Most people agree that books are usually better than their film adaptation. Whether it be because the film changed details from the book, didn’t include certain characters, or a hundred other reasons, book worms prefer to steer clear of the movie version of their favorite novels. But that isn’t always the case. I can only speak to books I’ve read and movies I’ve seen, but there are a few exceptions to the rule. Here’s a list of six movies that are either better than the book or hold up to its power (at least in my opinion).
- The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
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Everyone knows Miranda Priestly, the editor of a lavish fashion magazine who is not the easiest person to work for. Anne Hathaway plays Andy, a recent college grad who’s looking to make it as a writer in New York City. She soon finds herself working for Priestly and desperately trying to prove that she can handle any task she’s given, no matter how impossible. The novel is written by Lauren Weisberger and the film is directed by David Frankel.
- The Reader (2008)
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This is one of my favorite books, so for me to say the film lives up to the magnificence of the book is a huge deal. The Reader is set in Germany shortly after World War II where the protagonist, Michael, meets an older woman named Hanna. Even though Hanna is much older than Michael, the two begin a relationship, which suddenly ends when Hanna leaves town. Years later when Michael is an adult attending law school, he’s shocked to learn that his ex-lover is on trial for Nazi war crimes. The novel is written by Bernhard Schlink and the film is directed by Stephen Daldry.
- The Help (2011)
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“You is smart. You is kind. You is important.” White socialite Skeeter Phelan returns to her home in 1960s Mississippi after college, trying to get a job as a writer. Her efforts lead her to writing a story about the black maids who take care of the white families, giving them a chance to finally tell their stories. The novel is written by Kathryn Stockett and the film is directed by Tate Taylor.
- The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
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This sequel to The Hunger Games takes Katniss and Peeta back into The Hunger Games for the Quarter Quell. Faced with new opponents and a ruthless government, the pair do whatever they can to survive as a rebellion begins. The novel is written by Suzanne Collins and the film is directed by Francis Lawrence.
- Gone Girl (2014)
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Nick and Amy’s seemingly perfect life falls apart when Amy goes missing on the couple’s fifth wedding anniversary. Nick soon becomes the prime suspect in the disappearance of his wife, but everything is not as it seems. The novel is written by Gillian Flynn and the film is directed by David Fincher.
- Room (2015)
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Room is a tear jerking story about a young woman held captive for years in a single room. During her time there, she gives birth to a son who helps her gain her freedom shortly after his fifth birthday. Never experiencing the outside world before, the boy must learn to adjust to his new life outside of Room. The novel is written by Emma Donoghue and the film is directed by Lenny Abrahamson.
Usually when the movie is up to par with the book it’s because the author was involved somehow and makes sure the story isn’t butchered. Either way, I always have to watch the movie after I’m done with the book, and the movie being just as good as the book is always a nice surprise.