One of the things that I love about reading is that it allows you to imagine every aspect of the book based on how it is described. And this is precisely what movies don’t have – there’s hardly anything left to the imagination. So, when I hear about a movie that is either based on or adapted from a book, I instantly have a prejudice about it not being as good as the book. However, there are some movies that have not only surpassed my expectations but also shattered my prejudices and emerged almost as good as the books if not better. Wondering which movies? Well, check out the list below.
Here’s a list of movies that were either based or adapted from a book and has done justice to it:
1. Harry Potter
Potterheads, I hear you. This is a no-brainer.
2. The Fault In Our Stars
![The Fault In Our Stars | Official Trailer [HD] | 20th Century FOX](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9ItBvH5J6ss/hqdefault.jpg)
The movie, based on a book of the same name written by John Green, wins my heart because of the palpable chemistry between Shailene Woodley and Ansel Egort – that honestly puts one’s imagination to shame.
3. Little Women
The coming-of-age movie is based on Louisa May Alcott’s book of the same name. The movie directed by Greta Gerwig has a simple twist – that it is actually Jo who is the author of the novel Little Women – and this seemingly harmless twist transforms the story completely and gives the classic a fresh feeling without damaging its core.
4. Call Me By Your Name
Based on André Aciman’s coming of age novel is a movie that will leave your heart full. The main difference between the book and the movie is that screenwriter James Ivory moved the events to 1983 (instead of 1987) and the fact that the film does not include the present-day scene that closes the book. But the ending, all thanks to Timothée Chalamet’s mad acting skills, will give you goosebumps and teary.
5. The Godfather
The movie that is based on a book of the same name written by Mario Puzo is a cult classic and rightly so. From its performance, archetypal characters to filmmaking, and quotable lines – there is nothing that you won’t love about it. And the best part – Al Pacino.
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6. Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen’s classic love story and questionable first impressions have been adapted multiple times, but the film starring Keira Knightley and Matthey Macfayden is hands-down the best of the lot. The makers’ decision to take a more realistic approach compared to other movies is what makes this one stand out and closer to the novel.
7. Hunger Games
The movie series based on Suzanne Collins’ book has not included many scenes from the book but the ones they have are just extraordinary and the performances of Josh Hutcherson and Jennifer Lawrence just elevated the movie altogether.
8. Gangubai Kathiawadi
Now, I know that it is loosely based on Hussain Zaidi’s Mafia Queens of Mumbai. Alia Bhatt’s powerful dialogues, comic timing, and swagger mixed with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s vision have created the perfect masterpiece. Truly, a must-watch.
9. Dune
Based on Frank Herbert’s book of the same name is not just an old cult classic. It is by far one of the best sci-fi movies that are a perfect blend of trippy, terrifying, and a completely different but unique vision to life. And Zendaya in this has my heart.
10. Nomadland
The movie based on Jessica Bruder’s book of the same title is an Academy Award winner and rightly so. The way the director narrates the story through the lens and Frances McDormand’s performance is what will leave you wanting more.
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11. The White Tiger
The movie is adapted from Aravind Adiga’s 2008 novel that follows the story of a poor man who uses his wit and cunningness to build a successful career. The performances by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Rajkummar Rao, and Adarsh Gourav are what brought the story to life.
12. The Mauritanian
It was back in 2015 when Mohamedou Ould Slahi wrote this memoir when he was imprisoned for being a suspect in the 9/11 terrorist attack. The movie starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Tahar Rahim, Shailene Woodley, and Jodie Foster as leads is a crime thriller with gripping scenes and performances.
13. The Power of Dog
The Oscar-winning movie is based on Thomas Savage’s book that tells the tale of love and revenge. The way the story has been directed along with its musical score will make you compare it with a modern-day Greek tragedy and trust me that’s one of the best compliments that I can muster for the movie.
14. The Last Letter From Your Lover
The slow-burn romance movie, based on Jojo Moyes’ book, will make your heart warm with all the love and chemistry between Shailene Woodley and Joe Alwyn. From the dresses to the dialogues, everything will make you want to fall in love all over again.
15. Lootera
The historical romance flick is based on The Last Leaf written by O Henry in 1907. With Sonakshi Sinha and Ranveer Singh playing the lead, the chemistry between the two and the softness of their love is what will melt your heart.
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