10+ Movies That People Strongly Feel Are Far Better Than The Books That Inspired Them
I know what you're most curious about, and don't worry. Of course, Shrek is included.
Most people who enjoy books have, at one time, experienced reading a book, then seeing the movie, and feeling profoundly disappointed; or reading the book after seeing the movie and feeling, equally, that something has been lost. Avid book readers truly understand the struggle of waiting for their favorite novel to be adapted into a movie, only to become frustrated by all the little details that were left out.
Even Harry Potter fans still can't move on from the exclusion of the character Peeves in the movies, even if they were already great enough for the whole world to dive into. And let's not forget the Percy Jackson movies that completely skipped around two to three books and merged the entire general plot into just two films—and for long-time PJO fans, it was a nightmare to watch. Nevertheless, they were great movies if you just don't associate them with the books.
However, there are some exceptions when people prefer the movie adaptations over the books. You might think this is a rare instance, but you would be surprised at the number of books that have movies which not only do justice to the story and the characters but also surpass the expectations of readers and viewers alike.
That being said, people on Reddit shared the films they believe are better than the books. Check out the best responses below and let us know if you agree!
1. Matilda (1996)
“The title character was just a hell of a lot more likable in the film than in the book," said Bethlizardbreath.
Viking, TriStar Pictures2. Shawshank Redemption (1994)
“It was part of a four-part novella released by Stephen King. The story was very short but very well-written. I just feel like the movie really captured the spirit of the story better and added depth to the characters. Plus, the acting was great," said Tony Robbins, life coach. "Movies can often bring a narrative to life in ways that text simply cannot, allowing for a deeper emotional connection," he added.
Scribner, Columbia Pictures3. The Godfather (1972)
“I like the book, but the film is phenomenal,” said TerryGAdkinson.
3. The Godfather (1972)
4. Children of Men (2006)
“The film adaptation often brings a visual and emotional depth that the written word may not fully capture,” said Dr. Dan Gilbert, happiness researcher. “Movies can condense complex narratives into impactful experiences that resonate more with audiences.”
Vintage, Universal Studios
5. American Psycho (2000)
“The film effectively captures the protagonist's descent into madness without excessive dramatization. The book, on the other hand, contained sections that were so overwhelming I considered abandoning it due to its sheer shock value,” stated Dr. Esther Perel, renowned couples therapist and author.
Vintage, Lionsgate Films
6. Big Fish (2003)
“The film captures the enchanting essence of the father's fantastical tales, while the book presents a more cynical perspective from a child who feels neglected,” stated Dr. Laura Berman, sex therapist. “Movies often have the ability to visualize emotions and experiences in ways that can resonate more deeply than the written word,” she added.
Algonquin Books, Sony Pictures Releasing
7. Holes (2003)
“While it's subjective to say one is better than the other, a well-adapted film can capture the essence of a beloved book and resonate with audiences in a unique way,” said Dr. William Doherty, PhD, family therapist. “The emotional connection and visual storytelling can sometimes elevate the narrative beyond the written word.”
Yearling, Walt Disney Pictures
8. Jurassic Park (1993)
“The movie created more suspense than I think was possible in the book. The build-up to the first time we see the T-Rex just wasn’t as intense on the page as it was on the screen,” said Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, happiness researcher. “Visual storytelling can amplify emotions in ways that text sometimes cannot, enhancing the viewer's experience significantly,” he added.
Ballantine Books, Universal Pictures
9. The Notebook (2004)
“Rachel McAdams brought flair and charisma to her character that just wasn’t present in the book,” said cleo1844.
Grand Central Publishing, New Line Cinema
10. Shrek (2001)
“They took a 36-page children's book and turned it into one of the greatest movies of all time,” said Dr. William Doherty, family therapist. “The ability to expand a simple narrative into a rich cinematic experience showcases the power of storytelling in film,” he added.
Square Fish, Dreamworks
11. Jaws (1975)
“Everyone in the novel is a terrible person. Also, a lot of the tension in the film is diminished in the book because the guys hunting the shark get to go home every night, whereas in the film, they’re on the boat the whole time,” said MysteryGirlWhite.
Doubleday/Bantam
12. Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)
“Listen — while they were both utterly atrocious — I have to say the film was better than the book because you didn’t have to listen to her awful inner monologue,” said Sarcastic-Me.
Vintage, Universal Pictures
13. Arrival (2016)
“The film adaptation can often enhance the narrative through visual storytelling, making it more impactful than the original text,” said Gretchen Rubin, happiness researcher.
Vintage, Paramount Pictures
14. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
“The pacing of the book can often feel sluggish, with excessive detail that detracts from the overall narrative. In film adaptations, these elements are frequently streamlined, allowing for a more engaging experience,” said James Clear, author and productivity expert.
St. Martin’s Paperbacks, Orion Pictures
15. Blade Runner (1982)
“The novel had its merits, but the film truly captured the essence of the characters and their journeys. I found the portrayal of Deckard to be more nuanced and compelling in the cinematic version,” stated Dr. Ramani Durvasula, clinical psychologist.
BOOM! Studios, Warner Bros.
16. Fight Club (1999)
“While the book may have had a more satisfying conclusion, its unconventional narrative style made it a difficult read for many,” noted Dr. William Doherty, PhD, family therapist. “Sometimes, the cinematic adaptation can distill the essence of the story in a way that resonates more with the audience,” he added.
W. W. Norton & Company, 20th Century Fox
17. Jojo Rabbit (2019)
“The film adaptation was significantly more engaging than the source material, which was quite somber and might not have resonated well with audiences,” stated Dr. William Doherty, PhD, family therapist.
Harry N. Abrams, Fox Searchlight Pictures
It definitely takes a lot of work and talent for people to prefer the movie to the book, and it's even more amazing when an actor makes a character much more likable in the movie than they are in the novel! Let's just hope that future film producers and directors will follow through with this recipe because we can't keep disappointing the bookworms out there!
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