Indeed, life in quarantine is not easy. Some days, it is even difficult to stay motivated to do daily tasks. Of course, for those kinds of days, it is better to just sit back and chill out with a good movie on your side. In fact, in this article, we have a gathered a list of some of the best movies based on books that anyone can watch. Accordingly, read below and pick from a genre you like and start watching!
Categorical Review of Movies Extracted from Novels or Books
Accordingly, displayed below are some of the top notch movies that have taken birth in books. Hence, lets move forward and have a look at them. Also, Who knows? You might have missed a few of them and if yes, believe me you are living in a great loss right now. So, lets go!
Movies Based on Classic Literature Novels
Yes, for all the Dark Academia fans out there, these movies are a must-watch. Also, if you like any one of them, we highly recommend reading the books too!
1Pride and Prejudice (2005)
- Directed by: Joe Wright
- Starring: Keira Knightley, Mathew Macfadyen, Rosamund Pike
- IMDB Ratings: 7.8/10
- Based on: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Synopsis: Besides, the story revolves around the Bennet household and their quest to find husbands for their five daughters who do not have a financially secure future. Moreover, it is set in Regency England and explores the themes of love, marriage, and class system.
Why Should You Watch: Truly, the love story of Lizzy Bennet and Mr. Darcy is an absolute classic. Indeed, no one can resist the charm of a Regency Romance and an 18th-century hero worth swooning over.
2Little Women (2019)
- Directed by: Greta Gerwig
- Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Timothé Chalamet, Meryl Streep
- IMDB Ratings: 7.8/10
- Based on: Little Women by Louisa Mary Alcott
Synopsis: While, at the height of Civil War, March sisters grow into strong women, find their identity, encounter love, and challenge the familial bonds. As a matter of fact, the story celebrates the passion, creativity, and achievements of these women through various hardships in life.
Why Should You Watch: However, ever got hopeless when thinking about where women stand in a male dominating world and their never-ending struggles? Yes, the story of March sisters is told in an inspiring way that’s a great way to stop sudden anxiety attacks most of us experience during the lockdown. Also, the stellar cast of beautiful actors is a sight for sore eyes.
3Doctor Zhivago (1965)
- Directed by: David Lean
- Starring: Omar Sharif, Julie Christie
- IMDB Ratings: 8/10
- Based on: Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak
Synopsis: First, at the onset of Russian Civil War, a married physician falls in love with another married women. Accordingly, the story focuses on the intensity of their love affair.
Why Should You Watch: In fact, this movie is a picture of complete beauty. Moreover, this movie’s breathtaking love story compels viewers to forget their reality and be drawn into the dreamy world of Doctor Zhivago.
Animated Films Entirely Based on Books
So, if you think animated movies are just for kids, you’re wrong. Of course, check out these forever favorites from Studio Ghibli that’s not only a breathtaking visual experience but a source of great inspiration too.
4Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
- Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
- Starring: Chieko Baisho, Takuya Kimura
- IMDB Ratings: 8.2/10
- Based on: Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Synopsis: First, Sophie, a hat maker, is cursed by the Witch of the Waste and loses her youth. Then, she goes on a journey and ends up in the castle of the mysterious wizard Howl.
Why Should You Watch: First of all, because of the beautiful cinematography. Truly, the hand-drawn animation of Ghibli is awe-inspiring, to say the least. Then, because of the uplifting message of the story. Meet Sophie, who finds freedom in old age and goes on a great adventure!
5The Wind Rises (2013)
- Directed by: Miyazaki
- Starring: Hideaki Anno, Miori Takimoto – English Dub stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Emily Blunt
- IMDB Ratings: 7.8/10
- Based on: The Wind Has Risen by Hori Tatsuo
Synopsis: The story revolves around the life of Jiro Horikoshi, a Japanese Aviation engineer who created the A6M fighter plane during WWII.
Why Should You Watch: The film has everything you can possibly want or need. Gorgeous visuals, poetic message, inspiring story. In fact, it is sure to tug on your heartstrings!
Inspirational #BlackLivesMatter Books that got Turned into Movies
Although, there is a lack of popular movies based on books that focus on Black Lives, these gems are worth checking out.
612 Years A Slave (2013)
- Directed by: Steve McQueen
- Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch
- IMDB Ratings: 8.1/10
- Based on: Memoir of Solomon Northrup
Synopsis: This tells the story of a free black man who is sold into slavery for 12 years in 1841. Furthermore, he spends these years working on a plantation in Southern America and tries to reunite with his family.
Why Should You Watch: If you want to reflect on the inhumanity and racism that still has its roots in today’s world, watch this thought-provoking movie.
7To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)
- Directed by: Robert Mulligan
- Starring: Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, Philip Alford
- IMDB Ratings: 8.2/10
- Based on: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Synopsis: Atticus Finch, a white lawyer, defends a black man who is falsely accused of raping a white woman.
Why Should You Watch: Another great lesson about injustice, hatred, and racial discrimination.
Feel Good Pictures Based on Novels
If you want to stay away from heavy topics, these successful feel good movies based on books might just be for you. Then, take a break from online classes and work to watch these fun movies with your kids! Because spending quality time with your teens is a quick way to become a good parent.
