Many of our favourite films are based on books, and many of our favourite books have been adapted into films! However, here are seven movies that you might not have known were actually books first. From Shakespearean teen flicks to powerful historical dramas, and from directors such as Stephen Spielberg to Martin Scorsese, books have always inspired cinema for as long as we can remember.
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Directed by Chris Columbus, Mrs. Doubtfire stars Robin Williams as both Daniel Hillard and Euphegenia Doubtfire. This classic 90s comedy movie was adapted from the novel Alias Madame Doubtfire by Anne Fine. Unlike the movie, the book version of Mrs Doubtfire is not nearly as convincing, and the eldest two children recognise their father straight away, however still fooling Miranda and their youngest child. Robin Williams does a brilliant job of bringing Mrs Doubtfire to life in this timeless family movie.
The Princess Bride (1987)
Adapted from a William Goldman novel of the same name, The Princess Bride is a loveable movie that crosses the bridge from fantasy to comedy and is loved by adults and children of all ages. Now regarded as a cult classic, and even appearing on The American Film Institute’s list of ‘100 Greatest Love Stories’, William Goldman actually wrote the screenplay for this Rob Reiner flick and was on set during a lot of the filming, even ruining one of the takes when Robin Wright’s dress caught fire.
Schindler’s List (1993)
This critically acclaimed Stephen Spielberg film was originally a book called Schindler’s Ark, published in 1982 and winning the Man-Booker prize in the same year. Written by Thomas Keneally, Schindler’s Ark was by far his first or last successful novel. Spielberg made the decision to adapt Schindler’s life story upon seeing a review for Keneally’s book. Since 1993, Schindler’s List has won multiple awards and is often acclaimed as one of the greatest films of all time.
Clueless (1995)
Modern adaptations of classic literature are always a win in Hollywood, with one of the best being Amy Heckerling’s Clueless. Based on Jane Austen’s Emma, main protagonist Cher Horowitz portrays a ditzy version of Austen’s most superficial heroines. Emma translates superbly into modern teenage high-school drama, proving that the problems of matchmaking aren’t limited to any particular time period. There was also a true book-to-movie adaptation of Emma released earlier in 2020, in all its Regency-era glory.
GoodFellas (1990)
This Martin Scorsese crime film stands out on this list as the only movie adapted from a non-fiction book. Nicholas Pileggi was a crime reporter who penned Wiseguy: Life in a Mafia Family about Henry Hill, who is also the protagonist in GoodFellas. Pileggi also had a significant role in the production of the film, co-writing the screenplay and sharing advice and information with the main actors.
Stardust (2007)
Another fantasy adventure movie on this list, this time adapted from the Neil Gaiman novel of the same name. Stardust echoes the same whimsical and curious tone as medieval folk tales, different to his other fictional novels, which have spawned other successful movie adaptations, such as Coraline (2009). Neil Gaiman even helped produce this Matthew Vaughn movie, which features a star-studded ensemble cast and magnificently captures the peculiar magical kingdom of Stormhold.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Yet another classic story retold in a high school setting, but this time it’s William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Kickstarting the dazzling Hollywood careers of Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles and Joseph-Gordon Levitt, 10 Things I Hate About You is one of the most iconic teen movies of the late 1990s. The Taming of the Shrew has been adapted multiple times, including into a stage musical Kiss Me, Kate.
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