My Favourite Book Adaptations

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 remember, I’ve never been a hopeful person. Several years ago, my life hit a crushing low when I began to fail crucial classes in my high school that caused sorrow. Unable to cope with the tense pressure that was posed by high school studies, I faced intense anxiety. During a painful time in my life, it was hard 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 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 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 literary 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 movies which deserve celebration.

2. To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird is a legendary book that my teacher always loved dearly. I remember my teacher was once a huge fan of a classic book about racism that he considered timeless literature. Fond of Atticus, he would love to discuss books about lawyers that were courageous.  In 1962, Robert Mulligan honoured the classic book about fathers seeking to be heard in his movie “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Mulligan did an extraordinary job of adapting a classic book to the big-screen through dramatic monologues. For instance, the scene in which Atticus spends time with Scout on the porch teaching her valuable lessons about life during the segregation era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Gregory Peck, who created one of the most inspirational fathers in literary history. Ultimately, what makes “To Kill a Mockingbird” a classic film is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the book to appreciate its strong themes of fatherhood. As strong as Atticus’ bond with Scout, it’s a riveting reminder of a great genre that has. made films which deserve to be talked about without doubt.

3. 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. 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.

4. 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 to 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 literary 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 movies honouring literature which audiences consider extremely precious.

5. 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 beloved literature 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 universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which are often outdated today, it has aged beautifully. 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.

6. The Personal History of David Copperfield

Charles Dickens is a legendary English author that built a lasting legacy. 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 adapting classic literature into compelling movies that audiences commonly treasure.

7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

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. In 2011, David Yates honoured the series about magical wizards making dreams come true in his movie “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2”. Yates used captivating visuals capturing wizards casting spellbinding magic facing monsters that are frightening. Assisted by Daniel Radcliffe who is extraordinary in the lead role, Yates 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 adapting books with stories to tell which excel.

8. The Great Gatsby

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about poverty, it’s worth discussing The Great Gatsby. Ever since its publication in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book has become a classic. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann did a great job of adapting the book in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Great Gatsby” stand out is its depiction of the 1920’s. Luhrmann uses voice-over narration to capture the life of a mysterious millionaire overcoming poverty in the 1920’s. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Luhrmann honours an iconic book published years ago. A great adaptation of a famous book about a millionaire, it’s a riveting reminder of a great genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies honouring commemorated literature about which audiences always care.

9. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Narnia is a beloved book series that shaped my persona. I grew up to adore a book series about magical lions caring for orphans with a loud roar. Orphans have always played a pivotal role in the book series. In 2005, Andrew Adamson honoured the series about a magical 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 used captivating montages capturing hardships that orphaned siblings in a magical world are experiencing. Assisted by Tilda Swinton who is amazing in the lead role, Adamson honoured a beloved children’s book about orphans. As strong as Aslan’s roar, it’s a riveting reminder of commemorated genre making great movies which audiences commonly adore.

10. Atonement

Few books ever written about sisters facing resentment are as beloved as Atonement. Since its publication in 2001, Ian McEwan’s book has become a classic. In 2007, Joe Wright honoured the book about sisters facing resentment in his movie “Atonement”. Wright used voice-over narration capturing sisters torn apart by a lie that’s frightening. Assisted by Keira Knightley who is superb in the lead role, Wright honoured a beloved book. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of sisters that treat each other poorly has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Cecilia’s love for Robbie, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured great movies honouring iconic books which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.