25 Of The Worst Book To Movie Adaptations Ranked

The transition of beloved books to the silver screen represents an exciting bridge between the written word and visual narrative, opening up new dimensions of engagement and accessibility, but the worst book-to-movie adaptations do the opposite. This cinematic alchemy not only introduces timeless tales to those who might not leaf through the pages of a book but also plays a pivotal role in the cultural dialogue, ensuring that pivotal stories resonate across a broader audience spectrum. However, the challenge of distilling complex narratives into the concise format of film often results in a diverse spectrum of outcomes.

Iconic adaptations like the Harry Potter series have masterfully captured the magic of their source material, enchanting audiences worldwide and setting a high benchmark for success. Yet, the journey from page to screen is fraught with complexities, and not all adaptations manage to embody the depth or spirit of their original works, sparking debates among purists and newcomers alike. This delicate dance of adaptation underscores the evolving relationship between literature and film, highlighting the creative nuances of interpretation and the evergreen quest to tell stories that matter.

25 Dune (1984)

It’s Too Much For Two Hours

Dune (1984)

In a distant future ruled by intrigue, power, and the coveted spice melange, House Atreides faces betrayal on the desert planet Arrakis. Led by young Paul Atreides, they forge an alliance with the native Fremen, preparing for a showdown against their enemies. As Paul’s destiny unfolds, he discovers his extraordinary abilities and leads a daring rebellion against the Emperor and his forces. In this epic tale of survival and prophecy, Paul emerges as a transformative figure amidst the shifting sands of Arrakis.

Release Date

December 14, 1984

Cast

Kyle MacLachlan , Francesca Annis , Brad Dourif , Richard Jordan , sting , Virginia Madsen , Everett McGill , Patrick Stewart , Kenneth McMillan , Jurgen Prochnow , Sean Young

Runtime

137 Mins

David Lynch’s adaptation of Dune is a bold attempt to visualize Frank Herbert’s complex universe, marked by its ambitious scope and distinctive visual style. Though the film has faced criticism for its deviation from the source material and narrative challenges, such as telling the whole story in just two hours, it has cultivated a cult following that appreciates its efforts to tackle themes of power, ecology, and human destiny.

Lynch’s Dune underscores the daunting task of bringing dense, epic science fiction to the screen, reflecting both the potential and pitfalls of adapting beloved literature into film.

24 John Carter (2012)

A Massive Box Office Bomb

John Carter

Adapted from Edgar Rice Burroughs’ A Princess of Mars, Disney’s John Carter brings the author’s Barsoom series to life. When American Confederate Civil War captain John Carter accidentally transports himself to Mars, he soon becomes entangled in the planet’s own internal power struggles. Using the increased strength and speed afforded to him by Mars’ atmosphere, Carter fights to achieve peace on the distant planet known by the natives as Barsoom.

Director

Andrew Stanton

Release Date

March 9, 2012

Runtime

132 minutes

John Carter, inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs’ A Princess of Mars, ambitiously brought to life the fantastical world of Barsoom. Despite its pioneering source material, which influenced many modern superhero stories, John Carter struggled at the box office and received mixed reviews. It aimed to blend epic science fiction with adventure, showcasing the tale of a Civil War veteran transported to Mars.

While the movie boasted impressive visuals and action sequences, it faced challenges in connecting with audiences, leading to its perception as a missed opportunity in translating Burroughs’ vision to the screen.

23 The Black Dahlia (2006)

A Film That Couldn’t Match The Book’s Emotional Depth

The Black Dahlia

In post-war Los Angeles, LAPD detectives Bucky and Lee delve into the haunting case of the Black Dahlia murder, uncovering dark secrets that blur the lines between love, betrayal, and obsession. As the investigation unfolds, alliances fracture, and shocking revelations come to light, propelling Bucky into a perilous quest for truth. In a city of illusions and hidden desires, Bucky must confront his own demons while navigating a labyrinth of deception to uncover the sinister forces behind the grisly crime.

