17+ Best Movies About Classic Literature (Top Picks)

Classic literature has always been a source of inspiration for filmmakers, with its timeless stories and rich characters.

From Jane Austen’s romantic novels to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s tales of the Jazz Age, there are numerous movies that have successfully brought these literary masterpieces to life on the big screen.

Here’s a list of some of the best movies based on classic literature, along with their year of release and a very short summary:

Pride and Prejudice (2005) – Elizabeth Bennet navigates love and society.

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) – Racial injustice in the Deep South.

Moby Dick (1956) – Obsessive captain hunts white whale.

Jane Eyre (2011) – Orphaned governess finds love and mystery.

Wuthering Heights (1939) – Tortured love on the moors.

The Great Gatsby (2013) – Jazz Age excess and doomed love.

A Tale of Two Cities (1935) – Love and sacrifice during the French Revolution.

Little Women (2019) – March sisters’ coming of age.

The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945) – Man remains young, portrait ages.

Anna Karenina (2012) – Tragic love in Russian high society.

The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) – Revenge after wrongful imprisonment.

Romeo and Juliet (1968) – Doomed young love in Verona.

The Scarlet Letter (1995) – Adultery and redemption in Puritan America.

Oliver Twist (2005) – Orphan’s adventures in Victorian London.

The Grapes of Wrath (1940) – Family’s struggles during the Great Depression.

Gone with the Wind (1939) – Love and war in the Old South.

1984 (1984) – Dystopian future under Big Brother’s watch.

These films capture the essence of their literary counterparts and offer viewers a visual interpretation of some of the most beloved stories in classic literature.

Below we look more at some of the best movies about classic literature, examining their impact and why they continue to captivate audiences.

Table of Contents

Criteria for Selecting the Best Movies

When selecting the best movies about classic literature, several criteria were taken into consideration:

Faithfulness to the source material: A good adaptation should capture the essence of the original work and stay true to its themes and characters.
Quality of storytelling: The movie should engage and captivate the audience, regardless of whether they have read the original novel or not.
Acting performances: Strong performances can bring the characters to life and enhance the overall viewing experience.
Visual and technical aspects: The cinematography, set design, and costumes should transport the audience to the world of the novel.
Critical acclaim: The movie should have received positive reviews from critics, indicating its quality and impact.

Let’s look in a bit more detail at some of the best ones.

1. Pride and Prejudice (2005)

Based on Jane Austen’s beloved novel, “Pride and Prejudice” has been adapted for the screen multiple times, but Joe Wright’s 2005 version stands out as one of the best.

Starring Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy, the film beautifully captures the wit, romance, and social commentary of Austen’s work.

The movie stays faithful to the source material while adding its own visual flair.

The lush English countryside and elegant period costumes create a visually stunning backdrop for the story.

Knightley’s spirited performance as Elizabeth Bennet earned her an Academy Award nomination, showcasing her talent and bringing the character to life.

“Pride and Prejudice” received critical acclaim upon its release, with praise for its screenplay, performances, and direction.

It successfully introduced a new generation to Austen’s work and remains a beloved adaptation of this classic novel.

2. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” is a powerful exploration of racial injustice in the Deep South.

The 1962 film adaptation, directed by Robert Mulligan, faithfully captures the essence of Lee’s story and delivers a poignant and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Gregory Peck’s portrayal of Atticus Finch, a lawyer defending a black man accused of rape, is widely regarded as one of the greatest performances in film history.

Peck’s embodiment of the noble and principled character earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor and solidified his place in cinematic history.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” tackles important themes of racism, morality, and childhood innocence, and the movie adaptation does justice to Lee’s powerful storytelling.

It remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.

3. The Great Gatsby (2013)

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” is a quintessential American novel that explores the decadence and disillusionment of the Jazz Age.

Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 adaptation brings the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties to life, with Leonardo DiCaprio delivering a mesmerizing performance as Jay Gatsby.

The movie’s visual style is a feast for the eyes, with lavish parties, stunning costumes, and vibrant cinematography.

Luhrmann’s modern approach to the story, incorporating contemporary music into the soundtrack, adds a unique twist while staying true to the themes of the novel.

While the movie received mixed reviews from critics, it successfully captures the essence of Fitzgerald’s novel and immerses the audience in the opulence and tragedy of Gatsby’s world.

4. Jane Eyre (2011)

Charlotte Brontë’s gothic romance, “Jane Eyre,” has been adapted for the screen numerous times, but Cary Fukunaga’s 2011 version stands out as a faithful and atmospheric portrayal of the novel.

