Chat Between Chapters: Book to Movie Adaptations

We decided to join the  Top Ten Tuesday meme with today’s discussion post. The topic is a freebie so here is our pick.

Top/Bottom 10 Book to Movie Adaptations

 

 Julie:

Look, adaptations are a dangerous thing sometimes. Some of them are just fabulous. And some, horrific. But here is my list of the best adaptations where the adaptation was as good or better than the book.

1. Project Hail Mary. Just, fabulous. Everything is perfection. Best movie I have seen in a long time.
2. Wicked (the musical, and the two movies) >>>>> book. So many times better than the book. So nothing like that book lol. You can read more about my thoughts on Oz interpretations here.
3. The Hunger Games movies were fantastic and just as great as the books. 5 stars to all. You can read my Catching Fire Movie Review.
4. Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy… still fun to watch years later. We watched it again once we turned 42 just for funsies. Still enjoyable. Books are also very enjoyable.
5. Ender’s Game was very well done. Great book, great movie.
6. (because I can’t stop at just 5) The Harry Potter movies were wonderfully done as well!

 

And just for funsies because what good is a top list without a bottom list… These adaptations did not deliver.

1. Vampire Academy … I had high hopes, it was such a great series, but the movie? And the TV show attempt? nope.
2. This one is a some hit some miss series list. Divergent (was fab) but the other two movies? Not as fab. Allegiant was terrible.
3. Twilight series… they’re all cringe but still fun. Represent the ratty.
4. Discovery of Witches… I couldn’t even make it past the first few episodes
5. The Host movie wasn’t so good. Book was great though. Pattern here for this author.

 

Lynn:

Hah. Just see Julie’s list! I actually liked Discover of Witches and the Twilight movies. Spot on with The Host, though. Here are some more:

1. Clearly, Project Hail Mary. I also really enjoyed The Martian movie. Book was better.
2. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Honestly, I never got Peter Kavinsky til the movies. SO MUCH BETTER than the books.
3. Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. GREAT movie. Lots of heart.
4. Atonement. Movie >>>>> book.
5. Princess Bride. Same as above. Movie >>>>>>> book.
6. Bonus book: Last of the Mohicans. I never actually read this one. But the movie is perfection; soundtrack especially so.

And the not great ones:

1. The Mortal Instrements movie was not good. At all. The series was a bit better, though.
2. I am Number Four: Just skip this one.
3. Persuasion – the recent one with Dakota Johnson. That was horrible and Jane Austen was probably rolling in her grave at the affront to all readers.
4. My Oxford Year: I loved this book. The movie missed a lot of the emotions.
5. Golden Compass: Honestly, I didn’t love the book. Or the movie.

 

OK your turn! What are some of your favorite or least favorite book adaptations?

 

 

We are also linking up our discussion posts with the 2026 Book Blog Discussion Challenge hosted by Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight (and co-hosted by us)!

 

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