Director

Brian De Palma

Release Date

September 15, 2006

Runtime

121 minutes

The Black Dahlia, directed by Brian De Palma, is a cinematic adaptation of James Ellroy’s noir novel, aiming to capture the intrigue and darkness surrounding one of Hollywood’s most infamous unsolved crimes. Despite a talented cast and the director’s renowned flair for suspense and visual style, the film struggled to convey the novel’s complex plot and emotional depth, receiving mixed reviews for its execution.

While it showcased moments of gripping storytelling and atmospheric cinematography, The Black Dahlia ultimately fell short of expectations, illustrating the challenges of adapting Ellroy’s dense, layered narrative into a coherent and engaging film experience.

22 The Time Machine (2002)

Not As Deep As The Novel

The Time Machine, directed by Simon Wells, a direct descendant of H.G. Wells, brings to screen the classic sci-fi tale of time travel and human evolution. The 2002 adaptation aimed to modernize the story with cutting-edge CGI and a new narrative twist, focusing on a Victorian inventor propelled into a distant, post-apocalyptic future.

Despite its ambition and visually engaging set pieces, the film was criticized for lacking the depth and philosophical nuance of the original novella. While it offered moments of spectacle and adventure, The Time Machine struggled to fully capture the imaginative spirit and thematic richness of Wells’s work.

21 The Great Gatsby (2013)

A Disappointment Despite A Great Cast & Stunning Visuals

The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is a 2013 drama romance film based on the book of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The movie is one of many adaptations of the iconic 1925 novel, this time starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby and Tobey Maguire as Nick Carraway. The film received a polarizing reception upon release but won two Oscars at the 2014 Academy Awards.

Release Date

May 10, 2013

Runtime

143 Minutes

Written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby is a classical romance story that has been celebrated as one of the greatest novels ever written, so naturally, a movie adaptation would be in the cards. The book has now been adapted four times, most recently in 2013.

Similar to its predecessors, the 2013 film received unfavorable reviews from many, especially book lovers. Despite attaching Leonardo Dicaprio and Tobey Maguire, the film sacrifices substance for style. However, the book will be going into the public domain in 2021, which means that more adaptations are undoubtedly on the way.

20 The Bonfire Of The Vanities (1990)

Another De Palma Adaptation That Missed The Mark

The Bonfire of the Vanities, directed by Brian De Palma, is an adaptation of Tom Wolfe’s novel that critiques 1980s excess and social stratification in New York City. The film intended to satirize the hubris and fall of its protagonist, a wealthy bond trader, but faced criticism for its tone, casting decisions, and deviation from the source material’s sharp wit and insight.

Despite a star-studded cast and high expectations, it struggled to capture the novel’s complexity and satirical edge, resulting in a film that many felt missed the mark, demonstrating the difficulties of translating Wolfe’s incisive social commentary.

19 The Girl On The Train (2016)

An Adaptation That Just Wasn’t As Exciting As The Book

The Girl on the Train

The Girl on the Train is a psychological thriller about a recovering alcoholic who witnesses a shocking crime. With the police unwilling to act, she decides to take matters into her own hands but soon begins to question the events unfolding around her. Emily Blunt plays the lead, with Rebecca Ferguson, Haley Bennett, and Justin Theroux just a few of the other big names supporting.

Director

Tate Taylor

Release Date

October 7, 2016

Cast

Allison Janney , Justin Theroux , Emily Blunt , Rebecca Ferguson , Edgar Ramirez , Laura Prepon , Luke Evans , Haley Bennett , Lisa Kudrow

Runtime

120minutes

The Girl on the Train by Paul Hawkins is an engaging psychological thriller about a woman who tries to solve a mystery as she sees a shocking moment between a couple that she’s never met but sees on her train ride to work every day.

She tells the police what she saw after one of the people in the couple is missing, but she has to investigate more as her alcohol consumption might have affected her memory. The book has great reviews, but the movie missed the mark and wasn’t as exciting or compelling as the novel.

18 The Hobbit (2012)

A Book That Shouldn’t Have Been Three Movies

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

As Bilbo Baggins celebrates his 111th birthday, he recounts the extraordinary journey that changed his life. Guided by the enigmatic wizard Gandalf, Bilbo joins a band of Dwarves on a perilous quest to reclaim their homeland from the fearsome dragon, Smaug. Along the way, they face treacherous foes, unearth long-buried secrets, and discover unexpected courage within themselves. With danger lurking at every turn, Bilbo’s adventure unfolds in a tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope.

