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'.
Sophie's Choice (1982)
7.7/10
Director: Alan J Pakula
Starring: Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Peter MacNicol
Meryl Streep deservedly received an Oscar for her depiction of a Polish Catholic mother who survives the death camp at Auschwitz, but not the memories... Read more
Sorrowful Jones / The Paleface (1948)
Director: Norman Z McLeod, Sidney Lanfield
Starring: Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Jane Russell, Robert Armstrong, Bruce Cabot
A Bob Hope comedy double bill. 'Sorrowful Jones' (1949) - When bookie Bob is left with a client's 5-year-old daughter, he must become a reluctant fath... Read more
Spartacus (1960)
7.9/10
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Starring: Charles Laughton, Jean Simmons, Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Peter Ustinov, T...
Director Stanley Kubrick directed this tale of the slave rebellion that took place in 71 B.C., led by the famous and indomitable gladiator, Spartacus,... Read more
Speak (2004)
7.3/10
Director: Jessica Sharzer
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert John Burke, Eric Lively, Elizabeth Perkins, D B Sweeney,...
Based on the celebrated novel by Laurie Halse Anderson, this powerful drama follows high school freshman Melinda as she becomes traumatized following... Read more
Spellbound (1945)
7.6/10
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: Gregory Peck, Ingrid Bergman, Leo G Carroll
Gregory Peck stars as the new director of a mental institution, Ingrid Bergman his love interest, who soon discovers that her lover is actually a ment... Read more
Sphere (1998)
6.1/10
Director: Barry Levinson
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Peter Coyote, Queen Latifah, Samuel L Jackson, Sharon Stone, Lie...
1000 feet below the ocean, navy divers discover an object half-a-mile long. A crack team of scientists including Dustin Hoffman, Sharon Stone and Samu... Read more
St Ives (1976)
6.4/10
Director: J Lee Thompson
Starring: Charles Bronson, John Houseman, Harry Guardino, Harris Yulin, Dana Elcar
Ex-crime reporter Raymond St. Ives (Charles Bronson) has elegant taste, a yen for gambling and an unfinished novel in his typewriter. Hired to locate... Read more
Stardust (2007)
7.7/10
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Starring: Claire Danes, Ian McKellen, Jason Flemyng, Mark Strong, Michelle Pfeiffer, Natha...
In this inventive fairytale from the pen of Neil Gaiman ('Mirrormask') a young man (Charlie Cox) sets out from his closeted home village to prove his... Read more
Stark (1993)
6.5/10
Director: Nadia Tass
Starring: Ben Elton, Colin Friels, Jacqueline McKenzie, Deborra-Lee Furness, Bill Hunter,...
Ben Elton stars in his own adaptation of his first and best-selling novel, filmed entirely in Australia. He plays CD, a layabout whose obsession with... Read more
Starship Troopers (1997)
7.2/10
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Starring: Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, Dina Meyer, Michael Ironside, Jake Busey, Patr...
From the bridge of the Fleet Battlestation Ticonderoga, with its sweeping galactic views, to the desolate terrain of planet Klendathu, teeming with sh... Read more