45 Movies Based on Books That Are Actually Worth Watching
There are a lot of movies based on books. There are very few good movies based on books.
It’s no secret Hollywood likes to get its ideas elsewhere, and the book-to-movie pipeline has always been robust. With that said, while a select few movies elevate their source material, plenty just don’t live up to the hype, failing to capture what made the book engaging or else being so dutiful you feel like you’re reading, not watching. There are, though, a good amount of movies that make a case for their own existence, using most but not all of a book to create something that stands on its own.
Some, like the 2019 movie adaptation of Little Women, play with the story or add in new scenes to appeal to a modern audience. Others benefit from multimedia: Netflix’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, for example, comes with an engaging soundtrack that elevates the romance onscreen.
Whether you’re cheating at book club or just eager to see how a director interpreted your favorite character, below you’ll find a list of the best movies based on books available for streaming right now. We also included the real-life novels that inspired them so you can add to your reading list. (Need more? We’ve also got a guide to the best movies based on romance novels.)
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Parisa Taghizadeh/Netflix1/451. Lady Chatterley’s Lover (2022)
The book: Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence
D.H. Lawrence’s novel about an affair between a gamekeeper and an upper-class woman is notorious for its explicit descriptions of sex—so much so that the book was banned for obscenity in several countries. Onsreen, stars Emma Corrin and Jack O’Connell have a natural chemistry that only adds to the steaminess.
Focus Films/Everett Collection2/452. Pride and Prejudice (2005)
The book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Jane Austen’s classic story of love and bad first impressions has been adapted many times over. But this film version, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, takes a more realistic approach than other film versions. As a result, enemies turned lovers Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy come to life onscreen.
Tatum Mangus / Annapurna Pictures3/453. If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
The book: If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin
James Baldwin’s 1974 novel If Beale Street Could Talk, about a young woman trying to clear the name of her boyfriend after he was wrongfully accused of a crime in New York, is an incredible read. So only someone with a vision like Barry Jenkins, who wrote and directed this adaptation, could bring it to the big screen. The Oscar-nominated film received numerous awards, including a best supporting actress win for Regina King’s performance.
Courtesy Everett Collection4/454. The Wizard of Oz
The book: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
What can be said about The Wizard of Oz that you don’t already know? The 1939 classic starring Judy Garland enhances L. Frank Baum’s children's fantasy novel through its innovative use of Technicolor, memorable performances, and a beloved score that includes “Over the Rainbow.”
Columbia Pictures/Everett Collection5/455. Little Women (2019)
The book: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
There’s a reason Little Women has been adapted for film seven times. Louisa May Alcott’s semiautobiographical novel about sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy has stood the test of time, and it’s still just as relatable now as it was in 1868, when it was published. The most recent remake stars Laura Dern, Meryl Streep, and Saoirse Ronan and is arguably the best interpretation of Alcott’s story.
Warner Bros/ Everett Collection6/456. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
The book: Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Where do we even begin with this one? The fashion! The romance! The drama! Constance Wu and Henry Golding lead the romantic comedy about a Chinese American woman who travels to Singapore to meet her boyfriend’s family. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong. His family is one of the richest and most well-known families in the country, and his mother is not exactly welcoming of her son’s new romance.
20thCentFox/Everett Collection7/457. Gone Girl (2014)
The book: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
We could write a dissertation about Gone Girl, and it still wouldn’t be long enough to dive into the complicated issues tackled in the movie. Here’s what you need to know: The David Fincher–directed mystery movie is about a husband who becomes a suspect in his wife’s disappearance. The thriller tackles parenting, manipulation, misogyny, and most of all, marriage. When it comes to movie adaptations of books, this is near the top of the list.
Peter Iovino8/458. A Simple Favor (2018)
The book: A Simple Favor: A Novel by Darcey Bell
Nothing’s simple about A Simple Favor. Perhaps the best part of the crime thriller is Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick’s odd yet enthralling dynamic. You’ll be scratching your head from start to finish as you try to figure out what exactly is going on in the film.
