American literature has served as the inspiration and source material for countless movies throughout history. As soon as the moving picture was invented, screenwriters (or even the original authors) began adapting books for the screen. The process dates back to the late 1800s, though it’s impossible to say what movie was actually the first adaptation since many films from that era have been lost.
When it comes to American literature, names like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, John Steinbeck, and Mark Twain tend to come to mind. When it comes to film adaptations, however, the names that come to mind can be a bit different. There have been several adaptations of Mark Twain’s work, for example, but most have failed to garner praise from critics. Still, plenty of other adaptations have. So, here are ten of the best American literature adaptations, ranked according to IMDb’s ratings.
The Notebook (2004) - 7.8
Though not as critically acclaimed as the others on this list, it’s impossible to deny the cultural significance of The Notebook. Approach any given person and ask them to name romantic movies or books, and there is a good chance that The Notebook will be on their list. Adapted from Nicholas Sparks’s novel of the same name, the tragic love story portrayed by Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams remains one of the most iconic love stories in cinema history, even if it is a bit predictable at times.
Little Women (2019) - 8.0
Adapted from Louisa May Alcott’s novel, Little Women is a coming-of-age story about four sisters in the 1800s who set out to live their lives on their own terms.
Greta Gerwig’s 2019 film was not by any means the first adaptation of the original novel, but it proved to be one of the strongest by remaining true to the source material while taking some creative liberties that were inspired by Alcott’s own life and experiences.
Blade Runner (1982) - 8.1
When Blade Runner first hit theaters, it was largely a failure. Most likely, when audiences saw Harrison Ford starring in a sci-fi movie, they went in with Star Wars-esque expectations and were obviously disappointed. Ridley Scott’s 1982 film, adapted from Phillip K. Dick’s novel, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, eventually became known as a cinematic masterpiece, telling a beautiful story about the human morality of artificial intelligence and staying true to the source material.
To Kill A Mockingbird (1962) - 8.2
Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, was almost perfectly adapted to film by Horton Foote in 1962, and remains one of the most effective and compelling adaptations of American literature to this day.
Gregory Peck gave the performance of a lifetime as Atticus Finch, the stern but approachable Alabama lawyer who decides to represent Tom Robinson, a black man accused of rape, in a very publicized and culturally sensitive trial. The story and moral messages of To Kill a Mockingbird remain relatable to this day.
Full Metal Jacket (1987) - 8.3
Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket shocked audiences with its painfully realistic depiction of the Marine Corps during Vietnam. A soldier goes from the psychological and physical exhaustion of basic training to the gruesome horrors of the front lines in this dramatic masterpiece, adapted from Gustav Hasford’s semi-autobiographical novel, The Short-Timers. Kubrick had already cemented himself as a legendary filmmaker, and Full Metal Jacket only backed up that claim.
The Shining (1980) - 8.4
It’s hard to discuss movies that are based off of books without thinking about Stephen King. The king of horror’s novel, The Shining, was poetically adapted to film by perhaps one of the most capable filmmakers for the source material; Stanley Kubrick.
Though it does suffer from some deviation from King’s original story, it remains an incredibly compelling and disturbing horror film about one man’s slow descent into madness. Plus, it featured one of Jack Nicholson’s most memorable performances.
The Silence Of The Lambs (1991) - 8.6
Anthony Hopkins will forever be remembered for his performance in The Silence of the Lambs, and Jodie Foster isn’t too far behind him. Ted Tally and Jonathan Demme’s adaptation of Thomas Harris’s novel of the same name was a chilling psychological thriller and psychopathic character study that teetered on the edge of horror without ever fully indulging in the genre’s tropes. An FBI agent hunting down a serial killer enlists the help of Hannibal Lecter, a psychiatrist serving time for murder and cannibalism. What started as a dark novel was turned into one of the greatest films of all time.
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) - 8.7
Adapted from the groundbreaking novel of the same name, written by Ken Kesey, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is often considered to be one of the greatest films ever made. This dark comedy is about an inmate pretending to be mentally ill to avoid hard labor. Upon arriving at the mental institution, however, he immediately clashes with the authoritarian head nurse, and tries to raise a rebellion among the other patients.
Jack Nicholson gives an incredible performance and manages to stay true to the original book’s character while retaining his own unique take on the material.
Fight Club (1999) - 8.8
David Fincher’s Fight Club managed to both amaze audiences, as well as confuse them. Based on Chuck Palahniuk’s novel of the same name, Fight Club features Edward Norton as a boring, white collar worker who rejects the society in which he exists and starts an underground fight club with charismatic Tyler Durden, played by Brad Pitt. What starts as a simple escape from the corporate grind soon becomes an elaborate conspiracy that consumes not only their life, but the lives of those around them.
Jim Uhls and Fincher’s adaptation remains mostly true to the book, and managed to develop a significant cult following after release (which is ironic for those who are familiar with the film). The artistic direction, cinematography, acting, and troubling subject matter remain unparalleled to this day.
The Godfather (1972) - 9.2
It shouldn’t be a surprise that the best American literature adaptation is also, arguably, the best film of all time. The Godfather, adapted by Mario Puzo’s groundbreaking novel of the same name, is a crime epic about the Corleone crime family. The aging patriarch passes down the title of Don to his son, Michael, who had previously been the black sheep of the family. Michael’s rise to power is tragically mirrored with his personal moral descent, proving definitely that ultimate power comes at an ultimate price. The Godfather set new benchmarks for American cinema and will forever hold a special place in cinematic history.
