Top 25 Movies Based On Books, Ranked

Who can forget the Mean Girls era? Not a lot of people know this, but the movie is also based on a book. The film takes inspiration from Rosalind Wineman’s non-fiction self-help book ‘Queen Bees and Wannabes ,’ which was published in 2002. The movie premiered in 2004 and featured Lindsay Lohan as Cady Heron, and Rachel McAdams as Regina George. In this film, a new student, Cady tries to find her group in the new high school and is taken under the wing of “Queen Bee”. But things fall apart in spectacular fashion that will make any teenager relate.

24. Forrest Gump (1994)

Today, ‘Forrest Gump ‘ features on most must-watch movies lists, and makes up for a rewatchable favorite. But did you know this Tom Hanks classic is based on Winston Groom’s 1986 novel? The film follows several historical events from the perspective of Forrest Gump, whose only wish is to be reunited with his first love.

23. The Color Purple (1985)

‘The Color Purple ‘ is based on Alice Walker’s seminal novel about an African American teenager growing up in near isolation in rural Georgia, and her survival by writing letters to God. The book was published in 1983 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. The movie features Whoopi Goldberg as Celie, Akosua Busia as Nettie, Oprah Winfrey as Sofia, and Margaret Avery as Shug. We would recommend you read the book before you watch the movie.

22. The Great Gatsby (2013)

‘The Great Gatsby ‘ starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, Isla Fisher, Jason Clarke, and Elizabeth Debicki is based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s most famous book. If you still haven’t seen the glittering flapper era movie, please do.

21. Matilda (1996)

One of the feel-good movies to watch on a Friday night, this 1996 children’s tale is based on Roald Dahl’s 1988 book. But, it’s a really fun read and watch for all age groups. It follows an incredibly intelligent girl named Matilda who takes the help of her kind teacher to defeat her sadistic family and evil principal.

20. The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (2012)

Stephen Chbosky’s epistolary novel, ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower ,’ broke new ground when it was published in 1999. Its movie adaptation starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller drew much appreciation, too. It’s a coming-of-age story centering on a socially awkward freshman who is on a journey to find a place in society.

19. Jurassic Park (1993)

This epic Jurassic franchise is based on Michael Crichton’s 1990 sci-fi novel and features Richard Attenborough as Dr. John Hammond. We all know how the idea of a theme park with genetically cloned dinosaurs went awry. Still, it’s one of those movies that’s evergreen.

18. Sense And Sensibility (1995)

When ‘Sense And Sensibility ‘ was released in 1995, it became an instant hit. Finally, Hollywood has done justice to Jane Austen’s beloved 1811 book. The cast was fantastic -Emma Thompson as Elinor Dashwood and Kate Winslet as Marianne Dashwood. The movie is a classic must-watch, just like the book.

17. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

‘The Talented Mr. Ripley‘ features Matt Damon as Tom Ripley, Jude Law as Dickie Greenleaf, and Gwyneth Paltrow as Marge Sherwood in a mystery-thriller based on the first part of Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 Ripley series. What unfolds in the story is a life of deceit, fraud, and murder.

16. 12 Years A Slave (2013)

‘12 Years a Slave‘ is a heartbreaking movie based on Solomon Northrup’s memoirs, which were published in 1853. The film features Chiwetel Ejiofor as a free black man who gets kidnapped and sold into slavery in 1842. The story is full of gut punches, physical and metaphorical, and it’s bound to leave you reeling.

15. Call Me By Your Name (2017)

Based on André Aciman’s 2007 novel, the story is more than an exploration of sexuality in teenage years. It’s about making sense of oneself in a world that seems bound by too many tried-and-tested societal rules. Starring Timothée Chalamet as Elio and Armie Hammer as Oliver, the 2017 film took us to Italy and showed us how the 17-year-old Elio battles growing angst with haplessly falling in love with his father’s 24-year-old graduate assistant, Oliver.

14. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

‘The Devil Wears Prada‘ is based on Lauren Weisberger’s 2004 novel. The movie is led by the super-talented Anne Hathaway and the acting queen, Meryl Streep. The film revolves around a college graduate who gets a job as an assistant to the editor-in-chief of a famous magazine. But spirits break faster than a flimsy heel in the kingdom of icy Miranda Priestly.

