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10 of the Best Book to Film Adaptations

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Fairfield chapter.

There’s nothing better than watching one of your favorite books come to life. Whenever the news breaks that a novel is about to hit the big screen we can’t help but check news outlets to see who will be cast as our favorite character. While many may say that the movie is never as good as the book, I beg to differ. There are plenty of book to film adaptations that totally do both the author and the book justice. Here are some of our favorite book to film adaptations. 

The Devil Wears Prada 

Who doesn’t love this movie? Many don’t even realize that it is a book. We all wish that we could live Andy’s life of working as the assistant to the editor of the hottest fashion magazine. Plus, Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt play the lead roles. Talk about an all-star cast. 

The Outsiders 

You were probably forced to read this book back in middle school but once you saw the movie you completely fell in love. It’s a classic and has the ability to make you laugh and cry. The book takes place in the 50’s but was made in the 80’s giving us even more to love. Stay golden. 

The Notebook 

This is the ultimate favorite of many and the movie is definitely as good as the book. All Nicholas Sparks books have the ability to make us swoon but this one is in a class by itself. Plus Ryan Gosling is Noah so that’s a reason in and of itself to become obsessed with both the movie and the book. 

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire 

Many love the Hunger Games series, but the first film left out a few key points that were important to the series. The second film however, made up for all of the faults of the first. It stayed true to the book while bringing the action and romance to the big screen in an electrifying way. Plus, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth round out the cast. Who could ask for anything more?   

Harry Potter (all of them)

It’s still a mystery how J.K. Rowling was able to create a world as incredible as the wizarding world, but we are all grateful that she did. Every movie is just as good as the book and Danielle Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint make them that much better. You can’t help but feel like you’ve known the characters your entire life every time you read the series or watch a movie. 

The Princess Diaries 

An ultimate favorite. We all wish that we were destined to become a princess of a far away kingdom, and we get to live it through Mia Thermopolis. Both the books and movie illustrate that even a princess goes through the hard parts of finding yourself, which makes us love it even more. 

Twilight  While this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s a personal favorite. Vampire’s fighting werewolves may seem totally weird but I am telling you have to give both the movies and the book at least a try. It’ll be worth it. There are plenty of swoon worthy moments. And if you’re looking for further reasons to watch the movie, have you seen Taylor Lautner’s abs?! #teamjacob all the way.   

The Polar Express  Although it may be a children’s book, it’s a classic and the holiday season would not be the same without it. A-list star Tom Hanks lends his voice to the train conductor making the polar express a timeless holiday movie year after year. 

Sex and the City

While this isn’t a book to movie adaptation but rather a book to TV show adaption it definitely deserves a spot on the list. Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha are what all 20 somethings envy to be in NYC. This book even gave us the Carrie Diaries, which was definitely one of the best short-lived TV shows of our time. 

Maze Runner The Scorch Trials  The whole series may not be made into movies yet, but the Scorch Trials was better than the Maze Runner. The boys have escaped the glade and now they want revenge on W.I.C.K.E.D. Everything is not as it seems and they can’t trust anyone but each other.  Plus cuties alert: Dylan O’Brien stars in the movie! 

So the next time you’re having a movie night, be sure to try any of these films and while you’re at it, read the books and compare which one you prefer. Remember to never judge a book by its cover!

Pamela is currently in her senior year at Fairfield Univerity where she is majoring in management. In her free time she enjoys working out, spending time with friends and family and binge watching reality television. *guilty*.... Follow her on instagram! @pamelagrant