Books vs. Movies: 10 Film Adaptations That Got It Right (Or Wrong)

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Introduction

Book-to-film adaptations can be polarizing. Some bring beloved stories to life with incredible fidelity or creative innovation, while others falter in execution. Here’s a breakdown of five outstanding adaptations, three that didn’t quite meet expectations, and two notable remakes worth discussing.

Violet McGraw in The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

5 Best Adaptations

  1. The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
    Mike Flanagan’s Netflix series based on Shirley Jackson’s novel is a modern masterpiece. Though it diverges significantly from the book’s plot, it captures its essence of psychological horror and emotional depth. With exceptional writing, haunting visuals, and a talented cast, it became an instant favorite for horror fans. Personally, I haven’t been this engrossed in a series for years—Flanagan is truly a genius in the horror genre.
  2. The Shining (1980)
    Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s horror masterpiece remains a cinematic classic. Jack Nicholson’s terrifying portrayal of Jack Torrance and Kubrick’s eerie, atmospheric direction made The Shining a horror masterpiece. However, it famously displeased Stephen King, who criticized Kubrick’s cold detachment and changes to the story, particularly the softer portrayal of Wendy and the altered ending. King later adapted his novel into a miniseries in 1997, but it failed to achieve the acclaim of Kubrick’s film.
  3. The Green Mile (1999)
    Frank Darabont’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel is another example of a faithful and emotionally powerful film. Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan delivered deeply moving performances, bringing the supernatural drama to life with heart and sensitivity. Fans of the novel appreciated the film’s loyalty to the story and its exploration of themes like justice, redemption, and humanity.
  4. Coraline (2009)
    Based on Neil Gaiman’s dark fantasy novel for children, Coraline is a visually stunning stop-motion film. It masterfully combines whimsy and unease, capturing the book’s tone while expanding on its visuals with a unique style. Fans and critics alike praise its faithfulness to the source material and its innovative animation, which appeals to both children and adults.
  5. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
    Jonathan Demme’s adaptation of Thomas Harris’s thriller is widely regarded as a perfect book-to-film transformation. Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter and Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling delivered chilling, award-winning performances. The film’s tension and pacing are masterfully crafted, creating a psychological thriller that still holds audiences in its grip decades later.
Pilou Asbæk in Salem’s Lot (2024)

3 Not-So-Good Adaptations

  1. Salem’s Lot (2024)
    The latest adaptation of Stephen King’s vampire classic disappointed fans with its lack of tension and atmospheric dread. While the cast delivered decent performances, the rushed pacing and over-reliance on CGI left it feeling soulless compared to King’s richly haunting novel.
  2. Pet Sematary (2019)
    This remake of Stephen King’s chilling tale of grief and resurrection made bold changes, but they didn’t pay off. While the original 1989 film is flawed, it captured the emotional core of the story better than the 2019 version, which felt hollow despite its updated visuals. Not to mention the controversial role switch between the children—spoiler alert—where the daughter dies instead of the son. This change divided fans, with many feeling it undermined the emotional weight of the original story.
  3. The Witches (2020)
    This adaptation of Roald Dahl’s story brought bright visuals and an enthusiastic performance from Anne Hathaway but failed to capture the darkly magical tone of the original. The CGI-heavy production and story changes left fans longing for the charm of the 1990 version.
Sue Lyon in Lolita (1962)
Dominique Swain and Jeremy Irons in Lolita (2017)

Honorable Mentions: Remakes vs. Originals

  • Lolita (1962 vs. 1997)
    Stanley Kubrick’s 1962 adaptation of Vladimir Nabokov’s controversial novel was met with praise for its bold direction and dry humor, despite the constraints of censorship. James Mason and Sue Lyon’s performances are celebrated, and Kubrick’s handling of the taboo subject is both provocative and artful. The 1997 version, though more explicit , is criticized for lacking the nuance of the original. While Jeremy Irons delivers a strong performance, critics argue that it feels more exploitative, overshadowing the psychological complexity of the story.
  • It (1990 vs. 2017)
    The 2017 remake of It vastly improved upon the 1990 miniseries, offering better visuals, a cohesive narrative, and Bill Skarsgård’s terrifying portrayal of Pennywise. While the original remains nostalgic for some, the remake’s stronger execution won over fans and critics alike.

Conclusion:

Adaptations can divide fans, with some staying true to their roots and others taking creative liberties. Which adaptations do you love—or love to hate? Share your favorites (or least favorites) in the comments!

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