My Favourite Book Adaptations of All-Time

Not many genres have gained appreciation of the adaptation. Since the 1960’s, books have often been adapted into memorable movies. Whether it’s ring bearers, school teachers or redemptive prisoners, the genre has produced several 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 always been a pessimistic person. Several years ago, my life hit a crushing low when I began failing classes causing sorrow. Unable to cope with high school studies, I faced intense anxiety. During a painful time, it was impossible for me to see light at end of a dark tunnel. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how hope allows 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 literature adaptation every 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 aptitude for adapting complex literature into compelling movies, and “The Shawshank Redemption” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Darabont used voice-over narration to capture bonds between inmates forming friendships in prison. For instance, the scene in which Red recounts his heartwarming memories of laying eyes on Andy Dufresne in prison for the first time facing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Morgan Freeman, who portrayed a compassionate inmate forming long-lasting friendships in a hopeless prison. Ultimately, what makes “The Shawshank Redemption” my favourite book adaptation of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies set in prisons, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a profound message about the importance of hope which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of a classic film about inmates questioning whether they should get busy living or get busy dying seeking redemption in a scary prison, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has always made great movies which deserve celebration.

2. The Godfather

Gangsters are great figures that always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed strong bonds 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 a classic book 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 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 genre producing 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 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 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 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 audiences consider precious.

4. Pride & Prejudice

Jane Austen is a legendary author whose literature always impressed my mother. I remember bonding with a mother that appreciated the author in English literature. She was drawn towards the sense and sensibility of an author that shaped her identity. As someone treasuring joyous memories of a mother that took pride in an author without prejudice, I adored “Pride and Prejudice”. Released in 2005, Joe Wright’s movie honoured Jane Austen’s most celebrated book. Wright has an aptitude for adapting classic literature into compelling movies, and “Pride & Prejudice” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Elizabeth confronts Mr. Darcy in the rain about destroying her sister’s marriage causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a bold performance by Kiera Knightley, who embodied a great heroine. Ultimately, what makes “Pride and Prejudice” a great adaptation is its message. The film delivers a strong message about social class which would resonate with everyone. Centuries after the publication of a book about prejudiced women forming romance with pride, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to leave audiences satisfied.

5. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter is a magical series of books that shaped my identity. I grew up reading J.K. Rowling’s series about misunderstood wizards that shaped my childhood. I fell in love with a book series about wizards casting a spell. I adore all the films in the magical franchise, but my favourite adaptation has always been “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”. Released in 2003, Alfonso Cauron’s movie offered a marvellous adaptation of the third Harry Potter book. Cauron used special effects to capture wizards facing creatures that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Harry encounters the Dementors on the train to Hogwarts causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Daniel Radcliffe, who embodied a wizard searching for identity. Ultimately, what makes “The Prisoner of Azkaban” my favourite Harry Potter film is its universal appeal. Unlike most Harry Potter movies, it tackles themes everyone can relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about friendships which would resonate with everyone. A marvellous adaptation of a book about wizards casting a spell, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies which excel.

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 Shining

Writing is an activity that I’ve always found engaging. As far as I remember, I’ve always wanted to become a famous writer. As someone that has always enjoyed the process of writing, I adored “The Shining”. Released in 1980, Stanley Kubrick’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about writers. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Shining” stand out is its depiction of writers. Kubrick uses captivating foreshadowing to capture a psychotic writer facing isolation that’s frightening. Assisted by Jack Nicholson who is amazing in the lead role, Kubrick created a captivating adaptation of a book about isolation. A shining adaptation of a beloved book about hotels that are frightening, it’s a breathtaking reminder that celebrated books are worth adapting into timeless movies that are worth watching.

8. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about teenagers under pressure, it’s worth discussing The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Since its publication in 1999, Stephen Chbosky’s book has become a coming-of-age classic. In 2012, Chbosky beautifully adapted his literature in his movie “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” stand out is depiction of mental health. Chbosky uses voice-over narration to capture anxious adolescents with childhood trauma facing tension. Assisted by Logan Lerman who is exceptional in the lead role, Chbosky created a beautiful adaptation of a beloved teen book. A strong as Charlie’s desire to be a wallflower teenager, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre proving movies can successfully adapt literature that people treasure.

9. The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games is a legendary book that my cousin grew up to treasure. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a cousin that adored a book about teens in a dilemma. He would always treasure a book series about teenagers with odds in their favour. In 2012, Gary Ross honoured the iconic literature about competitive games in his movie “The Hunger Games”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Hunger Games” stand out is its depiction of poverty. Ross uses captivating montages to capture a poverty-stricken teenage girl participating in games that are frightening. Assisted by Jennifer Lawrence who is amazing in the lead role, Ross created a captivating adaptation of a beloved teen book. As strong as Katniss Everdeen, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies which deserve to be seen on the big-screen.

10. The Great Gatsby

Few books ever written about millionaires are as great as The Great Gatsby. Since publication in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book has become a classic. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann did a great job of honouring the book in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Luhrmann used narration to capture a millionaire seeking appreciation. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is great in the lead role, Luhrmann honoured a book published years ago. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s use of rap music to depict the 1920’s has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Gatsby’s desire to become a millionaire, it’s a great reminder of a commemorated genre making rare movies adapting precious books with care that I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema that I hold dear.