Films BETTER than the book?

[FurrySlipperBoots]

I know it's extremely rare! Can you think of any? I just watched Esio Trot on Netflix and it's 1000% times better than the book, which bores the pants off me. I found it really sweet and well done - watched it right to the end, which is rare for me.

[billybagpuss]

@tillytoodles1

Gone With the Wind.

Oh no I disagree, I read the book for the first time during lockdown and whilst the film is pretty faithful I felt much more detail in the book. But the film did add the word ‘frankly’ which is maybe the most famous use of the word ever.

[Arbadacarba]

The Talented Mr Ripley (I know Highsmith fans will think this sacrilegious)

The 1974 film of Murder on the Orient Express.

Those I don't agree with above - The Beach (I thought the film was sanitised and twee) and anything by Jane Austen (some film versions are good but I love Austen's prose).

[ReachedTheEndofCake]

Mrs Doubtfire
It’s a children’s book - read in primary school and it’s just awful

[Arbadacarba]

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Although a comparison is perhaps unfair as the original was a short story rather than a novel and it simply sets out to describe the odd happening rather than exploring the emotions of Benjamin and those around him.

[FurrySlipperBoots]

Ooo, another one I've thought of - Stuart Little. The first film anyway, the second is still creepy AF, but what's with the book? She gives birth to a mouse?!

[StellaAndCrow]

Evil Under The Sun - the Peter Ustinov version.

[TellingBone]

@StellaAndCrow

Evil Under The Sun - the Peter Ustinov version.

Ustinov was nothing like Poirot as written but that was a very enjoyable version of the story. Helped by a stellar cast on top form. I liked Ustinov in Death on the Nile too.

Agatha Christie hated the Margaret Rutherford/Miss Marple versions of her books but I love them. I wouldn't say they are 'better' than the books though.

My contribution - Hitchcock's version of The 39 Steps.

[MistsofAvalon]

Betty Blue

[YesItsAPeacock]

Omg Peter Pan is a beautiful book, Disney just shat all over it, as it tends to do.

Jurassic Park - the book is a very good read, but the film is a masterpiece (not any of the sequels though).

Not a film, but House of Cards - either version. The book is just a naff holiday read really.

[happygolurkey]

The Talented Mr Ripley (I know Highsmith fans will think this sacrilegious)

this was the first one that popped into my head. The ending in particular I thought was better - so clever to change it to Marge's point of view rather than Ripley's as it made it much more charged/emotional, though chilling too. I think it also helps that the performances were so amazing, especially Matt Damon. so the characters came alive. Also, Highsmith is a wonderful writer but not that descriptive so seeing the wonderful European settings gave it more of a richness.

[redcandlelight]

the english patient
contact

[happygolurkey]

anything by Jane Austen (some film versions are good but I love Austen's prose).

agree. I think of the films as something different though - the visual feast of the balls etc can be brought out better and when they are well cast the actors can sometimes really bring out the humour.

[LeopardSheet]

Jaws

[Throwntothewolves]

Not a film but Game of Thrones. The books were good, but the TV series was so much better.

Jurassic Park is a great movie, it's different from the book but I think they are both really good in their own right.

I never normally rate screen adaptations of books, but these stand out for me.

[IHaveBrilloHair]

Call me by your name.

I loved the book too, but the scenery, the music and the hearing the languages in the film is stunning.
Shame about Armie Hammer but I watched it before anything was known about him.

[Springingintospring]

Every John Grisham

[lazylinguist]

Agree with Game of Thrones (though not a film). I really dislike George R.R. Martin's writing but absolutely adored the series.

Also agree about Austen. Still don't love the films, but they're certainly less tedious than the books.
English Patient - quite liked the book, but love the film.
Don't agree about LotR, as I'm a die-hard fan of the books, but they do have their flaws and I can see why some people would prefer the films!

[Nosugarmonster]

The Graduate

[ChequerBoard]

@TimeToLose8

Girl on the Train. Much better

Absolutely disagree with this. Good book, shockingly bad movie!

[FindingMeno]

I've tried to read The Hobbit and LOTR and given up, but I love the films.

[AluckyEllie]

The Martian! Slightly confusing book, good film

[Pyewackect]

Girl on the Train : I thought the book was much better too.

[StopCryingYourHeartOut]

Who the hell said Gone With The Wind?
The book is an epic masterpiece.

[Manzana]

I preferred the film of The Painted Veil to the book, because the protagonists learned to love each other.

[AndreaMarteau]

The Shining
Empire of the Sun
Stardust
Coralline
The Reader
The Night Watch. Although the book is excellent I thought the film had a bit more upbeat ending.