When it comes to films, inspiration can come from any source. In fact, many filmmakers have taken inspiration from books to create a cinematic experience for their audiences. There are a number of successful movies based on books and movies based on novels.
There are many reasons why industry insiders prefer to take inspiration from books. The biggest reason is if the book is already popular then it increases the chances of the film’s success. Books turned into movies already have a fan base and it helps to create a buzz around the film. For example, let’s talk about romantic novel based movies such as The Notebook, Me Before You and more. Now, these movies based on books totally worked, thanks to the popularity of the story itself. Scroll ahead for more such gems.
Movies Based on Books
There are many popular movies that have been based on books. The most important thing that the filmmakers remember while making movies based on novels is staying true to the characters. While many times the screen time of the film doesn’t leave a lot of space for the characters and the sub-plot, most directors try to work around the book instead of forcing their vision.
Harry Potter Series
The Harry Potter film series has been pretty faithful to both the plot and the character development that was presented by author J.K. Rowling. Though many details of the books were missing in the films it was indeed a joyride for all the kids and adults out there. Harry Potter films based on books are quite popular!
The Hunger Games
The film series is composed of science fiction dystopian adventure films, based on The Hunger Games trilogy of novels by the American author Suzanne Collins. It has been helmed by Gary Ross and Francis Lawrence. These movies based on books are special!
Little Women
The 2019 film is written and directed by Greta Gerwig. It is the seventh film adaptation of the 1868 novel of the same name by Louisa May Alcott. The film stars an ensemble cast consisting of Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep, Tracy Letts and Chris Cooper. It is one of the most talked-about movies adapted from the book.
Lolita
A middle-aged college professor becomes infatuated with a fourteen-year-old nymphet. The 1997 film and 1955 novel, both created massive controversies. It is the second screen adaptation of the novel. One of the best movies based on novels.
Romantic Novel Based Movies
Romance is one of the most frequent genres for both cinephiles and bibliophiles. So romantic novel based movies clearly take the cake when it comes to enhancing the cinematic experience. Over the years, many Hollywood/Bollywood movies have taken inspiration from classic tales of love and romance.
William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet has been adapted by filmmakers all over the world. In India, many filmmakers have adapted the iconic Bengali novel Devdas written by Sarat Chandra Chatterjee. Believe it or not, it has been adapted over 20 times. Here are a few more such examples:
The Fault In Our Stars
The 2014 film is one of the famous movies based on books. It has been directed by Josh Boone, based on the 2012 novel of the same name by John Green. It stars Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort.
A Walk to Remember
The 2002 film is directed by Adam Shankman and written by Karen Janszen. It is based on Nicholas Sparks’ 1999 novel of the same name. The film stars Shane West, Mandy Moore, Peter Coyote and Daryl Hannah. Quite a popular romantic novel based movie!
P.S. I Love You
The 2007 film is different from the novel but it hits right in the feels. It is based on the 2004 novel of the same name by Cecelia Ahern. The film stars Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler, Lisa Kudrow, Gina Gershon, James Marsters, Harry Connick Jr. and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. The flick is all about grief, love and friendship.
2 States
The 2014 film is based on Chetan Bhagat’s 2009 novel 2 States: The Story of My Marriage and written by Abhishek Varman and Bhagat himself. The film was directed by Varman in his directorial debut. It starred Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt in lead roles. A super popular book turned into a movie!
Hollywood Movies Based On Novels
Adaptations will always be the butter to Hollywood’s bread! In fact, Academy Awards has a screenwriting category dedicated to this form of filmmaking. Over the years many amazing films have been adapted from novels and books. It is an evergreen trend for Hollywood. From romantic films to thrillers, the American film industry just can’t get enough of novel adaptations.
The Godfather
The 1972 film is based on Mario Puzo’s best-selling 1969 novel of the same name. It stars Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Richard Castellano, Robert Duvall, Sterling Hayden, John Marley, Richard Conte, and Diane Keaton. The film is the first instalment in The Godfather trilogy.
Forrest Gump
The 1994 American comedy-drama film is based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom. It stars Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson and Sally Field. The film differs substantially from the novel. For example, the film adds several aspects to Gump’s life that do not occur in the novel, such as his needing leg braces as a child and more.
The Color Purple
The 1985 film is directed by Steven Spielberg, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning 1982 novel of the same name by Alice Walker. The film marked a turning point in his career as it contains a mature subject. It stars Whoopi Goldberg in her breakthrough role, with Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey, Margaret Avery, Rae Dawn Chong, Willard Pugh, and Adolph Caesar. It is one of the best movies based on books.
The Adjustment Bureau
The popular movie based on the book by Philip K. Dick is called Adjustment Team. The novel is based on the idea that destiny, fate or fortune is nothing against hard work and determination. The movie is amazingly scripted and portrayed and it stars Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Anthony Mackie, John Slattery, and Terence Stamp.
Netflix Movies Based On Books
The popular OTT platform has also created some well-known book adaptions! Netflix movies based on books have gained popularity in the last few years.
It
The 2017 American coming-of-age supernatural horror film is based on Stephen King’s 1986 novel of the same name. It is quite popular on Netflix and stars Jaeden Lieberher as Bill Denbrough, with Bill Skarsgård starring as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, respectively.
The Notebook
Another super popular book turned into a movie! It is based on the 1996 novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks. The film stars Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams in the role. It is considered to be one of the most loved romantic films of all time.
The Da Vinci Code
The Da Vinci Code is based on Dan Brown’s 2003 novel of the same name. It stars Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Sir Ian McKellen, Alfred Molina, Jürgen Prochnow, Jean Reno and Paul Bettany. The film dropped in 2006.
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So fam, ready for movies adapted from books marathon?
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