Top 5 Book-to-Movie Adaptations You Need to Watch

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With more time to stay at home, there are some books and movies that are worth diving into. The book-to-movie adaptation tends to leave fans and audiences with a lot of emotions. In some cases, the movie is horrible compared to the book...and in other cases, the movie is able to explore so much more that the book couldn’t. If you’re a fan of going through the source material before watching the movie version, then here’s a list of some well-known and perhaps some lesser-known book-to-movie adaptations that knocked it out of the park. 

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1. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

A beautiful, harrowing and completely untraditional love story, The Time Traveler’s Wife is an amazing book, and a great movie adaptation as well. It delves into the life of Henry DeTamble, a librarian who is able to travel through time due to a genetic fault but is unable to control his abilities. As he falls in love with artist Claire Abshire, the story revolves around their relationship as it is tested by his strange abilities. 

The movie stars Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams in the lead roles. Although definitely a complex undertaking, the chemistry between the leads is what really makes the movie stand out. The tension and romance between the couple in the movie is portrayed wonderfully by both actors as their relationship is tested over and over.

Find the book on Amazon here.

Find the movie on Amazon here.

2. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

A well-deserved classic, To Kill A Mockingbird is one of those books that you can read over and over. And just like its source material, the movie is also one that you can watch over and over. Originally published in 1960, To Kill A Mockingbird is an American classic that is still widely read across schools today - and its lessons still hold true. Set in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, the novel follows three years in the life of 8-year-old Scout Finch, her brother, Jem, and their father, Atticus during a contentious time in the town. 

Classic film start Gregory Peck stars in the 1962 adaptation of the book, and absolutely shines in the role of Atticus Finch. The Academy award winning movie stays faithful to its source material while bringing to life iconic characters in a thoughtful way.

Find the book on Amazon here

Find the movie on Amazon here.

3. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

A quirkier choice perhaps, but Persepolis is one of those rare novels that’s both art and literature, and gives you a whole new perspective after you’ve finished with it. A graphic novel by Iranian author Marjane Satrapi, it is a coming of age story that delves into Satrapi’s childhood and teenage years in a large and loving family living in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution. 

Candidly written and accompanied by vivid drawings, it’s a memoir like no other. If you loved reading comics when you were young, this is a great way to get back into graphic novels and follow Satrapi from her childhood onwards as she navigates through complex political events in Iran.

The movie follows a similar path, staying true to the visuals of the novel and the animations are beautifully rendered. It remains faithful to the source material and creates a narrative around with really well. And watching it all come alive with the animations is really a different experience that makes it so much more engaging.

Find the book on Amazon here.

Find the movie on Amazon here.

4. The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

A little more lighthearted than some of the other choices, but so much fun! Meryl Streep’s portrayal of Miranda Priestley is still an iconic villain role in Hollywood history and it’s easy to see why this movie has become such a classic across audiences. 

Both the book and the movie follow Andrea Sachs, a small-town girl fresh out of college who lands a prestigious position at Runway magazine, as an assistant to Miranda Priestley. Miranda is known for her icy cold demeanor, commanding nature, and inherent rudeness to everyone around her and as Andrea navigates the complicated world she has entered, she begins to wonder if it’s really worth it.

However, you’ll find that opinions are divergent about whether the movie was better or the book. Some argue that the movie was since it gives the character far more nuance and depth than the book did perhaps. Anne Hathaway is incredibly charming in her role as Andrea Sachs, as is Emily Blunt in a supporting role as a competing assistant. Others argue that the book was far better than the adaptation and that the movie missed vital details. Why not read the book and watch the movie to see which side you agree with?

Find the book on Amazon here.

Find the movie on Amazon here.

5. The Life of Pi by Yann Martel

A modern classic, Life of Pi is perfect for those looking for something that helps them escape into a new world. Incredibly immersive and beautifully told, Life of Pi is truly a unique novel. The story follows Pi Patel, the son of a zookeeper who is known for his storytelling abilities. At 16, Pi’s family emigrates from India to North America abroad a Japanese cargo ship with their zoo animals in tow. When the ship sinks, Pi finds himself on a lifeboat with a hyena, an orangutan, a wounded zebra, and Richard Parker, a 450-pound Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. As Pi and his animal companions navigate the sea and find land, Pi embarks on his fantastical journey that leads to truth and lies.

The movie aimed to capture the story but also create an immersive experience for viewers. Directed by Oscar-winner Ang Lee, the film captures the epic tale and the majesticness of the jungle in a masterfully crafted movie. The lush scenes of nature, coupled with Surraj Sharma’s emotive acting make it more than a simple movie, transforming it into a cinematic experience.

Find the book on Amazon here.

Find the movie on Amazon here.

Whether you’re looking for a good book to devour and/or a movie to get lost in, this list has it all. Each of these books has garnered a lot of praise and devoted fans and their movies have been able to do the source material justice while elevating it. While a lot of book-to-movie adaptations don’t always get the best of reviews, these are just some examples where the movie is able to capture the book perfectly and give it even more depth. With talented actors at the helm, all of these movies are a delight to watch. And for those looking for a new book to read, each of these authors is incredibly talented in their own way, and their creativity and spark really shines through in these novels.