In the world of cinema, some of the most profound and emotionally resonant films arethose adapted from books. While blockbuster hits often steal the spotlight, many dramatic films inspired by literary works remain hidden gems. These overlooked movies, based on beloved books, offer powerful storytelling, unforgettable characters, and compelling performances that deserve more recognition. Fans often debate whether to read the book before watching the movie adaptation or vice versa and both choices come with their own set of risks and rewards. Watching the movie first might lead to a thrilling experience and can even motivate viewers to read the book. However, starting with the movie can make the book feel predictable and may diminish the interest in its plot twists and turns.
Despite their cinematic brilliance, these movies didn’t receive the widespread attention they deserved. Yet, the books that inspired them were celebrated for their storytelling and emotional depth, many of them becoming bestsellers and award winners. From the coming-of-age journey inAre You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.to the recently releasedTurtles All the Way Down, these movies have translated the magic of the written word to the silver screen,capturing the essence of their source materialin unique and evocative ways.
10’Turtles All the Way Down' (2024)
Based on ‘Turtles All the Way Down’ by John Green (2017)
It is impossible to watchTurtles All the Way Downand not sympathize with the main character, Aza, portrayed byIsabelaMerced. Aza is a 16-year-old struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder. When she and her friend Daisy try to solve the mystery of a missing billionaire, Aza accidentally reconnects with her childhood crush, Davis. Aza has to confront the possibility that she might never find love or happiness, at the same time shestruggles with her mental illness.
This movie was adapted fromJohn Green’s novel of the same name. Green is open about his struggles with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, saying that he doesn’t manifest himself the same as Aza, but he does have thought spirals. He remembered having a terrible period for a few months after writingThe Fault In Our Stars. Unfortunately,Turtles All the Way Downdid not achieve the same success asThe Fault in Our Stars, being released only on Max. However,Merced’s performance was praised, as well as the depiction of thought spirals from obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Turtles All The Way Down
Watch on Max
9’Where The Heart Is' (2000)
Based on ‘Where the Heart Is’ by Billie Letts (1995)
Who remembers the movie whereNatalie Portmanlived in a Walmart? Yes, this is the movie.Where the Heart Isis a romantic drama starring Portman as Novalee Nation, a 17-year-old pregnant woman, who has an aversion to the number 5. Her boyfriend ditched her at a Walmart in Sequoyah, Oklahoma, with nothing but her clothes and a plant. She lives undetected in Walmart until she gives birth to her daughter and starts a new life in this town.
The movie was adapted from the bestselling novel of the same name byBillie Letts. Although the cast received good reviews, the film’s plot was considered confusing. In a fun fact about this movie, Ffr the scenes filmed in Walmart,Star Warsmerchandise, prominently depicting Portman as Queen Amidala, had to be removed to preserve the suspension of disbelief.
Watch on Apple TV
8’The Book Thief' (2013)
Based on ‘The Book Thief’ by Markus Zusak (2005)
The Book Thiefis a war drama film directed byBrian Percivaland starringGeoffrey Rush,Emily Watson, andSophie Nélisse. During World War II, Liesel Meminger (Nélisse) is a young girl living with her adoptive family in Germany. Taught to read by her foster father, Liesel begins stealing books and sharing them with the Jewish refugee being sheltered by her foster parents in their home.
The story provides a fresh perspective on the war through the experiences of ordinary Germans who lived through the Nazi era. Despite its heartwarming story, great performances, and beautiful cinematography, it was the score of the movie that received the most attention.John Williams’s work received praiseand he was nominated for an Oscar, Golden Globe, and BAFTA, making him one of the most nominated individuals in history.
The Book Thief
7’Perfume: The Story of a Murderer' (2006)
Based on ‘Perfume: The Story of a Murderer’ by Patrick Süskind (1985)
Ben Whishawgives his best performance as Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a man born with a superior olfactory sense. Of all the smells around him, Grenouille is obsessed with the scent of a woman’s body and spends the rest of his life attempting to smell the essence again by becoming a perfumer and creating the world’s finest perfume. However,his quest takes a dark turnas he becomes a murderer, trying to trap the essence of every woman he kills.
PerfumebyPatrick Süskindis one of the best-selling German novels of the 20th century, with translations into 49 languages and more than 20 million copies sold worldwide. Whishaw’s performance was praised, as well as the film’s cinematography. Even though the movie was a box office success, it did not gather enough attention for accolades, achieving nominations for Saturn Awards.
