5 Great Books That Have Been Adapted Into Movies And Are Equally Interesting

Movie adaptations of books are always a touchy topic, especially for bookworms! When not done correctly, it leaves a bad taste in the mouth that no amount of re-reading the book can take away. But when done correctly, it becomes the talk of the town, a source of comfort on the bad days when binge-watching movies seem the only therapy! In short, it becomes legendary!

And while book-to-movie adaptations, in general, get a bad rap because of how poorly minute details are translated onto the screen, here are a few that have successfully pleased the audience:

1. Little Women (2019) — Book by Louisa May Alcott

Little Women is a literary classic and has had many adaptations over the years. However, the 2019 adaptation by Greta Gerwig is lauded by many to be the best yet. Featuring the stalwart Meryl Streep and led by the incredibly talented Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, and Timothée Chalamet, the adaptation successfully resonated with the audience in 2019 just like the novel did in 1868!

2. Gone Girl (2014) — Book by Gillian Flynn

Psychological thrillers have a special place in our hearts, and Gone Girl is one movie that has cemented its position as one of the best in the genre! The movie successfully recreated the immense sense of fear and bone-chilling suspense with the stellar performance of Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck. And it is definitely not a one-time watch — you are bound to go back for more, even if it’s only to make more sense of the unnerving evil that is Amy Elliott Dunne.

3. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) — Book by Thomas Harris

When talking about great book-to-movie adaptations, this is one movie that just cannot be missed out on. Be it the stellar performance and chemistry of Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster or the stunning and almost endearing portrayal of the psychotic evil Hannibal Lecter, this movie has everything going for it. It perfectly recreated the suspense and fear that the book rooted deep in our minds, making it a movie to remember even decades down the line.

4. Atonement (2007) — Book by Ian McEwan

Atonement may be a questionable addition to this list, especially with how the book deviated regarding its ending (if you know, you know). However, that does not take away from the brilliance of the rest of the movie and how accurately it presented the marvel that was the book itself! While the book perfectly introduces us to the devastating repercussions our decisions may have, the movie makes us feel those repercussions first-hand, all thanks to the remarkable performance by the cast.

5. Forrest Gump (1994) — Book by Winston Groom

Forrest Gump is one movie that stands apart from the others on this list — the movie is so good that many of us don’t even know it is based on a book! However, for those who love the book, the movie has done justice to the pureness of the character that is Forrest Gump! Tom Hanks shines in his role as the titular character and shows us the world from the perspective of an innocent and pure man navigating through life. And while some themes may seem problematic in this day and age, Forrest Gump is here to stay as one of the most legendary characters and movies ever to come out of Hollywood!