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'.
Miffy's Dream (2007)
Based on the stories from acclaimed children's author Dick Bruna. Meet Miffy the little bunny and her friends Snuffy, Poppy Pig, Boris and Barbara and... Read more
Mildred Pierce (1945)
8/10
Director: Michael Curtiz
Starring: Joan Crawford, Jack Carson, Zachary Scott
Superb Hollywood thriller with Joan Crawford (in her Oscar-winning role) as the waitress-turned-businesswoman who struggles to provide a good life for... Read more
Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day (2007)
7.1/10
Director: Bharat Nalluri
Starring: Amy Adams, Frances McDormand, Lee Pace, Ciaran Hinds, Shirley Henderson, Tom Pay...
Frances McDormand is a frumpy governess in 1930s London whose job prospects have just become nil. Not one to take hard times lying down, Miss Pettigre... Read more
Moby Dick (1956)
7.4/10
Director: John Huston
Starring: Gregory Peck, Richard Basehart, Orson Welles, Leo Genn, James Robertson Justice,...
Herman Melville's sea classic is brought to the screen with intensity by director John Huston. Starring Gregory Peck as Ahab, Richard Basehart as Ishm... Read more
Moby Dick (2011)
6.2/10
Director: Mark Barker
Starring: Donald Sutherland, Ethan Hawke, Gillian Anderson, William Hurt, Billy Boyd, Eddi...
This modern adaptation of Herman Melville's classic novel stars William Hurt as Captain Ahab, a man obsessed with vengeance against a menacing beast t... Read more
Molly and Me (1945)
7/10
Director: Lewis Seiler
Starring: Gracie Fields, Monty Woolley, Roddy McDowall, Reginald Gardiner, Natalie Schafer
A vivacious actress in need of work becomes a housekeeper for a crusty old politician, and gives his life the good shaking-up that it needs.This music... Read more
Mood Indigo (2013)
6.5/10
Director: Michel Gondry
Starring: Romain Duris, Audrey Tautou, Gad Elmaleh, Aissa Maiga, Omar Sy, Charlotte Le Bon
Based on the 1947 novel 'Froth on the Daydream' by Boris Vian and directed by Michel Gondry this French fantasy drama is the story of handsome, wealth... Read more
Morituri (1965)
7/10
Director: Bernhard Wicki
Starring: Marlon Brando, Yul Brynner, Janet Margolin, Trevor Howard, Martin Benrath
Marlon Brando is Robert Crain, a German deserter during World War II, who is blackmailed by the English into conducting an apparent suicide mission -... Read more
Mostly Ghostly (2008)
5.1/10
Director: Richard Correll
Starring: Noah Cyrus, Ali Lohan, Sterling Beaumon, Luke Benward, Madison Pettis
From R.L. Stine, the creator of 'Goosebumps', comes another scarily fun tale of the supernatural! Max is finding it hard to get on at school, given th... Read more
Mountains of the Moon (1990)
7.3/10
Director: Bob Rafelson
Starring: Patrick Bergin, Iain Glen, Richard E Grant
A compelling drama, based on William Harrison's biographical novel, 'Burton and Speke', about the historic journey in search of the source of the Nile... Read more