Release Date

December 14, 2012

Cast

Martin Freeman , Ian McKellen , Richard Armitage , Ken Stott , Cate Blanchett , Ian Holm , Christopher Lee , Hugo Weaving , James Nesbitt , Elijah Wood , Andy Serkis

Although The Hobbit received a relatively positive critical response to its first chapter, to say that it deviated from J.R.R Tolkien’s fantasy novel would be an understatement. The book is a perfect balance of action and exposition, making for a tale that, despite its clunkiness, is very entertaining.

Warner Brothers split the 310-page novel into a three-part trilogy, overstuffing the relatively simple original plot with additional characters and plotlines. These choices left a sour taste that hasn’t aged well in the mouths of many long-term Tolkien fans who hold the book close to their hearts.

17 Paper Towns (2015)

A Disappointing YA Adaptation

Paper Towns

Based on the novel by John Green, Paper Towns is a coming-of-age movie that follows Quentin Jaconsen (Nat Wolff) as he goes on a road trip to find Margo Spiegelman (Cara Delevingne), his neighbor and love interest who has disappeared.

Director

Jake Schreier

Release Date

July 24, 2015

Cast

Nat Wolff , Caitlin Carver , Halston Sage , Cara Delevingne , Griffin Freeman , Cara Buono , Austin Abrams

Runtime

113minutes

Paper Towns is one of John Green’s popular young adult novels about life and love in the high school years and after the success of The Fault in Our Stars, it would make sense to make more movie adaptations out of Green’s other works. But most fans and critics agreed that Paper Towns missed the mark.

The movie adaptation of Paper Towns wasn’t able to represent the magic and charm of the book and is one of the lowest John Green adaptations as The Fault in Our Stars and Let It Snow were both positively received.

16 Twilight (2008)

A Commercial Hit But A Critical Flop

Twilight

Based on Stephenie Meyer’s book of the same name, Twilight follows Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), who falls madly in love with Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), who she soon finds out is a vampire. Falling in love with her at the same time, Edward and Bella must overcome obstacles to preserve their forbidden relationship.

Director

Catherine Hardwicke

Release Date

November 21, 2008

Cast

Robert Pattinson , Ashley Greene , Peter Facinelli , Rachelle Lefevre , Elizabeth Reaser , Kristen Stewart , Nikki Reed , Jackson Rathbone , Cam Gigandet , Kellan Lutz , Taylor Lautner , Anna Kendrick , Billy Burke

Runtime

121 minutes

Twilight is the first chapter in the Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer, a collection of books that follows the human-vampire love story between Bella and Edward, along with many other Twilight relationships. The first theatrical entry of the popular series set a low bar for the remaining four, as the romantic magic that Meyer crafted didn’t translate well to a script of cringe-worthy scenes that made for more comedic material than serious cinema.

The remaining installments of the series follow the same formula as the first, which only led to a similarly poor critical response. Many book fans found the portrayals of their beloved characters to be shallow and misguided, leaving the movie itself and the rest of the series to be a flop even if it was a commercial success.

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15 The Book Thief (2013)

A Story Too Big For One Movie

The Book Thief

The Book Thief is a historical drama film based on Markus Zusak’s novel about a young girl who lives with her foster parents during the era of World War II. Liesel, a young girl who cannot read or write, is taught by her adoptive father, encouraging her love of books. As she steals additional books to continue feeding her love of literature, she begins to share them with a young Jewish boy the family has taken in to protect him from the Nazi party.

Director

Brian Percival

Release Date

January 30, 2014

Cast

Sophie Nélisse , Geoffrey Rush

Runtime

131minutes

Based on Markus Zusak’s war novel, The Book Thief is an ambitious adaptation that unfortunately fails to translate the heart of the story to the screen. The book is lengthy and contains ideas that are too big to present to any audience other than children.

Liesel Meminger is orphaned and sent to live with Hans and Rosa Hubermann, where they must pretend to agree with the Nazi regime for their own safety. The story is narrated from Death’s point of view, which doesn’t quite come across in the same way onscreen.

