31 Must-Watch Movies Inspired by Modern Literary Classics!

We’ve come across numerous cinematic masterpieces, including an Academy Award-winning Best Picture, which have been adapted from the works of esteemed authors like William Shakespeare, Mary Shelley, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and many other literary greats. It is not necessary that all classic literature and the films they inspire need to be, let’s face it, so old-fashioned. Instead, take a peek at these celebrated and widely-appreciated movies that were born from books published as early as 1950.

To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)

1961 saw Harper Lee receive a Pulitzer Prize for her first (and until 2015’s “Go Set a Watchmen”, her only) novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird”. This novel portrays a trial in the 1930s Deep South, as seen through the eyes of young Scout Finch, where a Black man is falsely accused of assault. Shortly after its publication, the compelling anti-discrimination message was brought to life on the big screen by director Robert Mulligan, featuring Gregory Peck’s award-winning portrayal of the noble attorney Atticus Finch.

The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

The three epic fantasy novels by J.R.R. Tolkien, collectively known as “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy – including “The Fellowship of the Ring”, “The Two Towers”, and “The Return of the King” – were published from 1954 to 1955. Later, director Peter Jackson would breathe life into Middle Earth with his live-action “Lord of the Rings” films, which became a global sensation both critically and financially, leading to a prequel trilogy based on “The Hobbit”, an Amazon Prime series (“The Rings of Power”), and an animated spin-off (“The War of the Rohirrim”).

Forrest Gump (1994)

The film adaptation of “Forrest Gump,” directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks, won six Academy Awards, among them Best Picture. A year following its release, Winston Groom, the author of the 1986 novel, published a sequel titled “Gump & Co” which delves into the life of the shrimp company owner in the 1980s.

The Shining (1980)

Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall star in Stanley Kubrick’s film adaptation of Stephen King’s 1977 novel, “The Shining.” In this chilling tale, an author becomes inexplicably insane while working as the caretaker of a Colorado ski resort with his wife and telepathic son. Despite now being regarded as one of the finest adaptations of King’s work, if not one of the best horror movies ever produced, the author himself was highly critical of the film, which did not receive positive reviews or strong box office performance upon its initial release.

Where The Wild Things Are (2009)

Maurice Sendak, an author and artist, received the Caldecott Medal for “Where the Wild Things Are,” a tale where naughty Max imagines he’s the ruler of a realm inhabited by strange, otherworldly creatures in his dreams. This cherished 1963 children’s book was later transformed into an unusual, intricately puppeteered, and notably somber live-action movie. Directed by Spike Jonze, it featured Max Records as the lead actor with James Gandolfini and Catherine O’Hara lending their vocal talents.

The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)

The Oscar-winning movie that established Anthony Hopkins’ chilling portrayal of cannibalistic psychologist Dr. Hannibal Lecter as one of horror’s most dreaded antagonists was actually an adaptation of the second book about the character, “The Silence of the Lambs” by Jonathan Demme in 1988. Interestingly, a previous film, “Manhunter,” directed by Michael Mann and based on Thomas Harris’ first Lecter novel, “Red Dragon,” was made before this.

One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)

The Academy Award-winning Best Picture directed by Miloš Forman, titled “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest“, features Jack Nicholson as a cunning convict feigning insanity to escape jail, only to instigate an uprising against the oppressive figure of Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher). Although highly regarded for its portrayal of mental health issues, some critics argue that it doesn’t fully capture the essence of Ken Kesey’s 1962 novel. In this adaptation, the narrator, Chief Bromden (played by Will Sampson), assumes a less central role.

No Country For Old Men (2007)

Joel and Ethan Coen remained true to Cormac McCarthy’s 2005 novel in their adaptation of “No Country for Old Men.” The story revolves around a weary sheriff (portrayed by Tommy Lee Jones) pursuing a fugitive (Josh Brolin), who is being hunted by a ruthless assassin (Javier Bardem). This film, known for its strikingly realistic production, Bardem’s chilling, award-winning performance, and thought-provoking exploration of violence, might be considered the greatest Western movie ever made by some.

The Harry Potter Movies (2001-2011)

From 1997 to 2007, J.K. Rowling’s seven-book series about a wizard named Harry Potter, who was raised as an orphan before attending the magical school Hogwarts, was published. This popular series spawned eight Harry Potter films, including adaptations of the last book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”, featuring Daniel Radcliffe. These movies went on to create a lasting global sensation.

