Disclaimers: I included Amazon affiliate links in this list of movies based on books so you can take a closer look. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases. Also, please be sure to check parental guidelines and trigger warnings before reading or watching anything I discuss on my blog.
Top movies based on books for movie night…and if you should skip the book before watching.
Just like movies and shows based on true stories (see my list of shows based on true stories) have a much higher chance of being quality, so do movies based on books, either fiction or non fiction. If I’ve read the book I’ll let you know whether to read it before watching the movie or not. Sometimes the movie really is better! I’ll do another list for shows based on books…stay tuned.
Non fiction
These movies were based on non fiction books, so they’re also true stories.
Girl Interrupted
Girl Interrupted is the story of Susana Kayser’s stay at a mental hospital instead of college after she graduates high school. Both the memoir and movie are such gems! Definitely read the book before (or even after) seeing the movie.
The Social Network
The Social Network was based on The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich, which I haven’t read. This movie was pretty much set up to be good because it was based on a book and iconic true story, plus it was made almost 15 year ago (standards were higher back then).
The Glass Castle
I thought the movie was great but didn’t compare to the well-loved memoir The Glass Castle, so definitely read it first. It was a nice finishing touch to see it after reading the book though! The movie is now on Netflix.
Hillbilly Elegy
I did not read the memoir this movie was based on, so I’m not sure if it’s worth the read beforehand. JD Vance (who wrote the memoir) is running for office now so it’s all the more relevant. But even as a stand alone, this was a great movie! It brought up a lot of points about race and raising yourself up from the ashes. On Netflix now.
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
Can You Ever Forgive Me is about a writer, who, due to her difficult personality, can’t pay her rent. She finds a loophole though: forging juicy letters from famous authors who have passed. I haven’t read the memoir but saw the movie many years go and it stayed with me.
Fiction
Gone Girl
I mean phew, Gone Girl is such a symbol. Of what, I’m not sure exactly. It was an amazing book and the movie adaptation was quite good too. You will get more out of the book, so I’d definitely read it before seeing the movie.
Nightbitch
I loved Nightbitch (and you can see why in my review)! The movie is coming out Dec 6th, can’t wait! But I’m assuming the book will be better, so be sure to read it beforehand.
The Lovely Bones
Ok, The Lovely Bones was one of those movies that was so good I went to read the book afterwards. It did not compare and was quite a bore! Please skip the book and head straight to the movie. My analysis of it is here.
Room
I read Room as a teen and it became my favorite book for a long time. It’s artistic and immersive with a nice plot. The movie was great too, but not as impactful as the book. I’d recommend watching it only after reading the book. After you do, see it on Netflix.
It Ends With Us
Everyone was talking about It Ends With Us so I read it (before I knew to stay away from super popular books). I did not like it for the most part (more on that here) but how could I not see the movie once it came out? I’m happy to say I liked the movie significantly better. I’d say skip the book and go for the movie.
Eileen
Eileen was my first Ottessa book, and I really enjoyed it. It wasn’t as good as MYORAR (analysis here) but still very well done. I loved how the movie stayed true to its gritty, indie quality but I’m not sure you’ll like it if you haven’t read the book.
Where the Crawdads Sing
You can’t go wrong with this classic book and seeing it come to life on screen afterwards is a treat too. If you don’t have time to read it I’d say go ahead with the movie. It should be up on Netflix now.
Of course there are plenty more that could be added to this list, but these are the ones that stood out to me. Let me know which movies based on books you think should be added!
Read more…
Reading Ideas for Lit Fic Lovers
Watch or Skip? Let Go on Netflix