14 A Wrinkle In Time (2018)

A Misfire Of An Adaptation

A Wrinkle In Time

Based on the book of the same name by Madeline L’Engle, A Wrinkle In Time is a classic science-fantasy tale. After learning her astrophysicist father is being held captive on a distant planet deep in the grip of a universe-spanning evil, Meg Murry works with her highly intelligent younger brother, her classmate, and three astral travelers to save him.

Director

Ava DuVernay

Release Date

March 8, 2018

Runtime

109 minutes

A Wrinkle In Time is a novel for young readers, which often translates rather well to the big screen. The story follows a girl on an intergalactic search for her missing father and the main themes are love and the constant fight between good and evil.

However, most of these important pieces of the novel appear to have been washed away in the movie, as it prioritizes flashy visuals in favor of the source material’s endearing qualities. That led to this being a miss with critics and audiences as it resulted in one of the biggest Hollywood box office bombs ever.

13 Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2013)

The TV Show Has Worked Better

Being the first entry in the young adult series by Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief was incredibly successful when it hit the shelves. It tailored to its younger audience perfectly by mixing mythological tales with teenage adventures, making every young reader long to be a demigod themselves.

Unfortunately, the series began its journey to the big screen with two films that were not only box office flops but seemed to ignore the source material altogether. For one, the characters are four years older than they are in the books, which took away from what made it work for the core audience.

12 The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009)

Mixed Reviews Meant This One Was A Misfire

The Time Traveler’s Wife

In the 1970s, Henry DeTamble discovers he’s a time traveler after a tragic accident. His life intersects with Clare Abshire’s repeatedly, as she’s known him since childhood. Despite marrying, their relationship is challenged by Henry’s uncontrollable jumps through time, leaving Clare to wait for his return. As they navigate the complexities of love and loss, they confront the limitations of Henry’s condition and the impact it has on their family.

Director

Robert Schwentke

Release Date

August 14, 2009

Runtime

107 Mins

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger is a work of fantasy that balances science fiction and romance. The popular book follows a man who has an odd and fantastical genetic disorder that causes him to time travel throughout different periods and has no control over where and when he goes.

He meets a woman and falls in love and the two have to try to figure out how their story can continue with his condition. Only a few years after the book’s release, a movie was made based on the story and overall fans weren’t happy with the adaptation.

11 The Giver (2014)

Another YA Movie That Lacked Substance

The Giver

Set in a dystopian future where all emotion in humans is suppressed, The Giver follows Jonas, a young man who learns that he will become the next Reciever of Memory, the one person who holds all the memories and emotions of a time before the current suppression. Beginning his training with the current Reciever of Memory, known as The Giver, Jonas begins to experience the full extent of emotions, good and bad, for the first time in his life. Brenton Thwaites stars as Jonas, with Jeff Bridges as The Giver. 

Director

Phillip Noyce

Release Date

August 15, 2014

Runtime

97minutes

The Giver is yet another movie adaptation that ignores the concepts that set the original story apart from the rest. The Giver is a popular young adult novel that focuses on a dystopian world that often asks the question of what it means to be an individual in a society of conformity.

The novel is a moving and emotional journey, but the film feels hollow, and the sci-fi twists included for visual pleasure take away from the heart of the story. The characters, too, feel like empty shells, and not because of the colorless cinematography.

10 The Lovely Bones (2009)

A Harrowing Tale That Disappointed Book Readers

The Lovely Bones

After her murder, fourteen-year-old Susie Salmon watches over her family, friends, and killer from the “In-Between.” Her family and community grieve her death and try to find justice for Susie. Meanwhile, Susie struggles to move on to the afterlife while lacking closure in both her life and her murder.

Release Date

December 11, 2009

Runtime

135 minutes

The Lovely Bones is a seriously heartbreaking novel by Alice Sebold that tells the story of a young girl who was raped and murdered by a predator. The book, and movie, see her watching her grieving family try to cope with her death and trying to accept it herself in her own personal Heaven.

She also watches over her killer and reckons with wanting everyone to move on and wants revenge on her killer as she watches her father try to track him down. Although popular, it’s a difficult story to read and even more difficult to watch. Though reviews were mixed, it’s not the kind of film that people want to rewatch, so it has been forgotten to time.

