Turning a book into a movie can be tricky. Sometimes, the movie just doesn’t feel like the book we loved. But other times, something special happens. The movie isn’t just good; it makes the book even better, or stands tall on its own.
The best movies made from books often get the true feeling of the story, not just by showing what happens, but by letting us feel what the characters feel.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
It’s likely that there’s no one who hasn’t heard of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, whether it’s the book written by Truman Capote or its adaptation directed by Blake Edwards. The two-time Oscar-winning film hit the big screen in 1961, changing history and leaving a mark on culture.
The iconic Audrey Hepburn leads the cast and brings to life Holly Golightly, a young woman from New York’s high society who begins to take an interest in a man who has moved into her residential building, but her past threatens to get in their way.
The Godfather (1972)
Since The Godfather made its grand appearance in movie theaters in 1972, the film industry has never been the same. The story, based on the novel of the same name written by Mario Puzo, is widely considered one of the most successful and acclaimed films.
The adaptation directed by Francis Ford Coppola, which won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture, follows the aging patriarch (played by Marlon Brando) of a post-war New York City crime dynasty as he transfers control of his clandestine empire to his reluctant younger son (played by Al Pacino).
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
The Perks of Being a Wallflower was directed by Stephen Chbosky in 2012 and is based on the eponymous novel written by Chbosky himself. The director and writer played a significant role in the adaptation, which contributed to maintaining the essence of the story and the characters.
The film captures many of the key elements of the book and features a talented cast that includes Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller in the leading roles. The critics did nothing but praise the performances of the stars, especially for their ability to convey the emotional complexities of the characters.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
The Talented Mr. Ripley was directed by Anthony Minghella in 1999 and is considered a faithful adaptation in terms of capturing the atmosphere and the main characters of the eponymous novel written by Patricia Highsmith. Matt Damon and Jude Law starred in the film, which received 5 Oscar nominations.
Despite the fact that the adaptation’s story underwent some modifications compared to the book, the audience and professional critics praised the project for its suspense, exploration of the characters’ psychology, and the incredible performances of the A-list cast, including those of Gwyneth Paltrow and Cate Blanchett.
12 Years a Slave (2013)
12 Years a Slave is considered a success of the last decade, not only achieving significant box office revenue but also being one of the standout titles at the 2014 Oscars. The film, directed by Steve McQueen, is based on a 1853 memoir and slave narrative by Solomon Northup, which was told and written by David Wilson.
Set in the United States before the Civil War, the story follows Solomon Northup, a free black man from the state of New York who is kidnapped and sold into slavery. Chiwetel Ejiofor leads the cast, which is filled with A-list figures. Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Michael Kenneth Williams and Dwight Henry are among the actors who are part of the ensemble.
The Shining (1980)
The Shining had its big debut in the 80s, and over time, it has become a cult classic. Its film adaptation, directed by Stanley Kubrick, is based on the eponymous book written by the master of horror, Stephen King.
The story follows a family heading to an isolated hotel to spend the winter. There, a malevolent spiritual presence violently affects the father (portrayed by Jack Nicholson), while the psychic son (played by Danny Lloyd) has horrifying visions of the past and the future.
Little Women (2019)
The new version of Little Women was generally praised for its faithfulness to Louisa May Alcott‘s book and its innovative approach to the narrative. With a star-studded cast, the 2019 film managed to win an Oscar for Best Achievement in Costume Design for Jacqueline Durran.
Greta Gerwig was the one responsible for directing the adaptation, and she did a remarkable job by giving the story a fresh and contemporary approach while keeping the fundamental aspects of the plot and characters intact, thus honoring the spirit of the book.
Jurassic Park (1993)
Action, drama, tension and plenty of dinosaurs are what have always characterized the acclaimed Jurassic Park, whose first adaptation came out in 1993, directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the novel of the same name written by Michael Crichton. As expected, the film helped the story become mega-popular and ended up becoming one of the most well-known franchises in the industry.
The plot follows John Hammond (played by Richard Attenborough), who, thanks to fossilized DNA found in amber, brings various dinosaur species to life and creates Jurassic Park, a theme park on an island in Costa Rica, but what seemed like a dream quickly turns into a nightmare.
The Help (2011)
There are secrets that change everything, and the same happens in The Help, the movie directed by Tate Taylor, which won an Oscar and is based on the novel written by Kathryn Stockett. Both the novel and its film adaptation have sparked interest and discussion over the years, especially following the controversy regarding its portrayal of race and criticisms of its approach.
Octavia Spencer, Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard and Emma Stone were just a few of the stars who headline the plot, which follows an aspiring author during the civil rights movement in the 60s, who decides to write a book from the perspective of African American domestic assistants about the white families they work for.