Watch on Hoopla
6’Bones and All' (2022)
Based on ‘Bones & All’ by Camille DeAngelis (2015)
One ofLuca Guadagnino’s best movies,Bones and Allis a horror-drama starringTaylor RussellandTimothée Chalametas Maren and Lee. They are both cannibals, and while on their road trip across the United States, they meet another cannibal named Sully, portrayed byMark Rylance. Maren and Lee start to develop feelings for each other and try to lead normal lives despite their urges to eat human flesh. However, their road tripunfolds into a more sinister taleas Sully crosses their path again.
Bones and Allwas adapted fromCamille DeAngelis' book, which received praise for its exploration of themorality associated with killingother living things for food. The movie received positive reviews, with critics praising the performances of Russell, Chalamet, and Rylance, Guadagnino’s direction, the cinematography, score, and the fusion of horror, drama, and romance. It won two awards at the 79th Venice International Film Festival for Guadagnino and Russell. However, it underperformed at the box office.
Bones and All
5’She Said' (2022)
Based on ‘She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement’ by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey (2019)
Inspired by the book that was the catalyst for the ‘Me Too’ movement,She Saiddid not achieve enough attention. The story follows Jodi (Zoe Kazan) and Megan (Carey Mulligan),two brave journalistswho uncoverHarvey Weinstein’s history of abuse and sexual misconduct against women. Jodi started the investigation by speaking with actresses, who described their own experiences with Weinstein but asked not to be named for fear. Frustrated with the situation, Jodi recruits Megan, and together they uncover the dark secrets of Hollywood.
Despite the movie’s clear importance, it did not achieve the expected box-office success, underperforming and even being called a total flop. However, Mulligan and Kazan’s performances were praised, and the film was named one of the best films of 2022 by the American Film Institute. The film was nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Mulligan and Best Adapted Screenplay for Lenkiewicz at the BAFTA awards.
Watch on Starz
4’The Wonder' (2022)
Based on ‘The Wonder’ by Emma Donoghue (2016)
Set in 1862, Lib (Florence Pugh), a young nurse, is sent to a rural Irish village to observe Nan (Kíla Lord Cassidy), a young ‘fasting girl’ who is seemingly able to survive without eating. Knowing that Nan will inevitably die unless she eats soon, Lib begs the family to take action. However, the family claims that they will not interfere with the wishes of God.
Based on Emma Donoghue’s novel, the film had a limited theatrical release on November 2, followed by its release on Netflix. The movie received critical acclaim, especially for itsatmosphere of folk horrorand Pugh’s performance. However, it flew under the radar, perhaps because its theatrical and streaming releases were in the same month.
The Wonder
3’Persepolis' (2007)
Based on ‘Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood’ (2003) and ‘Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return’ (2004), by Marjane Satrapi
Persepolisis an emotionally powerful war drama based onMarjane Satrapi’s life story. Through animation, the film follows the story of Marji, a young girl growing up in the midst of the Iranian Revolution. As Marji grows up, she witnesses firsthand how the new Iran, now ruled by Islamic fundamentalists, has become a repressive tyranny. With Marji dangerously refusing to remain silent about this injustice, her parents send her abroad,forcing her to start a new life in an unknown place.
Even with nominations at the Oscars, Golden Globes, and BAFTA,Persepolissuffered from government backlash, especially from the Iranian government. In Thailand and Lebanon, the movie was banned after some clerics found it “offensive to Iran and Islam.”
Persepolis
2’Never Let Me Go' (2010)
Based on ‘Never Let Me Go’ by Kazuo Ishiguro (2005)
InNever Let Me Go, a medical breakthrough in 1952 permitted the human lifespan to be extended beyond 100 years. Kathy (CareyMulligan), Ruth (Keira Knightley), and Tommy (Andrew Garfield) are childhood friends who were created for the sole purpose of donating their organs. As they grow, they find that they have to come to terms with the strength of the love they feel for each other, while preparing themselves for the haunting reality that awaits them.
Kazuo Ishiguro’s dystopian novel was shortlisted for several prizes. The film is mostly faithful to the novel, and it was praised for its unique atmosphere and Mulligan’s performance.
Never Let Me Go
1’Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret' (2023)
Based on ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.’ by Judy Blume (1970)
One of the best period coming-of-age movies,Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.tells the story of Margaret Simon (Abby RyderFortson) as she begins to communicate with God her hopes, anxious thoughts, and concerns. She has the normal growing pains of a teenager, and, luckily, her mom (Rachel McAdams) and grandmother (Kathy Bates) are there to help her navigate the complexities of adolescence.
With a heartwarming performance by McAdams, portraying a mom helping her daughter grow up,this movie should have been nominated for Oscars, not only for the supporting acting categories but also for the script, which was inspired byJudy Blume’s novel. The film was released too early in the year, with its wide release being in April, which may have an influence on the award season.
Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret.
Next:The 10 Highest-Rated 2023 Movies Based on Books, According to Rotten Tomatoes
