandalf faces a dilemma battling a dangerous dragon stating that it shall not pass is one of the best moments of the literary genre. At the centre of it all is a towering performance by Ian McKellen, who embodied a legendary literary character with dedication. Ultimately, what makes “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” a great adaptation is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the books to appreciate it. 70 years following the publication of a famous fantasy book about adventurous hobbits carrying a ring that’s dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies audiences consider precious.

4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Harry Potter is a magical book series that shaped my identity. As far as I remember, I’ve always loved J.K. Rowling’s magical literature. I fell in love with a book series about wizards casting spells with stories to tell. I’m a huge fan of the Harry Potter books and adore all the films that adapted the source material. However, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” is my favourite film in the franchise. Released in 2011, David Yates’ movie honoured the final book in the Harry Potter book series. Yates captured the emotional impact of saying heartbreaking goodbyes to beloved wizards through stunning montages. For instance, the scene in which Harry witnesses Snape’s memories revealing his true identity following his death causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Alan Rickman, who honoured a legendary character. Ultimately, what makes “The Deathly Hallows: Part 2” a great adaptation is its message. The film delivers a heartbreaking message about death which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic farewell towards a franchise with strong stories to tell, it’s a spellbinding reminder of a commemorated genre that has put audiences in a magical spell.

5. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. My anxiety first began in high school when I faced pressure to succeed in a class that was cruel. Unable to cope with stress, I faced a nervous breakdown affecting my academic success. I felt humiliated having a breakdown in front of school teachers that I appreciated.  Few films I’ve ever seen have captured anxiety faced by wallflower teenagers as powerfully as “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Released in 2012, Stephen Chbosky’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about teenagers. A world-renowned author, Chbosky’s decision to adapt his own book on the big-screen paid off tremendously. Chbosky uses stunning montages to capture the lives of teenagers with severe mental health issues. For instance, the scene in which Charlie faces a breakdown causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Logan Lerman, capturing a teenager facing emotion. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a great adaptation is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Charlie’s desire to be a wallflower teenager, it’s a riveting reminder about why literature that is adapted into movies is a genre audiences treasure.

6. Dune

When it comes to the greatest science-fiction books ever written that won’t be forgotten soon, it’s worth discussing “Dune”. Published during the 1960’s, Frank Herbert’s book has become timeless literature that readers have cherished. In 2021, Denis Villeneuve did an extraordinary job of adapting the book about dusty dune planets in his movie “Dune”. It isn’t easy to adapt a complex sci-fi book on the big-screen, but Villeneuve succeeded. Villeneuve used groundbreaking visuals to recreate the planets of the beloved book. Anchored by an extraordinary performance by Timothee Chalamet, “Dune” remains one of the most impressive literary adaptations made today. As precious as dusty dune planets, it’s a dazzling reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which definitely won’t be forgotten soon.

7. Emma

Jane Austen is a legendary author that my mother has grown to treasure. I remember a mother that adored the author in English literature. She was drawn to the sense and sensibility of an author that shaped her identity. As someone treasuring a mother that loved Jane Austen with nostalgia, I adored “Emma”. Released in 2020, Autumn De Wilde’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved book. De Wilde used gorgeous production-design to recreate the old-fashioned era of the author’s literature. Assisted by Anya-Taylor Joy who is exceptional in the lead role, De Wilde honoured an author whose books give readers joy. As strong as Emma’s desire for freedom in the Victorian era, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.

8. Little Women

Writing is a passion that I’ve always enjoyed pursuing. As far as I remember, I’ve always wanted to become a writer. At an early age, I developed a hobby of writing words on the page. As someone with a strong writing passion, I adored “Little Women”. Released in 2019, Greta Gerwig’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about feminist women. Unlike most literary adaptations, what makes “Little Women” stand out is its bravery. Gerwig’s decision to change aspects of the book such as the ending is risky but pays off tremendously. Assisted by Saoirse Ronan who is brilliant in the lead role, Gerwig honoured legendary literature. A lovely adaptation of a groundbreaking book about women that love writing, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced commemorated movies which are worth celebrating.

9. To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird is a legendary piece of literature that always impressed by father. I recall with nostalgia memories of a father admiring a book about Alabama. He would always speak fondly about a novel that shaped his identity. In 1962, Robert Mulligan honoured the book in his film “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Mulligan captured the essence of the legendary book through intelligent dialogue. Assisted by Gregory Peck who is exceptional in the lead role, Mulligan honoured legendary literature. Unlike most movies made during the 1960’s which tend to be outdated, “To Kill a Mockingbird” remains relevant today with a pertinent message about racism.  As strong as Atticus’ bond with Scout, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies which deserve to be talked about without a doubt.

10. The Shining

Few books ever written about shining hotels are as beloved as The Shining. Since its publication in 1977, Stephen King’s book has become a classic. In 1980, Stanley Kubrick did an amazing job of adapting the shining book in his movie “The Shining”. Kubrick used captivating foreshadowing to celebrate a book about hotels that are frightening. Assisted by Jack Nicholson who is fantastic in the lead role, Kubrick honoured a literary classic. Although the legacy of the movie has been tarnished by criticisms made by Stephen King, it remains a shining example of a great adaptation. As precious as the Overlook Hotel, it’s a shining reminder that books with timeless stories to tell can be successfully adapted into unforgettable movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to pursue my passions for film criticism in which I excel.