Books that Have Inspired Major Movie or TV Adaptations

Books have always been a rich source of inspiration for filmmakers, and some of the most iconic movies and TV series were originally novels. Whether it’s the epic fantasy of Game of Thrones or the heart-wrenching drama of The Shawshank Redemption, literature provides the foundation for countless beloved adaptations.

Interesting Fact: The Godfather by Mario Puzo and The Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King weren’t instant hits as books, but their film adaptations became cultural landmarks, winning awards and influencing generations of moviegoers.

When it comes to adaptations, sometimes the book is better than the movie, but sometimes—just sometimes—the adaptation brings something new and magical. A perfect example is The Lord of the Rings films, where Peter Jackson’s visuals and the memorable performances by actors like Ian McKellen have become inseparable from the story itself.

But what about when books miss the mark in their adaptation? Think about Eragon or The Golden Compass—both films based on beloved books that didn’t quite live up to expectations. What went wrong?