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'.
Nero Wolfe: Collection 2 (2001)
7.5/10
Starring: Timothy Hutton, Maury Chaykin
Nero Wolfe (Maury Chaykin) is the world's greatest detective and like any genius, he has his share of idiosyncrasies. He loves orchids with an unnatur... Read more
Neverwhere (1996)
7.3/10
Director: Dewi Humphries
Starring: Gary Bakewell, Laura Fraser, Hywel Bennett, Clive Russell, Paterson Joseph, Trev...
Based on Neil Gaiman's best-selling fantasy novel this 6-part mini-series which he co-devised with Lenny Henry, lives in the grimy underworld of Londo... Read more
Night Watch (2004)
6.5/10
Director: Timur Bekmambetov
Starring: Konstantin Khabensky, Vladimir Menshov, Valeri Zolotukhin, Mariya Poroshin
In 14th Century Russia two warring factions of vampires called a delicate truce. Overshadowing this peace is an ancient prophecy, one that foretells o... Read more
Night Watch ( Blu-ray ) (2004)
6.5/10
Director: Timur Bekmambetov
Starring: Konstantin Khabensky, Vladimir Menshov, Valeri Zolotukhin, Mariya Poroshin
In 14th Century Russia two warring factions of vampires called a delicate truce. Overshadowing this peace is an ancient prophecy, one that foretells o... Read more
Nightbreed (1990)
6.6/10
Director: Clive Barker
Starring: Craig Sheffer, Anne Bobby, David Cronenberg
From the awesome imagination of award winning author and filmmaker Clive Barker comes this dark fantasy concerning a race of exotic creatures and mons... Read more
Nights in Rodanthe (2008)
6/10
Director: George C Wolfe
Starring: Diane Lane, Richard Gere, Christopher Meloni, Viola Davis, Becky Ann Baker, Scot...
Richard Gere is the charming Dr Flannery, on his way to repair the relationship with his estranged son when he crosses paths with the unhappily marrie... Read more
Nights in the Gardens of Spain (2010)
6.2/10
Director: Katie Wolfe
Starring: Dean O'Gorman, Vicky Haughton, Nathalie Boltt, George Henare, Calvin Tuteao
"One's real life is often the life one does not lead". Adapted from Witi Ihimaera's novel of the same name and starring a bevy of great Kiwi talent (C... Read more
No Country For Old Men (2007)
8.1/10
Director: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Starring: Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson, Tommy Lee Jones, Kelly Macdonald, T...
Four Academy Awards - including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actor, went to the Coen Brothers' riveting adaptation of Cormac McCart... Read more
No Country For Old Men ( Blu-ray ) (2007)
8.1/10
Director: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson, Kelly Macdonald, G...
Four Academy Awards - including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actor, went to the Coen Brothers' riveting adaptation of Cormac McCart... Read more
No Good Deed (2002)
5.5/10
Director: Bob Rafelson
Starring: Samuel L Jackson, Milla Jovovich, Stellan Skarsgard, Doug Hutchison, Joss Acklan...
Aka "The House on Turk Street". In director Bob Rafelson's adaptation of the Dashiell Hammett story "The House on Turk Street", Samuel L. Jackson is a... Read more