10
‘Doctor Zhivago’ (1965)
Directed by David Lean
Doctor Zhivago follows the story of a Russian doctor and poet who lives through the Russian Revolution and the subsequent civil war. Although Dr. Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif) is married, he falls in love with Lara Antipova (Julie Christie). The story follows Zhivago as his life is thrown into chaos during and after the war. The movie is based on the novel of the same by author Boris Pasternak. It is a sweeping historical epic that chronicles a pivotal moment in Russian history.
9
‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)
Directed by Johnathan Demme
The Silence of the Lambs is based on the psychological horror novel of the same name by Thomas Harris. The story follows an FBI agent Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) who is tasked with tracking down serial killer nicknamed “Buffalo Bill” (Ted Levine). Along the way, she consults with already imprisoned serial killer and psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to help solve the case. The Silence of the Lambs features memorable performances and twists and turns that will keep viewers guessing.
What makes The Silence of the Lambs such an effective adaptation of the original novel is the fact that it amplifies the thrills of the original story. The movie’s performances bring the characters from the novel to life, and give them an added depth. The Silence of the Lambs is filled with many of the same twists and turns as the novel. However, the movie is a fresh take on the story and is widely considered a classic.
8
‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939)
Directed by Victor Fleming
The Wizard of Oz is based on the 1900 fantasy novel by L. Frank Baum. The movie follows the adventure of Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) who finds herself in the mythical land of Oz. Along the way, she meets a Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), a Tin Man (Jack Haley), and a Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr). The movie chronicles the journey of this sweet ensemble as they aim to speak to the mythical Wizard of Oz who they are told can help grant their wishes.
7
‘The Color Purple’ (1985)
Directed by Steven Spielberg
The Color Purple is based on the novel of the same name by Alice Walker. Before being made into a movie, the story was made into an award-winning play. The 1985 movie stars Whoopi Goldberg as Celie Harris-Johnson, a young woman coming of age in early 20th-century Georgia. The Color Purple follows Celie’s journey from childhood to her escaping her abusive father. As tragic as Celie’s life is, she always maintains her hope as she looks to re-connect with her sister Nettie (Akosua Busia).
6
‘Little Women’ (1994)
Directed by Gillian Armstrong
Little Women is based on the historical novel of the same name by Louisa May Alcott. The story follows the March family. Sisters Meg (Trini Alvarado), Jo (Winona Ryder), Beth (Claire Danes), and Amy (Kirsten Dunst and Samantha Mathis) navigate living in poverty during and after the American Civil War. As time goes on, they each develop their own distinct personalities, and rely on their mother Marmee (Susan Sarandon) for guidance.
The 1994 version of Little Women is the best adaptation of the original novel because it remains the most faithful to the story. The characterization of the four sisters in this version is the truest to May’s original vision. While Little Women has been adapted several times over the years, the 1994 version is
5
‘The Shawshank Redemption’ (1994)
Directed by Frank Darabont
The Shawshank Redemption is based on Stephen King‘s novella, “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption.” The movie follows the story of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a former banker who is convicted of murdering his wife and her lover. While imprisoned at the Shawshank State Prison, he befriends Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding (Morgan Freeman) who is a fellow prisoner who is also a smuggler.
4
‘Schindler’s List’ (1993)
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Schindler’s List is based on “Schindler’s Ark” by Steven Zaillian, which chronicled the life of Oskar Schindler. Schindler was a member of the Nazi party before he ended up using his factory to rescue Jewish prisoners. The movie stars Liam Neeson as Schindler, and chronicles his journey from someone who actively profited from the horrors of the Holocaust to one who made it his mission to save as many lives as he could.
3
‘The Godfather’ (1972)
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola
The Godfather is based on the novel of the same name by Mario Puzo that chronicled the Italian-American experience. Like the book, the movie follows the story of the Corleone family. As family patriarch Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) ages, he looks to his sons to replace him as a mafia boss. His youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino), emerges as his natural successor. The Godfather was the first in a trilogy that followed Michael’s experience taking over for his father.
2
‘Dune’ (2021)
Directed by Denis Villeneuve
Dune is the first of a two-part adaptation of Frank Herbert‘s 1965 science-fiction novel of the same name. The movie follows the story of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) who faces his destiny on a distant planet. Dune follows Paul as he confronts the fact that he is considered the Chosen One by the indigenous people of the planet of Arrakis. The novel was also adapted in 1985. Dune: Part Two was released in 2024.
1
‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’ (2001)
Directed by Peter Jackson
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is the first installment of J.R.R. Tolkien‘s Lord of the Rings trilogy. This movie introduces Middle-earth and the journey of a team of misfits to defeat the forces of evil. Specifically, this first installment of the story introduces Frodo (Elijah Wood), a hobbit who has to face the destiny that unexpectedly falls on his shoulders. The movie sets the foundation for the rest of the trilogy by introducing Tolkien’s beloved characters and their stories.
