Movies That Stay True To The Books (17 pics)
“Misery. Kathy Bates is an amazing actor and carries the entire film, and does so in a beautiful way!!!”
“It was the single best book-to-movie adaptation I have ever seen and I will die on that hill. I feel like most of the really, truly good adaptations are just the ones where they actually work with and listen to the original writer. So often I’ve seen an awful adaptation and then found out they basically told the actual creator to kick rocks.”.
“Gone Girl
While there were some minor changes like every other book-to-movie adaptation, it was incredibly accurate likely because Gillian Flynn, the author, co-wrote the screenplay. The movie was as tense as the book, the performances were brilliant – particularly by Rosamund Pike, who was phenomenal in the role of Amy Dunne. It’s a modern classic.”
“The Outsiders. It was a literal passion project for so many members of the cast and crew. It was so spot on.”
“I feel like Disney actually did a really good job with the original Alice in Wonderland. It was one where they didn’t have to cut too much or alter it to make it kid-friendly like the majority of their adaptations. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a beautiful story and I really feel like Disney did this one justice.”
“The Martian. Yes the film was made more ‘Hollywood’, but I love the film and the book. The film felt very faithful to the book.”
“I’d even go as far as to say the movie is better than the book.”
“Room. I would say even better than the book since the book is ruined with the cringey TMI notes from Jack’s point of view. Sure they did leave out some characters but the film still felt complete. The only note the film didn’t include (just implied) is Ma’s daughter, but I suppose the film was already focused on its dark plot it didn’t need to get darker. Plus I love how they give Ma’s character the name Joy as an ironic twist – detail we never get from the book!”
“Silence of the Lambs
It’s a classic film for a reason. I expected the book to be miles better, like books so often are, and I was surprised to find myself thinking that as good as the book was, the film was easily its equal, and possibly even superior.”
“Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret. I know that it’s fairly recent, but it was (almost) everything nine-year-old me wanted to see when I read this for the first time in 1986 (kinda disappointed about no pad belts).”
“The LOTR trilogy. It was so clear that everyone involved loved the books and wanted to do it properly. Christopher Lee, who had met Tolkien, was also a massive help with costuming and weaponry and stabbing sounds.”
“Atonement. It’s fantastic, particularly Briony (Saoirse Ronan’s first role and Academy Award nomination). The movie perfectly reflects all the characters.”
“Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory. I was Dahl’s biggest fan growing up and still to this day absolutely adore the movie that came from this!”
“Jackie Brown
In my opinion, it is better than Elmore Lenord’s novel Rum Punch. The film trims the fat of some unnecessary subplots, and Tarantino’s always snappy dialogue keeps you engaged throughout the whole movie.”
“The Green Mile. Without a doubt. One of the only times I’ve seen the film first and read the book after, I fully expected to be disappointed in the film after reading the book as is so often the case with book-to-film adaptations, but they’re both phenomenal.”
“The Princess Bride. The movie maintains what’s wonderful about the book while adapting to fit the medium. And some truly perfect casting.”
