It seems as though most films to hit theaters nowadays are inspired by novels by similar, if not the same, title. We have seen it countless times with bestsellers such as Twilight, Harry Potter, and of course The Hunger Games. Not all movies that are remediated from the books are series though. Below is a list of films that were created due to an initial book release. Warning: Some may make you sad given you were completely unaware that the novel ever existed. Also, they are ordered by their original book release, not by the on screen adaptation.
1. The Shawshank Redemption (Stephen King: 1982)
Film release: 1994
Originally titled “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption,” this book depicts the friendship of two men, Andy and Red, in prison. King went in depth of what really occurs behind bars and closed doors, and the overall brutality that accommodates life in prison. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman are phenomenal, as always, and leave you with hope that sometimes friendship means the most when you expect it the least.
2. Forrest Gump (Winston Groom: 1986)
Film release: 1994
I don’t really find it necessary to explain the premise of this heartfelt fan favorite. However, it is fair to state that this novel has more to offer besides seeing Tom Hank’s amazing portrayal. In the novel, there are intricate details of his personal life, more emphasis on his southern accent, as well as his cognitive disability. And if being completely honest, could we really live without crucial sayings such as “Stupid is as stupid does,” “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get,” and of course “Run Forest, run?” The list goes on, as does our undying love for the film and novel.
Forrest Gump.
3. The Green Mile (Stephen King: 1996)
Film release: 1999
Stephen King shows us that you can make friends in unordinary, or really unlikely, situations; such as a death row supervisor and an inmate. Makes sense right? Starring the one and only Tom Hanks, along with Michael Clarke Duncan (who we dearly miss), in the ’99 flick. If looking for drama, yet a movie that also shows an indirect message of love, then cease the search.
4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Stephen Chbosky: 1999)
Film release: 2012
This novel addresses everything that anyone in high school could possibly be going through: sexuality, drug use, and the entirety of adolescence. Focused on a freshman named Charlie, audiences follow him falling in love, attending his first party, as well as discovering that it is okay to be different. Chbosky also directed the later made film, having Logan Lerman and Emma Watson as the leads. Caution: this is one of the moments where you may cry at the amount of truth both the film and novel obtain.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
5. Shutter Island (Dennis Lehane: 2003)
Film release: 2010
Looking for just the right amount of horror and suspense? This novel takes on the idea of mystery with a twist. Hitting theaters seven years later after the book of the same name, director Martin Scorsese and leading male lead Leonardo DiCaprio not only help you put a face to the names, but also leave you questioning how well you know those close to you. Advice: I would definitely leave the lights on after watching and especially reading this thriller.
6. The Town (Chuck Hogan: 2004)
Film release: 2010
Assuming this is just another novel based off of drama, love and deceit? Well, then you’re correct. The Town, originally titled “Prince of Thieves,” follows four friends who rob a Boston bank. Is it ever that simple though? Starring and directed by Ben Affleck, audience members will ride the rollercoaster of falling in love with a criminal. And trust me, it is not that hard when imagining Affleck. Also starring Blake Lively and Jeremy Renner as if it couldn’t get any better.
7. Water for Elephants (Sarah Gruen: 2006)
Film release: 2011
Think your life is hard? Imagine preparing for finals at not just your college, but at an Ivy League school, when you are given news that both of your parents have been killed in a horrific car crash. (Sorry if spoiler). This is the life of Jacob, and the endeavors he survives throughout his years as a man of the circus. Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon star in this historical context and make you believe that true love is possible, especially when elephants are involved.
Water for Elephants.
8. Lone Survivor (Marcus Luttrell: 2007)
Film release: 2013
With war flicks, come tears, sadness, and did I mention more tears? Based in 2005 Afghanistan, four Navy SEALs confront Afghan goat herders who alert Taliban fighters of their appearance. With that comes heartbreak, struggle, and the realization that not every film released on Christmas day is jolly and festive. Thanks Mark Wahlberg and Taylor Kitsch. But seriously, thank you.
9. The Social Network (Ben Mezrich: 2009)
Film release: 2010
I am pretty sure that everyone has either watched or heard of this Facebook based film. Originally published as “The Accidental Billionaires,” which I agree was fitting, this tackled the somewhat heavy yet awkward topic of encountering legal trouble with an ex best friend. More than that though, Jesse Eisenberg portrays Mark Zuckerberg to a tee, illustrating the consistent determination it takes to create a large scale social media site such as Facebook. If that doesn’t interest you, then take note that both Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake also star.
10. The Martian (Andy Weir: 2011)
Film release: 2015
Ever wondered what being stranded alone on another planet looked like? Well, this novel/film does just that. Following astronaut Mark Watney’s solitary endeavors on Mars, it leaves you wondering if it’s actually possible to survive completely alone, what we’d actually do if it ever became a reality (knock on wood it doesn’t), and how Matt Damon can just be so good at everything? Prepare for minor panic attacks if easily stressed in high stressed situations.
All of these novel-turned-films may have received popularity due to the movie release and the actors associated with it, but you’ll only understand the complete basis by reading it written by the author him or herself. The on screen adaptations do a well job, clearly, but how else will you find out character secrets if you don’t pick up the original copy?