Adapting a book into a film is a tricky endeavor that often results in disappointment. Fortunately, this isn't always the case. Sometimes, Hollywood does right by fans of the original literature. Here are the most successful adaptations that manage not to butcher the original source material—and, in these cases, improve it substantially.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Lauren Wiesberger gained fame and notoriety for her debut novel, The Devil Wears Prada, chronicling a somewhat-fictional account of her time spent as an assistant to Anna Wintour. Weisberger’s plight is brought to life by Meryl Streep’s iconic performance as Miranda Priestly, who serves as the perfect counterpart to timid, sweater-wearing Anne Hathaway. Aline Brosh McKenna rounds out the screenplay by adding crucial depth and complexity to the characters—something they were desperately lacking.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Thomas Harris 1988 novel is exceptionally suspenseful, but it just can’t compare when held up against the 1991 film adaptation, which is a staple of the psychological thriller genre. The Silence of the Lambs’ success largely hinges on the casting: Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins have unparalleled chemistry on screen, making the game of cat and mouse between Clarice Starling and Dr. Hannibal Lecter more high-stakes than ever.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Whether it’s for film or television, Stephen King adaptations have been taking the entertainment industry by storm. Based on the novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption in the Different Seasons collection, Frank Darabont’s 1994 adaptation is considered to be one of the greatest films in cinema history, whereas the novella is only a minor work in King’s vast oeuvre.
The Lord of the Rings (2001–2003)
J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels can be a bit cumbersome to navigate, which is why Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of the most effective film adaptations to date. Jackson pares down the plot without sacrificing its artistry. Even though some superfans may not like a few of the changes, the writers worked diligently to determine what would be cut versus what they felt was integral to the storyline.
Forrest Gump (1994)
The film adaptation of Winston Groom’s 1986 novel Forrest Gump carves out a gorgeous narrative from the trenches of absurdity. In Groom’s novel, Forrest Gump becomes an astronaut and goes to space, where he meets an ape named Sue, crash-lands his ship in the middle of the jungle, and narrowly avoids getting devoured by rabid cannibals. A tad different from the movie, no?
Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)
Before you roll your eyes, hear out the explanation. Fifty Shades of Grey, based on the 2011 Twilight fanfiction-turned-bestselling-novel by E.L. James, is nowhere near Oscarworthy. However, it’s still a much smoother, more provocative version of its literary counterpart, which read like… well, amateur fanfiction. Director Sam Taylor-Johnson also shifted the narrative to focus more heavily on Anastasia Steele and female pleasure instead of Christian Grey’s inherent toxicity.
Psycho (1960)
One year after Robert Bloch published Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock adapted the novel into the beloved psychological horror-thriller that we know today. Hitchcock’s version introduces Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) before Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), making her iconic death scene in the shower even more shocking.
Misery (1990)
Rob Reiner’s adaptation of Stephen King’s 1987 novel Misery features Kathy Bates’ unforgettable performance as Annie Wilkes. Although the film left behind an excerpt from Paul Sheldon’s (James Caan) romance novel, it gifted us the most unnerving, stomach-churning hobbling scene in the history of cinema.
The Shining (1980)
Another Stephen King adaptation, except this time, it’s Kubrick. King was famously displeased with Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of his 1977 novel because it diminished the book’s supernatural elements. However, even though Jack Torrance isn’t possessed in the film, Jack Nicholson makes the character far more terrifying . Nicholson’s performance demonstrates that it doesn’t take a metaphysical presence to frighten the living hell out of you. Here’s Johnny!
Jurassic Park (1993)
When Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster Jurassic Park hit theaters, it was a substantial technological achievement for its time. While Michael Crichton’s 1990 sci-fi novel is considered a classic, it’s difficult to compete with life-size dinosaurs—and, perhaps more importantly, young Jeff Goldblum.
Children of Men (2006)
The 2006 film adaptation of P.D. James’ 1992 dystopian fiction novel The Children of Men certainly takes a number of creative liberties, but it never sacrifices James’ big-picture vision. Alfonso Cuaron redirects the narrative to become more of a thriller, which is essential to its success. The unbearable suspense of watching Clive Owen champion the survival of humanity makes the underlying themes in Children of Men even more compelling.
Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Darren Aronofsky is known for his deeply haunting films that linger with you long after the credits have rolled. However, of all Aronofsky’s work, Requiem for a Dream is the most brutally unsettling. Based on the 1978 novel by Hubert Selby Jr., Requiem for a Dream translates Selby Jr.’s work into a disturbing parable about happiness that has been found and lost.
Jackie Brown (1997)
Quentin Tarantino’s only adaptation to date is Jackie Brown, based on the 1992 novel Rum Punch by Elmore Leonard. Tarantino cast Pam Grier as protagonist Jackie Brown, originally Jackie Burke, in a role that celebrated her blaxploitation past. Tarantino spins what would be a traditional thriller into something historic and unique.
There Will Be Blood (2008)
Technically, There Will Be Blood is only an adaptation of the first 150 pages of Upton Sinclair’s Oil! Paul Thomas Anderson explores the dark satirical themes of the novel through a more artful, poignant lens. “I drink your milkshake! I drink it up!”
Fight Club (1999)
The massive difference between Chuck Palahniuk’s Fight Club and David Fincher’s adaptation boils down to the ending: in the novel, the explosive malfunctions, but in the movie, several explosives successfully detonate, and The Narrator (Edward Norton) observes as skyscrapers crumble around him. Compared to the novel, the film is much more calumniatory of Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) and his rebellious agenda.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
Based on Ken Kesey’s 1962 novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest shifts perspectives rgom Chief (Will Sampson), the narrator of the novel, to Randle Patrick McMurphy (Jack Nicholson). This creative decision enhances the central conflict between McMurphy and Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher), intensifying their already turbulent dynamic.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Ah, Roald Dahl, the pioneer of our favorite childhood fiction. Dahl wrote Fantastic Mr. Fox in 1974, but Wes Anderson and Noah Baumbach managed to bring it to life without jeopardizing its kid-friendliness. Fantastic Mr. Fox is a truly phenomenal film—it’s extraordinarily mature and tender, not to mention a visual masterpiece. Plus, George Clooney. Never forget George Clooney.
Die Hard (1988)
While Roderick Thorp’s 1979 novel Nothing Lasts Forever was a thriller, Die Hard is decidedly a member of the action genre. Die Hard became an instant classic, giving rise to an entire franchise of Die Hard films with Bruce Willis at the helm. Detective John McClane isn’t afraid to die hard… again, and again, and again.
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2009)
Stieg Larsson’s posthumous The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo series features an abundance of superfluous exposition, which the 2009 film adaptation narrows and refines in favor of directing attention toward Lisbeth Salander. The 2011 American version is still better than the novel, but not as good as the Swedish one.
Jaws (1975)
Peter Benchley’s 1974 novel was a relatively traditional thriller, but Steven Spielberg’s film adaptation curbed some of the violence—mostly the repercussion of a low budget and a faulty mechanical shark. The other characters also felt fuller and more complex, which encouraged the audience to root for their survival.
The Princess Bride (1987)
Rob Reiner’s universally-treasured adaptation of William Goldman’s 1973 novel The Princess Bride is about as charming as it gets. It certainly doesn’t hurt that Goldman adapted his own novel to a screenplay, but regardless, the magic of The Princess Bride provided it with a lasting legacy far beyond its time.
The Godfather (1972)
Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of Mario Puzo’s 1969 novel The Godfather is widely regarded as one of the greatest films in history. The novel is entertaining, but Coppola took some creative licenses—such as exploring the history of Don Corleone (Marlon Brando) in The Godfather Part II. This allowed The Godfather to streamline Puzo’s narrative, making it a true piece de resistance.
Casino Royale (2006)
Despite its ups and downs, the James Bond franchise has seen more success in its films than the Ian Fleming novels upon which the series is based. Bond has become an icon in cinema—Daniel Craig delivers the character with an honest intensity, yielding a more authentic reaction to the death and skullduggery of Eva Green’s Vesper Lynd.
Stardust (2007)
Although there are significant plot differences between the movie and Neil Gaiman’s 1999 novel, Stardust maintains its storybook feel through Ian McKellen’s narration. Lending a visual element to the adventurous aspect of the novel invites the audience to lean into the fantasy.
