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'.
Homicide: Life on the Street - Season 1 & 2 (1993)
7.1/10
Starring: Daniel Baldwin, Ned Beatty, Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, Clark Johnson, Yaphe...
This critically acclaimed series, based on the book by David Simon, captures the gritty reality of life for a team of homicide detectives in the front... Read more
Hoot (2006)
5.6/10
Director: Wil Shriner
Starring: Dean Collins, Clark Gregg, Brie Larson, Logan Lerman, Cody Linley, Tim Blake Nel...
Three schoolkids take on corrupt politicians and greedy land developers in this comic, mystery-adventure based on Carl Hiaasen's novel. When Montana... Read more
Horror of Dracula ( Dracula ) (1958)
7.4/10
Director: Terence Fisher
Starring: Peter Cushing, Michael Gough, Christopher Lee
Aka 'Dracula'. Probably Hammer Films' best horror, a handsomely mounted retelling of the Stoker tale, with fantasy elements de-emphasized. Christopher... Read more
Hostage (2005)
6.6/10
Director: Florent Emilio Siri
Starring: Bruce Willis, Kevin Pollak, Jonathan Tucker, Ben Foster, Rumer Willis
Jeff Talley (Bruce Willis) became Chief of Police in a sleepy town, to leave behind the traumas of his big city career as a hostage negotiator. But wh... Read more
Hotel for Dogs (2009)
5.4/10
Director: Thor Freudenthal
Starring: Emma Roberts, Jake T Austin, Don Cheadle, Johnny Simmons, Kyla Pratt, Troy Genti...
Two mischievous orphans attempt to hide dozens of stray dogs in an abandoned hotel in this adapatation of Lois Duncan's 1971 children's book. 16-year-... Read more
How About You (2007)
6.9/10
Director: Anthony Byrne
Starring: Hayley Atwell, Orla Brady, Vanessa Redgrave, Imelda Staunton, Joss Ackland, Bren...
Based on Maeve Binchy's short story about four cantankerous rest home residents who make trouble for the newbie put in charge over Christmas. Vanessa... Read more
How Green Was My Valley (1941)
7.8/10
Director: John Ford
Starring: Anna Lee, Donald Crisp, Maureen O'Hara, Roddy McDowall, Walter Pidgeon
This poignant saga of a coal-mining family in Wales examines the grim, dangerous life down in the mines and the labour dispute that divides a tight-kn... Read more
How to Lose Friends and Alienate People (2008)
Director: Robert B Weide
Starring: Simon Pegg, Kirsten Dunst, Jeff Bridges, Danny Huston, Gillian Anderson, Megan F...
Simon Pegg is Sidney Young, a Brit-fish out of water in the Big Apple, charmingly obnoxious and unable to take the self-aggrandising celebrity culture... Read more
Howards End (2017)
7.3/10
Director: Hettie Macdonald
Starring: Tracey Ullman, Matthew Macfadyen, Hayley Atwell, Philippa Coulthard
Based on E.M. Forster's classic novel, the miniseries adaptation of "Howards End" is a portrayal of England at the turn of the 20th century told throu... Read more
Hud (1962)
7.9/10
Director: Martin Ritt
Starring: Paul Newman, Melvyn Douglas, Patricia Neal
Paul Newman is Hud, a man at odds with his father, tradition and himself. Patricia Neal and Melvyn Douglas both won Academy Awards for their roles as... Read more