Cinema, like all other forms of entertainment, relies on the ability of directors, performers and production teams to tell stories. Time and time again, writers manage to create great original storylines out of nothing but some of the best movies of all time are based on books.
It is true that many of the best-known adaptations, such as Eragon or The Dark Tower, they are odious. But other films that have received a very positive response from critics and audiences are adaptations of less popular books. Then I compiled the ones that I think are the best film adaptations of books of all time:
9. Someone flew over the cuckoo’s nest
- Original title: Someone flew over the cuckoo’s nest.
- Release year: 1975.
- Platform: Not available for streaming. It can be purchased on Apple TV, Google Play or Amazon.
Apparently, this adaptation did not sit well with the author of the original book, Ken Kesey. However, he was very successful, winning 5 Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. In addition to critical acclaim, it quickly became a classic.
Its staging is excellent, but most notable are the performances of Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher and Danny DeVito. Many viewers avoid it due to its weird name and weird premise, but if you’re looking for a movie that makes you think it’s a great option.
8. Blade Runner
- Original title: Do androids dream of electric sheep?
- Release year: 1982.
- Platform: HBO Max, Movistar+.
Blade Runner is a film that had a huge influence on the sci-fi genre. Its impact was such that a kind of subgenre was generated, known as Cyberpunk. You will no doubt have heard this name recently, with the arrival of the Cyberpunk 77 video game and its subsequent anime adaptation. Well, the original Blade Runner and its sequel, Blade Runner 2049, are great options to see if you liked these more recent works.
Harrison Ford gave us one of his best performances and its decoration and staging are superb. Finally, it highlights its powerful moral component, which leads the audience to question what it means to be human or living being. The saddest thing about this adaptation is that the author, Philip K. Dick, has never seen the film. of Blade Runner, since he died shortly before its premiere.
7. The Brilliant
- Original title: The Brilliant.
- Release year: 1980.
- Platform: HBO Max, AppleTV.
The Radiance is, without a doubt, one of the best horror movies of all time. Again, a young Jack Nicholson does a great job playing a character who is slowly losing his mind. Additionally, Kubrick demonstrates his mastery with the camera, creating some of the most memorable shots in movie history.
If you like horror movies and are looking for a plot with greater psychological weight, you can’t miss it. It should be noted that the author of the book, Stephen King said he hates this adaptation. This is because he believes the essence of the work has not been captured, distorting the original meaning.
6. Little Women
- Original title: Little women.
- Release year: 2019.
- Platform: HBO Max, AppleTV.
On this occasion, I refer to the recent film adaptation of Greta Gerwig, an ambitious director who leads the production of Barbie. Despite the fact that Louisa May Alcott’s classic was published in 1868 and has several previous adaptations, the 2019 version is considered its best adaptation to date. Thanks to a great cast led by Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Timothé Chalamet and Emma WatsonThe performances of Little Women are excellent.
Unfortunately, in this case we can not know the opinion of the author on the adaptationBut the film speaks for itself. Moreover, it tells an important story that talks about femininity and the different ways of being a womanthrough the eyes of each of the sisters who play it.
5. No country for old people
- Original title: This is not a country for old people.
- Release year: 2007.
- Platform: SkyShowtime.
In No Country for Old Men we see an unleashed Javier Bardem, who perfectly interprets the antagonist of the film. His chilling role has become one of the most iconic of his career, and the coldness with which he brings this psychopathic murderer to life is terrifying. Having said that, the plot of the tape is intriguing and complex, with many mysteries to solve and a huge load of tension every time the protagonist encounters Bardem’s character.
That said, the other performances are pretty good, and while Bardem’s serial killer is the standout aspect, the rest of the band is also very memorable. That being said, if you’re looking for drama with a healthy dose of action, this classic is one of the best options. Finally, if you’re like me and you like to watch series and movies about serial killers, you can’t miss it either.
4. Life imprisonment
- Original title: Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank takeover.
- Release year: 1994.
- Platform: HBO Max.
The Life Sentence is one of those tapes that I think many have seen, at least in part, during one of those end of the year days in high school where they put on movies. Despite this, and unlike many other films that teachers tend to favor, this production is one of the best movies of all time. From the first scene, we are hooked on an interesting story that is intertwined with the lives of the other characters we meet.
Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins both star, showing a very human and endearing face of prison life. In addition, the film takes its time to tell the story, come and show us the brief and tragic life of Brooks after his release from prison. For this moment and many others, it has become one of the essential works for all movie lovers. Finally, although it may seem hard to believe, it is based on a novel by Stephen King.
3. Jurassic Park
- Original title: Jurassic Park.
- Release year: 1993.
- Platform: Netflix, Prime Video, Movistar+, SkyShowtime.
Jurassic Park is one of the great classics of horror film and also of science fiction. Since its release, there have been countless versions of this plot, in which genetic material is used to bring back the dinosaurs. The film was groundbreaking for its use of very advanced robots and digital effects for the timewho gave life to the monstrous reptiles.
That being said, many fans of the book consider it better than the movie. His argument is that Michael Crinton’s Original Artwork Captures the Terror of the Protagonists More Effectively by facing the horrible monsters of the Jurassic. In my opinion, both stories are very powerful and The most recommended thing is that you watch the tape and read the novel.
2. The Godfather
- Original title: The Godfather.
- Release year: 1972.
- Platform: Netflix, Prime Video, Movistar+, SkyShowtime, HBO Max.
This is one of the instances where the movie’s popularity has completely overshadowed the original book, to the point where many people don’t even know it exists. This is due to the fact The Godfather films are the Magnum Opus of talented director Francis Ford Coppola. Plus, Marlon Brando’s portrayal makes Vito Corleone one of the most compelling mob bosses of all time.
Another of the most notable aspects of the film are their dialogues, which produced incredible conversations and moments. Moreover, it is one of the few sagas that maintains quality throughout its deliveries. If you haven’t seen them yet, you should do so as soon as possible.
1. The Lord of the Rings
- Original title: Lord of the Rings.
- Release year: 2001.
- Platform: Prime Video, Movistar+, HBO Max.
The Lord of the Rings is by far the best film adaptation, as well as the best fantasy saga of all time. It is true that Tolkien’s heirs consider that It has a lot of flaws and it’s true that there are a lot of aspects that have been changed. Despite this, most fans of the novels agree that They are able to grasp the meaning and purpose of books.
That being said, all three films are peerless classics that stand out in every way. The performances, the dialogues, the direction, the music and even the special effects are always incredible. Today. If you have not yet seen The Lord of the Rings, choose a weekend and dedicate it to enjoy this wonderful experience.