The book was better—If you love reading, there is a good chance that you have said this at some point in your life. Or at least agreed with the general sentiment when one of your beloved books had a terrible movie or TV show adaptation. But just like a rare collector’s edition, sometimes Hollywood nails the book’s adaptation to movies, making it a more magical experience. Here is The Bombay Circle Press’ list of five best fiction books whose movie adaptations didn’t suck.
- The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkien
If there was a phrase to describe the movie adaptation of the The Lord of the Rings Series it would be Gollum’s infamous “my precious”. The trilogy (2001-2003) breathes life into Tolkien’s iconic and cult classic fantasy series, making it one of the most loved movie adaptations of any book. The trilogy not only delves deep into the character, but captures the grandeur of the castles, the sea of army marching towards the enemy and the ethereal fantastical characters and much more. Thus, gripping you from the moment Frodo puts on the ring!
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
If there is one thing romance novel readers love and constantly talk about, it’s the hand flex scene in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. That scene has a fanbase of its own. But that isn’t the end of the movie’s charm. From long shots of the landscape, cinematography that captures the lingering touches and unsaid words, and costume design that helps create a stark contrast between the two worlds of Elizabeth and Mr Darcy. The movie checks all the boxes from the get to and pulls you in for an unbeatable romance.
- Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
One of the best fiction books to make you bawl your eyes out has managed to capture the essence of childhood wonder in its movie adaptation as well. The 2007 adaptation of Bridge to Terabithia does justice to the bringing to life the secret kingdom, the enemies and the fantastical characters. But what hits home will leave you sobbing towards the end is the heartbroken expression on Jess’ (Josh Hutcherson’s) in the end—especially when you have read the book and know what’s coming next.
- Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
One of the most celebrated romance books and its movie adaptation of the decade with Asian representation, Crazy Rich Asians took the world by a storm. From Nick Young’s “comfortable home” to the wholesome sisterhood between Astrid and Rachel, the impeccable timing of Peik Lin and Rachel’s last speech to Eleanor. All of that wrapped and captured in Singapore’s scenic cinematography, the movie encapsulates the bundle of nerves you feel when meeting your partner’s family for the first time. If there’s one thing you need to look out for in the movie it’s one of the most romantic wedding scenes in movie history that will make you cry (in a good way).
- The Maze Runner by James Dashner
There are a few movies that capture the essence and urgency of how the first chapter begins and the movie adaptation of The Maze Runner does exactly that. From the get go, the movie grabs your attention with the stunning visuals of the moss-covered walls that make the maze. The larger than life CGI and the wholesome characters provide a pretty realistic representation of the dystopian world wherein teenagers are left all alone with more questions than answers.
There is nothing better for a book lover to find out that their favourite fiction book be adapted into a movie. Whether it is literary fiction or mediaeval fantasy or a swoon-worthy romance or a tear-jerker literary masterpiece!