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Some of the most unforgettable movies are adapted from books and graphic novels. FromTheLord of the Ringsto numerous Stephen King novels, Hollywood has recreated some masterpieces over the decades for the silver screen. However, not all movies adapted have been well received by fans for various reasons. While few movies fail to recreate the moments, others completely miss the point of the original source material (Zack Snyder’sWatchmen) despite ticking all the boxes for aesthetics and acting performances. Though not all movie adaptations of books have become blockbusters or won numerous accolades, a faithful adaptation satiates the fans of the book, and honestly, that’s all it takes. With the holiday season upon us, here are the 15 best movie adaptations of books of all time you should watch.
1The Lord of the Rings
Related:LORD OF THE RINGS Series By Amazon Is Headed to Númenor
Widely regarded as the greatest epic high fantasy novel of all time,The Lord of the Ringswas written in stages by J.R.R. Tolkien written between 1937 to 1949. In 2001, Peter Jackson adapted the first part of the novel,The Fellowship of the Ring, to widespread acclaim. In the subsequent years, he further adaptedThe Two TowersandThe Return of the King, which cemented his legacy as one of the greatest visionary directors of all time.
2Atonement
Directed by Joe Wright at the age of 35,Atonementis a testament to the fact that not all book adaptations need a massive budget to be successful. A devastating film on themes of guilt and redemption,Atonementhas set a benchmark when it comes to portraying period dramas set against the backdrop of the Second World War. With heartbreaking performances by Keira Knightley and James McAvoy, an unforgettable score by Dario Marianelli, and visceral frames,Atonementis undoubtedly one of the greatest movie adaptations to date.
3The Call of the Wild
Jack London’sThe Call of the Wildis one of the most-read short novels since its time of publication. The story follows Buck, a St. Bernard–Scotch Collie mix who is stolen from his loving home to be sold as a sled dog in the wilderness of Alaska. Though Buck meets another loving master in the wintery lands, he fights for survival and domination. Far from the comfort of his previous home, Buck gradually accepts his primitive instincts in the harsh conditions of Alaska to become a legend. The most recent adaptation of this short novel was released this year, with Harrison Ford as the leading star. Despite its sub-par CGI, the movie managed to stay faithful to the allegory penned by London in his novel.
4The Color Purple
A literary sensation, Alice Walker’sThe Color Purplewas adapted to the big screen by Steven Spielberg back in 1985. Though Spielberg was rightly criticized for directing a pre-dominantly black story, the auteur nonetheless was able to capture most of the essence of this unflinching and haunting novel. As Hollywood has witnessed considerable progress in inclusivity since the ’80s, the novel surely needs a revisit by a black director who is unwilling to compromise the story for the sake of aesthetics.
5Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
Starring Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln, Steven Spielberg’sLincoln(2012) is undoubtedly one of his greatest works. Focusing on probably the most influential political decision that changed the course of American history,Lincolnis a testament to the political genius of America’s greatest President in history. Though the movie is based only on parts from the literary tome that the source material is, Spielberg’s genius particularly shines in integrating the pages to create a masterpiece. From Abraham Lincoln’s cunning political maneuvers to his relationship with his wife Mary,Lincolnis a movie for ages to come.
6Le Transperceneige
There are hardly a few apocalyptic movies that focus on the human condition and themes of class divide, capitalism, and segregation. Adapted from the French graphic novel, Bong Joon Ho made his English directorial debut withSnowpiercer, widely regarded as one of the best movies to have come out in recent years. As the last survivors make their way through the Second Ice Age, class segregation still exists even in the face of a literal apocalypse. With strong performances from Chris Evans and Tilda Swinton,Snowpiercermarked the arrival of the Korean director in style.
7To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee’sTo Kill a Mockingbirdis often cited as one of the greatest stories about the pristine innocence of children. When a black man is falsely accused of raping a white woman, Atticus Finch rises up as the hero to defend the innocent man in the court. Written during the peak of racial inequality,To Kill a Mockingbirdstill manages to preserve its warmth and humor throughout the story. Adapted by Robert Mulligan, the movie went on to win an Academy Award, including Best Actor for Gregory Peck for his role of Atticus Finch. A story of one man rising up against systemic racism, Atticus Finch is a timeless hero that everyone must aspire to be.
