Some of the best movies are based on books, but there are a select few that stand out. Books can provide solid foundations on which to base movies. It can be challenging to effectively re-create the magic of books. The best movies based on books use the visual medium to expand on the source material. While there are many movies that can’t quite re-create the charm of the books, there are some that manage to add to the original narratives.
Movies that are solid adaptations of books capture what made the source material so compelling to readers. Some movies based on books, likeThe Godfather, expand on the original stories while remaining faithful to the books' narratives. Other movies, likeThe Lord of the Rings, make complex stories more accessible to a wider audience.The best books based on movies stay true to the spirit of the source material while expanding on the most important themes.
10’Doctor Zhivago' (1965)
Directed by David Lean
Doctor Zhivagofollows the story of a Russian doctor and poet who lives through the Russian Revolution and the subsequent civil war. Although Dr. Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif) is married, he falls in love with Lara Antipova (Julie Christie). The story follows Zhivago as his life is thrown into chaos during and after the war. The movie is based on the novel of the same by authorBoris Pasternak. It is a sweeping historical epic that chronicles a pivotal moment in Russian history.
What makesDoctor Zhivagosuch an effective adaptationof its source material is that it captures so much of Pasternak’s critique of Russian society in the wake of the Russian Revolution. The movie fully fleshes out Dr. Zhivago’s character as a complex and flawed man. Like its source material,Doctor Zhivagoshowcases the experiences of one man as he finds himself at a crucial crossroads in history.
Doctor Zhivago
9’The Silence of the Lambs' (1991)
Directed by Johnathan Demme
The Silence of the Lambsis based on the psychological horror novel of the same name byThomas Harris. The story follows an FBI agent Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) who is tasked with tracking down serial killer nicknamed “Buffalo Bill” (Ted Levine). Along the way, she consults with already imprisoned serial killer and psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to help solve the case.The Silence of the Lambsfeatures memorable performances and twists and turns that will keep viewers guessing.
What makesThe Silence of the Lambssuch an effective adaptation of the original novel is the fact that it amplifies the thrills of the original story. The movie’s performances bring the characters from the novel to life, and give them an added depth.The Silence of the Lambsis filled with many of the same twists and turns as the novel. However, the movie is a fresh take on the story and is widely considered a classic.
The Silence of the Lambs
8’The Wizard of Oz' (1939)
Directed by Victor Fleming
The Wizard of Ozis based on the 1900 fantasy novel byL. Frank Baum. The movie follows the adventure of Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) who finds herself in the mythical land of Oz. Along the way, she meets a Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), a Tin Man (Jack Haley), and a Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr). The movie chronicles the journey of this sweet ensemble as they aim to speak to the mythical Wizard of Oz who they are told can help grant their wishes.
The Wizard of Ozfeatures several key differencesfrom the book that make it its own unique story. For example, the witches were described quite differently in the books. However,Billie BurkeandMargaret Hamiltongave their respective characters whole new lives that have become immortal.The Wizard of Oznot only captures the whimsy of the source material, but adds new elements using film technology that was cutting edge.
The Wizard of Oz
7’The Color Purple' (1985)
Directed by Steven Spielberg
The Color Purpleis based on the novel of the same name byAlice Walker. Before being made into a movie, the story was made into an award-winning play.The 1985 movie starsWhoopi Goldbergas Celie Harris-Johnson, a young woman coming of age in early 20th-century Georgia.The Color Purplefollows Celie’s journey from childhood to her escaping her abusive father. As tragic as Celie’s life is, she always maintains her hope as she looks to re-connect with her sister Nettie (Akosua Busia).
The Color Purplecaptures the emotion of the source material, and everything that made Celie such a compelling protagonist to follow. The movie captures the brilliant commentary of the original novel, and how the narrative was a meditation on the Black American experience. Like its source material,The Color Purpleis a period piece that is an honest look at race and class and America at this time.
The Color Purple
6’Little Women' (1994)
Directed by Gillian Armstrong
Little Womenis based on the historical novel of the same name byLouisa May Alcott. The story follows the March family. Sisters Meg (TriniAlvarado), Jo (Winona Ryder), Beth (Claire Danes), and Amy (Kirsten DunstandSamantha Mathis) navigate living in poverty during and after the American Civil War. As time goes on, they each develop their own distinct personalities, and rely on their mother Marmee (Susan Sarandon) for guidance.
