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 that I’ve often found hard finding. As far as I can remember, I’ve never been a hopeful person. Several years ago, my life hit crushing lows when I began failing classes in my high school causing sorrow. Unable to cope with tense pressure posed by high school studies, I faced intense anxiety. During a painful time, it was impossible for me to see a bright light shining at the end of the pitch-black tunnel. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how hope allows prisoners in dark jails 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 book 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 excelled at making great movies adapting beloved literature, and “The Shawshank Redempton” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Darabont used voice-over narration to capture the strong bonds between a pair of close inmates forming friendships in prison. For instance, the scene in which Red recounts his memories of laying eyes on Andy Dufresne in prison for the first time facing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Morgan Freeman, who portrayed a inmate forming friendships in prison. Ultimately, what makes “The Shawshank Redemption” my favourite book adaptation of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most Stephen King adaptations, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 30 years after the release of a film about inmates questioning whether they should get busy living or get busy dying in a scary prison, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre that has always produced strong movies which deserve celebration.
2. Pride & Prejudice
Jane Austen is a legendary author whose literature always impressed my mother. I remember bonding with a mother that was a huge fan of the author in English literature. She was often drawn to the sense and sensibility of a great author that shaped her identity. As someone treasuring joyful memories of a mother that took pride in a great author without prejudice, I adored “Pride and Prejudice”. Released in 2005, Joe Wright’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of Jane Austen’s most romantic book. Wright did an extraordinary job of adapting Jane Austen’s most beloved book on the big-screen. For instance, the scene in which Elizabeth angrily confronts Mr. Darcy in the rain about destroying her sister’s great marriage causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Keira Knightley, who created one of the most iconic romantic heroines in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “Pride and Prejudice” a great romance is its bold appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Jane Austen to appreciate it. The film delivers a strong message about social class which would resonate with everyone. Centuries after the release of a book about sad women forming romantic bonds with pride, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to leave audiences satisfied.
3. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
The Lord of the Rings is a fantastic fantasy series that my aunt always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with an aunt that loved a series about rings causing damage. Drawn rings that were dangerous, she 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 used compelling world-building to recreate the magical world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary literature. For instance, the iconic scene in which Gandalf has a dilemma battling a dragon stating that it shall not pass is one of the best moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a towering performance by Ian McKellen, who portrayed a legendary character with strong dedication. Ultimately, what makes “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” a great adaptation is its message. The film delivers a bold message about dangers of obsession which would resonate with everyone. 70 years following the publication of a famous book about adventurous hobbits carrying a ring that’s dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies honouring literature which audiences consider precious.
4. The Godfather
Gangsters are great figures that always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed relationships with a grandfather appreciating gangsters causing damage. An offer he couldn’t refuse, he adored gangsters impacting his worldviews. As someone treasuring a grandfather appreciating 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 adapting classic books about gangsters. Coppola effectively uses low-key lighting capturing hardships gangsters are facing. For instance, the scene in which Michael Corleone commits his first murder in local restaurants becoming a member of mafia is one of the best moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Marlon Brando, who embodied a gangster facing sorrow years ago. Ultimately, what makes “The Godfather” a crime classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which are often outdated today, it has aged beautifully. 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 genre producing great movies that have earned rave reviews.
5. The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is a great book that my teacher would always appreciate. I remember a school teacher that grew up to treasure a book about millionaires facing disaster. He would always speak fondly about a book that captured social class in the 1920’s. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann honoured the great book about millionaires in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Luhrmann has always thrived at making lavish movies about the lives of millionaires, and “The Great Gatsby” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Gatsby is first introduced to Nick Carraway at a party causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who created an iconic millionaire character. Ultimately, what makes “The Great Gatsby” a great movie is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the legendary book to appreciate it. A beautiful adaptation of a celebrated book about a millionaire that’s mysterious, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured thought-provoking movies which audiences consider precious.
6. 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”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “To Kill a Mockingbird” stand out is its depiction of racism. Mulligan captured the essence of the commemorated book through intelligent courtroom conversations. Assisted by Gregory Peck who is extraordinary in the lead role, Mulligan honoured legendary literature. As strong as Atticus’ relationship with Scout, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies which deserve to be talked about without a doubt.
7. The Personal History of David Copperfield
Few authors in English literature that wrote poetry are as beloved as Charles Dickens. During the 1800’s, Dickens was a legendary poet that penned timeless stories. In 2019, Armando Iannucci honoured the legendary poet in his movie “The Personal History of David Copperfield”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Personal History of David Copperfield” stand out is its satire. Iannucci effectively uses satire to honour a legendary poet that created stories readers admire. Assisted by Dev Patel who is phenomenal in the lead role, Iannucci honoured Charles Dickens’ legendary legacy. A spectacular tribute towards a legendary English author that penned timeless literature, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies celebrating books that audiences treasure.
8. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter is a magical book series that shaped my identity. I fell in love with a book series about wizards casting spells with stories to tell. The series has been adapted to the big-screen several times over the years. As a huge fan of the series, I adored “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”. Released in 2004, Alfonso Cauron’s movie did the best job of adapting J.K. Rowling’s literature. Cauron used captivating visuals capturing wizards casting spellbinding magic facing monsters that are frightening. Assisted by Daniel Radcliffe who is extraordinary in the lead role, Cauron honoured an iconic book about wizards that’s spellbinding. A marvellous adaptation of a book about wizards casting a spell, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which excel.
9. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about children facing a dilemma, it’s worth discussing the Chronicles of Narnia. Since its publication in 1950, C.S. Lewis’ book has become a literary classic. In 2005, Andrew Adamson honoured the iconic book about a wardrobe in his movie “The Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Chronicles of Narnia” stand out is its depiction of siblings. Adamson uses captivating montages capturing hardships children in a magical world are facing. Assisted by Georgie Henley who is amazing in the lead role, Adamson honoured a book about children. As strong as Aslan’s roar, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies celebrating legendary literature which audiences adore.
10. American Psycho
Few books ever written about psychotic killers facing sorrow are as beloved as American Psycho. Since its publication in 1991, Bret Easton Ellis’ book has become a literary classic. In 2000, Mary Harron honoured the iconic book about a psycho in her movie “American Psycho”. Harron uses montages capturing a businessman. Assisted by Christian Bale who is bold in the lead role, Harron honoured the book. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of a businessman committing violence has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As memorable as murders Patrick Bateman has committed, it’s a captivating reminder of a genre that has beautifully adapted celebrated books into movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking I have always appreciated.
The Film Buff 