Mia Wasikowska delivers a compelling performance as Jane Eyre, capturing her strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

The movie beautifully captures the haunting atmosphere of the novel, with its dark and brooding landscapes.

The chemistry between Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender, who plays Mr. Rochester, adds depth to the love story at the heart of the novel.

“Jane Eyre” received positive reviews for its performances, cinematography, and faithfulness to the source material.

It remains a standout adaptation of Brontë’s classic novel.

5. Sense and Sensibility (1995)

Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility” is a tale of love, loss, and societal expectations. Ang Lee’s 1995 adaptation successfully captures the wit and charm of Austen’s novel, with Emma Thompson delivering an Oscar-winning screenplay and a stellar performance as Elinor Dashwood.

The movie explores the contrast between the rational Elinor and the impulsive Marianne, played by Kate Winslet. The beautiful English countryside and elegant period costumes transport the audience to the world of Austen’s novel.

“Sense and Sensibility” received critical acclaim for its screenplay, performances, and direction. It remains a beloved adaptation that showcases Austen’s timeless themes and characters.

The Importance of Adapting Classic Literature

Adapting classic literature into movies serves several purposes.

Firstly, it introduces these timeless stories to a wider audience, allowing them to experience the depth and beauty of the original works.

Many people may be intimidated by the language or length of classic novels, but movies provide a more accessible medium for storytelling.

Secondly, movie adaptations can breathe new life into classic literature, making it relevant to contemporary audiences.

By updating the settings or costumes, filmmakers can bridge the gap between the past and the present, showing that the themes explored in these novels are still relevant today.

Lastly, movie adaptations can also serve as a tribute to the original authors and their works.

By bringing these stories to the screen, filmmakers pay homage to the literary giants who have shaped our understanding of literature and culture.

FAQs – Best Movies About Classic Literature

1. Are movie adaptations faithful to the original novels?

Movie adaptations strive to capture the essence of the original novels, but some creative liberties may be taken to enhance the cinematic experience.

However, the best adaptations stay true to the themes and characters of the source material.

2. Can I enjoy these movies if I haven’t read the original novels?

Absolutely! These movies are designed to be enjoyed by both fans of the original novels and newcomers.

They provide a visually captivating and engaging experience, regardless of whether you have read the books or not.

3. Why are classic literature adaptations still relevant today?

Classic literature explores universal themes and human experiences that are still relevant today.

By adapting these stories into movies, filmmakers can bridge the gap between the past and the present, showing that the issues and emotions explored in these novels are timeless.

4. Are there any recent adaptations of classic literature worth watching?

Yes, there have been several recent adaptations of classic literature that have received critical acclaim.

For example, Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of “Little Women” successfully brings Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel to life with a modern twist.

5. Do movie adaptations replace the need to read the original novels?

No, movie adaptations should be seen as complementary to the original novels.

While they can introduce the stories to a wider audience, reading the original works allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the author’s writing style and themes.

6. Are there any classic literature adaptations that have been considered failures?

While not all adaptations are successful, it is subjective to determine what constitutes a failure.

Some adaptations may receive mixed reviews or fail to capture the essence of the original novels, but they still contribute to the ongoing conversation and exploration of classic literature.

7. Are there any upcoming adaptations of classic literature?

Yes, there are always new adaptations in the works.

Filmmakers continue to find inspiration in classic literature, and audiences can look forward to future adaptations that bring these timeless stories to life on the big screen.

8. Can movie adaptations change the ending or plot of the original novels?

Yes, movie adaptations may make changes to the ending or plot of the original novels.

These changes are often made to enhance the cinematic experience or to make the story more accessible to a wider audience.

However, purists may prefer adaptations that stay true to the original source material.

9. Are there any classic literature adaptations that have become more popular than the original novels?

While movie adaptations can introduce a wider audience to classic literature, it is rare for them to surpass the popularity of the original novels.

The novels themselves have stood the test of time and continue to be celebrated for their literary merit.

10. Can movie adaptations of classic literature inspire people to read the original novels?

Movie adaptations can serve as a gateway to the original novels, sparking curiosity and interest in the source material.

After watching a compelling adaptation, many viewers are inspired to delve deeper into the world of classic literature.

Summary – Best Movies About Classic Literature

Adapting classic literature into movies allows these timeless stories to reach a wider audience and remain relevant in today’s world.

The best movies about classic literature successfully capture the essence of the original works while engaging and captivating audiences.

From “Pride and Prejudice” to “Sense and Sensibility,” these adaptations showcase the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of classic literature.

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