1. Die Hard 1988，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 953746, ID: 0095016 Photo by bp.blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Die Hard, the quintessential action flick, surprisingly finds its origins in the 1979 novel ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’ by Roderick Thorp, revealing that the thrilling plot and memorable characters we adore first sprang from Thorp’s pages, enriching our appreciation for this iconic film.
2. Forrest Gump 1994，IMDB Rating: 8.8, IMDB Votes: 2284743, ID: 0109830 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The heartwarming saga of ‘Forrest Gump’, adapted from Winston Groom’s 1986 novel, follows the protagonist, portrayed by Tom Hanks, who, despite his limited intelligence, embarks on remarkable life journeys fueled by his unwavering spirit and kindness, making it a timeless tale.
3. Mean Girls 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 441671, ID: 0377092 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The beloved teen comedy ‘Mean Girls’ draws inspiration from Rosalind Wiseman’s non-fiction book ‘Queen Bees and Wannabes’, as it creatively transforms the book’s insights into high school dynamics among teenage girls into an engaging and entertaining cinematic experience.
4. Jurassic Park 1993，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 1079268, ID: 0107290 Photo by bp.blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The exhilarating adventure of ‘Jurassic Park’ traces its roots to Michael Crichton’s captivating 1990 novel, where the film’s groundbreaking portrayal of dinosaurs was initially conceived, marking a significant achievement in both literature and cinema.
5. Hauru no ugoku shiro 2004，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 457049, ID: 0347149 Photo by olivian.ro, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The enchanting animated film ‘Hauru no Ugoku Shiro’ (Howl’s Moving Castle) is loosely based on the 1986 novel by British author Diana Wynne Jones. The film brings the magic of Jones’s novel to life in a visually stunning way.
6. Shrek 2001，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 743449, ID: 0126029 Photo by gosc.pl, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Shrek, the charming animated fantasy comedy from 2001, surprises book enthusiasts as it adapts William Steig’s 1990 children’s picture book ‘Shrek!’, blending the hilarious antics of the film with the essence of the original story, creating a delightful fusion of humor and classic storytelling.
7. The Parent Trap 1961，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 24290, ID: 0055277 Photo by bp.blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Parent Trap, a 1961 romantic comedy film, is based on the 1949 German children’s novel ‘Das doppelte Lottchen’ by Erich Kästner. The film beautifully adapts the book’s plot about twin sisters trying to reunite their divorced parents, adding its own charm and humor.
8. 181 Rambo First Blood (1982) 2019，IMDB Rating: 0.0, IMDB Votes: 0, ID: 23964398 Photo by deviantart.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The iconic film ‘First Blood’, featuring the unforgettable character Rambo, is based on the 1972 novel ‘First Blood’ by David Morrell. The film captures the essence of the book, portraying the struggles of a Vietnam War veteran in a compelling and thought-provoking manner.
9. Who Framed Roger Rabbit 1988，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 218920, ID: 0096438 Photo by isfdb.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Who Framed Roger Rabbit, the whimsical 1988 fantasy comedy, draws from Gary K. Wolf’s 1981 novel ‘Who Censored Roger Rabbit?’, bringing the book’s vibrant characters to life within a unique cinematic landscape that seamlessly marries animation with live action, offering an unforgettable experience.
10. Full Metal Jacket 1987，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 797112, ID: 0093058 Photo by mojnews.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Full Metal Jacket, the gritty 1987 war film, is rooted in the semi-autobiographical novel ‘The Short-Timers’ by Gustav Hasford, delivering a raw and unfiltered representation of the Vietnam War that resonates deeply with both film enthusiasts and literature lovers alike.
11. Clueless 1995，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 249769, ID: 0112697 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 A modern twist on Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’, ‘Clueless’ cleverly reimagines the classic story through the lens of American teenage life, providing a humorous yet insightful commentary on social hierarchies, making it a must-watch for fans of literary adaptations.
12. Bridget Jones’s Diary 2001，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 266141, ID: 0243155 Photo by bp.blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 This charming romantic comedy is actually a modern interpretation of Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’. It is about the love story of the main characters in the context of contemporary society. Through witty dialog and charismatic characterizations, the film recreates the classic emotional conflicts and growth of the original.
13. Mrs. Doubtfire 1993，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 294388, ID: 0107614 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Behind the hilarious antics of Robin Williams in ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ lies the novel ‘Madame Doubtfire’ by Anne Fine. It tells the story of the main character, Daniel Shields (Robin Williams), who disguises himself as a housekeeping aunt, “My Fair Nurse,” in order to be able to spend more time with his children.
14. Goodfellas 1990，IMDB Rating: 8.7, IMDB Votes: 1271479, ID: 0099685 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Martin Scorsese’s ‘Goodfellas’, a gripping portrayal of life in the Mafia, is based on the non-fiction book ‘Wiseguy’ by Nicholas Pileggi. The film’s realistic depiction of organized crime offers a fascinating insight into a world often romanticized in popular culture.
15. The BFG 2016，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 94023, ID: 3691740 Photo by coyotepr.uk, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Steven Spielberg’s ‘The BFG’ brings to life Roald Dahl’s cherished children’s book with its magical visuals and heartwarming narrative, enchanting viewers of all ages and especially delighting those who cherish Dahl’s wonderfully imaginative universe.
16. Brokeback Mountain 2005，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 387602, ID: 0388795 Photo by blog.hu, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Brokeback Mountain, directed by Ang Lee, is an emotionally charged film based on Annie Proulx’s short story, transcending its label as a ‘gay cowboy movie’ to beautifully convey a universal narrative of forbidden love between two men, Ennis and Jack, who struggle against societal expectations to embrace their deep connection.
Discover the Unexpected Literary Roots of 16 Famous Movies!
