It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a book lover will almost always say, “the book was better.” And yet, there’s something thrilling about seeing your favourite characters come to life on the big (or small) screen. Turn a page, and then turn on the telly or head to the cinema—that’s the beauty of book-to-film adaptations.
If you’re someone who enjoys both reading the book and debating how the adaptation compares (yes, we’re looking at you, devoted Tolkien fans), this list is for you. Below, we’ve rounded up 20 must-read books that were adapted into movies or TV shows.
Feel free to grab a cuppa because there’s something for everyone here.
1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Adaptations:
- The BBC’s 1995 TV series starring Colin Firth
- The 2005 Keira Knightley film
Does it even need an introduction? Mr Darcy’s smouldering stares and Lizzie Bennet’s sharp tongue have graced countless adaptations over the years, but these two are iconic. If you haven’t read the book, it’s a perfectly witty romantic drama to start with.
2. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Adaptation:
- The epic film trilogy directed by Peter Jackson (2001–2003)
Tolkien’s fantasy masterpiece not only redefined the genre but also set new standards in filmmaking. Whether you’re a fan of Frodo or prefer Aragorn’s leadership swag, this is one series where the books and films both shine.
3. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Adaptation:
- The 1962 film starring Gregory Peck
This Pulitzer Prize-winning book gave the world Atticus Finch, a character who taught us about courage and empathy. The film is a classic too, perfectly translating the quiet power of Harper Lee’s storytelling.
4. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
Adaptation:
- The movie series (2001–2011)
From Hogwarts to Hagrid’s hut, these book-to-film adaptations allowed a generation to grow up alongside Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Each movie brought the wizarding world to life in detailed splendour.
5. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Adaptation:
- The 2013 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio
Fitzgerald’s portrayal of 1920s glittering excess found its modern match in Baz Luhrmann’s visually dazzling adaptation. The roaring parties? On point.
6. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Adaptation:
- The 2014 film directed by David Fincher
Sharp, dark, and twisty. Flynn’s psychological thriller had everyone questioning their marriages (and their decisions). The adaptation? Equally chilling.
7. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Adaptation:
- Greta Gerwig’s Oscar-nominated 2019 film
It’s not easy to make a beloved classic feel fresh, but Gerwig knocked it out of the park. Whether you’re Team Jo, Amy, Meg, or Beth, this adaptation honours every March sister brilliantly.
8. The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins
Adaptation:
- The movie series starring Jennifer Lawrence (2012–2015)
Collins’ dystopian world of Panem exploded into pop culture with films that stayed fairly faithful to the books while delivering action-packed battles and heartfelt moments.
9. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Adaptation:
- The Starz TV Series (2014–present)
Romance, time travel, kilts. Need we say more? Gabaldon’s historical fiction series has a rabid fanbase for a reason, and the TV series stays true to its lush, sweeping narrative.
10. Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire) by George R.R. Martin
Adaptation:
- HBO’s Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
While the TV series eventually outran the books, there’s no denying the cultural impact of both. Dragons, battles, and morally grey characters galore.
11. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Adaptation:
- The Hulu TV series (2017–present)
Atwood’s dystopian novel about Gilead struck a chilling chord when adapted into a TV series. And with Atwood herself helping guide the show, the adaptation does her labyrinthine narrative justice.
12. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Adaptation:
- The 2014 heart-wrenching film
Few stories have managed to make as many people cry as this one. Augustus, Hazel Grace, and their bittersweet love story transitioned beautifully from page to screen.
13. The Shining by Stephen King
Adaptation:
- Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 film
This horror classic remains the benchmark for bone-chilling films. While King famously didn’t love Kubrick’s interpretation, fans of the book and movie are united by room 237 nightmares.
14. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Adaptation:
- The 2016 film
Equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking, Moyes’ book found a pitch-perfect adaptation. Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin brought this love story to life with charm and chemistry.
15. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Adaptation:
- The 2016 film
This psychological thriller about unreliable narrators and dark secrets transitioned well onto the big screen, keeping viewers perched on the edge of their seats.
16. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Adaptation:
- The 2018 HBO miniseries
Another Flynn masterpiece. The miniseries went above and beyond, capturing the book’s Southern Gothic vibe and unreliable narration.
17. Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Adaptation:
- The 2012 film
Chbosky’s coming-of-age novel found its perfect match in this heartfelt adaptation, with timeless characters like Charlie, Sam, and Patrick.
18. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Adaptation:
- The 2018 film
Love, drama, and jaw-dropping wealth. Kevin Kwan’s satirical look at the ultra-rich of Singapore became a hit on screen, delivering cultural nuance with glamour.
19. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Adaptation:
- The HBO TV Series (2017–2019)
Murder, secrets, and relationships in upper-crust Monterey were thrilling on the page and absolutely exploded on TV, thanks to a star-studded powerhouse cast.
20. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Adaptation:
- Netflix’s Anne with an E (2017–2019)
This beloved Canadian classic about the imaginative Anne Shirley got a modern makeover in Anne with an E, blending timeless charm with contemporary themes.
Why We Love Adapted Books
Books made into films and TV shows bridge two of our greatest forms of storytelling. Whether they stay perfectly true to the source material or take creative liberties, they ignite conversations, spark imaginations, and allow us to relive our favourite stories in vivid detail.
Have a favourite book-to-film adaptation? Feel free to share your recommendations in the comments or revisit one of these timeless titles yourself.