Best Books that were made into Blockbusters

If you've ever watched a book-to-movie adaption alongside a book aficionado, you've probably heard them say, "The book was better." That isn't always the case, but in the case of the best books adapted into films, the film rarely matches the source material. Because the script must make choices to advance the plot visually and trim it down to meet the standard 90- to 120-minute running time, books are tough to adapt to the screen. These alterations frequently devalue the experience or diminish the impact of the words on the page.

From classic works of fiction, mystery novels, and thrillers to fantasy novels, romance novels, and teen reads, we've compiled a list of 40 of the best books adapted into films. We chose works that are best sellers, critically renowned, or otherwise influential in contemporary literature and cultural culture. What about the movies? Some, on the other hand, are complete works of art. Others were quickly forgotten, even if the novels that inspired them live on in the imaginations of readers.

1. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

The 1962 adaptation of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize–winning novel concentrates on the book's subtle character development. The film translates the book's two strongest features into a movie we still can't get enough of by bringing Atticus Finch, Scout, and Boo Radley to life and following the novel's slow-burn plot pattern.

2. My Abandonment (2018)

My Abandonment is a tale of survival, family, and what it means to have a loving home, inspired by a true story and recounted through the eyes of its young protagonist. The adaptation, directed by Debra Granik, is wonderfully filmed and is one of the few books adapted into films with a different title. It's probably known as Leave No Trace. Thomasin McKenzie (Last Night in Soho, JoJo Rabbit) received critical acclaim for her portrayal of a homeless teen living off the grid in the Oregon forests with her veteran father. It's a story presented with unfathomable grace and quiet intensity. Pick up one of these memoirs if you enjoy books about actual people.

3. The Godfather (1972, 1974)

The novel by Mario Puzo is a gripping dark thriller that fascinates, horrifies, and entertains. The first two films adapted from the novel by Francis Ford Coppola elevate the tragic story into operatic successes that are regarded as two of the best pictures ever produced. Both films were nominated for Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay (Part II being the first sequel to do so).

4. Little Women (2019)

Regardless of Greta Gerwig's shocking lack of Oscar nominations this year, there's no denying that her adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel was outstanding. Gerwig gives the story a simple twist by envisioning Jo as the author of the classic Little Women. This changes the story into one of creative desire and achievement, and it breathes new life into a classic without diluting its essence.

5. Forrest Gump (1994)

Forrest Gump won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and it's still a polarising film in some aspects - you either love it or you don't. What cannot be disputed is that it is a picture that has taken good source material and turned it into an ambitious and innovative visual story. Winston Groom's novel is darker and more morally complex than Tom Hanks' streamlined figure, but the film's force and pleasure come from ignoring that subtlety in favour of a broad journey across the twentieth century.

6. Schindler’s List (1993)

The adaptation of Thomas Keneally's novel by Steven Spielberg is one of the most emotionally gripping films ever created. The film eloquently depicts one of history's most horrible tragedies, serving as a reminder of how far humanity can go — and the shards of goodness that can still endure. The Holocaust is depicted as a steadily growing wave of fear and genocide captured in ominous, hopeless black and white, a trade-off that presents the Holocaust as a slowly rising wave of terror and genocide filmed in ominous, hopeless black and white.

7. Harry Potter (2002-2011)

The Harry Potter film series has four directors and two credited screenwriters, and although being eight films long, J.K. Rowling's tale had to be cut down significantly. However, the films are very close to Rowling's actual genius, both narrative and character development, following the same growth from a frivolous children's tale to the darker, more ethically complicated story seen in the later books. They're perfect adaptations for fans who can't wait to see the amazing things they've just read about.