8A Clockwork Orange
Adapted from Anthony Burgess’ novel of the same name, Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation is probably his most controversial movie to date. Termed as ‘ultra-violent’,A Clockwork Orangeis set in a dystopian Britain with themes of juvenile delinquency, psychiatry, and youth gangs. After facing a backlash for its extremely violent content, the movie later witnessed a surge in popularity after a critical re-evaluation.
9One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Directed by Milos Forman,One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nestis often regarded as one of the greatest movies ever made. Adapted from Ken Kesey’s novel of the same name, the movie stars Jack Nicholson as a patient at a mental institution who finds himself at odds with the head nurse who rules the place with an iron fist. Amidst the power struggle, the movie particularly shines with stellar performances from Nicholson and Louise Fletcher.
10Schindler’s List
Steven Spielberg’sSchindler’s Listis one of those few movies that you cannot muster the guts to revisit once again. Based on Thomas KeneallySchindler’s Ark, the movie stars Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, and Ben Kingsley. Based on true events, Oskar Schindler’s act of defiance against Nazism is a hauntingly beautiful tale of guilt, redemption, and survival. Spielberg’s masterful direction and unforgettable performances from the lead actors putSchindler’s Listin the list of the greatest movies ever made.
11Casino Royale
Related:10 Times Hollywood Tried to Pass The Torch On Iconic Roles & Failed MISERABLY
Marking the debut of Daniel Craig as James Bond,Casino Royalerevolutionized the Bond franchise for various reasons. From portraying a more vulnerable James Bond to shifting the focus on engaging cinematography,Casino Royalepaved the way for an entirely new saga. Based on Ian Fleming’s debut novel,Casino Royaleis often regarded as one of the best Bond movies ever made.
12Life of Pi
Ang Lee’sLife of Piis a hauntingly beautiful tale of finding oneself in the vast ocean of life. Prior to the movie’s release, Yann Martel’s novel was considered to be unfilmable. Nonetheless, Ang Lee perfectly captured the story of a teenage boy shipwrecked in the ocean with a Royal Bengal Tiger as his faith and morality are tested to their limits. Richly detailed with themes of spirituality, religion, and the nature of truth, the majestic graphics truly capture the beauty of the story despite its harrowing nature.
13The Shawshank Redemption
Related:Shawshank Redemption Theory: Red Died. The Ending Was A Dream
Based on Stephen King’sRita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, Frank Darabont’sThe Shawshank Redemptionwas a box-office failure. However, the movie soon amassed a cult following after it was released on VHS. Morgan Freeman’s unforgettable performance as Red and Tim Robbin’s Andy Dufresne became the major highlight of the movie.
14Trainspotting
Based on Irvine Welsh’s novel, Danny Boyle’sTrainspottingis a pinnacle of black comedy set in an economically depressed area following the story of a group of heroin addicts. A terrifying portrayal of drug addiction,Trainspottingis a brutal and unforgiving movie that will leave you disturbed for weeks. The movie is also notable for its unforgettable soundtrack, a staple in most of Danny Boyle’s works.
15Fight Club
Related:10 Films That Failed At Box Office But Are Now Seen As The Gems Of Hollywood
Chuck Palahniuk’sFight Clubis arguably one of the best subversive tropes that is widely misunderstood by fans. Anti-consumerist at its core,Fight Clubfollows the story of an unnamed narrator who descends into a life of chaos and mayhem to reclaim humanity’s goal of survival by discerning the post-industrial consumerist society. Directed by David Fincher, the movie stars Brad Pitt and Edward Norton as Tyler Durden and the unnamed narrator respectively. The movie’s scathing remarks on the present society are almost prophetical in nature. Despite receiving a lukewarm response upon its release,Fight Clubhas now become one of the groundbreaking cult movies of all time.
Akash Senapati
Senior Content Strategist
Articles Published :373
Akash is the Lead Content Strategist for FandomWire. Having started as a writer for FandomWire back in 2020, he now manages a global team of writers who share the same passion for motion arts, from Martin Scorsese to the latest MCU flick. He loves DC Comics, Anime, Pink Floyd, and sleeping in no particular order. His favorite graphic-medium writers are Grant Morrison, Chris Claremont, Christopher Priest, Garth Ennis, and Eiichiro Oda. Prep time > Aliens.
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AtonementBook AdaptationsCasino RoyaleFight ClubLife of PiLincolnLord of the RingsMoviesSchindler’s ListSnowpiercerTo Kill a MockingbirdTrainspotting
