Adaptations That Do Their Books Justice.

When it comes to book adaptations for TV and film I typically have very low expectations. I generally feel like the book is way better and that the characters are not adequately represented by the actors. However, occasionally I find a TV show or movie that really does the book and its characters justice. Check out the series and movies below that I think do a great job bringing the book to life!

1. Outlander

If you haven‘t seen the Starz series based off of Diana Gabaldon’s epic novels you are missing out. First, they did a fantastic job casting the main characters (Jamie and Claire), as Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe have incredible chemistry. The novels are very long and jam packed with various story lines, drama and action. The TV series is edited down a bit but does an amazing job of bringing the story to life through flashbacks, time lapses and strong acting. I was hoping to read all of the books before I started the series, but I only made it through the first two books before saying screw it. The show is too good to miss out on and I don’t regret a thing!

2. The Fault in Our Stars

This book is one of my favorites of all time. Definitely my favorite John Green book, and I’ve read almost all of them. Therefore, I had super high expectations for the movie and it did not disappoint! The movie is just as heart wrenching as the novel and they did an excellent job writing a script that is almost identical to the book (several lines from John Green’s book were actually used!). Definitely a must see and a must read, and for once I don’t think that the order matters too much!

3. Bridgerton

Although the Netflix show only has one season, I thoroughly enjoyed the show's interpretation of the Bridgerton series. There were several changes made to the story lines of the characters but I think that in order to make the show exciting many were smart choices. Shonda Rhimes is a genius and she has found a way to reimagine the historical romance genre. One of the best parts of the series are the costumes. The clothing in this show is bright, ethereal and down right stunning. Although the show is a bit over the top at times, I still thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for season 2!

4. The Map of Tiny Perfect Things

It's amazing to me how Amazon Prime was able to turn author Lev Grossman's 50 page short story into a full movie. For those of you not familiar with the story, it centers around 17 year old Mark who is trapped in a time loop. He meets Margaret, who is also stuck in the loop, and together they set out to find every tiny, perfect thing that happens in that one recurring day. The short story is well done, but it's missing so many details that the movie beautifully fills in. This is a great watch if you are looking for something lighthearted and fun to pass the time.

5. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

This series is adorable and the movies are as well. The first movie is my favorite snd it’s not surprising that it’s become one of Netflix’s most watched movies. Need a feel good, rom com type of an evening? This movie has it all and has become a cult favorite!

6. Call Me By Your Name

Honestly, I like the movie way better than the book. The book was super confusing at times even though I think that is Achiman’s writing style in general. However, when I saw the movie so many things from the book made more sense and fell into place. Timothee Chalamet is so incredibly talented (he speaks three different languages in this film!) and the chemistry between his character and Armie Hammer’s is electric.

7. The Handmaid’s Tale

I was horrified when I read this book and seeing the TV show bring the horror to life has been...unsettling. The show really pushes the story and characters beyond what the book provides, as the book is only told from Ofred’s perspective. Not going to lie, this show (and book) is GRUESOME. I’ve had to close my eyes and look away on more than one occasion. However, the cast and writing is so good that I can’t not watch.

8. The Martian

I absolutely loved this book and all of its lengthy descriptions about spaceships, mechanics and planets. Weir did an incredible job conducting research for this book and I honestly thought he worked for NASA when I read it. I was super nervous that the movie would be awful, but I was pleasantly surprised! They had to cut out a lot from the book but I agree with a lot of the choices they made. Overall, they kept the essence of the story and made it a lot more fun, and even humorous, at times. Who knew being abandoned on Mars by your crew could be so hilarious?

9. Six Degrees of Separation

I read this play in high school and fell in love with this crazy story. Will Smith plays the lead character in the movie version, and this is a role we don’t normally see him play. He is excellent as the cunning and charming ”Paul,” a con artist who leaves a deep impression on the wealthy art dealers he swindles.

10. The Witches

The original “The Witches” movie is such a classic. I haven’t seen the new version, but I probably won’t because how could it ever replace the original in all its glory?——Don’t get me started on the atrocity that is Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This Roald Dahl book was one of my absolute favorites growing up and the movie, staring Angelica Houston, is so so good. Whenever I see that it’s on TV I have to drop whatever I’m doing and watch it because it’s just one of those movies that gets you excited! Highly recommend watching this at any age.

What film and TV show adaptations are your favorites? Are any of them better than the book? Comment below!