13. Children Of Men (2006)

‘Children of Men ‘ is a dystopian thriller based on P.D. James’ 1992 novel of the same title. The movie boasts of extraordinary performances by Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, and Clare-Hope Ashitey. The setting is a world on the brink of collapse after suffering from two decades of global infertility.

12. The Princess Bride (1987)

‘The Princess Bride ‘ based on William Goldman’s 1973 novel of the same name, is a great way to escape reality. Starring Cary Elwes as Westley, Chris Sarandon as Prince Humperdinck, and Robin Wright as Princess Buttercup, the audiences are easily enamoured by Westley’s quest to rescue the love of his life from Prince Humperdinck.

11. Gone Girl (2014)

Gillian Flynn’s ‘Gone Girl ‘ created a thrilling storm for readers, and when Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck brought the story to life on screen, everyone was stunned. The twisted story follows Any Dunne, who had a perfect past and family, but suddenly disappears. Next, her husband becomes the biggest suspect. However, nothing is as it seems, and this movie has one of the most shocking endings ever.

10. The Lord Of The Rings (2001-2003)

Based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Lord of the Rings‘ trilogy, published in 1954, the movie franchise transports viewers to Middle-earth. The adventures of Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins while safeguarding the One Ring and defeating the dark forces make up a timeless tale for everyone.

9. The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)

‘The Silence of the Lambs ,’ based on Thomas Harris’s psychological horror novel, features Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. The movie follows an FBI cadet who seeks help from a convicted cannibal to face a serial killer. The eerie mayhem of this movie is unparalleled.

8. Pride And Prejudice (2005)

Starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, the movie puts a great spin on Jane Austen’s classic enemies-to-lovers story. Even two decades on, the magic and mystique of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy endures in the ‘ Pride & Prejudice‘ adaptation.

7. The Wizard Of Oz (1939)

Based on L. Frank Baum’s book, ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,’ the magical story of the Kansas farm girl Dorothy, was beautifully brought to life by Judy Garland. She gets transported to a land of dreams, but it doesn’t take long for things to spiral. Nevertheless, this movie is one for the ages.

6. The Shining (1980)

Perhaps the most celebrated work of the “king of horror” – Stephen King, ‘The Shining ‘ starring Jack Nicholson, cast a veil of fear in the movie adaptation as well. The story follows a family of three members who spend a winter in an isolated hotel. What could possibly go wrong? Well, everything!

5. Harry Potter (2001-2011)

Although all the ‘Harry Potter‘ films make up an all-time great franchise, the 2004 adaptation of ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ‘ is usually considered the best. Based on the third book in J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world series, the trio of Harry, Hermione, and Ron getting in trouble and defeating the big bad wizard Voldemort still casts a spell on the world.

4. The Godfather (1972-1990)

‘The Godfather‘ trilogy brought out the Corleone family saga , deftly traversing the multi-generational mafia story from Mario Puzo’s 1969 crime novel. The screen adaptation features Marlon Brando as Don Vito and Al Pacino as the quiet yet menacing Michael Corleone. The underworld of New York was notorious in that era, and ‘ The Godfather‘ captured its ruinous side brilliantly.

3. Little Women (2019)

Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 novel, ‘Little Women ,’ is one of the greatest literary achievements of all time. Naturally, the book has been adapted many times. But Greta Gerwig’s 2019 version paid homage to the original ending Alcott wanted, but publishers back then weren’t ready for. The story follows the March Sisters as they struggle to find love and passion. Family bonds are tested in the process, and their lives change due to a heavy loss. Yet, there’s grace in the end.

2. Schindler’s List (1994)

This Steven Spielberg masterpiece is based on the 1982 Booker Prize winner, ‘Schindler’s Ark,’ written by Thomas Keneally. The movie depicts an essential story from World War II. Oskar Schindler, who made his fortune as an industrialist and war profiteer in Germany, breaks down at the sight of Nazi horror and rescues more than a thousand Jews from perishing in the extermination camps.

1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

The cult classic, ‘The Shawshank Redemption,’ is actually based on a 1992 novella by Stephen King titled ‘Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption .’ Starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, the story chronicles the life of Andy Dufresne. He is convicted of the murder of his wife and her lover. He tries to survive the Shawshank State Penitentiary and reach freedom by digging a tunnel.