Books to Films – Which blockbuster films came from books originally?
Whether it’s Harry Potter, The Hunger Games or Divergent – some of the most popular films nowadays have been based on books. In this article, we take a look at the literary origins of some of these blockbusters and ask the question: which ones make for better films?
The Shawshank Redemption
One of the most iconic films of the past few decades, The Shawshank Redemption, was actually originally a book. The novel, written by Stephen King and published in 1982, is set in a Maine prison and follows the story of Andy Dufresne, a banker who is wrongfully convicted of murder and sent to prison.
While in prison, Andy befriends another inmate, Red, and the two men form a special bond. They help each other get through the tough times and eventually hatch a plan to escape from Shawshank.
The film adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption was released in 1994 and starred Tim Robbins as Andy and Morgan Freeman as Red. It was directed by Frank Darabont and went on to receive seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
While it may not have won any Oscars, The Shawshank Redemption is widely considered to be one of the best films ever made. If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to check it out – you won’t be disappointed!
Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump is a heartwarming story about a man with a low IQ who goes on to have an incredible life. The film was released in 1994 and starred Tom Hanks in the lead role. The film was adapted from the book of the same name by Winston Groom.
The Silence of the Lambs
One of the most popular and well-known books to films is The Silence of the Lambs. The novel, written by Thomas Harris, was published in 1988 and follows FBI agent Clarice Starling as she tries to catch a serial killer named Buffalo Bill. The film adaptation, directed by Jonathan Demme, was released in 1991 and starred Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling and Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
The Godfather
It’s no secret that some of the most popular films of all time were based on books. In fact, many people would argue that the book is always better than the movie. But sometimes, the movie can be just as good as the book, if not better. Here are some examples of blockbuster films that were based on books.
The Godfather is one of the most iconic films ever made. It’s based on Mario Puzo’s novel of the same name and follows the story of the Corleone crime family. The Godfather is widely considered to be one of the best films of all time, and it’s definitely one of the most influential.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy is another set of films based on a book series that was incredibly popular. The novels, written by J.R.R. Tolkien, follow the journey of Frodo Baggins as he tries to destroy the One Ring. The movies, directed by Peter Jackson, are some of the most successful films ever made, and they’re loved by fans all over the world.
The Harry Potter series is one of the most popular book series of all time, and it’s no surprise that the movies are just as popular.
The Lord of the Rings
While many people are familiar with the blockbuster films based on The Lord of the Rings, fewer know that these films are actually based on a book series written by J.R.R. Tolkien. The Lord of the Rings is a classic example of a book that was successfully adapted into a film. The films were able to capture the essence of the books and create an immersive experience that transported viewers into the world of Middle-earth.
The Hunger Games
The film adaptation of The Hunger Games was a huge blockbuster hit, grossing over $700 million at the worldwide box office. The film was directed by Gary Ross and starred Jennifer Lawrence as the main character, Katniss Everdeen. The film was based on the book of the same name by Suzanne Collins.
With so many screen adaptations of books across the cinema it is not surprising that books have become a huge source of inspiration for TV mini series.
