Ready, set... scan! Our app is the speedy way to sell your items. PLUS get 10% extra on your first app offer with code APP10
Aug 16, 2023

Eight of the Best Book-to-Film Adaptations of all Time

Eight of the Best Book-to-Film Adaptations of all Time

Grab a glass of bubbly, put on your glitziest gown and practice your acceptance speech – the Oscars are almost here!

On February 26th, hundreds of celebrities will descend on LA’s Dolby Theatre for a night of glamour and excitement. La La Land is, of course, leading the way in terms of nominations, but the award we’re really looking forward to is ‘Best Adapted Screenplay’.

Some of our favourite books have been turned into Oscar-winning films, and even more have been turned into straight-up amazing ones! Here are eight of the best.

1. One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest

via GIPHY

A faultless book-to-film adaptation is a rare and beautiful thing. One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest is just that. The impeccable casting of Jack Nicholson, faithful screenplay and spirited story help this wonderful film to enchant viewers.

2. The Silence of the Lambs

via GIPHY

Thanks to an unsettlingly charismatic Anthony Hopkins, The Silence of the Lambs brings Hannibal Lecter to life like we couldn’t have imagined. This genuinely scary film is as tense and claustrophobic as the novel, and keeps us on the edge of our seat during every viewing.

3. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

via GIPHY

John Le Carré’s gripping spy novel is a lesson in tension, and the film doesn’t disappoint! Gary Oldman plays George Smiley to perfection, while the script stays true to the books paired back excellence. You are kept guessing and second guessing throughout – it’s little surprise this underrated gem won ‘Best British Film’ at the 2011 BAFTAs.

4. Watership Down

via GIPHY

Hands up if you don’t get something in your eye whenever ‘Bright Eyes’ plays during Watership Down! This fantastic adaptation pulls no punches: making you laugh, cry, shudder and cheer in the space of just an hour and a half. The film also features the late, great John Hurt as Hazel.

5. Fight Club

via GIPHY

Fight Club is one of the few adaptations we think might actually be better than the book! Where Chuck Palahniuk’s novel reveals the fantastic twist halfway through the story, the film offers the startling revelation right at a pinnacle moment.

6. The Green Mile

via GIPHY

The Green Mile is another tearjerker: a film that manages to be heart-warming, heart-breaking and warmly funny all at once. Adapted from Stephen King’s book of the same name, there won’t be a dry eye in the house as the final credits roll.

7. Trainspotting

via GIPHY

With T2 Trainspotting hitting cinemas as type, we just had to include Danny Boyle’s iconic masterpiece. The impeccable cast and screenplay bring Irvine Welsh’s novel to life like we couldn’t have dreamed, giving a truly raw insight into addiction.

8. Silver Linings Playbook

via GIPHY

Silver Linings Playbook netted Jennifer Lawrence the ‘Best Actress’ award at the 2013 Oscars, and was nominated for everything from ‘Best Film’ to, deservedly, ‘Best Adapted Screenplay’. This film has serious heart, and you’ll be cheering for the characters right until the very end.

Which are your favourite book-to-film adaptations? Have you we missed anything off our list? Let us know over on Twitter or Facebook.

Now, we aren’t saying you’d want to sell DVDs with these titles, but if there are any others you’d like to get rid of to make room for more book-to-film adaptations, we’re here to help! Contact our friendly team or find out more about how to sell DVDs for cash.

Would you like to continue the conversation? Share this post!

Open 10% extra code Modal