16 Movies + TV Shows That Won’t Make You Say ‘The Book Was Better’
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The reigning nose-in-the-air mantra of: “The book was better” inevitably haunts the release of movies and TV shows that were originally based on books. Book snobs have always been torn between the desire to see their favorite books come to life and the crippling fear that the film production company is inevitably going to destroy their beloved book with nonsensical plot changes and mediocre acting.
While film and literature unavoidably clash at times, there are many book-to-movie adaptations that took the world by storm and delighted audiences worldwide.
This list includes many of the greatest movies and TV shows that were books first, including titles that are celebrated, timeless classics, as well as a few well-kept secrets that you need to watch!
Harry Potter
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Author: J.K. Rowling
Books Published: 1997-2007
Films Released: 2001-2011
Harry Potter tops this list as one of the highest-grossing film series of all time with $7.7 billion in ticket sales. Much loved for its feel-good charm, well-invented storyline, and trend-setting magical fantasy, the Harry Potter series has brought magic to life in a way no other series has.
Watch This: When you want to lose yourself in a world of magic.
Read The Books:
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The Hunger Games
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Author: Suzanne Collins
Books Published: 2008-2020
Films Released: 2012-2023
The Hunger Games quickly became one of the most successful book-to-film adaptations when the first book of the four-part series took the world by storm in 2008. Movie rights were immediately sought after it was published, and each release of the series smashed box office records and captured audiences of all ages. The newest release, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, came out in November 2023!
Watch This: When you want to be swept away into an exciting fantasy universe.
Read The Books:
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Forrest Gump
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Author: Winston Groom
Book Published: 1986
Film Released: 1994
Everyone knows–and loves–this American classic film, but few are aware that it’s actually based off of a book. The film adaptation won six Academy Awards, features the incredible acting of Tom Hanks, and ensnared the hearts of every movie-goer. Those who love the movie will enjoy getting to know another side of this inspiring tale through the book.
Watch This: When you need some hope for the world restored.
Read The Book:
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Gone with the Wind
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Author: Margaret Mitchell
Book Published: 1936
Film Released: 1940
Both the novel and the film are two true American classics. Famous as a post-Civil War drama, the book set itself apart as a quintessential piece of classic literature, and the movie was an even greater success. Gone With The Wind was the highest grossing film for 25 years–however, if adjusted for the cost of inflation, it still technically holds that title! It never gets old.
Watch This: When you want a timeless historical fiction and wartime drama.
Read The Book:
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Pride and Prejudice
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Author: Jane Austen
Book Published: 1813
TV Series Aired: 1995
There have been multiple film adaptations of Jane Austen’s literary masterpiece over the years, and odds are, you’ve seen one (or all) of them. However, BBC’s critically acclaimed six-episode series is one to fall in love with over and over again.
Watch This: When your sappy side is out of control and you’re ready to fall in love with Darcy again.
Read The Book:
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Lord of the Rings
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Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Books Published: 1954-1955
Films Released: 2001-2003
It’s no secret that Peter Jackson’s trilogy is one of the most successful and highest-grossing film series of all time. With a pen and literary brilliance, Tolkien’s series crafted the fantastical world of Middle Earth, and the three-part film series simply blew everyone away, whether they had read the books or not.
Watch This: When you’re ready to settle down for a cinematic masterpiece with incredible acting and storytelling.
Read The Books:
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The Twilight Saga
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Author: Stephanie Meyers
Books Published: 2005-2008
Films Released: 2008-2012
Both loved and ridiculed, the Twilight Saga was already an extremely popular book series before smashing the box office with each of its four film releases to become one of the highest grossing film series in history. Twilight is easy to make fun of–but admit it, you’ve probably seen it anyway.
Watch This: When your inner tween wants a melodramatic love triangle and set of abs.
Read The Books:
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The Shining
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Author: Stephen King
Book Published: 1977
Film Released: 1980
Did you know this American classic thriller was first a book? (And written by none other than celebrated author Stephen King.) It is a blood-crawling horror film that everyone should see at least once.
