These are my choice for best Book-to-film adaptations which have been a fixture of Hollywood since the earliest days of cinema.
Adapting a story that has already resonated with readers can offer filmmakers a strong foundation, but success is far from guaranteed. High-profile disappointments such as The Bonfire of the Vanities, The Dark Tower and The Golden Compass show how even acclaimed novels can lose their impact on the big screen.
When adaptations work, however, they can elevate great source material into unforgettable films. The movies on this list deliver suspense, high stakes and memorable performances, whether they're based on bestselling thrillers or novels from other genres. Some remain remarkably faithful to their source material, while others make smart changes that take full advantage of the cinematic medium. In every case, they stand as exceptional thrillers in their own right.
Here are the top ones according to my humble opinion as a film fan, a producer, filmmaker, a thespian and a longtime member of the American Film Institute.
The only movie from the top ten that does not carry the same tittle as the original book is three.
#1&2 Godfather I - II
#3 Goodfellas' Based on 'Wiseguy'
#4 The Lord of the Rings'
#5 War and Peace'
#6 Misery
#7 Trainspotting
#8 No Country for Old Men
#9 L.A. Confidential
#10 And Then There Were None