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'.
Wives and Daughters (2000)
8.2/10
Director: Nicholas Renton
Starring: Francesca Annis, Ian Carmichael, Deborah Findlay, Michael Gambon, Justine Waddel...
What it means to be in love for the first time - and how it really feels to be alive... This beautifully mounted BBC production, from the novel by El... Read more
Tales from Earthsea (2006)
6.5/10
Director: Goro Miyazaki
The son of legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki makes his directing debut with this adapatation of the third and fourth books in Ursula K. LeGuin's belov... Read more
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
8.7/10
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, Christopher Lee, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Miran...
With the Fellowship of the Ring splintered, the war for Middle Earth continues in the second Tolkien tale from Peter Jackson. As warriors Aragorn (Vig... Read more
Fahrenheit 451 (1966)
7.3/10
Director: Francois Truffaut
Starring: Oskar Werner, Julie Christie, Cyril Cusack
In a future society all books are destroyed, so that hope for humanity resides in those few outcasts who have committed them to memory. Based on Ray B... Read more
All the President's Men (1976)
8/10
Director: Alan J Pakula
Starring: Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Warden, Martin Balsam, Hal Holbrook, Jason...
In the Watergate Building, lights go on and four burglars are caught in the act. That night triggered revelations that drove a U.S. President from off... Read more
Requiem for a Dream (2000)
8.3/10
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Starring: Jared Leto, Marlon Wayans, Jennifer Connelly, Ellen Burstyn
As powerful an anti-drug statement as it is a drama, director Aronofsky's ('Pi') visually hypnotic film graphically tracks the downward spiral of four... Read more
Gone with the Wind (1939)
8.2/10
Director: Victor Fleming
Starring: Vivien Leigh, Olivia de Havilland, Leslie Howard, Clark Gable
Based on one of the best-selling books of all time, "Gone with the Wind" stands among the greatest epic dramas ever filmed. Vivien Leigh is the strong... Read more
Wallander 2 (2009)
Director: Hettie Macdonald, Andy Wilson, Aisling Walsh
Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Sadie Shimmin
Kenneth Branagh plays Swedish detective Kurt Wallander in three new detective dramas based on the best-selling books by Henning Mankell - an internati... Read more
Awakenings (1990)
7.8/10
Director: Penny Marshall
Starring: Julie Kavner, Robert De Niro, Robin Williams, John Heard, Penelope Ann Miller, M...
A remarkable, moving and true story, about a maverick doctor who awakens his catatonic patients after decades of darkness. Extraordinary performances... Read more
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
7.5/10
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins, Keanu Reeves, Tom Waits
This erotically-charged, blood-soaked take on Stoker's classic tale is not the faithful adaptation as promised but is sensational viewing nevertheless... Read more