Watch This: When you’re looking for one of the best thrillers, and you have ten blankets to hide under.
Read The Book:
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Persuasion
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Author: Jane Austen
Book Published: 1817
Film Released: 2022
Persuasion is a timeless piece of literature, and the modern spin on an old classic does not disappoint. A breath of fresh air, Dakota Johnson provides a humorous stream of consciousness as she struggles to find peace with a re-surfaced lost love.
Watch This: When you want a sassy, refreshing take on Victorian-era literature.
Read The Book:
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Alice in Wonderland
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Author: Lewis Carroll
Book Published: 1865
Film Released: 2010
Published first as a children’s book, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a notable piece of literature. However, in 2010, director Tim Burton turned Alice’s adventures into a dark cinematic retelling with a star-studded cast that included Johnny Depp. And if you’ve ever seen a Tim Burton film… you know you’re in for a wild ride.
Watch This: When you’re looking for a dark, quirky adventure that will prick your brain.
Read The Book:
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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
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Author: Roald Dahl
Book Published: 1964
Films Released: 1971 and 2005
Another movie based on a book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a cinematic treat for all. While there are two noteworthy film adaptations, each is different as day and night. The first, 1971’s Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory, features the famous Gene Wilder, while the 2005 adaptation stars Johnny Depp. There is yet another star-studded film, Wonka, coming out in December 2023!
Watch This: When you want imaginative, family-friendly entertainment.
Read The Book:
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Handmaid’s Tale
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Author: Margaret Atwood
Book Published: 1985
TV Series Aired: 2017-2024
In 2017, Atwood’s sensational and beautifully-crafted novel sparked interest for the award-winning TV series–a spooky and dreadful dystopian future where women lose most of their rights and are forced into servitude. The series has now spanned five seasons, creatively building off of the short novel and providing a binge-worthy, scary, and futuristic story to get sucked into. The final sixth season is coming out soon!
Watch This: When you are looking to get sucked into a scary dystopian series.
Read The Book:
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Game of Thrones
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Author: George R. R. Martin
Books Published: 1996- Pending
TV Series Aired: 2011-2019
Over eight full seasons, Game of Thrones was one of the most talked-about and most-viewed book-to-film adaptations. Mystery, fantasy, action, romance–this HBO series is a seductive and thrilling TV show that achieved iconic status and was streamed by millions all over the world. Author George R.R. Martin still has two more books to write and release for his acclaimed series!
Watch This: When you are unemployed, or brokenhearted, or simply need to lose 70 hours of your life to glorious entertainment.
Read The Books:
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Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
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Author: Laura Hillenbrand
Book Published: 2010
Film Released: 2014
Based on the incredible true story of a World War II POW survivor, Unbroken is an extremely moving and inspiring story of human bravery and tenacity. The incredibly well-written and acclaimed novel is a #1 New York Times Bestseller, and the film adaptation, directed by Angelina Jolie, doesn’t disappoint.
Watch This: When you need some serious real-life inspiration on the strength and stamina of the human spirit.
Read The Book:
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Where the Crawdads Sing
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Author: Delia Owens
Book Published: 2018
Film Released: 2022
Where the Crawdads Sing is a romance and murder mystery that immediately pulls you into the murky, secretive depths of North Carolina's coastal marshlands. The book is an enjoyable, alluring page-turner, and book snobs were more than delighted with the result of the film adaptation.
Watch This: When you want a magnetic combination of spooky mystery and young love.
Read The Book:
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The Great Gatsby
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Author: F Scott Fitzgerald
Book Published: 1925
Film Released: 2013
Fitzgerald’s treasured piece of literature turned into cinematic brilliance in 2013. The book and film are both artful and beautiful that capture your attention and imagination. Who doesn’t love the Roaring Twenties (and Leonardo DiCaprio)?
Watch This: When you’re in the mood for old-school Hollywood glamor and want to watch wealthy, beautiful people ruin their wealthy, beautiful lives.
Read The Book:
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