Page turners to blockbuster: 7 films you may not know are based on a book
Many popular films like ‘Shrek’, ‘Jaws’ and ‘Jurassic Park’ are based on lesser-known books, bringing these stories to a wider audience
This DreamWorks Pictures film features characters from many children’s stories, but did you know the titular character also had his own book? Photo: AP Photo/DreamWorks PicturesScreenwriters and film franchises often draw inspiration from novels. The most well-known example are the Harry Potter films, which are based on a bestselling children’s book series.
However, many popular films are adapted from lesser-known books. Some franchises have gained such immense fame that the original book that inspired the movie has been largely overlooked. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular movies that were based on books.
Write to Win: Which two characters from different books would be friends?
1. Shrek
This ogre love story is one of the most iconic animated films of the early 2000s. Its immense popularity led to three additional movies in the franchise and various spin-offs. However, the concept for Shrek was not originally developed by the DreamWorks Animation team.
Instead, it was inspired by a picture book titled Shrek! published in 1990. The book written by author and cartoonist William Steig features a repulsive green ogre who leaves his home to marry an unattractive princess.
2. Jaws
Jaws is a renowned film that remains popular even decades after its initial release in 1975. At that time, it held the title of the highest-grossing movie ever, a record surpassed by Star Wars just two years later.
The film is based on a novel written by American author Peter Benchley, which was published in 1974. The story revolves around a massive shark that terrorises a resort town and the efforts of three men as they attempt to capture and kill it.
3. Jurassic Park
The concept of reviving dinosaurs from extinction, popularised in thrilling films, can be largely credited to Michael Crichton. His 1990 book Jurassic Park, served as the inspiration for the franchise.
The Jurassic Park series consists of six films, first released in 1993 and most recently in 2022. The book and the movies have led to a vast array of merchandise and even attractions at Universal Studios theme parks across the world.
4. Slumdog Millionaire
Released in 2008, this powerful drama tells the story of an 18-year-old boy from the slums of Mumbai, India. His life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes a contestant on a Hindi version of the television show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? He correctly answers every question and wins the grand prize but is later accused of cheating and must recount his life story to the authorities.
This poignant film is loosely based on the novel Q&A by Indian author Vikas Swarup, published in 2005. The book describes a rags-to-riches tale about a waiter who wins a massive quiz show.
5. Legally Blonde
Legally Blonde is a popular film that tells the story of a young woman who pursues her crush by enrolling in law school, even though she doesn’t fit the typical mould for a law student.
Starring Reese Witherspoon, the film is based on a novel by the same name, written by Amanda Brown. The comedic book, published in 2001, served as the foundation for the film, which was released in the same year.
6. Pitch Perfect
Starring Anna Kendrick, this film took the world by storm when it was released in 2012. It tells the story of a female a cappella group that competes against other college teams. The film was so successful that it led to two sequels in 2015 and 2017.
The movie was inspired by a 2008 book by journalist Mickey Rapkin titled Pitch Perfect: The Quest for Collegiate A Cappella Glory. This book provides an in-depth look at collegiate a cappella and offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on the drama that comes with it.
7. Freaky Friday
This entertaining movie revolves around a mother and daughter who are polar opposites and magically switch bodies. The 2003 adaptation stars Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis.
It is based on a book by Mary Rodgers, also titled Freaky Friday, which was originally published in 1972. The book has had four film adaptations, the most recent in 2018. Like the films, the book tells the story of a teenager who struggles to get along with her mother.