Columbia Pictures/ Everett Collection9/459. Sense and Sensibility (1995)
The book: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Another Jane Austen movie makes the list because…well, there are just so many good adaptations of her work. Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet lead this film about a sensible and reserved older sister, Elinor, and her romantically inclined and eagerly expressive younger sister, Marianne.
20thCentFox/ Everett Collection10/4510. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
The book: The Devil Wears Prada: A Novel by Lauren Weisberger
Meryl Streep plays the coldest, scariest, most intimidating boss at the fictional fashion magazine Runway. Anne Hathaway’s character is clueless and unfashionable, and fancies herself a serious journalist. Their characters clash yet somehow find a way to work together. The movie is elevated by the performances, and you might find yourself surprisingly moved at the end.
Everett Collection11/4511. The Color Purple (1985)
The book: The Color Purple by Alice Walker
The story of Celie (played by Whoopi Goldberg) is one that will stay with you. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Alice Walker and portrays the problems Black women faced during the early 20th century, including domestic violence, poverty, racism, and sexism. Celie’s journey spans a 40-year time period.
Paramount/ Everett Collection12/4512. The First Wives Club (1996)
The book: The First Wives Club by Olivia Goldsmith
We love everything about this movie: the acting, the humor, and the friendship of three reunited friends. The film follows the women, played by Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton, deciding to get revenge on their ex-husbands after the death of a close friend.
Masha Weisberg13/4513. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
The book: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
Laura Jean and Peter Kavinsky’s romance is sure to go down as one of this generation's most popular love stories. The trilogy of teen romantic comedy books by Jenny Han turned Netflix movies are popular for a reason. Yes, there are some common tropes used in the plot. However, the film adaptations somehow still feel fresh, unique, and effortlessly heartwarming.
Warner Bros/Everett Collection14/4514. The Harry Potter series (2001–2011)
The book: The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Who could have known that the boy who lived would start an international phenomenon? Readers and audiences of all ages have been obsessed with the Wizarding World for decades, and it’s easy to see why: The friendship, the magic, the excitement and the humor are as enthralling in the movies as they are in the books.
20thCentFox/Everett Collection15/4515. Hidden Figures (2016)
The book: Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
If you’re in the mood for a feel-good movie, then look no further. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe star in this movie about the three Black women who worked at NASA during the early years of the space program. They were an integral part of launching astronaut John Glenn into orbit. This true story is most likely not one you learned about in school.
Orion Pictures Corp/ Everett Collection16/4516. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
The book: The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
Anthony Hopkins plays Hannibal Lecter, who famously asks Jodi Foster’s character, “Well, Clarice…have the lambs stopped screaming?” If you don’t know what that means, there’s only one way to find out: Queue up the classic thriller for movie night.
Miramax/Everett Collection17/4517. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
The book: The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
This sexy classic is actually part of a series about Tom Ripley, a social-climbing mimic who will lie, cheat, and even murder his way up the ranks of wealthy midcentury Manhattanites. The movie features Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon, and Jude Law at their golden, glowy, youthful best, and a striking performance from the late Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Brooke Palmer18/4518. It (2017)
The book: It by Stephen King
This chilling horror classic has terrified generations. In a small New England town, a group of unlikely friends find themselves caught in the clutches of a mysterious shape-shifting killer who takes the form of whatever you fear most.
Walt Disney Co./ Everett Collection19/4519. The Princess Diaries (2001)
The book: The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
The ultimate glow-up! Mia Thermopolis is an awkward, nerdy high school outcast who discovers she’s actually royalty in this modern twist on the Cinderella story. Peppered with observations about friendship, love, and growing up, the books are as funny as the movie. The young adult series, written like a diary, will make you fall even more in love with Mia than the film adaptation did. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to wear Doc Martens after reading.
Buena Vista Pictures/ Everett Collection20/4520. The Joy Luck Club (1993)
The book: The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
The Chinese American immigrant experience is explored in detail in this adaptation of Amy Tan’s novel, which follows a group of women living in San Francisco’s Chinatown as they support one another through heartbreak and triumph.
