Successful Film Adaptations of Novels
Before I begin this list, I want you all to know that this isn't my rating system. I simply took the films you guys suggested (I added a few of my own to the mix) and checked out their ratings on IMDB.
Is your favourite adaptation not here? Simply add it to this post if you reblog, or comment in the notes.
Stay tuned for my future post asking for suggestions for a "top 10 badly made film adaptations of novels" list!
I apologize if any films that you believe are better than the ones in Honorary mentions aren't shown, I simply posted the higher rated suggested films from when I asked for suggestions. This isn't an official end-all and be-all list, this is for fun. Please don't be offended!
All information is from The Internet Movie Database. :)
1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Novel: It's actually based on a short story called "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption"
Synopsis: "Two imprisoned men bond over a number of years, finding solace and eventual redemption through acts of common decency."
2. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Novel: The Fellowship of the Ring
Synopsis: "An innocent hobbit of The Shire journeys with eight companions to the fires of Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring and the dark lord Sauron forever."
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Synopsis: "Forrest Gump, while not intelligent, has accidentally been present at many historic moments, but his true love, Jenny, eludes him."
4. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
Novel: To Kill a Mockingbird
Director: Robert Mulligan
Synopsis: "Atticus Finch, a lawyer in the Depression-era South, defends a black man against an undeserved rape charge, and his kids against prejudice."
Great Expectations (1946)
Novel: Great Expectations
Synopsis: "A humble orphan suddenly becomes a gentleman with the help of an unknown benefactor."
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part 2 (2011)
Novel: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows
Synopsis: "Harry, Ron and Hermione search for Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes in their effort to destroy the Dark Lord."
Synopsis: "An aspiring author during the civil rights movement of the 1960s decides to write a book detailing the African-American maids' point of view on the white families for which they work, and the hardships they go through on a daily basis."
Director: Nick Cassavetes
Synopsis: "A poor and passionate young man falls in love with a rich young woman and gives her a sense of freedom. They soon are separated by their social differences."
Synopsis: "In a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he'll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm."
Novel: (More of a picture book) Fantastic Mr. Fox
Synopsis: "An urbane fox cannot resist returning to his farm raiding ways and then must help his community survive the farmers' retaliation."
Synopsis: "Set in a future where the Capitol selects a boy and girl from the twelve districts to fight to the death on live television, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her younger sister's place for the latest match."
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Novel: Pride and Prejudice
Synopsis: "Sparks fly when spirited Elizabeth Bennet meets single, rich, and proud Mr. Darcy. But Mr. Darcy reluctantly finds himself falling in love with a woman beneath his class. Can each overcome their own pride and prejudice?"
10. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
Novel: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream (Journalistic Writing)
Author: Hunter S. Thompson
Synopsis: "An oddball journalist and his psychopathic lawyer travel to Las Vegas for a series of psychadelic escapades."
Ratings are always changing, so most likely many of these films will either have a higher rating or a lower rating by this time next year. But as of April 4th, 2012, these are the current ratings.
Novel: Red Dog (non-fiction)
Author: Louis de Bernieres
2. Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
Novel: Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe
3. The Joy Luck Club (1993)
4. Water for Elephants (2011)
Director: Francis Lawrence
Novel: Water for Elephants
5. Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)
Director: Brad Silberling
6. Lord of the Flies (1990)
Hope you guys enjoyed this list and thank you to those who contributed! Happy reading (and watching films!)