Book-to-film adaptations continue to captivate audiences, with recent examples like Justin Baldoni’sIt Ends With Usdemonstrating the enduring appealof literary translations to the screen. Fans of a good book are guaranteed to flock to a screen adaptation, as readers love to see their favorite stories come to life in the visual medium.
Some of the most fun book-based movies to watch are those based on books we are all familiar with from our school days. Even those who didn’t love English class probably have a nostalgic favorite novel or two. Through literature, students are able to travel to other worlds and encounter diverse perspectives, cultures, and historical periods they might not otherwise experience. Here are 10 great films to experience the nostalgic coziness of one of your best old favorite reads.
10’The Perks of Being a Wallflower' (2012)
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
The Perks of Being a Wallfloweris a 1999 novel by Stephen Chbosky that struck a chord with its teen audience almost immediately upon being released by MTV Books, a literary imprint started by the channel famous for airing music videos and spotlighting “Veejays” such as Ananda Lewis. The book tellsthe transformative story of Charlie, a reserved high school freshmanwhose intensely felt highs and lows ultimately lead him to find confidence.
A Brightly Aesthetic Adaptation
Despite the story’s brushes with dark themes such assuicide and mental struggles, the film delivers an overall upbeat experience that ends on a note of positivity. Emma Watson, who was at the height of her Harry Potter popularity, fit perfectly into the grounded movie and successfully avoided feeling like a stunt-cast. Logan Lerman, who plays Charlie, gives a strong narration in a voice of earnest sincerity.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Where the Cast Is Today
Empathetic characters, the dynamics of love, and a wicked playlist are all found in The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Find out where the cast is today.
9’Holes' (2003)
Holesis the classic movie that inspired a million TikTok clips with the hilarious line, “I’M TIRED OF THIS, GRANDPA!” A teenaged Shia LaBeouf stars in thisadventurous neo-Western comedy/dramawhich is often dubbed thebest Disney Channel Original Movieof all time. Generations of readers will remember Holes as a Scholastic book fair favorite, and a viewing of the film is sure to inspire the same warm memories.
True to the Book
The film adaptation ofHoleshas been praised for staying true to its adored source material. The only glaring difference is the removal of main character Stanley’s weight-loss story, since producers didn’t want to make a child actor undergo a drastic physical transformation for the part.
The film also excels at creating memorable scenes, such as Patricia Arquette’s searing delivery of her character Kate Barlow’s near-final words, “You, and your children, and your children’s children, will dig for a hundred years, and you will never find it.”
8’Their Eyes Were Watching God' (2005)
Sensuous camera shots capture the heroine Janie’s lust for love and life as she journeys towards love and freedom in this visual feast of a film. But just as she reaches the pinnacle of happiness, Janie’s strength and spirit are tested by a tragic twist. Based on the 1937 novel by author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston,Their Eyes Were Watching Godexplores themes of sacrifice and socioeconomic mobility as it follows heroine Janie’s path from impoverished granddaughter to mayor’s wife in America’s first all-black incorporated town.
A Win for Oprah Winfrey’s Production Company
Released in 2005 by Harpo Productions, the film adaptation featuresHalle Berry in the starring roleas the indelible Janie. The film uses gorgeous shots that capture the natural beauty of Florida to bring the novel to life. One of the inspiring story’s best qualities is the wayit shows viewers it’s never too late to come into your own, with the heroine remarking to her final onscreen lover that she “saved up all my young girl days to spend them with you.”
7’Of Mice and Men' (1992)
Of Mice and Men
Author John Steinbeck’s 1937 bookOf Mice and Menis a Great Depression-erastory of two nomadic farmworkers, George and Lennie, who have formed an unlikely alliance. George’s most outstanding trait is his cleverness, while Lennie is intellectually delayed, but possesses hulking strength. The friends dream of buying a farm, but their goal is thwarted by a fateful twist.
Hauntingly Tragic
The 1992 film, which is a remake of the original from 1939, expertlyutilizes the element of suspense to set up the film’s heartbreaking resolution. Stars George Milton and John Malkovich also bring a strikingly emotional authenticity to their onscreen friendship. While audiences will appreciate the 1992 version for its color and more modern style, the older version boasts an impressive100% Rotten Tomatoes critic ratingand is worth a watch as well.
6’The Color Purple' (1985)
The Color Purple
The Color Purple, written by Alice Walker and published in 1982, is an epistolary novel that chronicles the life of Celie, an impoverished girl growing up in rural Georgia between 1909 and 1947. The narrative unfolds through letters thatCelie writes initially to God and later to her sister, Nettie, detailing her experiences of abuse, trauma, and eventual empowerment.Almost all audiences agree this version is better than the 2023 remake.
