5 Movies That Are Better Than Their Books

If you are a book lover and have seen some of your favourite books translated into movies, you might have experienced both the thrill of seeing the story brought to life and the disappointment when important details are not shown.

Although books often provide a richer experience, as they unfold in the imagination, there are exceptions where the film adaptation eclipses the original novel. Some movies are so well-made that they make you forget there was ever a book in the first place. 

Here are the movies that are better than their books:

Planet of the Apes (1968) 

The original 1963 novel by French author Pierre Boulle tells a satirical tale of a journalist and a professor discovering a society of intelligent apes. While the book serves as a social allegory, the 1968 film adaptation introduced a groundbreaking take on the story, complete with a climactic twist absent from the book, capturing audiences’ imaginations in a way the printed page did not.

The Notebook (2004) 

Nicholas Sparks’s novels often follow a formulaic pattern, but the film adaptation of his debut stands out. The on-screen chemistry between Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling elevates the story beyond its “airport novel” origins, touching even the most cynical of hearts.

Jurassic Park (1993)

Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Michael Crichton’s novel was a monumental achievement in film for its stunning visual effects and lifelike dinosaurs. The movie not only dazzled with its technology but also provided more depth to its characters than found in the pages of the book.

The Godfather (1972)

While Mario Puzo’s 1969 novel is significant in its own right, Francis Ford Coppola’s film adaptation is a masterpiece of American cinema. The movie streamlines the novel’s expansive and sometimes meandering narrative, crafting a tighter and more impactful story.

Jumanji (1995)

Chris Van Allsburg’s original is a picture book that captures the imagination, but the 1995 film adaptation expands this simple story into a thrilling adventure. With a stellar cast and dynamic storytelling, the movie turns a children’s game into a beloved classic.