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'.
The Entity (1982)
6.6/10
Director: Sidney J Furie
Starring: Barbara Hershey, Alex Rocco, Ron Silver, George Coe, Maggie Blye
This story by Frank De Felitta is supposedly based on a genuine case story about a woman who becomes the victim of brutal sexual attacks from a ghostl... Read more
The Evening Star (1996)
5.8/10
Director: Robert Harling
Starring: Shirley MacLaine, Bill Paxton, Juliette Lewis
The sequel to 'Terms of Endearment' brings back it's main stars as it follows the further loves, problems and adventures of the Greenaway family. Base... Read more
The Exorcist Collection: The Exorcist: The Version You've Never Seen / Exorcist II: The Heretic / The Exorcist III (1973)
Director: John Boorman, William Friedkin, William Peter Blatty
Starring: Linda Blair, Ellen Burstyn, Richard Burton, Lee J Cobb, Jason Miller, Max von Sy...
Contains the original trilogy, 'The Exorcist - The Version You've Never Seen' (1973) - the one that started it all, based on William Peter Blatty's bo... Read more
The Five People You Meet In Heaven (2004)
7.4/10
Director: Lloyd Kramer
Starring: Jon Voight, Ellen Burstyn, Jeff Daniels, Dagmara Dominczyk, Michael Imperioli
Mitch Albom ('Tuesdays With Morrie') wrote the screenplay for this adaptation of his best-selling novel. Eddie (Jon Voight) is an elderly maintenanc... Read more
The Flame Trees of Thika (1981)
8/10
Director: Roy Ward Baker
Starring: Hayley Mills, David Robb, Holly Aird, Ben Cross
Based on Elspeth Huxley's autobiographical novel, this acclaimed six-part mini series revolves around the Grant Family: mother (Hayley Mills), father... Read more
The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)
6.6/10
Director: Rob Minkoff
Starring: Jet Li, Jackie Chan, Michael Angarano, Yifei Liu, Collin Chou, Bingbing Li
Jackie Chan and Jet Li, together at last! Nothing more is required to lure any self-respecting martial arts fan, but happily there is more in this Eas... Read more
The Forbidden Kingdom ( Blu-ray ) (2008)
6.6/10
Director: Rob Minkoff
Starring: Jet Li, Jackie Chan, Michael Angarano, Yifei Liu, Collin Chou, Bingbing Li
Jackie Chan and Jet Li, together at last! Nothing more is required to lure any self-respecting martial arts fan, but happily there is more in this Eas... Read more
The Forgotten Toys (1995)
7.8/10
Director: Graham Ralph
Starring: Bob Hoskins, Joanna Lumley, Voices Of
Two toys, Teddy and Annie, are life long friends who one morning find themselves in the rubbish bins outside their homes. The children who once loved... Read more
The Formula (1980)
5.6/10
Director: John G Avildsen
Starring: George C Scott, Marlon Brando, Marthe Keller, John Gielgud, Beatrice Straight, R...
Steve Shagan adapted his own best-selling novel for the screen with George C Scott and Marlon Brando heading the cast. Barney Caine is a police detec... Read more
The Forsyte Saga (2002)
8.2/10
Director: Christopher Menaul, Dave Moore
Starring: John Carlisle, Rupert Graves, Barbara Flynn, Gina McKee, Damian Lewis
A classic of English literature, 'The Forsyte Saga' paints a fascinating picture of early twentieth century London life, charting the progress of a gr... Read more