The 1994 version ofLittle Womenis the best adaptation of the original novel because it remains the most faithful to the story.The characterization of the four sisters in this version is the truest to May’s original vision. WhileLittle Womenhas been adapted several times over the years, the 1994 version is
Little Women
5’The Shawshank Redemption' (1994)
Directed by Frank Darabont
The Shawshank Redemptionis based onStephen King’s novella, “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption.” The movie follows the story of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a former banker who is convicted of murdering his wife and her lover. While imprisoned at the Shawshank State Prison, he befriends Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding (Morgan Freeman) who is a fellow prisoner who is also a smuggler.
What makesThe Shawshank Redemptionsuch a compelling adaptationof its source material is the fact that it expands on key characters introduced in the novella.The movie captures the novella’s message of resisting authority that seems all-consuming. The movie also captures what makes the characters so charming, even when they are at their most imperfect.The Shawshank Redemptionalso captures the source material’s comedic and dramatic shifts in tone.
The Shawshank Redemption
4’Schindler’s List' (1993)
Schindler’s Listis based on “Schindler’s Ark” byStevenZaillian, which chronicled the life of Oskar Schindler. Schindler was a member of the Nazi party before he ended up using his factory to rescue Jewish prisoners. The movie starsLiam Neesonas Schindler, and chronicles his journey from someone who actively profited from the horrors of the Holocaust to one who made it his mission to save as many lives as he could.
What makesSchindler’s Lista near-perfect adaptationof the source material is the fact that it expands on the source material. This allows Schindler to be seen as a more complex character.Schindler’s Listis an expansive look at the horrors of the Holocaust through the eyes of one man who had to make a critical decision that impacted hundreds of lives. Like the book, the movie examines how massive the Nazi war machine was and how destructive it became.
Schindler’s List
3’The Godfather' (1972)
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola
The Godfatheris based on the novelof the same name byMario Puzothat chronicled the Italian-American experience. Like the book, the movie follows the story of the Corleone family. As family patriarch Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) ages, he looks to his sons to replace him as a mafia boss. His youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino), emerges as his natural successor.The Godfatherwas the first in a trilogy that followed Michael’s experience taking over for his father.
The Godfatherexpands on the themes introduced in the book, which include the struggles the Italian-American community faced in the first and second generations. The movie specifically captures Michael’s journey from a reluctant participant in his family’s mafia activities to a ruthless boss himself.The Godfatheralso highlights the universality of the source material. While it is specifically about the Italian-American experience, the movie contains the book’s commentary on the immigrant experience overall.
The Godfather
2’Dune' (2021)
Directed by Denis Villeneuve
Duneis the first of a two-part adaptation ofFrank Herbert’s 1965 science-fiction novel of the same name. The movie follows the story of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) who faces his destiny on a distant planet.Dunefollows Paul as he confronts the fact that he is considered the Chosen One by the indigenous people of the planet of Arrakis. The novel was also adapted in 1985.Dune: Part Twowas released in 2024.
Duneis another example of a movie that makes its source material more accessible. DirectorDenis Villeneuvetakes an in-depth and often complicated narrative and creates a visually stunning masterpiece. While the 1984 adaptation of the novel was at the mercy of technology that was available at the time,Dunefeatures an immersive experience that transports viewers to the distant future. While the source material may have been a bit much for those who aren’t fans of science fiction, the movie brings everyone along for the ride.
1’The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' (2001)
Directed by Peter Jackson
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ringis the first installment ofJ.R.R. Tolkien’sLord of the Ringstrilogy. This movie introduces Middle-earth and the journey of a team of misfits to defeat the forces of evil. Specifically, this first installment of the story introduces Frodo (Elijah Wood), a hobbit who has to face the destiny that unexpectedly falls on his shoulders. The movie sets the foundation for the rest of the trilogy by introducing Tolkien’s beloved characters and their stories.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ringis an effective adaptation because it makes full use of Tolkien’s massive world to introduce thrilling and poignant stories. The movie captures the fact that Tolkien’s universe is utterly timeless, which means viewers can appreciate it across generations.The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ringelevates the compelling journey introduced in the source material.
