10 Amazing Book to Screen Adaptions Worth Your Time | Top Ten Tuesday

This week’s Top Ten Tuesday prompt is to recommend amazing TV shows and movies people should watch then they’re not reading. I thought it’d be fun to narrow down the list to just book to screen adaptations as that it fits the theme of my blog better, plus there’s so many to choose from!

All readers know the combination of excitement and dread when they hear one of their favourite books is being adapted to the screen. That’s because for every amazing book adaption, there are probably 5 not so amazing adaptations (I’m looking at you Percy Jackson and City of Bones). However when adaptions are done right, they are a thing of beauty. So today I’m going to break down 5 TV show and 5 movie adaptions that I think live up to the source material and are perfect for binge-watching when you’re taking a break from reading!

5 Amazing Binge-worthy TV Shows

1. Outlander

My love for this book and TV show cannot be properly expressed in words. Watching it is an adventure, one that is full of twists and turns that make you high on happiness one second only to have it crushed in the next scene. The actors playing Claire and Jamie have such fantastic chemistry, it is hard not to love them as individuals and together. I don’t believe a period drama about a 20th century woman being transported back in time to 1743 Scotland can be anything less of amazing. As a reviewer pointed out, “Outlander has the most peculiar mix of gothic horror, swashbuckling adventure, magical fantasy” and I love that about it. Try it for the beautiful scenery and storyline, and stay for Jamie’s Scottish accent. All three seasons are on Netflix, just saying. (trigger warning: rape, sexual assault, torture)

2. Big Little Lies

I binge-watched this show in July and finished all 7 episodes in one day. It was such an addictive and thrilling ride. It’s entertaining while also shining light on human nature, and the intricate relationships in marriage and motherhood. The casting is phenomenal. I mean come on, the TV show stars Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon! There’s definitely a good reason why it won big at the Golden Globes and Emmys. Season 2 is coming early next year, so now is the perfect time to catch up on the show. (trigger warning: domestic abuse, rape)

3. Sherlock

A modern day Sherlock Holmes series full of gripping crime-solving and hilarious banter between Sherlock and Watson. Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock is entirely eccentric and indifferent to human emotions, making him the master of serious and comedic relief scenes. The cases being solved are entertaining and educational while the main plot is more than engaging.  Kinda makes you want to put on a detective hat and become a forensic criminologist yourself. Each season has around 3 episodes that are one and a half hour long, so it feels like you’re watching a mini movie marathon! (trigger warning: suicide, assault)

4. Thirteen Reasons Why

While not without its flaws, I think this show conveys a strong message about bullying in an engrossing and honest way. It explores the deep rotted insecurities of teenagers and the challenges of surviving high school. It’s raw and unblinking in the way it explores how teenagers unintentionally, or intentionally, hurt each other and the dire consequences that result from it. While the topic being dealt with is heavy, the plot’s mystery makes it an engaging binge-worthy show. (trigger warning: self-harm, rape, suicide, sexual assault)

5. The 100

A sci-fi adventure about a group of juvenile young adults exiled to Earth where decades prior a deadly nuclear war rendered it unliveable. It’s highly suspenseful, action packed and fast-paced, while also holding an air of mystery throughout the seasons. It’s a lot of fun to watch, and it only gets better with each season. The characters are all phenomenally fleshed out, while the plot is ambitious and ruthless in its undertaking. The storyline thickens with each season, making sure there is not a single dull moment in the show. The show currently has 5 seasons so it’s perfect for a binge-watch session!

5 Amazing Movies Done Right

1. Love, Simon

I was planning on mentioning Netflix’s adaption of TATBILB again but then I remembered that I don’t really mention Love, Simon often which is a shame because it’s just as adorable. It’s funny and heartwarming, and made me relive all the emotions I had when I read the book. The characters are all charming and the humorous banter between them is great. The movie has a perfect balance of lightheartedness and emotional depth, plus it’s a super important movie, so go support it!

2. Pride and Prejudice

A classic! I’ve probably seen this movie more than 5 times but there’s always something new to see in it. Jane Austen’s dialogue is adapted perfectly and all the actors do a fantastic job in their role. All the scenes make you feel engaged and the romance is a slow burn to die for. A tale as old as time, it’s a movie you’re able to re-watch forever.

 

3. Call Me By Your Name

You will rarely hear me say a movie is better than a book, if ever. However, Call Me By Your Name was made to be a movie. It is visually stunning, the cinematography and soundtrack are breathtaking and engross you into the story. The actors give such an authentic performance that makes you feel like you are there in the moment. It is a coming of age love story that’s both beautiful and melancholic and you need to see it if you haven’t already.

 

4. The Great Gatsby

Another classic turned into a movie wonder! The Great Gatsby is probably my favourite classic and the movie is nothing less of amazing. It’s visually stunning and captures the essence of the book perfectly. The cinematography and soundtrack play a big role in telling the story and creating a certain atmosphere, while the actors give a stellar performance in individual but especially group scenes. Leonardo DiCaprio’s Gatsby is straight out of the book, there couldn’t have been a better casting than this one . The intricate relationship between the characters builds up anticipation and momentum throughout the film so when the credits roll it, it’s though not to think about it long afterwards.

5. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Talking about classics, this is probably one of the, if not the best YA adaption I’ve ever seen. The themes of the book are expressed so well in this movie, it really does a great job to make you feel a weird yearning and nostalgia for high school. An amazing coming of age story that is as charming as it gets. I love the portrayal of friendship in this movie, and the message that with the right friends anyone is able to get out of their shell and live their best life. (trigger warning: sexual assault, abuse)

 

I hope you’re ready for all the incredible binge-worthy content if you decide to watch any of the TV shows/movies on my list!

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Have you seen any of the TV shows/movies on my list? Are you a fan? If not, do you think you’re interested to try any of them? What is your favourite book to screen adaptation? Let’s chat in the comments! ♥