I like books. I like movies. I like movies based on books. Surprising, no? This is a topic I’ve discussed quite a bit, but it’s always been in the context of best or worst adaptations. What about favorites? Looking back, I’ve never discussed which ones I love, whether they are high quality adaptations of not.
Admittedly when trying to come up with a list this week I was totally stumped. Even though she doesn’t know it, Shannon at River City Reading came to the rescue – thanks for the idea Shannon. You know who else’s list I love? Katie at Words for Worms (hint: she mentions me, because she is the sweetest).
So, which movies are among my favorites? In no particular order…
(Please know that this list is meant in good fun, I am in no way trying to critically evaluate these book to film adaptations.)
10. Much Ado About Nothing. If I was a fictional character, I’d want to be Beatrice.
09. Stand by Me. Honestly, what’s not to love? ’80s perfection and Stephen King.
08. 10 Things I Hate About You. I love this movie. Still. Teenage nostalgia? Possibly. But I’d like to think it’s just really good.
07. Clueless. Emma is annoying, spoiled, frivolous, nosy, gossiping, inconsiderate, manipulative, and self-centered. However, Cher is adorably clueless.
06. Jaws. The movie thankfully distills the novel in the best possible way – no mafia, no infidelity, more shark.
05. Easy A. What’s not to love about Emma Stone? And while this one was only partially inspired by a book, I am going with it. What really sold me on the movie is when Olive says ” “Whatever happened to chivalry? Does it only exist in 80’s movies? I want John Cusack holding a boombox outside my window. I wanna ride off on a lawnmower with Patrick Dempsey. I want Jake from Sixteen Candles waiting outside the church for me. I want Judd Nelson thrusting his fist into the air because he knows he got me. Just once I want my life to be like an 80’s movie, preferably one with a really awesome musical number for no apparent reason. But no, no, John Hughes did not direct my life.”
Yes.
04. Jurassic Park. Dinosaurs. Have I told you how badly I want to do this project?
03. Gone Girl. I didn’t care for the book, but I thoroughly enjoyed the movie.
02. The Princess Bride. As you wish.
01. High Fidelity. John Cusack and top fives. I think in top fives.
What are some of your favorite movies based on books? For more random lists, visit The Broke and The Bookish.