No matter if it is a book or a movie or anything, there is always an inspiration behind it. The idea behind that book is what makes it special, that is the reason why directors and producers of Hollywood and Bollywood aspire to transform it into a movie. So, we have listed a few of the most popular movies based on books, so let’s start exploring!
Hollywood Movies Based on Books
1. Little Women (2019)
Book- Little Women (1868)
The makers of this movie added a twist to the original story to make it even more interesting. The book was written by Louisa May Alcott. The movie was about to win Oscar as well.
2. Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Book- Sense and Sensibility (1811)
The evergreen writer Jane Austen has spread her charm with this novel, which later became a popular Hollywood movie. The director has given a modern version to this movie and hence, it remains the gemstone of Jane Austen’s work. This is one of the most loved movies based on books.
3. Forrest Gump (1994)
Book- Forrest Gump (1986)
The 6 times Oscar winner movie Forrest Gump was originally taken from a book written by Winstone Groom. The novel has far more darkness and complexity than the character of the movie. This should be a must-watch movie on your watch list.
4. Doctor Zhivago (1965)
Book- Doctor Zhivago (1957)
If you want a movie that has done justice to the story of a novel, then you should watch Doctor Zhivago. Originally, the book was written by Boris Pasternak and it is one of the best books written by him. The director has portrayed the plot just the way it is in the book, making it one of the most amazing Hollywood movies.
5. Hidden Figures (2017)
Book- Hidden Figures (2016)
The actual meaning of inspiration has been depicted in this movie. The writer of the book, Margot Lee Shetterly, has depicted the struggle of black women through her words. This movie and this book have so much to say.
6. Harry Potter (2002-2011)
Book- Harry Potter (1997-2007)
The greatest hit of writer J.K. Rowling’s career was Harry Potter. This name not only created a history in the world of literature, but it was also a masterpiece of Hollywood as well. Though the director had to cut down the story to make it suitable for the movie, they had not spoiled the essence of it. These series are the best movies based on books till now.
7. The Lord of Rings (2001-2003)
Book- The Lord of Rings (1955)
J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy novel was transferred into a movie with 3 parts. The director has managed to maintain the beauty of this book. He has showcased the characters and roles properly. Though few people were not satisfied with the portrayal, overall, it is a good movie.
8. No Country for Old Men (2007)
Book- No Country for Old Men (2005)
Cormac McCarthy is the author of this book which later transformed into a movie and that too, a good one. The directors have kept the story so similar that you can witness the exact story of the novel while watching.
9. Don’t Look Now (1973)
Book-Don’t Look Now (1971)
If you are looking for a horror movie inspired by a book, then this is the answer. Daphne Du Maurier’s short story took the face of a movie with some additions. The director added a few scenes to increase the duration.
10. The Bridge Over the River Kwai (1957)
Book- The Bridge over the River Kwai (1952)
The movie won the Oscar that year for the best picture. Pierre Boulle was the writer of the book and the director of the movie added one more character to make adjustments to the story. Though there are few alterations the movie is great overall.
11. The Exorcist (1973)
Book- The Exorcist (1971)
The exorcist is William Peter Blatty’s horror novel which is a classic and hit horror movie in Hollywood. The film has used real and practical effects to make it more engaging.
12. Room (2015)
Book- Room (2010)
The writer of the book, Emma Donoghue wrote the screenplay of the book before launching. She knew that it would attract the movie directors towards it. The director decided to shoot in a single to reach the claustrophobic and horrifying tone.
13. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Book- The Silence of the Lambs (1988)
The movie has a story quite similar to the book. Though the director has added 2 characters the addition is worth it. The story is not exactly similar to what is there in Thomas Harris’s novel. Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins are the two character additions in this movie.
14. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Book- Crazy Rich Asians (2013)
It is a satirical romantic comedy novel that was later adapted into a movie. This comedy movie was a great hit when it was released and the movie earned several awards and nominations. It generated the craze for Kevin Kwan‘s book too.
15. Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Book- Pride and Prejudice (1813)
One of the most renowned writers of all time- Jane Austen’s best-seller, Pride and prejudice was transformed into a movie. It is a great book that highlights the struggle of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy regarding the prejudices of the community.