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Kubrick strikes again. A Clockwork Orange was wisely adapted from the American edition of the book, which ditched Anthony Burgess’ original ending of the British version where Alex (Malcolm McDowell) considers redeeming himself. Instead, Kubrick’s imagining saw a much darker, more logical conclusion.
No Country for Old Men (2007)
The Coen brothers do more than justice to Cormac McCarthy’s 2005 novel No Country for Old Men. Cormac McCarthy’s distinctive style isn’t lost in the movie adaptation, but Joel and Ethan Coen offer a darkly comedic spin, which makes the final product more engaging. Additionally, you don’t have to navigate McCarthy’s punctuation-sparse prose. It’s a win-win.
The Graduate (1967)
Although the film adaptation doesn’t deviate heavily from the 1963 novella by Charles Webb, The Graduate’s casting elevates it beyond its literary form. Dustin Hoffman as Benjamin Braddock and Anne Bancroft as Mrs. Robinson are an incomparable duo—and the iconic Simon and Garfunkel score doesn’t hurt, either.
The Notebook (2004)
Nicholas Sparks’ 1996 novel may lay a rigid foundation for the movie adaptation, but The Notebook subverted expectations, thanks to the chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. Although the two famously hated one another on set, they ended up dating for two years—and that magnetism is palpable.
Stand By Me (1986)
Rob Reiner seems to shine brightest when it comes to adaptations. Based on The Body, a 1982 novella by Stephen King, Stand By Me toes the line between bittersweet childhood nostalgia and dark humor, making the film a cherished classic.
Jumanji (1995)
Even though Jumanji is technically a picture book, the movie builds an exceptional world around Chris Van Allsburg’s original concept. Jumanji might seem like a run-of-the-mill board game, but its consequences are dire. Besides, who can deny Robin Williams’ charm as Alan Parrish?
The Prestige (2006)
Everything’s coming up Christopher. Directed by Christopher Nolan and written by Christopher Priest, both the film adaptation and the 1995 novel relies on deceiving its audience. Although both versions pull off the great misdirection, the movie is able to achieve the big reveal more successfully—purely due to the addition of startling visuals.
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Red Alert, a 1958 novel by Peter George, is yet another delightful work of art. It’s no coincidence that he makes this list numerous times—Kubrick managed to satirize a clear-cut thriller and turn it into a hilarious indictment of war, military power, and hubris.
Blade Runner (1982)
Loosely adapted from Philip K. Dick’s 1968 novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, Blade Runner has become a sci-fi classic of its own. The films works more effectively as a grim foresight of humanity’s hopeless future, driven by the lack of clarity surrounding whether or not Harrison Ford’s character is a replicant.
Terms of Endearment (1983)
Larry McMurty’s 1975 novel was whimsical, clever, and bigger than Texas—but first-time director James L. Brooks’ adaptation took cleaned up house at the Oscars. Terms of Endearment saw some career-defining performances from Shirley MacLaine and Jack Nicholson, who played a character that wasn’t even featured in the book. Best of all, the cancer plotline never declines into mawkish sentimentality.
Mean Girls (2004)
Hilariously enough, Tina Fey was inspired to create the character Regina George (Rachel McAdams) and her dutiful minions after reading a self-help book for parents of teens. Fey optioned Rosalind Wiseman’s 2002 book Queen Bees & Wannabes and wrote her first screenplay: Mean Girls. It’s the hysterical and heartwarming tale of Lindsay Lohan navigating the minefield of high school alongside a motley crew of misfits and popular girls. Mean Girls gave way to all the iconic one-liners we know and love. Four for you, Glen Coco. You go, Glen Coco.
L.A. Confidential (1997)
James Ellroy’s 1990 novel may be classically neo-noir, but the film adaptation impeccably captures 1950s Los Angeles. The grimy, glittering City of Angels is filled with twists and turns—not to mention the film’s killer cast, featuring Kim Bassinger as a perfect Veronica Lake look-alike.
