Everyone knows the popular saying “the book is always better than the movie,” but is that always the case?
We’ve seen plenty of movies that are far worse than the book, as well as films that are just as good as the books they’re based on.
Movies better than the book? It’s more common than you think, according to audiences.
Big Fish
One thing that helps elevate the film over the source material is the imagery.
Seeing these outlandish, larger-than-life stories come to life after Will thought his father was lying delivers a far bigger emotional impact on the big screen than the book.
Jaws
In the novel, all of the protagonists are as unlikable as they come.
The film makes the leads more relatable, while also removing unnecessary subplots, resulting in the all-time classic we all know and love.
Who Framed Rodger Rabbit
Based on the 1981 novel Who Censored Roger Rabbit?, but it has a hard time coming together and ultimately feels disjointed.
In addition to the nostalgia of seeing beloved animated characters on screen, including Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse appearing together, the film’s narrative is far more cohesive and well-rounded.
Forrest Gump
That Robert Zemeckis guy has a talent for making movies better than the books they’re based on.
Winston Groom’s 1986 novel is weirder, Forrest Gump is more unlikable, and lacks the charm of the 1994 movie.
The Mist
The Stephen King novella ends with a shred of hope and optimism. The film does the opposite and is one of the most heart-wrenching endings you’ll ever see in a movie.
Stephen King even agreed that the movie did it better.
Shawshank Redemption
Based on the 1982 novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, also from Stephen King, the film version of Shawshank Redemption, coincidentally also directed by Frank Darabont, takes a ho-hum, average short story and turns it into one of the best films of all time.
Wanted
2008’s Wanted is a guilty pleasure of mine. It’s not winning any awards, but it’s slick, stylish, and the definition of cool.
Following the movie’s release, I checked out the comic series the film was based on, and it lacks any of the redeeming factors of the movie; it’s brought down by writing that’s ultimately childish.
Shrek
Speaking of short stories, Shrek is based on a little-known children’s book that clocks in at only 30 pages.
DreamWorks was able to take that story and adapt it into one of the most successful animated franchises in movie history.
The Devil Wears Prada
Andy, Anne Hathaway’s character in The Devil Wears Prada, isn’t perfect, but she’s likable and you can’t help but root for her, especially since her friends are the literal worst.
In the novel, Andy is the epitome of unlikable. In fact, you can’t help but hate her.
The Silence of the Lambs
One of the reasons why The Silence of the Lambs is such a great movie is because of how well-paced it is. There’s not a scene wasted, and the film never drags on.
You can’t say the same for the novel, however; Thomas Harris’ writing is far too tedious and, at times, it’s a chore to get through.