16. Psycho (1960)
Book- Psycho (1959)
The book and the story of the film are very different. Though the director got the inspiration for the film from Robert Bloch’s book he made many changes. The book and the movie, both are great hits but the movie got more popular by the way it depicted the characters.
17. To all the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
Book- To all the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2014)
The story revolves around a woman, her adolescence period and womanhood. This book to movie adaptation got popular so quickly on Netflix and was termed as one of the best movies based on the books. Jenny Han has ended the novel in a different way but the movie has a different ending and that too, is loved by everyone.
18. Trainspotting (1996)
Book- Trainspotting (1993)
A book with its Scottish slang made it difficult for a reader to understand what the writer Irvine Welsh wants to say. The moviemakers translated and shifted it into the local language and made it accessible for people to understand the concept. The film is a great adaptation of the novel.
19. Jackie Brown(1997)
Book- Rum Punch (1992)
Elmore Leonard’s book turned into a Hollywood movie and made a good representation of the story. Though the director made one minor change in the main character that doesn’t affect the story at all. The adaption is great and the storytelling is also amazing.
20. American Psycho (2000)
Book- American Psycho (1991)
Made with the concept of dark humour and satire on the heartlessness of people back in 1980, this book successfully made a huge impact on the minds of people and so do the movie. Both movie and Bret Easton Ellis’s book deliver the message properly.
Also Read- Top 5 Netflix Original Series 2022 You Must Watch Once In Lifetime
Bollywood Movies based on Books
1. Dil Bechara (2020)
Book- The fault in our stars (2012)
The New York Times bestseller, written by well-known writer John Green was adapted by a Bollywood director. He made some changes to the movie and gave it a Hindi touch. The movie got really popular because it was the last movie by actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
2. The Girl on the Train (2021)
Book- The Girl on the Train (2015)
Paula Hawkins wrote this mystery thriller story which was later adapted into hind and English versions of movies. It is not a true story, it is a creation of the writer’s mind and a really great creation, we must agree.
3. The White Tiger (2021)
Book- The White Tiger (2008)
The White Tiger is a novel by Indian author Aravind Adiga. It was published in 2008 and won the 40th Man Booker Prize the same year. The novel provides a darkly humorous perspective of India’s class struggle in a globalized world as told through a retrospective narration from Balram Halwai, a village boy. It is an underrated movie that deserves more appreciation from the audience.
4. Half girlfriend (2017)
Book- Half Girlfriend (2014)
One of the most popular Indian novelists and writers of this book, Chetan Bhagat gave this story idea to Bollywood. The story revolves around a boy who fell in love with a girl who likes him too but doesn’t feel romantically. The story justifies the title of the book and movie throughout the time.
5. 2 States (2014)
Book- 2 States (2009)
Once again, a book by the writer Chetan Bhagat doesn’t leave the chance of creating an impact in Bollywood. There are many movies in the industry that are inspired by his books and this is one of those books. A girl and a boy belonging from 2 different states of the country fell in love and faces cultural issues.
6. Devdas (2002)
Book- Devdas (1917)
Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s book Devdas was one of the most popular and loved movies in Bollywood. The lead character was portrayed by Shahrukh Khan and he has done full justice to the role. Chattopadhyay was a Bengali writer and gave two masterpieces to Bollywood.
7. The Guide (1965)
Book- The Guide (1958)
People are unaware of the fact that our highly popular writer R.K. Narayan gave us the story of this movie. The movie had a very popular song and the audience was in love with the characters.
8. Aisha (2010)
Book- Emma (1815)
Jane Austen never fails to surprise us with her astonishing stories. Sonam Kapoor’s best movie Aisha was originally a movie based on books. Director had to make some changes in order to make it fit Bollywood’s audience.
9. Omkara (2006)
Book- Othello (1622)
Othello and those characters were created by none other than William Shakespeare. Omkara was a big hit and the characters Langda Tyagi, Kesu firangi and Omkara are still in the back of our minds.
10. The Blue Umbrella (2007)
Book- The Blue Umbrella (1974)
It is a Children’s movie that won the national award for best children’s film in 2005. This Ruskin bond’s book has an amazing story and is suitable for all the kids. Director Vishal Bhardwaj took this story to Bollywood and made it a hit.
