Book-to-Screen Adaptations You Need to Watch

Some work, some don't...but when they do, it's magic

I think I can speak for most readers when I say that hearing a beloved book is being adapted for the screen sparks a very specific kind of emotional chaos…part thrill, part dread. On one hand, there’s the giddy excitement – finally, you get to see the incredible story that’s been living in your head for years come to life before your very eyes. On the other, there’s that creeping fear of what if they get it wrong? What if the characters don’t look or sound exactly as you’d imagined? What if the tone is completely off, or your favourite tiny-but-powerful scene gets cut?

Then there’s also the age-old question of whether it should be a film or a series. Some stories seem tailor-made for the slow-burn of episodic TV, whereas others simply belong on the big-screen in a tightly edited, visually rich (roughly) two-hour film. But of course, there are always outliers, the books that just don’t lend themselves to being on screen. Some books feel so intimate, so rooted in language or interiority, that the very idea of adaptation just feels wrong. There are novels where the magic lies in the way the author weaves the tale, not just in what happens, and sometimes no amount of screen-time can recreate that. (Yes, Hollywood, I’m looking at you. Step away from House of Leaves and The Secret History, please and thank you).

That being said, when it’s done right, when the adaptation can capture the essence of the books whilst offering something new, it’s such a rewarding experience and incredibly satisfying as a reader. It can lend a new dimension through which to view the story, highlighting nuances you hadn’t noticed before, deepening your understanding of the characters, or even just allowing you to live in a world you loved for a little longer. In this post, I’m sharing some of my favourite book-to-screen-adaptations – films that I think got it right. Whether you’ve read the books or not, these are well worth your time.

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The Princess Bride

Book: written by William Goldman, published 1973

Film: directed by Rob Reiner, released 1987

This is a rare gem that manages to be both a faithful adaptation and also something entirely its own. It walks the line between fairytale fantasy and parody so effortlessly and has most definitely earned itself cult-classic status. It’s brimming with quotable lines, whimsical charm, and genuine heart, that make it so it’s truly impossible not to fall completely in love with. It’s the ultimate comfort film.

The Secret Garden and A Little Princess

Books: written by Frances Hodgson Burnett, ALP published 1905, TSG published 1911

Films: ALP directed by Alfonso Cuarón and released 1995, TSG directed by Agnieszka Holland and released 1993

The Secret Garden was one of my absolute favourite books as a child, so discovering it had been made into a film and watching it be brought to life felt like pure, unfiltered magic. Growing up, I was entranced by nature so seeing that beautiful, magical garden for the first time on screen was a formative moment for me. It’s also set and filmed in the North Yorkshire Moors, which are on the doorstep of where I grew up so that definitely elevated the whole experience.

With A Little Princess, I actually saw the film before I read the book, and I was well and truly obsessed. I watched it on repeat and pretty much shaped my entire childhood personality around trying to be just like Sara. Her imagination and deep belief in stories felt like something I understood on a molecular level. It was the first time I saw a character whose whole life was also shaped by storytelling and I recognised myself in her completely.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Books: written by J.R.R.Tolkien, published 1954-1955

Films: directed by Peter Jackson, released 2001-2003

A true cinematic triumph. Peter Jackson’s adaptation of Tolkien’s work is grand and sweeping, yet never loses sight of the emotional heart of the story. For all the epic battles and insane set pieces, it’s the quiet, human moments that stick with you. It’s very rare for a fandom to unanimously agree that a film adaptation did the books justice, but with The Lord of the Rings, I think they came pretty close. It captures the scale and soul of Tolkien’s work without feeling weighed down by it. Of course, none of this would land as powerfully without Howard Shore’s iconic score – it’s an integral part of the cinematic storytelling. It’s emotional, powerful, and quite honestly life-changing.

Emma and Pride and Prejudice

Books: written by Jane Austen, P&P published 1813, Emma published 1815,

Films: P&P directed by Joe Wright and released 2005, EMMA. directed by Autumn de Wilde and released 2020

This one might be controversial, but I actually prefer these adaptations to the books themselves. I know, I know…I really want to be a Jane Austen girlie (especially since we share the same last name), but I’ve just never really clicked with her novels. That said, the Keira Knightley’s Pride and Prejudice and the 2020 Emma? Gorgeous, sublime. Visually, emotionally, and tonally – everything worked.

Little Women

Book: written by Louisa May Alcott, published 1868

Film: directed by Greta Gerwig, released 2019

Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of this classic absolutely wrecked me. The non-linear structure imbues a new rhythm into the story, using the subtlest of colour palette shifts to alert the audience to time jumps – it’s genius. The visuals are soft and painterly, the performances so tender and heartfelt, and the way it reframes Jo’s independence and ambition is just perfect. And, despite the emotional warfare one has to endure when watching this film, it’s still such a cosy and comforting watch.

The Shining and Misery

Books: written by Stephen King, The Shining published 1977, Misery published 1987

Films: The Shining directed by Stanley Kubrick and released 1980, Misery directed by Rob Reiner and released 1990

Now, it’s no secret that Stephen King adaptations have had a bit of a rocky track-record over the years. But when they hit? Oh my god, do they hit! I’ve only listed two here, but that’s not because I’m unaware of the brilliance of others, such as The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, and Carrie – all mind-blowingly good. The only reason I haven’t included them here is that, shamefully, I haven’t read the books (yet!), but I’m working on it!

The Shining is, in my opinion (and many others’), a masterclass in atmospheric horror. Yes, it famously deviates from King’s novel, and yes, King himself has been very vocal about disliking Kubrick’s adaptation. But with all due respect to the man himself…he’s wrong. Kubrick strips back some of the more ‘out there’ supernatural elements to really hone in on the psychological horror, creating something that feels isolated, dreamlike, and deeply unsettling. It adds a whole new dimension to the story and makes you see the novel itself in a whole new light.

And then there’s Misery – Rob Reiner once again proving he’s a master at adapting novels for screen. It’s tense, claustrophobic, and psychologically chilling on so many levels. Kathy Bates’s performance as Annie Wilkes is the stuff of nightmares (and Oscars). The way she oscillates between maternal care and unhinged violence is beyond terrifying and incredibly impressive.

Rosemary’s Baby

Book: written by Ira Levin, published 1967

Film: directed by Roman Polanski, released 1968

This is a slow-burn psychological horror that burrows under your skin and never truly leaves. Every detail in this adaptation feels deliberate, with every shot loaded with pure dread. It perfectly captures the horror of not being believed by anyone, – even the person you thought you were closest to – of your body no longer being your own, in a way that is just as relevant now as it was in the 60s. The day after I first watched this film, I raced to the shops to pick up a copy of the novel and it did not disappoint – it’s every bit as chilling as its cinematic counterpart.

The Twilight Saga

Books: written by Stephenie Meyer, published 2005-2008

Films: directed by Catherine Hardwicke (1), Chris Weitz (2), David Slade (3), Bill Condon (4-5) and released 2008-2012

Look, we can all pretend to be above it, but Twilight was a moment, a cultural reset, if you will. And even if it’s just for the ‘hate-watch’ factor, I think we can all agree these films are exceedingly entertaining. With lines like “Bella! where the hell have you been, loca?”, “You nicknamed my daughter after the Loch Ness Monster!?”, and “You better hold on tight, spider monkey” – what’s not to love? Also, for many, it was the first time seeing a book series everyone was obsessing over absolutely everywhere. Was it perfect? Erm…no. Was it faithful? Eh, kind of. But did it change lives? Absolutely.

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I’ll be turning my attention to the small screen in an upcoming Substack post, with a roundup of book-to-TV adaptations that deserve your time.