Based on...
Books and films are two closely-related forms of art and entertainment. Since the science of film was first established in the late 1800s filmmakers have been using it to tell stories, and they soon began utilising the existing narratives and characters of novels. These films have succeeded (or not) to varying degrees in the transition, some accurately portraying the writer's intention, some building on it and some disappointing the original readers. No matter how well the adaptation is done however, it is still nice to be reminded that yes, happily, there is more to read than Harry Potter.
For screen translations of Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie, Stephen King and many other notable authors click their links under this category, left. For adaptations of plays and Shakespeare, use the 'Alice's Playhouse' link.
Right: Kubrick's adaptation of Thackeray's novel 'Barry Lyndon'.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire ( Blu-ray ) (2005)
7.7/10
Director: Mike Newell
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Mic...
Harry and friends start their fourth and most challenging year at Hogwart's School of Magic. The new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Mad-Eye Mo... Read more
Jane Eyre (BBC) (2006)
7.4/10
Director: Susanna White
Starring: Ruth Wilson, Toby Stephens, Francesca Annis, Christina Cole, Pam Ferris, Tara Fi...
Newcomer Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens head up an all-star cast in this brand new adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's much-adored classic that mines the... Read more
Auntie Mame (1958)
8/10
Director: Morton DaCosta
Starring: Rosalind Russell, Forrest Tucker, Coral Browne
Rosalind Russell re-creates her Broadway triumph as the flashy, lovably eccentric socialite who takes her orphaned nephew under her wing and shows him... Read more
Band of Brothers: The Complete Miniseries ( Blu-ray ) (2001)
9.5/10
Starring: Kirk Acevedo, Eion Bailey, Michael Cudlitz, Dale Dye, Rick Gomez, Scott Grimes,...
This 10-part HBO television miniseries focuses on Easy Company, a group of American soldiers in World War II, tracking their experiences from the begi... Read more
Brideshead Revisited (2008)
6.7/10
Director: Julian Jarrold
Starring: Matthew Goode, Ben Whishaw, Hayley Atwell, Emma Thompson, Michael Gambon, Greta...
A fresh take on Evelyn Waugh's classic novel, substantially trimmed down compared to the 11-hour BBC mini-series from 1981, but successfully distillin... Read more
10:30pm Summer (1966)
6.7/10
Director: Jules Dassin
Starring: Melina Mercouri, Peter Finch, Romy Schneider
Director Jules Dassin collaborated with author Marguerite Duras for this haunting adaptation of her novel. Peter Finch and Melina Mercouri are an unha... Read more
Appaloosa ( Blu-ray ) (2008)
6.7/10
Director: Ed Harris
Starring: Ed Harris, Jeremy Irons, Lance Henriksen, Renee Zellweger, Timothy Spall, Tom Bo...
After drifting into a troubled Western outpost and discovering the helpless locals are being terrorised by a ruthless rancher and his hired thugs, two... Read more
The Last Man on Earth (Copy) (1964)
7.3/10
Director: Sidney Salkow
Starring: Vincent Price, Franca Bettoia
When a deadly airborne virus strikes down humanity, the immune Dr. Robert Morgan (Vincent Price) becomes the last man on earth. Yet Morgan is not alon... Read more
Red Dragon (2002)
7.2/10
Director: Brett Ratner
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton, Ralph Fiennes, Harvey Keitel, Emily Watson, Mary...
The final film in the "Hannibal Lecter Trilogy" (though based on Thomas Harris' first Lecter novel) finds anthropophagous psychiatrist Anthony Hopkins... Read more
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone ( Blu-ray ) (2001)
Director: Chris Columbus
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, John Cleese, Robbie Coltrane, Richa...
In this enchanting film adaptation of J. K. Rowling's delightful bestseller, Harry Potter learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of t... Read more