The Godfather And The Godfather Part II (1972-1974)

In simpler terms, Mario Puzo’s 1969 novel, “The Godfather,” which revolves around post-World War II crime and the rise of Michael Corleone (played by Al Pacino), a reluctant mafia boss, won two Best Picture Oscars. The director, Francis Ford Coppola, worked with Puzo on the screenplay for a third part that came out in 1990, but it is not as well-regarded today as the first two films.

Dune And Dune: Part Two (2021-2024)

Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve remodeled Frank Herbert’s 1965 sci-fi masterpiece Dune, a work that significantly impacted the Star Wars saga by George Lucas, into two critically praised blockbuster films. These movies breathed life into the titular planet using spectacular special effects. David Lynch’s live-action adaptation from 1984, however, did not receive as much acclaim.

Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory (1971)

Roald Dahl wrote the screenplay for Mel Stuart’s film adaptation of his 1964 novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory“, which changed the original character name “Charlie Bucket” to that of Gene Wilder’s quirky chocolatier. Unlike Tim Burton’s 2005 adaptation, where Johnny Depp played Willy Wonka and Freddie Highmore was Charlie, the title hero wasn’t as well-loved by children as in the original, but it did restore the Golden Ticket winner to the heroic role again.

The Color Purple (1985)

Alice Walker’s impactful narrative about the life of a Black Southern woman, marked by abuse and neglect, served as inspiration for Steven Spielberg’s movie adaptation titled The Color Purple. This film featured notable performances by Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey in roles that earned them Oscar nominations. Later on, Winfrey herself took the initiative to create a stage musical based on Walker’s novel. A film adaptation of this stage musical was planned for 2023, with Fantasia Barrino taking on one of the lead roles.

A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Among the most debated adult-themed masterpieces in filmmaking is Stanley Kubrick’s interpretation of Anthony Burgess’ 1962 dystopian novel, “A Clockwork Orange.” This movie features Malcolm McDowell as one of the most formidable antagonists from the 1970s, Alex DeLarge – a ruthless gang leader who undergoes an experimental treatment, mandated by the government, intended to curb his aggressive impulses.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy (2005)

Initially penned down by Douglas Adams, the humorous and science-fiction-oriented radio play titled “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” was transformed into a novel in 1979. The novel later became a British television miniseries in 1981. Fast forward to more recent times, Disney produced a movie adaptation featuring Martin Freeman, Mos Def, and Alan Rickman lending their voices to a robot character named Marvin, who was physically portrayed by Warwick Davis on screen.

Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas (1998)

Hunter S. Thompson, known for his gonzo journalism style, documented his adventures in Las Vegas with lawyer Oscar Zeta Acosta in a fictionalized account titled “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas“, first published in 1971. Later, director Terry Gilliam transformed this book into an exhilarating, psychedelic journey on screen, featuring Johnny Depp portraying Raoul Duke (Thompson’s fictional persona) and Benicio del Toro as Dr. Gonzo.

The Road (2008)

Two years following its release, Cormac McCarthy’s highly praised novel, “The Road,” was transformed into a movie. This film, titled “The Road” and directed by John Hillcoat, featured Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee portraying an undisclosed father and son navigating a devastated world in search of safety. Hillcoat’s post-apocalyptic thriller is widely recognized as one of the finest movies of its era in this genre.

Fahrenheit 451 (1966)

The movie version of Ray Bradbury’s futuristic novel “Fahrenheit 451,” where books are banned and burned by firemen, was created by François Truffaut. A different adaptation featuring Michael B. Jordan as the protagonist, Guy Montag, premiered on HBO in 2018.

Blade Runner (1982)

Ridley Scott’s groundbreaking sci-fi movie, “Blade Runner,” starring Harrison Ford, is based on Philip K. Dick’s novel, “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” published in 1986. The world portrayed in the story, where artificial beings called Replicants coexist with humans, was further developed in Denis Villeneuve’s critically-acclaimed sequel, “Blade Runner 2049,” released in 2017.

The Hunger Games Movies (2012-2015)

Jennifer Lawrence garnered widespread praise for her role as the rebellious Katniss Everdeen in the movie adaptations of Suzanne Collins’ bestselling dystopian trilogy, “The Hunger Games,” and its sequels published from 2008 to 2010. The world of Panem will revisit us again with the 2023 release, “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” which is set during one of the initial instances of the titular competition where children are forced to battle each other in a yearly fight to survive.

