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)

Synopsis: Based on the first book in J.R.R. Tolkien's epic trilogy, "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" follows the journey of Frodo, a hobbit tasked with destroying the "One Ring," one of the most powerful artifacts in the universe. The story is filled with adventure, fantasy, and unforgettable characters.

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

PS: This title will represent the entire trilogy, and the same goes for the next ones on the list.

The Godfather (1972)

Synopsis: Adapted from the novel by Mario Puzo, "The Godfather" is one of the greatest classics in cinema, and is considered by many to be the greatest. The film tells the story of the Corleone family, one of the most powerful mafia families in America.

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)

Synopsis: Based on Jane Austen's classic novel, "Pride and Prejudice" chronicles the complicated relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, set in 19th-century England.

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)

Synopsis: Adapted from the first book in J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series, the film takes audiences on a journey into the magical world of Hogwarts, where Harry discovers his true identity as a wizard and what it's like to be the chosen one.

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)

Synopsis: Based on the novel by Stephen King, "The Shining" is one of the most iconic adaptations in the horror genre. Directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Jack Nicholson, the film follows the story of Jack Torrance, a man who loses his sanity while taking care of an isolated hotel during the winter.

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)

Synopsis: Based on the novel by Lauren Weisberger, "The Devil Wears Prada" tells the story of Andy Sachs, a young aspiring journalist who begins working as an assistant to the feared editor Miranda Priestly. The film is a funny and sometimes cruel look behind the scenes of the fashion world, with a brilliant performance by Meryl Streep as Miranda.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Synopsis: Based on the novel by Stephen Chbosky, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" follows the emotional journey of Charlie, a shy teenager who finds friendship and acceptance among a group of eccentric young people. The film addresses themes such as depression, sexuality and personal growth, offering a sensitive and authentic view of adolescence.

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)

Synopsis: Adapted from the novel by Celeste Ng, "Little Fires Everywhere" explores racial, social, and familial tensions in a seemingly perfect community. Featuring an engaging and contemporary plot, the series starring Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington offers a plot full of exciting twists and deep themes, touching on issues such as motherhood, privilege, and identity.

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)

Synopsis: Based on the novel by Dan Brown, The Da Vinci Code follows Professor Robert Langdon in a race against time to unravel a mystery that could shake the foundations of the Catholic Church. With a plot full of twists and turns, the film was a box office success, despite mixed reviews.

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)

Synopsis: Based on the psychological thriller by Paula Hawkins, "The Girl on the Train" follows Rachel, a woman who observes the seemingly perfect life of a couple during their daily train commutes, until she becomes involved in a sinister mystery. Although the film received less than favorable reviews, the book is celebrated for its gripping suspense and complex characters.

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!