Ten Classic Books That Became Movies
If you’re a book lover and a film buff, there’s something magical about seeing a favourite story come to life on screen. Sometimes they get it spot on, sometimes... not so much. But here’s the thing: many of the books that inspired classic films are now in the public domain. That means you can read them for free!
I’ve put together a list of ten iconic books that have been adapted into films. Whether you’re revisiting an old favourite or discovering it for the first time, these gems are all waiting for you.
1. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
This gothic masterpiece has inspired countless adaptations, from the haunting 2011 film starring Mia Wasikowska to the timeless 1943 version with Orson Welles. Jane’s journey from mistreated orphan to independent woman – and her complicated romance with Mr Rochester – is just as gripping now as it was when it was first published.
2. Dracula by Bram Stoker
Before vampires sparkled (looking at you, Twilight), there was Dracula. This gothic horror classic has been adapted into everything, from Bela Lugosi’s 1931 film to Francis Ford Coppola’s lush 1992 version starring Gary Oldman. Creepy castles, mysterious counts – it’s a must-read.
3. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
The “mad scientist creates monster” story that started it all. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is much deeper than the lumbering creature we see in old films. It’s about ambition, ethics, and what it really means to be human. Check it out before diving into one of its many adaptations.
4. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
This heartwarming story of the four March sisters has been adapted time and time again, most recently in Greta Gerwig’s 2019 masterpiece. But the original book is just as rich and delightful. Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy – you can’t help but love them.
5. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
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“We’re off to see the wizard…” The 1939 film starring Judy Garland is legendary, but have you read the book? It’s a quirky, magical tale with its own charm. Fun fact: there are loads of sequels, too, so once you’re hooked, there’s more to explore.
6. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Gatsby’s tragic quest for Daisy in the glitzy world of the Roaring Twenties was brought to life in Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 film. But honestly, the book’s lyrical prose is unbeatable.
7. Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
Sherlock Holmes has been played by everyone from Basil Rathbone to Benedict Cumberbatch, but the original stories are still just as thrilling. Start with The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and see if you can solve the mysteries before the great detective does.
8. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
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Lewis Carroll’s whimsical, nonsensical world has inspired dozens of adaptations, from Disney’s animated classic to Tim Burton’s colourful live-action films. The book is an absolute delight, with wordplay and absurdity galore.
9. The Call of the Wild by Jack London
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This rugged tale of a dog’s journey from domesticity to wilderness has been adapted several times, most recently in 2020 with Harrison Ford. The book is gripping, especially for animal lovers, and a brilliant read if you fancy an adventure.
10. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Pirates, treasure maps, and Long John Silver – Treasure Island is the quintessential swashbuckling adventure. It’s been adapted countless times, including the Muppets’ hilarious take (seriously, Muppet Treasure Island is amazing). But the book is where it all started.
