Books and novels continue to be a source of inspiration for feature films, as seen in the recent big screen adaptations of Persuasion and Where the Crawdads Sing. Romance book-to-film adaptations tend to do particularly well in Hollywood, as these already have a solid fanbase behind them.
Fans of romance novels are often excited to see their favorite characters come to life on the silver screen and sweep them off their feet. From the blockbuster film, Crazy Rich Asians, to the classic movie, Gone With the Wind, the best romance movies based on novels make audiences swoon and fall in love.
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Adapted from a short story included in the collection Close Range: Wyoming Stories by Annie Proulx, Brokeback Mountain is a film about two cowboys who embark on a romantic affair after meeting in a shepherding job. However, things remain complex and confusing between the two as they both have conflicting feelings about the secret relationship that they have.
The nuanced performances of the two lead actors, Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, were met with critical acclaim. Despite the film's cultural impact, Brokeback Mountain was plagued with censorship and controversy after its release.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Kevin Kwan's 2013 novel Crazy Rich Asians was received well for its glamorous plot and opulent imagery. Fans of the book were nervous about the movie adaptation, but thankfully, director Jon M. Chu was able to do the book justice and properly translate the glitz and glamor to the silver screen.
Crazy Rich Asians tells the story of Rachel Chu (Constance Wu), a Chinese-American professor who had no idea that her boyfriend, Nick Young (Henry Golding) comes from an influential and rich Singaporean family. Aside from being a good example of representation in film, the movie goes beyond the classic rom-com formula by dazzling viewers with its layered narrative.
Jane Eyre (2011)
Charlotte Brontë's classic novel is brought to life on the silver screen by director Cary Joji Fukunaga in 2011. The period movie follows the titular character who dreams of becoming a governess and unexpectedly falls in love with her employer, Edward Fairfax Rochester (Michael Fassbender). However, things turn rocky as Jane Eyre (Mia Wasikowska) discovers her employer's secret.
Jane Eyre has been adapted many times, but Fukunaga's dynamic direction has successfully captured the heart and soul of the novel. The film is also elevated by the charismatic and charming performances of its lead actors.
Gone With The Wind (1939)
The classic film Gone with the Wind is an adaptation of the romance film by Margaret Mitchell. Set in the American Civil War era, the movie puts the spotlight on a plantation owner who does everything she can to get out of poverty. The movie stars cinema legends Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable, and Leslie Howard.
Because it features what life was like in the 1800s, Gone With the Wind's storyline and narrative are now dated and understandably offensive to today's viewers. While this tarnishes its memory, the film has a spectacular love story that transcends time.
The Last Song (2010)
Nicholas Sparks is known for his novels about romance and heartbreak. His 2009 novel, The Last Song, has been adapted into a teen drama movie by director Julie Anne Robinson. In the film, a defiant girl named Ronnie (Miley Cyrus) stays with her father in a beach town. Despite their animosity toward each other, the father-daughter duo bond over their love for music.
Besides its endearing and romantic story, The Last Song was also received warmly by viewers thanks to its equally romantic soundtrack. However, the movie did draw some criticism for its formulaic storyline and screenplay.
The Fault In Our Stars (2014)
The Fault in our Stars is a romantic film based on John Green's heartbreaking novel. The movie follows a girl named Hazel (Shailene Woodley) who has thyroid cancer. During a cancer support group meeting, Hazel meets and falls in love with Gus (Ansel Elgort), a fellow cancer patient who is already in remission.
Josh Boone's tasteful retelling of John Green's book will make viewers weep, sob, and sniffle. It also helps that the characters are fleshed out, charming, and affecting. However, viewers should brace themselves because The Fault in our Stars is a movie where those in love ultimately don't end up together.
A Walk To Remember (2002)
Mandy Moore and Shane West star as star-crossed lovers in the Nicholas Sparks film adaptation A Walk to Remember. The emotional movie is about a popular high school boy who pursues the minister's daughter after meeting her in a school drama production.
The movie might not be a faithful adaptation, but it was received well by the general public for the steel performance of its lead actors. What's more, it was also lauded by the Christian community for its wholesome narrative that's centered on more conservative values.
The Notebook (2004)
The Notebook follows a couple whose paths have diverged due to World War II. However, fate keeps bringing them back together. Based on a Nicholas Sparks novel of the same name, The Notebook stars Hollywood icons, Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.
The movie is considered a sleeper hit as it failed to receive critical success upon release. But, it eventually became noticed thanks to its tragic story, as well as the compelling performances and undeniable chemistry of its lead actors.
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Joe Wright's directorial debut is the ambitious retelling of Jane Austen's 1813 novel. There might be a number of Pride & Prejudice adaptations, but many Jane Austen fans consider the 2005 version to be the best. The movie also puts Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfayden in the lead roles as an on-screen couple with palpable chemistry and tension.
While the film received criticism for not being able to remain loyal to the novel due to time constraints, it did have breathtaking cinematography and an emotional soundtrack that took the viewers' breath away.
Atonement (2007)
The film Atonement was directed by Joe Wright, who's also known for his literary adaptations of romance films Pride & Prejudice and Anna Karenina. His 2007 film is adapted from a novel by author Ian McEwan, set in three time periods, and follows those involved in a crime.
James McAvoy's and Keira Knightley's moving performances and emotional depth in Atonement received praise from critics. The film's poignant narrative, incredible score, and impressive cinematography have also helped it receive widespread acclaim.