9 Love, Rosie (2014)

A Trimmed-Down Story In A Bad Way

Love, Rosie

In a tale of missed chances and enduring friendship, Alex and Rosie navigate the complexities of love and life’s unexpected turns. From an unforgettable kiss during a drunken night to the challenges of parenthood and failed relationships, their bond remains unbreakable. As they grapple with their own desires and ambitions, fate brings them together time and again.

Director

Christian Ditter

Release Date

October 16, 2014

Cast

Lily Collins , Sam Claflin , Tamsin Egerton , Suki Waterhouse , Art Parkinson , Christian Cooke

Runtime

102 minutes

Cecelia Ahern’s bestselling novel was initially called Where Rainbows End, but the film – and subsequent editions of the book – is called Love, Rosie for the signature with which Rosie signs off on all of her correspondence to her best friend, Alex. The thick book spans decades, but the film cuts the story down by more than half.

It also reduces the real humor of the story to tacky one-liners and cheap jokes. Apart from the chemistry between Emily in Paris’ Lily Collins and Sam Claflin, the film is almost cringe-worthy in its frivolity.

8 A Walk To Remember (2002)

A Walk to Remember

In a story of redemption and love, Landon Carter’s life takes an unexpected turn when he’s forced to tutor and participate in the school play after a reckless prank. Through his encounters with Jamie Sullivan, a reserved minister’s daughter, Landon discovers a profound connection that challenges his perceptions of love and friendship. As their bond deepens, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and resilience, facing life’s trials together.

Director

Adam Shankman

Release Date

January 25, 2002

Cast

Mandy Moore , Shane West

Runtime

102 Mins

There have been many Nicholas Sparks novels adapted into movies with varying degrees of success, but A Walk to Remember wasn’t well-received. The most famous Nicholas Sparks adaptation is The Notebook, which is an extremely popular romantic drama movie that surpasses the book’s popularity.

The A Walk to Remember movie and the book are similar as both follow two completely different people who end up falling for each other, but their relationship is complicated by other factors that are revealed throughout the story. The film was negatively received especially compared to the best Sparks’movie adaptations.

7 The Dark Tower (2017)

A Stephen King Flop

The Dark Tower

Idris Elba, Tom Taylor, Claudia Kim, and Matthew McConaughey star in The Dark Tower, a Western Sci-Fi film directed by Nikolaj Arcel. Released in 2017, The Dark Tower follows a young boy with visions of an apocalyptic future in which a powerful man, dubbed The Man in Black, lays waste to the universe. The film is based on the Stephen King book series.

Director

Nikolaj Arcel

Release Date

August 4, 2017

Runtime

1h 35m

From the genius mind of Stephen King, The Dark Tower series is a captivating collection of novels of fantasy and horror. For those who haven’t yet read the books, the movie adaptation will turn potential fans away from the series altogether.

The main issue with the film is its attempt to fit such a large volume of information into a single film. As a result, the plot and messages are thinned to the point where even the appearances of Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey don’t help.

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6 Eragon (2006)

A Fantasy Adaptation That Feels Hollow

Eragon

Eragon is based on the book series of the same name, part of a more extensive book series known as the Inheritance Cycle. In his homeland of Alagaesia, a farm boy named Eragon (Ed Speelers) happens upon a dragon’s egg. This egg leads him on a journey to protect his home from tyrannical monarch Galbatorix (John Malkovitch) and a dark sorcerer named Durza (Robert Carlyle). However, Eragon discovers that the egg contains a mighty dragon named Saphira (Rachel Weisz) that he bonds with, and with the help of friends and family, Eragon will challenge the empire and do what he can to keep the dragon safe. 

Director

Stefen Fangmeier

Release Date

December 15, 2006

Cast

Jeremy Irons , Rachel Weisz , Ed Speleers , Djimon Hounsou , Robert Carlyle , Sienna Guillory , John Malkovich , Garrett Hedlund , Joss Stone

Runtime

103 minutes

Based on the first installment of The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini, Eragon came on the heels of a fantasy rush that included the likes of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. In the case of Eragon, the plot was completely altered. The magic of the world within the books was lost entirely, leaving only a shell of what could have been an incredibly successful franchise.