16 Movies You Didn’t Know Were Based on Books: Surprising Literary Origins

1. Die Hard 1988，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 953746, ID: 0095016
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Die Hard, a classic action film, is actually based on the 1979 novel ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’ by Roderick Thorp. The thrilling plot and unforgettable characters we love were first born in Thorp’s pages. This revelation adds a new layer of appreciation for this iconic film.
2. Forrest Gump 1994，IMDB Rating: 8.8, IMDB Votes: 2284743, ID: 0109830
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The heartwarming tale of ‘Forrest Gump’ is adapted from the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom. It is about the protagonist Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks), who, despite his mediocre intelligence, undergoes a series of remarkable journeys in his life with a strong will and a kind heart.
3. Mean Girls 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 441671, ID: 0377092
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The popular teen comedy ‘Mean Girls’ is partially based on the non-fiction book ‘Queen Bees and Wannabes’ by Rosalind Wiseman. The book’s insights into teenage girl behavior in high school were creatively transformed into this entertaining film.
4. Jurassic Park 1993，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 1079268, ID: 0107290
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The thrilling adventure of ‘Jurassic Park’ originated from Michael Crichton’s 1990 novel. The film’s groundbreaking depiction of dinosaurs was first imagined in the pages of Crichton’s book, making it a milestone in both literature and film.
5. Hauru no ugoku shiro 2004，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 457049, ID: 0347149
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The enchanting animated film ‘Hauru no Ugoku Shiro’ (Howl’s Moving Castle) is loosely based on the 1986 novel by British author Diana Wynne Jones. The film brings the magic of Jones’s novel to life in a visually stunning way.
6. Shrek 2001，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 743449, ID: 0126029
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Shrek, a 2001 animated fantasy comedy film, is a delightful surprise for book lovers. It’s based on the 1990 children’s picture book ‘Shrek!’ by William Steig. The film, while being a hilarious and entertaining watch, also carries the essence of the original book, making it a unique blend of humor and classic storytelling.
7. The Parent Trap 1961，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 24290, ID: 0055277
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The Parent Trap, a 1961 romantic comedy film, is based on the 1949 German children’s novel ‘Das doppelte Lottchen’ by Erich Kästner. The film beautifully adapts the book’s plot about twin sisters trying to reunite their divorced parents, adding its own charm and humor.
8. 181 Rambo First Blood (1982) 2019，IMDB Rating: 0.0, IMDB Votes: 0, ID: 23964398
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The iconic film ‘First Blood’, featuring the unforgettable character Rambo, is based on the 1972 novel ‘First Blood’ by David Morrell. The film captures the essence of the book, portraying the struggles of a Vietnam War veteran in a compelling and thought-provoking manner.
9. Who Framed Roger Rabbit 1988，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 218920, ID: 0096438
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Who Framed Roger Rabbit, a 1988 fantasy comedy film, is based on the 1981 novel ‘Who Censored Roger Rabbit?’ by Gary K. Wolf. The film brilliantly brings the book’s characters to life, creating a unique cinematic experience that blends animation and live action.
10. Full Metal Jacket 1987，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 797112, ID: 0093058
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Full Metal Jacket, a 1987 war film, is based on the semi-autobiographical novel ‘The Short-Timers’ by Gustav Hasford. The film, like the book, provides a raw and realistic depiction of the Vietnam War, making it a must-watch for those interested in war films and literature.
11. Clueless 1995，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 249769, ID: 0112697
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A modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’, ‘Clueless’ is a delightful comedy that cleverly explores the social hierarchy of a typical American high school. The film’s satirical portrayal of teenage life is both humorous and insightful, making it a must-watch for those interested in adaptations of classic literature.
12. Bridget Jones’s Diary 2001，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 266141, ID: 0243155
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This charming romantic comedy is actually a modern interpretation of Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’. It is about the love story of the main characters in the context of contemporary society. Through witty dialog and charismatic characterizations, the film recreates the classic emotional conflicts and growth of the original.
13. Mrs. Doubtfire 1993，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 294388, ID: 0107614
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Behind the hilarious antics of Robin Williams in ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ lies the novel ‘Madame Doubtfire’ by Anne Fine. It tells the story of the main character, Daniel Shields (Robin Williams), who disguises himself as a housekeeping aunt, “My Fair Nurse,” in order to be able to spend more time with his children.
14. Goodfellas 1990，IMDB Rating: 8.7, IMDB Votes: 1271479, ID: 0099685
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Martin Scorsese’s ‘Goodfellas’, a gripping portrayal of life in the Mafia, is based on the non-fiction book ‘Wiseguy’ by Nicholas Pileggi. The film’s realistic depiction of organized crime offers a fascinating insight into a world often romanticized in popular culture.
15. The BFG 2016，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 94023, ID: 3691740
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Steven Spielberg’s ‘The BFG’ is a magical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book. The film’s enchanting visuals and heartwarming story make it a delightful watch for all ages, particularly for those familiar with Dahl’s imaginative world.
16. Brokeback Mountain 2005，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 387602, ID: 0388795
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Brokeback Mountain, directed by Ang Lee, is a poignant film adapted from a short story by Annie Proulx. The movie, often simplified as a ‘gay cowboy movie’, transcends this label to tell a universal story of forbidden love. It’s a tale of two men, Ennis and Jack, who deny their only great passion due to societal pressures.