Breakfast At Tiffany’s (1961)

The main character of Truman Capote’s 1958 novella, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Holly Golightly, stays essentially the same in Blake Edwards’ adaptation, but starring Audrey Hepburn. However, the narrative undergoes a significant shift, transforming it into a broader romance between the callgirl and the character originally unnamed, Paul (portrayed by George Peppard in the movie).

American Psycho (2000)

Prior to assuming the role of Batman in live-action, Christian Bale delivered an outstanding performance as Patrick Bateman, a ruthless urban businessman with a violent dual persona in the film “American Psycho.” This chilling portrayal, under the direction of Mary Harron and based on Bret Easton Ellis’ controversial 1991 novel, has since been acclaimed as one of the most unsettling depictions of a killer in cinema.

The Haunting (1963)

As a cinephile, I’d love to share an intriguing scenario: Imagine I, as a psychologist, extend invitations to a group of patients for an unusual experiment. We’ll be spending time in a house, one that’s rumored to be haunted, straight out of director Robert Wise’s spine-tingling movie, “The Haunting.” This film is adapted from Shirley Jackson’s novel, “The Haunting of Hill House,” which sent chills down the spines of many back in 1959. Over the years, this chilling tale has inspired two more films and a widely acclaimed Netflix miniseries by creator Mike Flanagan, each offering their unique take on the haunted house.

The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe (2005)

In 1950, the initial book of C.S. Lewis’s seven-book fantasy series was transformed into a widely acclaimed and profitable adventure taking place in a magical realm. Subsequently, the following two books in this series, commonly referred to as “The Chronicles of Narnia,” were also made into full-length movies by Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. (2023)

In the initial movie adaptation of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.“, Abby Ryder Fortson is set to make her first screen appearance alongside Oscar-nominated actress Rachel McAdams, who portrays the supportive mother character. As shared by author Judy Blume in an interview with Today, she feels that writer and director Kelly Fremon Craig’s adaptation exceeds her original novel, which had provided a revolutionary perspective on the struggles of female adolescence during the 1970s.

Catch-22 (1970)

1961 novel “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller was transformed into the witty WWII satire of the same name by director Mike Nichols and writer Buck Henry, featuring a talented cast including Alan Arkin and Bob Newhart. The book later inspired a 2019 miniseries on Hulu, starring Christopher Abbott and George Clooney who also served as executive producer.

Watchmen (2009)

It’s often attributed to Alan Moore, an influential writer, and Dave Gibbons, a skilled illustrator, that the recognition of comic book stories as serious literature began with their innovative graphic novel, “Watchmen.” This work was serialized by DC Comics from 1986 to 1987. Director Zack Snyder transformed this narrative about superheroes returning from retirement, set after vigilantism is outlawed, into a live-action film 15 years prior to Warner Bros. releasing a two-part animated adaptation in 2024.

The Joy Luck Club (1993)

1989 saw the publication of Amy Tan’s powerful novel, “The Joy Luck Club,” which offers a revealing look into the lives of four distinct female members within a Chinese household. Notably, the writer herself appeared in the movie version directed by Wayne Wang.

Lord Of The Flies (1963)

Nine years following its publication, William Golding’s groundbreaking survival novel, “Lord of the Flies,” was first brought to the big screen by Peter Brook, a writer and director, who crafted an adaptation that more accurately portrayed the story of teenage boys marooned on a desert island compared to the 1990 film by Harry Hook.

Lolita (1962)

The intriguing 1955 novel by Vladimir Nabokov, titled Lolita, which tells the tale of a middle-aged university professor who becomes fixated on his teenage stepdaughter, was initially brought to life on the big screen in the early ’60s by director Stanley Kubrick. The film starred James Mason and Sue Lyon portraying the lead characters. Later, in 1997, Adrian Lyne remade this dramatic story for cinema, with Jeremy Irons and Dominique Swain taking on the roles.

Devil In A Blue Dress (1995)

In the film “Devil in a Blue Dress,” Denzel Washington plays the role of Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins, one of the most memorable Black detectives in popular culture. This movie is based on Walter Mosley’s 1990 novel and marks the first appearance of the character. The gripping period drama unfolds as a World War II veteran named Easy gets involved in the hunt for a missing woman.

The Twilight Movies (2008-2013)

Stephanie Meyer rose to prominence among contemporary authors in 2008 with the release of “Twilight” and its subsequent sequels “New Moon,” “Eclipse,” and “Breaking Dawn.” This series, which delves into a teenager’s intricate relationship with a vampire, was transformed into five blockbuster films that catapulted Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson to A-list status.

2025-02-21 20:39