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'.
Catch-22 (1970)
7.2/10
Director: Mike Nichols
Starring: Alan Arkin, Martin Balsam, Richard Benjamin, Art Garfunkel, Jack Gilford, Buck H...
Joseph Heller's modern-classic novel about the absurdity of war for the common man draws heavily on his own experiences as a WWII bombadier. The titl... Read more
Chariots of the Gods (1970)
6.3/10
Director: Harald Reinl
'Fifty million stars in our galaxy have the the potential of supporting life forms capable of travelling to other planets', says world-renowned author... Read more
Charlie and Lola: Volume 1 (2005)
6.9/10
Seven episodes from series one of the beloved BBC cartoon, adapted from the award-winning books by Lauren Child. Seven-year-old Charlie is the narrato... Read more
Charlotte's Web (2006)
6.3/10
Director: Gary Winick
Starring: Dakota Fanning, Kevin Anderson, Beau Bridges, Voices Of, Julia Roberts, Steve Bu...
E.B. White's famous book gets the big screen treatment and an all-star cast with Dakota Fanning as the farmer's daughter who becomes attached to the r... Read more
Charlotte's Web (1972)
6.3/10
Director: Charles Nichols, Iwao Takamoto
Starring: Agnes Moorehead, Debbie Reynolds, Henry Gibson, Paul Lynde
One of the enduring children's films, this is a story of friendship and salvation, with Charlotte the spider trying to save her friend Wilbur the pig... Read more
Children of Men (2006)
7.9/10
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Starring: Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Charlie Hunnam, Danny Huston, Pete...
In the year 2027, the human race has lost its ability to procreate and society is rapidly descending into chaos. Alfonso Cuaron's adaptation of PD Jam... Read more
Children of Men ( Blu-ray ) (2006)
7.9/10
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Starring: Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine, Pam Ferris, Peter Mullan, Claire-Hope...
In the year 2027, the human race has lost its ability to procreate and society is rapidly descending into chaos. Alfonso Cuaron's adaptation of PD Jam... Read more
Children On Their Birthdays (2002)
6.5/10
Director: Mark Medoff
Starring: Phyllis Frelich, Lucina Paquet, Cynthia Baker, Joe Pichler, Jesse Plemons, Ritch...
Billy Bob is growing up in post-war Alabama. His dad was killed in the war and his best friend has an untempered mischievous streak. When 13 year ol... Read more
Chocolat (2000)
7.3/10
Director: Lasse Hallstrom
Starring: Juliette Binoche, Judi Dench, Alfred Molina, Lena Olin, Johnny Depp, Carrie-Anne...
The radiant Juliette Binoche opens a chocolate shop in a small, old-fashioned French town where her confections soon stir the passions and scorn of th... Read more
Choke (2008)
6.5/10
Director: Clark Gregg
Starring: Sam Rockwell, Anjelica Huston, Kelly Macdonald, Clark Gregg, Brad Henke, Bijou P...
Victor Mancini (Sam Rockwell) shouldn't be a likeable character. He attends Sex Addicts Anonymous, looking for women to bed; he pretends to choke in r... Read more