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 Order of the Phoenix (2007)
7.5/10
Director: David Yates
Starring: Alan Rickman, Brendan Gleeson, David Thewlis, Emma Thompson, Fiona Shaw, Gary Ol...
The rebellion begins! While the wider wizarding community may doubt Voldemort's return, Harry and his friends know too well what lies ahead. Unfortu... Read more
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
7.7/10
Director: Ang Lee
Starring: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway, Linda Cardellin...
Ang Lee's Oscar-winning gay cowboy story successfully challenges the stereotypes of one of Hollywood's most beloved genres, the Western. Emotionally... Read more
The Great Escape (1963)
8.2/10
Director: John Sturges
Starring: Steve McQueen, Richard Attenborough, James Garner, James Donald, James Coburn, D...
An epic WWII adventure film starring Steve McQueen, unforgettable as "the Cooler King," leading Allied prisoners in a daring escape from a German POW... Read more
Man on Fire (2004)
7.7/10
Director: Tony Scott
Starring: Denzel Washington, Christopher Walken, Dakota Fanning, Marc Anthony, Radha Mitch...
Denzel Washington reteamed with "Crimson Tide" director Tony Scott for this blazing actioner based on the novel by A.J. Quinnell. Hired to protect the... Read more
Vanity Fair (2004)
6.2/10
Director: Mira Nair
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Eileen Atkins, Jim Broadbent, Gabriel Byrne, Romola Garai, Bo...
Reese Witherspoon gives a vibrant, captivating performance as one of the greatest female characters of all time, Becky Sharp, in this sumptuous and se... Read more
There Will Be Blood (2007)
8.1/10
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Starring: Paul Dano, Daniel Day-Lewis, Ciaran Hinds, Kevin J O'Connor, Dillon Freasier
Loosley based on Upton Sinclair's novel 'Oil!,' Paul Thomas Anderson's powerful drama stars Best Actor Oscar-winner Daniel Day-Lewis as self-made oil... Read more
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
7.4/10
Director: Peter Weir
Starring: Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, James D'Arcy, Billy Boyd
Director Peter Weir's ("Witness") riveting mix of sweeping high-seas action and intense character study stars Russell Crowe as the captain of a Britis... Read more
Atonement (2007)
7.8/10
Director: Joe Wright
Starring: Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Romola Garai, Vanessa Redgrave, Brenda Blethyn
Based on the acclaimed novel by Ian McEwan ('Enduring Love', 'The Comfort of Strangers'), this epic war-time romance is one of the finest studies of f... Read more
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
7.6/10
Director: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Jim Broadbent, Robb...
The sixth film in the ever-darkening series is visually stunningly and has its fair share of gleeful humour too, as the young wizard's inevitable batt... Read more
Lord of the Flies (1990)
6.4/10
Director: Harry Hook
Starring: Balthazar Getty, Chris Furrh, Danuel Pipoly
William Golding's savage English schoolboys are re-invented as American Cadets in this modern take on his classic novel. Although not in the league of... Read more