1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
This had everything a Potterhead could have wanted. Kept the action up and covered everything important to the book, and the actors were simply amazing in it.
2. Pride and Prejudice (A&E, 1995)
So they had 6 hours to get this right. But it's more than that. They picked the right actors for the right parts (with the exception of Jane, imo). Kiera Knightly can't even hold a candle to Jennifer Ehl's performance of Lizzy. Practically perfect in every way.
3. Gone with the Wind
I feel like this movie just wouldn't be the same if it were made now. The classic feel of it makes it so perfect for the book. Also, again with the actors. Could you imagine anyone else playing Scarlett or Rhett or Mammy?
4. The Princess Bride
Hilarious just like the book. Same storyline as the book. Same feel as the book. Great actors and jokes. I love it.
5. To Kill a Mockingbird
Again with the iconic actors portraying these characters! Gregory Peck especially makes the movie with his portrayal of Atticus. Carries the same wonderful message as the book does.
6. Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Emma Thompson did a marvelous job adapting Austen's classic book into this movie. She and Kate Winslet portrayed their characters so fully and richly that it's one of those movies you can just love while also thinking about the book.
7. The Age of Innocence.
Wonderful feel that the book had, too. It's for a contemporary audience but captures the audience Wharton had with her classic book.
8. A Christmas Carol (1999)
This is the TV version with Patrick Stewart. Such an amazing adaptation of the classic Dicken's story. The only one that I feel really does the story justice and covers what the book does. And Patrick Stewart? How can you go wrong?
9. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
All right, so I know some people weren't thrilled with this adaptation because the trio and rest of the kids didn't have much experience in acting, so they're not the best, but to me, this first Harry Potter captures everything Hogwarts and the whole Wizarding World is to a kid. It's magical and wonderful, with danger and adventure. It hit the series off on a perfect note.
10. Emma (1996)
There are a lot of fantastic versions of Emma, but I really like the Gwyneth Paltrow version the best. So much fun and a lot of how I envisioned it while I read the book.
What are some of your favorite book to movie adaptations? Are you going to The Hunger Games tonight?
