Movies and Series Based on Books - The Best and Highest Rated!

Many of the most memorable and striking films in the history of cinema were inspired by books. Literary adaptations are nothing new to the film industry and have been happening for decades, bringing great stories to the screen, and also giving new life to characters and worlds that previously existed only on paper.

In this list, we will explore some of the best-rated films based on books, analyzing their scores on three major platforms: Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb and Metacritic. And, of course, we will give a final average to make comparison easier!

To keep the selection fair and balanced (and also impartial, since we are terrified of some fandoms), we used three “trusted” review sources: Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb and Metacritic. The final average is calculated based on the scores from these platforms, offering a more complete view of how each film is received by critics and audiences.

We know that review sites aren't exactly the best way to assess the quality of a film. However, it's the best way to stay impartial with our list. Plus, we have several titles here that are expected.

Shall we play a game? Try to guess the 10 films that will appear on this list and let us know in the comments how many you got right!

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

The adaptation directed by Peter Jackson was acclaimed for its faithfulness to the original work and its stunning visual effects.

The Godfather (1972)

The film is praised for its incredible cinematography and visual storytelling. Marlon Brando's performance as Don Vito Corleone and Francis Ford Coppola's masterful direction made this adaptation a landmark in cinema, exploring power, loyalty and family ties.

Pride and Prejudice (2005)

The 2005 adaptation, starring Keira Knightley, captured the spirit of the work with stunning visuals and moving performances, becoming one of the most beloved adaptations of Austen's work.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

The film captures the magic, friendship and adventure that have captivated millions of readers, making it an instant classic for all ages.

The Shining (1980)

Although the film diverged from the book in some aspects, its terrifying atmosphere and intense performances made it a cult classic.

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Many readers consider this book to be one of the best depictions of coming of age ever written. The adaptation, directed by the book's author himself, was widely praised for its faithfulness to the source material.

Little Fires Everywhere (2020)

Despite not having good reviews, we decided to include both The Da Vinci Code and The Girl on the Train due to their huge box office successes and good public reception upon their release. It didn't seem right to exclude them from this matter.

The Da Vinci Code (2006)

Praised for its fast-paced narrative and Tom Hanks' performance, The Da Vinci Code managed to attract both fans of the book and new viewers, sparking a debate about history and religion.

The Girl on the Train (2016)

Of course, the original material will always be better received than the adaptation (except in very rare cases). However, these films based on books are brilliant examples of how literature can come to life on screen, at least most of them.

Whether through classic fantasy stories, such as The Lord of the Rings, or contemporary adaptations such as Little Fires Everywhere and The Perks of Being a Wallflower, these works show how film and television can elevate literary narratives to new heights. If you are a fan of literature or cinema, these titles are a must-see!

Oh, and before you go, don't forget our game: how many of the films did you expect to see on the list? We imagine that most readers expected to see Lord of the Rings on the list, but what about the others? Did your favorite appear?

Tell us in the comments!