20thCentFox/ Everett Collection21/4521. The Princess Bride (1987)
The book: The Princess Bride by Willam Goldman
This beloved classic is like five fairy tales combined into a sparkling family comedy that’s much easier to follow than the book it’s based on. Featuring a host of quirky character actors and quotable lines, this is essentially a meme factory from before there was such a thing. Don’t fight Grandpa; it’s time for a love story (you’ll get that reference once you watch the movie).
Paramount/Everett Collection22/4522. Election (1999)
The book: Election by Tom Perrotta
This dark comedy about the ruthlessness of politicians features a breakout performance from a young Reese Witherspoon and taught a generation to recognize the Tracy Flicks in their lives. It’s become a catchword often hurled unfairly at women with ambition, but it also accurately describes the kind of earnest yet hollow striving we see in so many people, no matter their gender, today.
Columbia Pictures/ Everett Collection23/4523. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
The book: Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King
The highest-rated movie on IMDb, this classic is parodied (and homaged) all over the place, a favorite of both fans and critics. It’s a drama, to be sure, but as far as prison stories go, watchable and even a little hopeful.
Focus Features/ Everett Collection24/4524. Atonement (2007)
The book: Atonement: A Novel by Ian McEwan
Beware: This story is a bummer. Though famous for its library sex scene and the debut of a young Saoirse Ronan, Atonement is mostly a war story, and a devastating one at that. No one gets away clean in this tale of love, loss, lies, and regret.
Universal/ Everett Collection25/4525. Jurassic Park (1993)
The book: Jurassic Park: A Novel by Michael Crichton
This blockbuster keeps getting rebooted for a reason: It’s just cool to watch dinosaurs chase people! Yes, there’s a lesson here about overstepping the bounds of science and hubris in the face of nature, but mostly, T-Rex go chomp-chomp.
Everett Collection26/4526. The Godfather trilogy (1972–1990)
The book: The Godfather by Mario Puzo
The greatest achievement in the history of American cinema? This crime epic has been praised for its performances, filmmaking, quotable lines, and archetypal characters. It’s rich with symbolism and history, but actually a straightforward and pleasant watch. Never meandering or slow, the story is gripping, if devastating.
Netflix/ Everett Collection27/4527. The White Tiger (2021)
The book: The White Tiger: A Novel by Aravind Adiga
This film adaptation of Aravind Adiga’s 2008 novel follows a man named Balram Halwai (Adarsh Gourav, in his first leading role) who was born into poverty and uses his wit and cunning to build a successful career as an entrepreneur.
Paramount/ Everett Collection28/4528. The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021)
The book: Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs by Johann Hari
Andra Day was nominated for an Academy Award for best actress for her portrayal of legendary singer Billie Holiday in this biographical film, which was based in part on Johann Hari’s book about the history and impact of drug criminalization.
Everett Collection29/4529. Room (2015)
The book: Room by Emma Donoghue
Both the book and the film adaptation of this intense story follow a kidnapped young woman and her son, who we learn was born in captivity. When they finally escape their abuser, the child gets to experience the outside world for the first time in his life.
Focus Features/Everett Collection30/4530. Emma (2020)
The book: Emma by Jane Austen
Jane Austen’s novel, about a spoiled heiress who amuses herself by meddling in the lives of her neighbors, has been adapted to film before. But the 2020 version, starring Anya Taylor-Joy in the titular role, is one of the best thanks to its excellent casting, whimsical costume and set design, and modern approach to the source material.
©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection31/4531. Clueless (1995)
The book: Emma by Jane Austen
Yes, Emma again! One of Jane Austen’s best books, it also inspired this coming-of-age teen comedy starring Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, and Paul Rudd. Says screenwriter and director Amy Heckerling, “I loved [Emma] when I read it in college—it’s the most modern story with the most perfect character, the most lovable, flawed person that you’re rooting for. Then I looked at what could make the bones for the present day high school teenagers, and if I ever thought like, wait, how would this happen, I would just go back to Emma and there were the answers.”
Summit Entertainment/Everett Collection32/4532. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
The book: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Movie adaptations across all genres exist, and that includes YA. Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, and Logan Lerman lead this coming-of-age drama about a shy teenager experiencing the many highs and lows of freshman year of high school.
