5 must-watch movie adaptations on Video Play
Movies / Series
09 August 2019

Lauren Goldman

5 must-watch movie adaptations on Video Play

Hollywood often takes inspiration from existing written works. Here are five movies based on books that you wont want to miss.

If you've read (and love) these books, the screen adaptations will blow your mind. In honour of Book Lovers Day (9 August) – and winter – we encourage you to add them to your viewing list this weekend.

1. Hidden Figures

This biographical drama film is loosely based on Margot Lee Shetterly's non-fiction book of the same name. It reveals the African American female mathematicians who worked at NASA during the Space Race and who are so often overlooked in other retellings of that period. The film was nominated for numerous awards and won the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. The National Board of Review also chose it as one of the top 10 movies of 2016.

2. Fifty Shades of Grey

This steamy novel by EL James raised eyebrows when it first came out and it was only a matter of time before it was adapted into a movie. Despite critics panning it, fans loved it and the franchise (which consists of three movies in total) is the fourth biggest R-rated franchise ever. The series follows the relationship of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey – who, shall we say, prefers alternative practices in the bedroom.

3. Pet Sematary

In a year of remakes (The Lion King, Hellboy and Men in Black to name just a few), it appeared to be the perfect time to redo one of the most popular horrors of all time. Stephen King's Pet Sematary first made it onto screen in 1989. While the new version didn't have critics raving, it performed better than its predecessor. The movie deals predominantly with the concept of death and the horrible consequences of bringing a beloved pet (or human) back to life.

4. Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events

The written series consists of 13 books, but this gothic dark comedy film covers only the first three novels. Jude Law takes on the role of Lemony Snicket (the original author and narrator in the movies). He shares the tale of three children who are orphaned after their parents die in a mysterious fire. The film has been compared to those of Tim Burton, so if you love Tim and Jim Carrey (who plays the villain), you'll love this.

5. Jack Reacher

Popular crime novelist Lee Child's most well known series follows a former soldier, Jack Reacher. This adaptation focuses solely on the ninth book, called One Shot, with Tom Cruise starring as the titular character. In the movie, Jack becomes involved in an investigation after a suspected murderer requests to see him while in jail. A sequel, Never Look Back, was also released.

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Lauren Goldman