Being an avid reader myself, I personally prefer books anyday over movies. Also my imagination is better than CGI and far cheaper than a movie ticket! Most of the audiences probably don’t have the same opinion. Sometimes we neither have the time nor the patience to read a book, and hence inclined towards the celluloid. Albeit the near constant adaption of books being made into movies,”the book was much better” seems like a common refrain. Most of the time its true. Nevertheless some adaptations turned out to be better than the books.
When your favourite novel transcends from pages of the book to the cinema on celluloid, by sustaining the essence of the source, it is such an alluring feel! Spoilt with so many choices it is really hard to choose what to watch. Here I’ve put up some famous classics based on their popularity and a captivating plot that are worth your time.
1. Forrest Gump (1994)
Forrest Gump is a 1994 American drama directed by Robert Zemeckis starring Tom Hanks. It is based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom. The story depicts several decades in the life of Forrest Gump (played by Hanks), a slow-witted but kindhearted man from Alabama who witnesses and unwittingly influences several defining historical events in the 20th-century United States.The 1994 movie, though, won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for star Tom Hanks.
2. The Notebook (2004)
Considered one of the best on-screen romances of all time, The Notebook is a 2004 American romantic drama film directed by Nick Cassavetes, based on the 1996 novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks. Even readers who don’t usually go for Sparks’ predictable, saccharine storylines can’t help but get choked up at what plays on film as an old-fashioned love story, the kind they just don’t make anymore. The film stars Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as a young couple who fall in love in the 1940s.
3. The Great Gatsby (2013)
The Great Gatsby is a 2013 romantic drama film based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel of the same name, directed by Baz Luhrmann and stars Leonardo DiCaprio. The film follows the life and times of millionaire Jay Gatsby (DiCaprio) and his neighbor Nick Carraway (Maguire), who recounts his encounter with Gatsby. The film was highly polarizing among critics; it received both alternating praise and criticism for its acting performances, soundtrack, visual style, and direction.
4. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001 – 2003)
Nothing can beat this legendary adaptation! The trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson have wowed audiences from across the world. With groundbreaking acting, special effects and music score, it is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential film series ever made.Although the books were often slow paced and plodding with overly long descriptions, seeing the brilliant epic adapted to screen is very rewarding as it streamlines the narrative. It’s one of those rare adaption where you enjoy the movie version better than the book.
5. Fight Club (1999)
Dark and mind boggling with some exceptionally brilliant and hard hitting subtle messages, Fight Club us is one of the best movies of all times, directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt. It is based on the 1996 novel of the same name by Chuck Palahniuk. Brad Pitt’s portrayal of the character Tyler Durden shows us the actor’s genius in portraying dark characters with such ease that the character became one of the most famous and loved movie characters In a nutshell, Fight club is a blend of exceptionally beautiful dialogues, a superb plot and brilliant performance by Brad Pitt.
6. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
‘The Fault In Our Stars’ is based on the 2012 novel of the same name by John Green. Starring Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort are probably one of the best movies I have ever watched. After reading that there would be a movie adaptation of the book, I didn’t have high expectations! The casting choice couldn’t have been better, their acting was out of this world. They completely embodied the characters that I had read about and loved.
7.The Harry Potter Series
Harry Potter is a film series based on the eponymous novels by J. K. Rowling, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson as the three leading characters. The series consists of eight fantasy films, beginning with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001) and culminating with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011). The direction is great and the camera work and SFX is phenomenal. It is very loyal to the original source material and everything about the story , feels magical. The plot twists are unexpected for those who have not read the book, the world feels expansive and well explored. If you haven’t seen this film yet, I strongly recommend the experience.
8. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
The Devil Wears Prada is a 2006 American comedy-drama film directed by David Frankel and produced by Wendy Finerman, based on Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 novel of the same name. The film adaptation stars Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly, a powerful fashion magazine editor, and Anne Hathaway as Andrea Sachs, a college graduate who goes to New York City and lands a job as Priestly’s co-assistant. It is a very chic and a heart-warming film. It presents the sacrifices that are made to stay at the top and the repurcussions that come with our actions
9. Gone Girl (2014)
Gone Girl is a 2014 American psychological thriller film directed by David Fincher, written by Gillian Flynn, based on her 2012 novel of the same title. Set in Missouri, the story is a postmodern mystery that follows the events surrounding Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck), who becomes the prime suspect in the sudden disappearance of his wife Amy (Rosamund Pike). This movie speaks to you. The acting is so gripping that you feel like you’re a part of the movie and see elements of yourself in the protagonists. You see love, hate, annoyance, frustration, everything that’s there. It’s one of those thrillers which go from predictable to unpredictable in just a second.
10.The Martian (2015)
The Martian is a 2015 science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon, based on a 2011 novel by Andy Weir. The film depicts an astronaut’s (Damon) lone struggle to survive on Mars after being left behind, and the efforts of NASA to rescue him and bring him home to Earth. There’s a fine balance to achieve to tell a story so exceptional, this movie in my opinion achieved that flawlessly. It makes a good watch on multiple levels with a very talented cast, and a plot that is so insightful.
These make my list of top ten movies based on novels, you ought to watch. Grab some popcorn and have fun watching them!