Book to Screen Adaptations

The adoptions of turning beloved novels into immersive films and television shows, has been a trend that has continued to grow and grow, especially since the adaption of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 2001. We have arrived at the point, where almost a quarter of what we watch (whether it is on the small or silver screen) is a series or film that has been based on a bestselling work/a of fiction. Sometimes these adaptions didn’t work, but for the most part they have become firm favourites amongst book fans and film goers alike. Below, I have complied a list (in no particular order) of a few past and current book adaptations, that have definitely left their mark in cinematic or television history.

1) Harry Potter by JK Rowling

At the top of the list, is Harry Potter. This eight film series has become a national and global treasure, ever since the first books release in 1997 and first films release in 2001. The Boy who loved, who found out he was a wizard on his 11th birthday, and had a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here, he would meet his best friends, ‘the brightest witch of her age’ Hermione and the loyal Ron ‘Weasley [who] is our king’; as they become the legendary trio, (constantly getting themselves into magic misheard and missions) along with other iconic characters such as Ginny, Luna, Neville and Draco, as he who must not be named begins a slow burning return, to finish what he started.

The tone and themes of the series become darker as the legendary trio grow older, but the light hearted mundane moments are never far behind. Although, there are not enough words to describe the magical fantasy adventures of the Harry Potter series, but one thing is certain; Harry Potter will never be forgotten in fictional or cinematic history.

2) A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

This is a fairly recent adaption, with the first book in the series (A Discovery of Witches) adapted into a British modern fantasy series (inspired by supernatural lore); which began with a ten episode first season, back in 2018. The series follows a young witch in her mid twenties, Diana Bishop in a world where there are three supernatural fractions (witches, vampires and dameons). Diana has long disowned her magic and never practises the craft (despite the insistence of her aunt and her partner) due to the mysterious murder of her parents, who were quite advanced in witchcraft. She has since made a name for herself as a historian, who has recently moved to Oxford to further her career.

Her plans are put to a halt, when she accidentally summons a powerful supernatural book in the library, and she is seen by Matthew De Clement, a vampire who becomes intrigued by Diana’s resistance to magic. Diana becomes to grow closer to Matthew, as her powers begin to grow again, and various factions are out for the book and Diana, and are willing to kill her for its secrets, and her forbidden association with someone outside her species.

A Discovery of Witches is a dark mysterious and tense drama will leave you on the edge of your seat, as a slow burning plot is used to amazing dramatic, along with amazing visual effects that leave you fully intrigued by reluctant witch Diana. This magical drama will return with a long awaited second season is due to start airing in January 2021 on Sky 1.

3) The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

She volunteered as tribute. She became the girl on the fire. She is the mockingjay. The four film franchise, starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen launched the 2010 era of young adult book to film adaptations. The Hunger follows Katniss as a young girl from the seams in District 12, who volunteers for her 12 young old sister Primrose as a tribute for the Hunger Games. A to the death competition where a male and female tribute from each one of the 12 districts are subjected to parades, interviews and training before being sent into an area to kill each other until one of them is crowned the victor. When Katniss heads into the area alongside fellow tribute Peeta, she never saw the future resistance against the vain greedy Capitol, that would be sparked by her own act of rebellion.

The tense dramatic action and slow burning love triangle created one of the most iconic dystopians of the decade. Along with the small humorous or tender moments that left you with a slight grin or tugged your heartstrings. The books comments on war, government, violence and damaging consequences of reality television remain very poignant, and allows The Hunger Games to stand out from the crowd. All four films are currently available on Amazon Prime.

4) Alex Rider by Anthony Horowitz

Alex Rider is a new suspenseful spy thriller based on the best selling books by Anthony Horowitz, about a young ‘James Bond’ esque character called Alex Rider. Alex Rider has a normal teenage life in London with his best mate, his guardian Jack Starbright and his uncle, as his parents died years ago. When his uncle is seemingly killed in a accident, Alex decides to investigate and discovers his uncle had been lying to him, he was a top secret agent, who was murdered because he got too close to a lead on a case. Alex is recruited by his uncles former sly agency to go undercover as a rich kid at Point Blanc, which his uncle was investigating. He agrees only the basis that he wants to find out what really happened to his uncle.

This spy thriller is dramatically different compared to other young adult spy series out there. The suspense increases as Alex gets closer and closer to the mystery of his uncles death, starting with Point Blanc. Alex Rider is a welcome change from more comedy based spy series, as the spy genre is in full force here and does not hold back. You can watch the first ten episode season is now available on Amazon Prime.

5) Little Women by Louise Alcott

The most recent adaptation of Louise Alcott’s famous novel, directed by Gretta Gerwig remains true to the period and themes of the book, while introducing a modern atmosphere to the four sisters and their lives, which makes it just as relatable now as it was back then. Little Women is a story of sisterhood, traedgy and love as Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth embark on a life changing journey of self discovery, dreams and resilience, as told by Jo, who wishes to become a published author.

A piece of classic literature that has been constantly adapted into a feminist period masterpiece of a film, will continue to be beloved by all generations and for many generations to come. And if you want to find out what happens next, there are two follow up books to Little Women for readers and film fans to get stuck into.

6) Me Before You By JoJo Moyes

The 2016 adaption of Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You a heartwarming, tearful and real film; that doesn’t back away from difficult themes whilst handling those themes in a very elegant and realistic way. Me Before You is a adaption of the first book in the ‘Me Before You’ trilogy, which follows a 27 year old Louisa Clark.

After many failed job searches, Louisa is offered the position of career for Will Traynor, who developed quadriplegia after he was hit by a motorcycle. When she learns that Will has made an agreement with his mother – that he will continue to live for six more months if he can go to Switzerland for helping in ending his life. Louisa decides to use these six months to lift his spirits, in order to change his mind, but matters become more complicated as Louisa begins to fall in love with him.

This adaptation remains true to the book, and very little is changed from page to screen; allowing for the plot and serious themes of the books to stay intact and not be brushed over; when Louisa and Will’s journey are at the very heart of both book and film. The film is a definite tear jerker that will stay with you for a long time after you’ve watched, and rushing to read it’s sequels, ‘After You’ and ‘Still Me’.

7) The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

This is the nostalgia pick on the list, with The Princess Diaries turning 19 years old: while it’s sequel The Princess Diaries: Royal Engagement is turning 16 years old. The duology is based on Meg Cabot ‘Princess Diaries’ book series, and sees ordinary American teenager Amelia discovering she is a Genovian Princesm and first in line to the throne. She is tutored by her grandmother, the queen, in how to be a princess, who struggles to embrace this part of her royal inheritance; while attempting to maintain her normal life.

This heartfelt and hilarious duology is beloved by many Disney fans who grew up in the early 200’s , as Mia’s journey to become something else who not losing or changing her true self is something we can all relate too; which is why this is a film series we can watch over and over again, and relive the hopeful side splitting life of Princess Mia.