When it comes to filmmaking, inspiration can come from several sources. And unsurprisingly enough, many of the most successful movies of all time, both from audiences and critics' perspectives, were based on books. Granted, the adaptations aren't always 100% faithful to the source material. However, that's far from unexpected considering how different the mediums where the stories are being told are.
This aspect doesn't take away from the finished project. On the contrary, when executed the right way, fans quickly fall in love with films based on novels. In this list, we take a look at some of the most popular films of the kind, based on the rating provided by Rotten Tomatoes. Keep reading to find out ten of the best movies that were adaptations of existing books!
The Shawshank Redemption (90%)
The Shawshank Redemption remains, to this day, one of the most highly-regarded movies of all time. Aside from a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film claims the number one spot on IMDb's list of Top Rated Movies - quite the achievement!
This 1994 project starring Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins was actually an adaptation of Stephen King's novella, "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption". Even though it was a short book, the characters and plot were expanded to perfection, giving birth to the masterpiece that still captivates audiences worldwide.
To Kill A Mockingbird (92%)
It will be hard to find someone who isn't familiar with Harper Lee's classic "To Kill A Mockingbird", particularly in America, since it's of obligatory reading in high school. Which isn't surprising considering what an amazing piece of literature it is, and the pertinent themes it touches upon and discusses.
The 1962 adaptation of the novel by the same name doesn't fall behind the source material where quality is concerned. Winning three Oscars and offering a series of memorable performances, the movie remains a classic to be admired.
Call Me By Your Name (95%)
Hearts were broken and tears were shed when Luca Guadagnino's Call Me By Your Name premiered in 2017, catapulting its two main stars, Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer, into mainstream stardom.
Raw and emotional, Guadagnino's take on André Aciman's original book did a wonderful job of portraying the pain and loss of a first love onto the screen. Featuring stunning Italian scenery, unforgettable performances, and a tearjerking soundtrack, Call Me By Your Name deserved all of the praise it went on to receive.
Little Women (95%)
Louisa May Alcott’s "Little Women" is one of those classic novels that everyone is familiar with, regardless of whether or not they've read the book. And as a classic, over the course of the last few decades, it has seen several adaptations, both on the silver screen and television.
However, it was 2019's version that took the cake for the best version yet. Headed by director Greta Gerwig, the sisters and supporting characters finally got the chance to be fully and faithfully portrayed, in a way that would make Alcott herself proud.
BlacKkKlansman (96%)
Spike Lee's all-star studded 2018 movie BlacKkKlansman was a heavy contender for award season at the time, and for good reason. Bringing together a compelling plot, incredible performance by Adam Driver, and John David Washington, as well as Lee's inimitable style of filmmaking, the movie had no choice but to become a hit.
Based on the 2014 memoir "Black Klansman" by Ron Stallworth, the movie brought to life what seems like an impossibly good story one simply couldn't believe actually took place in real life.
Shindler's List (97%)
Based on Thomas Keneally’s book of the same name, Schindler's List remains one of the most haunting movies to ever be made. Steven Spielberg's 1993 masterpiece tackled what was one of the most horrid chunks in the history of humanity, with a distinct touch that could only be expected from the director.
Liam Neeson's performance plays at everyone's heartstrings, reminding the audience that even in the darkest hour, small bright spots of hope and kindness can peep through.
Sense And Sensibility (98%)
Jane Austen's novels have been adapted into movies and television series dozens of times. Classics are classics because they resonate with audiences regardless of the time they are set in, and "Sense and Sensibility" is a perfect example of that.
Emma Thompson's passion project finally came to fruition in 1995, starring herself and fellow actress Kate Winslet, as well as Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman. While it's not the most faithful adaptation of Austen's timeless story, it's a beautiful one that captures the essence of the characters in a unique way.
The Princess Bride (97%)
Arguably one of the most quotable movies of all time, and also one of the most popular, The Princess Bride never fails to capture the hearts of viewers - even if it's the 900th time they are watching it.
This 1987 movie is an adaptation of William Goldman’s novel. and considering it was Goldman himself who wrote the screenplay for the movie, it's far from surprising that the finished project became such an iconic piece of filmmaking.
The Godfather (98%)
The only movie more quotable and more recognizable than The Princess Bride is Francis Ford Coppola's 1972 classic The Godfather. Immediately behind The Shawshank Redemption in IMDb's list of Top Rated Movies of all time, this thrilling drama is present in pop culture left and right.
Adapted from Mario Puzo’s novel, this might just be one of the rare instances where the movie outperformed the original source material in terms of quality and popularity.
The Wizard Of Oz (98%)
And topping off this list is none other than a tale almost as old as time (not quite Beauty And The Beast), The Wizard of Oz, the 1939 take on L. Frank Baum’s work - and the most successful and faithful to this day!
Starring icon Judy Garland and snatching two Academy Awards, this movie was both a success when it first came out in the late 30s and right now, in 2020. It's a nice walk down memory lane and does a fantastic job of bringing Baum's incredible and unique world to life.