Drive (2011)
James Sallis’ 2005 novel Drive contains just as much style as the movie adaptation, but both versions are meant to exhibit restraint, which translates more effectively on screen. Nicolas Winding Refn’s filmmaking demonstrates passion and violence in a way that just can’t be done on paper.
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Annie Proulx’s short story Brokeback Mountain took home a plethora of literary accolades when it originally ran in the New Yorker in 1997. While the National Magazine Award for Fiction was well-deserved, Ang Lee’s adaptation won him an Oscar for Best Director. If the Academy Award-winning score doesn’t bring you to tears, Jake Gyllenhaal and Heather Ledger’s heartbreaking performances certainly will.
Mystic River (2003)
Clint Eastwood’s adaptation of Dennis Lehane’s 2001 novel Mystic River establishes a known fact: Lehane’s storytelling capabilities are certainly top-notch, but his work tends to fare better on screen. Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, and Kevin Bacon add a level of necessary emotional depth to the original story that makes it all the more heartbreaking.
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
When Anne Fine wrote Madame Doubtfire in 1987, nobody knew that it would soon be adapted into one of the most popular drama-comedies of all time. Robin Williams’ performance transformed the film into a heartfelt, hilarious classic. His irreverent charm is dearly missed.
Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Gustav Hasford’s 1979 novel The Short-Timers is nothing short of brilliant, but Stanley Kubrick’s decision to eliminate large portions of the final two sections of the book was, creatively speaking, the best choice he could have made. He also encouraged R. Lee Ermey to improvise his insults, which afforded us some timeless gems like, “You look like the kind of boy who could suck a golf ball through a garden hose.”
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Helen Fielding’s 1999 novel chronicled the lighthearted, raunchy misadventures of a 30-something single woman through the form of a diary. Fans wondered how Sharon Maguire would bring Bridget’s daily logging of her weight and caloric intake to the silver screen, especially when slim American Renee Zellweger was cast as the lead. Fortunately, Zellweger shone in the role, gaining nearly 30 pounds to star alongside Colin Firth and Hugh Grant. Briget Jones’s Diary quickly became a staple of the rom-com genre.
Gone Girl (2014)
In Gillian Flynn’s 2012 mystery-thriller Gone Girl, Amy Dunne is intended to be a genius sociopath, but sometimes, Flynn’s prose falls flat. David Fincher’s 2014 adaptation features Rosamund Pike in the role, who breathes some much-needed life into Amy’s character.
An Education (2009)
Lynn Barber’s 2009 memoir details what happened when a stranger in a sports car who whisked her away to a new life of glamor and luxury at the age of sixteen. Soon afterward, Nick Hornby adapted the book into a screenplay. Without relying too strongly on sentimentality, An Education still proved to be a heartbreaking glimpse into the life of a girl who was manipulated by someone twice her age.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Although Indian diplomat Vikas Swarup's 2005 bestseller Q & A is universally adored, Slumdoog Millionaire tugged on the heartstrings of audiences and critics alike when it hit theaters in 2008. Danny Boyle may have taken some directorial liberties by axing a few excellent subplots and scrambling the ending, but Swarup still expressed his support for the adaptation: “The film is beautiful. The plot is riveting. The child actors are breathtaking.”
American Psycho (2000)
Mary Harron’s adaptation of the controversial 1991 Bret Easton Ellis satirical thriller did its best to remain loyal to its roots. When American Psycho was published, it was met with mixed reactions—but Harron was able to unearth the social commentary in Christian Bale’s sociopathic performance. There’s something to be said about the kind person who critiques Huey Lewis and the News while murdering Jared Leto with an axe.
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (2009)
Written and directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs is based on the classic 1978 children’s book by Judi Barrett. Although the book only serves as nominal inspiration for the film adaptation, Lord and Miller succeed in weaving an entire world around the bare-bones concept of food falling from the sky.
Starship Troopers (1997)
Robert A. Heinlein’s 1959 novel Starship Troopers has been contested for its pro-military and arguably fascisitic agenda, but Paul Verhoeven’s film adaptation is very obviously a satire of its predecessor. Over time, the film has become severely misunderstood, but Starship Troopers’ scathing social commentary is proving more relevant with each passing day.
