Do you prefer to read the book before watching the film?

[DontOpenDeadInside]

I have recently read all the Harry Potter books, having only watched the 1st film when it 1st came out. Planning on watching the movies when I've got a bit spare money to buy them. Also read Divergent, which I'd seen the film of but couldn't really remember much of it so just rewatched it and realised the book was a lot better.
My dilemma is Insurgent is not on Kindle unlimited but the film is on prime, I'm not wanting to pay money for the book so will wait for it to come on unlimited, but should I watch the film?

Also, if anyone's got Kindle unlimited and gave any recommendations in the same genre that'd be great. :)

I usually like to read the book first...one exception being the Mortal Instruments series (which you should read if it's on Kindle Unlimited!) where I prefer the film, even though it's very different.

And don't get me started on 'my sister's keeper'

Always the book first.

I had read the hunger games and divergent series before the films. The films are great but a book is always better although I agree, it can be a bit frustrating when an actor in a film is nothing like you imagined them to be in the book (Tom Cruise is NOT Jack Reacher )

If you liked HG and divergent, Wool is a good series to read and they are supposedly bringing the film for the first book out this year so get in there with the reading.

I agree, it can be a bit frustrating when an actor in a film is nothing like you imagined them to be in the book

Sometimes it can work though, Sharpe in the books is a black haired Londoner, which Sean Bean is not.

With 'Insurgent' the book and the film are REALLY different, they've changed big chunks of the plot. I think I can see why having read allegient.

I'd read the book as it has so much more depth, and then you can watch the film going 'that's not right, why have they done that...'! Most of the dynamic between the main characters is missed out.

Oh and once you've read the books you should look for Four - written from Four's perspective. Leave it until after the last book though. Plotwise you could read before but you need to read after allegient.

Normally I would say read the book first and then see the film but there are some exceptions.

With Harry Potter, it's a win-win; the films are light compared to the books but still a lot of fun. Then you can read the books and have your mind blown.

One fantasy book I think is not as good as the film is Stardust by Neil Gailman. The book is just OK but the film is fantastic. It not only captures the book perfectly but has a flawless cast and feels so much more magical somehow.

Oh my... delta u are so right!! The Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher caused me much distress... Although in the end I did watch the film out of morbid curiosity and enjoyed it as a film - I did keep having to separating Jack in my head!!

DODI i really enjoyed the Twilight series as books. I enjoyed the films too, although probably as I'd left it quite long between the books and the films.
They are soppy in a teen way I guess, but not too much. I was incredibly frustrated by the end is the series - but I won't get into that incase u do decide to read and I prejudice you.

The book is nearly always better. But there are exceptions. For me Orlando the film is a far more engaging and enjoyable experience than the book. The Prestige is very different in its two forms with both being excellent (and hauntingly creepy).

I much prefer book first as the films miss so much out and if I see something new coming which is from a book I haven't read I try to read it quickly.

Yes, always books first. Usually it's books only round here as I never seem to get round to the cinema.
I haven't seen Room, how closely does it stick to the book?

Book first and I also have another rule. The book cannot be illustrated with a screenshot from the film on it's cover.

I watch far more films than I read books, but books are generally far better. I remember absolutely loving the Life of Pi book and being a bit disappointed with the film.

Depends on the book though; lots of modern popular fiction is written in a really visual filmic way already, which transfers easily to the screen.

Stephen King is not really great literature with deep insightful character studies. It is all about the plot so transfers to film well.

Unfortunately I don't have a love for reading, so it's the film every time for me.

Hi everyone,

We're sweeping this great thread into films. OP please do shout if this is a problem for you.