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 Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: Extended Version (2009)
7.8/10
Director: Niels Arden Oplev
Starring: Ewa Froling, Marika Lagercrantz, Michael Nyqvist, Ingvar Hirdwall, Noomi Rapace,...
Aka "Men Who Hate Women". Forty years ago, Harriet Vanger disappeared from a family gathering on the island owned and inhabited by the powerful Vanger... Read more
The Glass Key (1942)
7.1/10
Director: Stuart Heisler
Starring: Alan Ladd, Brian Donlevy, Joseph Calleia, Richard Denning, William Bendix, Veron...
Paul Madvig (Brian Donlevy), a once-corrupt politician, has given up his past and is backing a respectable candidate in the next election. However wh... Read more
The Godfather (1972)
9.2/10
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: Marlon Brando, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Al Pacino, John Cazale,...
Francis Ford Coppola's mafioso epic featuring Marlon Brando as the patriarch of the Corleone family. Based on Mario Puzo's novel, it's a masterful ble... Read more
The Godfather ( Blu-ray ) (1972)
9.2/10
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Richard Castellano, Robert Duvall, Sterlin...
Francis Ford Coppola's mafioso epic featuring Marlon Brando as the patriarch of the Corleone family. Based on Mario Puzo's novel, it's a masterful ble... Read more
The Godfather Part II (1974)
9/10
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: John Cazale, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Talia Shire
The story of the Corleone clan continues, as new boss Al Pacino launches a violent campaign to extend his family's power, while flashbacks with Robert... Read more
The Godfather Part II ( Blu-ray ) (1974)
9/10
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro, Talia Shire, Morgana Kin...
The story of the Corleone clan continues, as new boss Al Pacino launches a violent campaign to extend his family's power, while flashbacks with Robert... Read more
The Godfather Trilogy ( The Godfather / The Godfather Part II / The Godfather Part III ) (1972)
9.2/10
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: Marlon Brando, John Cazale, Andy Garcia, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Robert Duval...
Francis Ford Coppola's stunning trilogy is gathered together here in its entirety, following the epic criminal exploits of the Corleone family through... Read more
The Golden Bowl (2000)
6/10
Director: James Ivory
Starring: Kate Beckinsale, James Fox, Anjelica Huston, Nick Nolte, Jeremy Northam, Madelei...
This adaptation of Henry James' novel centers on an opulent family in England and Italy during the early 1900s. Jeremy Northam is convinced by tycoon... Read more
The Golden Compass (2007)
6.1/10
Director: Chris Weitz
Starring: Daniel Craig, Nicole Kidman, Dakota Blue Richards, Ben Walker, Eva Green, Jim Ca...
Gifted with the last of the truth-telling Golden Compasses, young orphan Lyra Belacqua embarks on a daring journey to the Arctic Circle to find a miss... Read more
The Golden Compass ( Blu-ray ) (2007)
6.1/10
Director: Chris Weitz
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Sam Elliott, Eva Green, Ian McKellen, Ian McShane, Freddie Highmo...
Gifted with the last of the truth-telling Golden Compasses, young orphan Lyra Belacqua embarks on a daring journey to the Arctic Circle to find a miss... Read more