Courtesy Everett Collection33/4533. The Lord of the Rings series (2001–2003)
The book: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Epic fantasies naturally translate well to the big screen, but nobody does it like this movie series. And now you can follow up your rewatch by diving into Rings of Power, a TV show that’s set thousands of years before the events of The Lord of the Rings.
©Sony Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection34/4534. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
The book: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon by Wang Dulu
Directed by Ang Lee, this epic was a critical and commercial success with 10 Oscar nominations, including one for best picture and a win for best foreign language film.
©Warner Bros/courtesy Everett Collection / Everett Collection35/4535. The Paddington movies (2014, 2017)
The book: The Paddington books by Michael Bond
We didn’t think Paddington, a beloved fictional character in children’s literature, could get any cuter—and then we saw him on the big screen. In fact, Paddington 2 ranks among our favorite movie sequels of all time. If you can watch it without crying…how?
Universal Pictures36/4536. Wicked (2024)
The book: Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire
Yes, the two-part musical extravaganza is based on the Broadway show, but the Broadway show is based on a book, and we don’t mean The Wizard of Oz (though obviously, it’s based on that too). Maguire’s retelling of the green girl’s backstory is, be warned, far grittier, darker, and more sexual than the female-empowerment musical that came out of it.
©Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection37/4537. The Dune movies (2021, 2024)
The book: Dune by Frank Herbert
The epic sci-fi series features stunning visuals and a gorgeous score, and brings a sense of realism to the often fantastical world of spice miners and space nuns. The battle at the heart of the story may be slow, but it’s beautifully rendered.
Courtesy Everett Collection38/4538. Jaws (1975)
The book: Jaws by Peter Benchley
The film that literally invented the summer blockbuster and changed Hollywood forever was a notorious pain in the butt to shoot, but ended up a massive success. But the most impressive thing about it isn’t the shark or even the box office: it’s that director Steven Spielberg made the film when he was just 26.
©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection39/4539. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)
The book: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
This ice cold thriller flew somewhat under the radar when it first came out, as the Swedish adaptation of the novel had premiered just a year prior. But real Fincher-heads know it’s something of a masterpiece, exquisitely paced and acted. Warning: multiple rape scenes.
©Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection40/4540. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
The book: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Is there a better version of this tale than Michael Caine acting his heart out with the lovable cast of the Muppets? This has become a yuletide must-watch for many families, and with good reason: It’s a faithful adaptation of classic literature…with a talking frog! See also: Muppet Treasure Island.
©Focus Features/Courtesy Everett Collection41/4541. Conclave (2024)
The book: Conclave by Robert Harris
What if the Vatican had a Gossip Girl? That’s more or less the premise of this twisty thriller about electing a new pope that’s neither scary nor particularly dark, but, strangely, tons of fun. The acting and directing are both phenomenal, elevating a could-be B movie into a political mystery for the ages.
Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures.42/4542. Poor Things (2023)
The book: Poor Things by Alasdair Gray
This surrealist Victorian romance netted Emma Stone her second Oscar and features wild performances from Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, and Margaret Qualley.
Cortesía43/4543. Shrek (2001)
The book: Shrek! by William Steig
The movie (now franchise) is such a perfect parody of princess flicks and other big-screen genres, it’s hard to believe it didn’t start out as an idea in a Hollywood writers’ room. As a matter of fact, the big green ogre made his first appearance in a children’s book.
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©Weinstein Company/Courtesy Everett Collection44/4544. Carol (2015)
The book: The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith
Until it was made into the movie Carol, this novel by the author of The Talented Mr. Ripley was far less known. Now it’s basically required viewing for all sapphics, and kind of a Christmas flick too.
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Breakfast at Tiffany's, Audrey Hepburn, 196145/4545. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
The book: Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Three Stories by Truman Capote
One of the most stylish movies ever made was based on Capote’s 1958 novella about party girl Holly Golightly and her nameless Cat. The film is a welcome addition to the Capote canon, especially since In Cold Blood is pretty much un-filmable.
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