Based on...
Books and films are two closely-related forms of art and entertainment. Since the science of film was first established in the late 1800s filmmakers have been using it to tell stories, and they soon began utilising the existing narratives and characters of novels. These films have succeeded (or not) to varying degrees in the transition, some accurately portraying the writer's intention, some building on it and some disappointing the original readers. No matter how well the adaptation is done however, it is still nice to be reminded that yes, happily, there is more to read than Harry Potter.
For screen translations of Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie, Stephen King and many other notable authors click their links under this category, left. For adaptations of plays and Shakespeare, use the 'Alice's Playhouse' link.
Right: Kubrick's adaptation of Thackeray's novel 'Barry Lyndon'.
The Red Badge Of Courage (1951)
7.3/10
Director: John Huston
Starring: Audie Murphy, Bill Mauldin, Royal Dano
Director John Huston's powerful adaptation of Stephen Crane's novel about the horrors of war. Set during the American Civil War, the film features a s... Read more
The Red Riding Trilogy (2009)
Director: Anand Tucker, Julian Jarrold, James Marsh
Starring: Mark Addy, Rebecca Hall, Sean Bean, Warren Clarke, Peter Mullan, David Morrissey...
A neo-noir epic based on horrifying true events, adapted from David Peace's series of groundbreaking novels. The brutal Yorkshire Ripper is killing in... Read more
The Riddle of the Sands (1979)
6.5/10
Director: Tony Maylam
Starring: Michael York, Jenny Agutter, Simon MacCorkindale, Alan Badel
This adaptation of Erskine Childer's novel is set in the early years of the 20th Century, with two British yachtsmen (Michael York and Simon MacCorkin... Read more
The Ring Finger ( L'annulaire ) (2005)
6.2/10
Director: Diane Bertrand
Starring: Olga Kurylenko, Stipe Erceg, Marc Barbe, Edith Scob
Yoko Ogawa's cult novel serves as the inspiration for director Diane Bertrand's haunting erotic drama starring Olga Kurylenko ('Quantum of Solace'). A... Read more
The River (1951)
7.6/10
Director: Jean Renoir
Starring: Nora Swinburne, Esmond Knight
In 1949 and 1950, Renoir travelled to Bengal for his first colour film - the story of a large British family living on the banks of the Ganges. Winnin... Read more
The Room Upstairs (1987)
5.8/10
Director: Stuart Margolin
Starring: Stockard Channing, Sarah Jessica Parker, Linda Hunt, Sam Waterston
Stockard Channing stars as a teacher of hard-to-reach kids who learns to reach out in her private life as well when she starts up a boarding house. Lo... Read more
The Ruby in the Smoke (A Sally Lockhart Mystery) (2006)
6.7/10
Director: Brian Percival
Starring: Julie Walters, Hayley Atwell, Robert Glenister, Matt Smith, Ramon Tikaram, David...
From the bestselling period novel by Philip Pullman, 'The Ruby in the Smoke' recounts the 19th Century adventures of Sally Lockhart (Billie Piper), an... Read more
The Ruins (2008)
5.9/10
Director: Carter Smith
Starring: Jonathan Tucker, Jena Malone, Laura Ramsey, Shawn Andrews, Joe Anderson
A Mexican vacation takes a turn for the violently gruesome when two couples take a detour to explore ancient Mayan ruins and find an armed group of na... Read more
The Saint - Set Two (1963)
Starring: Roger Moore
Adored by women, feared by his adversaries and a constant thorn in the side of police forces everywhere. A modern-day Robin Hood, the Saint out-swindl... Read more
The Salamander (1981)
6.2/10
Director: Peter Zinner
Starring: Franco Nero, Anthony Quinn, Christopher Lee, Sybil Danning, Eli Wallach, Claudia...
Based on Morris West's best-selling novel, this tense political thriller explores the world of treasonous politics, love and high finance. In Italy's... Read more