Whoopi Goldberg Stuns in ‘The Color Purple’
Upon its 1985 release, fans flocked to the theaters to seeThe Color Purple,which grossed almost $100 million at the box office. Thefilm’s popularity with the public is reflected in its 94% fan rating on Rotten Tomatoes,which is a much higher score than it received from the site’s critics, some of whom called it too sentimental. Whoopi Goldberg, already an Oscar-winning actress at the time, starred in the film just a few years before successfullyrequesting to join theStar Trekcast. Director Zach Braff said in 2023 that her performance in the film “remains to this day one of the best I have ever seen.”
The Color Purple: The Differences Between the 1985 Movie and the 2023 Musical
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5’Passing' (2021)
Based on Nella Larsen’s enthralling novel,Passingexplores the drama that unfolds when two old high school friends unexpectedly reunite. As the friends spend more time together, a dangerous obsession threatens to expose a deep secret that could shatter lives. The film, which is directed by Rebecca Hall, stars Ruth Negga and Tessa Thompson as the leading ladies. They are joined by André Holland and Alexander Skarsgard, who play their husbands.
Historically Accurate World-Building
One of the film’s most impressive points is itspainstaking set design that convincingly recreates the world of 1929. Viewers have particularly praised the prop selection, calling it a superior representation of the ’20s over 2013’sThe Great Gatsbyremake. As to the story itself, fans say the first 30 minutes are suspenseful and thrilling before the pace slows down. However, thingsbecome exciting again with a dramatic ending. Despite its flaws, the film is worth a study.
4’The Great Gatsby' (1974)
The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsbyis a 1974 film adaption of author F. Scott Fitzgerald’s most famous novel. The film stars Robert Redford, who hasa lengthy and impressive resume, as the enigmatic Gatsby, and Mia Farrow as Daisy. The project was written by Francis Ford Coppola, who reported that the filmmakers failed to follow his screenplay.
The movie was a financial success, grossing $26 million against its $7 million budget. Although it never truly soars, it is enjoyable entertainment and represents the best screen adaptation ofThe Great Gatsbyso far. Fans interested in the life of Fitzgerald can watch a fictionalized account of his infamous relationship saga with his wife Zelda,Z: The Beginning of Everything,on Prime video.
A Reserved, Elegant Take
Although a modern big-budget production ofThe Great Gatsbywas released in 2013, true fans of the novel are more likely to enjoy the earlier film. The era in which the 1974 version was shot and thetrans-Atlantic accents used in the film uniquely capture the old-fashioned elegance of the time period.While Baz Luhrmann’s remake is flashier, the original is a better representation of the iconic novel’s spirit and style.
3’Romeo + Juliet' (1996)
The 1996 filmRomeo + Juliet, directedby Baz Luhrmann, is a modernized adaptation of William Shakespeare’s iconic playRomeo and Juliet. The movie is set in a contemporary, urban environment called “Verona Beach,” blending Shakespeare’s original dialogue with modern visuals, music, and cultural references. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes perform as the star-crossed lovers.
Modernization Was a Smart Move
Although there is plenty of educational value in reading Shakespeare, Luhrmann made a smart decision by choosing to take his film in a more entertaining direction by updating the setting. Themovie perfectly appealed to the ’90s teens at whom it was aimed, and continues to be a favorite today. Some critics called it over-the-top and lacking any subtlety, but it was generally well-received and praised for its strong soundtrack.
2’All Quiet on the Western Front' (1930)
All Quiet on the Western Front
The 1930 filmAll Quiet on the Western Front,based on Erich Maria Marque’s renowned historical war novel, is considered a classic that will forever have a place in cinematic history. The film showsa perspective of World War I from the losing sideas it chronicles a group of young recruits on a journey into the darkness of battle. The old-school movie inspireda 2022 remake, which was released to critical acclaim.
A Gem of Its Time
While the plot may follow a predictable structure, it embodies the spirit of the novel with exceptional execution. The film’s impeccable quality makes it an exemplary display of 1930s filmmaking. The cutting-edge modern-day special effects viewers are used to seeing in today’s action movies are not missed, as the project starkly demonstrates the tragic destruction and inescapable hardships of war. Lew Ayres completes the film with a great performance in his starring role.
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1’Rebecca' (1940)
This mysteriously thrilling black and white masterpiece will take you inside the world of a nameless narrator as she navigates hernew life after marrying the wealthy socialite Maxim DeWinter and grapples with a ghost from his past. It is based on Daphne du Maurier’s 1938 book which is commonly read in advanced literature classes. The film stars Joan Fontaine, who is remembered, along with her superb acting, for once being embroiled in aninfamous Hollywood feudwith Olivia De Havilland. She is joined by Laurence Olivier and Judith Anderson, who round out the bewitching trio.
A Near-Flawless Alfred Hitchcock Work
The movie’s 100% Fresh certification on Rotten Tomatoes is well-deserved, as the film spectacularly combines tangible suspense with an atmospheric eeriness befitting the gothic novel. The story’s themes of obsession are strongly felt, andFontaine’s innocence is perfectly juxtaposed by Anderson’s chilling presence. The cinematic triumph inspired arather disappointing 2020 remakewhich only served to remind fans of the original’s greatness.
