Comparing Iconic Books and Their Movie Versions
Creating a successful adaptation is one of Hollywood’s greatest challenges. Whether it’s transforming a beloved classic novel or a contemporary pop song into a cinematic experience, it often sparks the age-old debate of “which is better, the movie or the book?”
However, we believe that appreciating both the original work and its adaptation is time well spent. While people are trying to contrast books vs movies, they are missing the point. They often complement each other, enhancing the overall experience rather than detracting from it. For those who enjoy their stories in multiple formats, we’ve compiled a list of excellent adaptations that do justice to both mediums.
1. Emma
For the countless (and we mean countless) adaptations of Jane Austen’s novel, you might think we’d be tired of seeing Emma on our screens. Yet, the 2020 version starring Anya Taylor-Joy and directed by Autumn de Wilde proves to be both delightful and familiar. De Wilde’s take adds a modern twist that slightly softens Austen’s sharp social critique but heightens the story’s humor and frivolity. The result is a charmingly chaotic adaptation true to the spirit of the source material. What truly distinguishes this film is Taylor-Joy’s portrayal of Emma, making the character even more unapologetically unlikable at times. Indeed, Emma herself couldn’t have orchestrated a better match.
2. The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Evoking the charm of graphic novels, picture books, flip books, and films, Brian Selznick’s The Invention of Hugo Cabret stands out as a masterful creation. This hefty hardback, brimming with intricate pencil sketches, narrates an enchanting tale set in 1930s Paris. It follows a young boy, an automaton crafted by his father, and a secret linked to the early days of cinema. In 2011, Martin Scorsese brought this story to the silver screen with Hugo, featuring Asa Butterfield, Ben Kingsley, Chloë Grace Moretz, Sacha Baron Cohen, Emily Mortimer, and Jude Law. Although Selznick’s novel was initially aimed at children, it has captivated adults as well, earning the 2008 Caldecott Medal for the book and a 2012 Best Picture Academy Award nomination for the film.
People Also Read?
If you watched a movie and were really inspired by it, it’s time to read a book. And with the advent of the story reading app, you can do it within a minute of the desire. I use FictionMe – a novel app with a large library and audio playback of books. The platform has a huge amount of content: from Steamy stories to crime novels. The most important thing is the availability of books, many of them are free and you can read them anytime and anywhere.
3. Room
The 2010 novel about captivity didn’t rely on the magic of filmmaking to create a gripping narrative. Readers who have devoured the book will recall the intense experience of hurriedly flipping through the pages, feeling both excitement and trepidation. When the film adaptation debuted five years later, it retained that same breathless tension, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. Both the book and the movie (adapted by author Emma Donoghue) masterfully immerse the audience in the story’s dark, claustrophobic setting, mirroring the oppressive atmosphere of Room. Eventually, they lead the audience into an expansive, hopeful space—leaving them stunned but still slightly wary.
4. My Abandonment
Inspired by true events, My Abandonment tells the story of a teenage girl navigating life with her veteran father in the Oregon wilderness. Narrated from her perspective, it explores themes of survival, family, and the nature of home. Directed by Debra Granik, the film adaptation is beautifully shot and goes by the title Leave No Trace.
Thomasin McKenzie, known for roles in Last Night in Soho and Jojo Rabbit, received critical acclaim for her portrayal of the young protagonist. The movie is a poignant blend of quiet intensity and subtle grace. My iPhone was literally heating up in my hands while reading this intriguing story. If you enjoy stories based on real experiences, consider exploring other autobiographies that capture the essence of true life.
5. The Princess Diaries
Whether we read about her adventures or watch them unfold, Princess Mia Thermopolis of Genovia is the friend we’ve always wanted. What’s not to love? She’s humorous, finds herself in dreamy romances, and, of course, she’s royalty! In both the novel and the movie adaptation, Mia starts as a quirky 16-year-old whose world turns upside down when she learns she’s the princess of a European microstate.
The film features a young Anne Hathaway in a breakout role, sharing the screen with the timeless Julie Andrews as her grandmother. While the book’s grand-mère may come across as more stern than charming, this is wonderfully balanced by Mia’s hilarious diary entries. Both the book and the movie excel in one crucial area—they are bursting with heart. Together, they form an enchanting pair that offers royal storytelling at its finest.
6. Little Women
It’s a tale that’s been retold countless times over the years, and for good reason. However, Greta Gerwig’s 2019 rendition presents a fresh and relevant perspective while staying true to the spirit of the source material. More of a reimagining than a simple retelling, the film retains some of the novel’s most iconic moments—like the curling iron mishap and the near-fatal icy pond incident—but introduces a modern tone that aligns perfectly with Louisa May Alcott’s vision of female empowerment. This timeless theme resonates just as strongly today as it did when the story was first written.
Recap
What is the difference between a book and its movie version? In the presentation of information, the main difference is the discrepancy with expectations. We build our virtual world based on the book and it is not surprising that it does not match the movie. If we watch a movie and then read a book, there is no feeling that expectations were not met. This is the best sequence.
What do you think is the comparison and contrast of books and movies?