Sense and Sensibility (1995)
This one might be slightly controversial, but debate is always welcome. Ang Lee’s adaptation of this 1811 classic will always remain one of the most effective cinematic deliveries of Jane Austen’s literature. Screenwriter and leading lady Emma Thompson tried to refocus the narrative on the relationship between the Dashwood sisters rather than just their love interests.
The Firm (1993)
Few authors can write legal thrillers like novelist and criminal defense attorney John Grisham—and that includes his 1991 novel The Firm. Although the book is captivating in its own right, director Sydney Pollack's choice to preserve the integrity of protagonist Mitch McDeere (Tom Cruise) makes him a much more engaging character.
The Mist (2007)
Director Frank Darabont’s decision to switch up the optimistic conclusion of Stephen King’s sci-fi horror novella The Mist transformed the piece into a truly haunting work of cinema. If you’re in search of a happy ending, The Mist isn’t for you—but if you don’t mind questioning the bleak hopelessness of mortality, give it a watch. Either way, Darabont’s adaptation will sit with you indefinitely.
Adaptation (2002)
Charlie Kaufman dives deep into meta with Adaptation, a movie about fictional writers Charlie and Donald Kaufman attempting to adapt Susan Orlean’s 1998 novel The Orchid Thief for the silver screen. The movie was inspired by real-life Charlie Kaufman struggle to adapt The Orchid Thief. When in doubt, make a movie about making a movie.
Donnie Brasco (1997)
Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia was packed with unbelievable anecdotes so outlandish that his escapades seemed like fiction. However, the 1988 autobiography by Joseph D. Pistone translated even more powerfully on screen, thanks to Mike Newell’s directorial skills and remarkable performances from both Al Pacino and Johnny Depp.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
Director David Fincher hardly kept anything from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1922 short story aside from the original premise—a man named Benjamin Button suffers a bizarre condition where he ages in reverse. In this case, Fincher’s reimagining proved necessary for the film, which took home an Academy Award for its stunning visual effects.
Interview With The Vampire (1994)
When Anne Rice’s 1976 novel Interview With The Vampire was greenlit for a film adaptation, she refused to support it. Rice was quite vocal about her dissatisfaction with the casting choices; she wouldn’t even visit the set. However, after Rice forced herself to watch the finished product, she penned an open letter to her fans, overcome with appreciation for “what [she] dreamed it could be.” If the original story’s author is your number one fan, clearly, something was done right.
To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)
Book and film adaptations are certainly meant to complement one another, but sometimes, the added visual accomplishes things that would otherwise be constrained to the novel form. In the case of Harper Lee’s 1960 classic To Kill A Mockingbird, Gregory Peck’s powerhouse performance as Atticus Finch offers chilling insight into prejudice, hatred, and its racist motivations.
Cape Fear (1991)
If you thought John D. MacDonald’s 1957 novel The Executioners was a suspenseful read, you have another thing coming. Martin Scorsese’s Cape Fear is brutally visceral—so much so that Robert De Niro and Juliette Lewis were both nominated for Academy Awards. De Niro shines in the 1991 adaptation, but Lewis is the real star of the show.
Thank You For Smoking (2005)
Based on Christopher Buckley’s biting 1994 satire, Thank You For Smoking follows Aaron Eckhart as Nick Naylor, a Big Tobacco spokesman attempting to mend their tarnished reputation. The film adaptation dedicates a significant portion of screen time to the relationship between Nick and his young son, delivering a vital measure of sentimentality.
The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
Although James Fenimore Cooper’s 1826 novel The Last of the Mohicans: A Narrative of 1757 might be considered a classic piece of eighteenth-century literature, it’s also complete garbage. The plot inches forward at a maddeningly sluggish pace, and the prose is almost unreadable, dense with arduous prose. Michael Mann’s film adaptation is a significant improvement on all counts.
Out of Sight (1998)
Elmer Leonard’s 1996 novel just couldn’t live up to the unforgettable chemistry between Jennifer Lopez and George Clooney. J-Lo plays a smart, gorgeous Federal Marshal while Clooney’s character is an escaped convict and successful bank robber. The sparks that fly between these two are almost palpable.