8The Book Thief (2013)
- Directed by: Brian Percival
- Starring: Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, Sophie Nélisse
- IMDB Ratings: 7.6/10
- Based on: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Synopsis: In summary, the setting is Germany during Nazi era, a young girl lives with her adoptive parents and shares a love of books with the Jewish refugee hiding in their basement.
Why Should You Watch: Even though, the film has a heavy and disturbing setting, the story itself will leave you with feel-good and happy emotions.
9Forrest Gump (1994)
- Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
- Starring: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise
- IMDB Ratings: 8.8/10
- Based on: Forrest Gump by Winston Groom
Synopsis: Truly, a man with a low IQ ends up unwittingly affect major historical events of the 20th century.
Why Should You Watch: Of course, the charming story of Forest Gump will immediately improve your mood!
10Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
- Directed by: Jon M. Chu
- Starring: Constance Wu, Henry Holding, Gemma Chan
- IMDB Ratings: 6.9/10
- Based on: Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Synopsis: In summary, a common woman unknowingly dates one of the richest people in Singapore and suddenly finds herself in the middle of the luxurious and glamorous life of the Singaporean elite.
Why Should You Watch: Besides, take a step back from the historical movies and step into the exorbitant, colorful, exaggerated, and fun life of the Singaporean elite. Indeed, you’ll roll your eyes at them, we bet!
Some High Rated Thriller Movies Based on Books
No doubt, the genre of Thriller and horror films is not for everyone, but if it is for you, then be sure to watch these classic horror films this quarantine!
11Psycho (1960)
- Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
- Starring: Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, John Gavin, Janet Leigh
- IMDB Ratings: 8.5/10
- Based on: Psycho by Robert Bloch
Synopsis: First, the film revolves around the disappearance of Marion who runs away after robbing her employer. Then, her investigators trace her back to the Bates Motel, the object of controversy and horror.
Why Should You Watch: Yes, Psycho is considered one of the greatest horror movies of all time. In fact, that alone should convince you to check it out at least once.
12Gone Girl (2014)
- Directed by: David Fincher
- Starring: Rosamund Pike, Ben Affleck
- IMDB Ratings: 8.1/10
- Based on: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Synopsis: First, the story opens with the disappearance and supposed murder of Amy Dune, a perfect suburban wife, and all evidence points at her cheating husband. However, the real plot is something else.
Why Should You Watch: Truly, the layered narrative of Gone Girl leads to multiple interpretations, you won’t be bored watching this critically acclaimed thriller movie based on a novel.
Queer Films based on Novels
In the same way, to remedy the lack of Queer representation in media, here are some of the best Queer movies we like!
13Call Me by Your Name (2017)
- Directed by: Luca Guadagnino
- Starring: Timothé Chalamet, Armie Hammer
- IMDB Ratings: 7.9/10
- Based on: Call me by Your Name by André Aciman
Synopsis: Succinctly saying, a young boy falls in love with his father’s graduate assistant. Accordingly, it’s a coming of age story revolving around a summer love in Italy.
Why Should You Watch: In short, it reaffirms the universality of love that is not bound by gender or sexuality. Indeed, a heart-warming tale of growth and love.
14Love, Simon (2018)
- Directed by: Greg Berlanti
- Starring: Nick Robinson, Josh Duhamel, Jennifer Garner
- IMDB Ratings: 7.6/10
- Based on: Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
Synopsis: In short, simon tries to keep his sexual orientation a secret while a blackmailer threatens to out him unless he helps him woo his crush. Through the plot, Simon comes to terms with his identity and grows as a person.
Why Should You Watch: Undoubtedly, always a crowd-pleaser, Love Simon is just a light-hearted and funny coming of age story that will distract you from the worries of everyday life.
Upcoming Films based on Books to Keep A Lookout for in 2021
No, The list won’t be complete without some of the anticipated movies based on books this year.
15French Exit (February 2021)
- Directed by: Azazel Jacobs
- Starring: Michelle Pfeiffer, Lucas Hedges
- Based on: French Exit by Patrick Dewitt
Synopsis: Here, an aging elite moves to Paris in a small apartment after spending almost all of her husband’s inheritance. However, what follows is dark comedy as she tries to adjust to her humble life.
Why Should You Watch: Again, dark comedy seems to be perfect for the moment. Yes, it’s another funny and heartfelt film to improve your mood.
16Dune (October 2021)
- Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
- Starring: Timothé Chalamet, Oscar Isaac, Rebecca Ferguson
- Based on: Dune by Frank Herbert
Synopsis: In summary, it is a Sci-fi story about the son of a noble family trying to protect the most essential element of the universe, a ‘spice’ that can grant eternal life. Indeed, the film is jam-packed with battles and action sequences.
Why Should You Watch: As a matter of fact, the fantastical story that bears no resemblance to our world and the predicament we find ourselves in, might just be what you need for a good evening.
17The Nightingale (December 2021)
- Directed by: Mélanie Laurent
- Starring: Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning
- Based on: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Synopsis: On the whole, the story tells the tale of two destitute sisters in France who are separated during World War II.
Why Should You Watch: Indeed, the struggle to survive is alive in all of us like it has never been. Hence, check this emotional and inspiring movie out for a sense of companionship and motivation.
Conclusion:
As a consequence, get away from your troubles and take a break during these hectic and stressful times by planning a movie night with your family. Accordingly, choose from our list of Top movies based on books that are not only entertaining but also carry an uplifting message.
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