‘American Psycho’ (2000)
Fortunately, Patrick Bateman isn’t a real person, but he was introduced nearly a decade before his screen debut in the 1991 book, American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis. The book and movie chronicle the satirical duality of Bateman, as he works on Wall Street by day and murders by night.
‘Forrest Gump’ (1994)
The lovably odd character of Forrest Gump, with his endearing nature, unlikely skill, and popularity, comes from Winston Groom’s 1986 duology, Forrest Gump, from which readers and movie-goers alike have noted several differences in plot and tone.
‘P.S. I Love You’ (2007)
‘Gone With the Wind’ (1939)
You may know Gone With the Wind as a classic film, but did you know it was originally a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel from 1937? That’s where audiences were first introduced to Scarlett and Rhett’s epic love story amidst the background of the Civil War.
‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ (2008)
Less overt than others on this list, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was loosely based on a short story by the same name from renowned author F. Scott Fitzgerald, who famously also wrote The Great Gatsby. The 56-page short story was written as a satire about aging.
‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)
A cornerstone of the high fantasy genre, William Goldman’s 1973 novel, The Princess Bride, is often forgotten due to the movie’s great acclaim. The story features classic fantasy characters such as a princess, pirates, giants, wild beasts, and more.
‘The Nanny Diaries’ (2007)
As audacious as it is intriguing, The Nanny Diaries originally began as a book by the same name. The writers, Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, drew from their personal experiences as upper-class nannies in Manhattan when drafting the storyline.
‘Crazy Rich Asians’ (2018)
‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’ (2009)
The plotline of the Isla Fisher movie, Confessions of a Shopaholic, actually came from two books: Confessions of a Shopaholic and Shopaholic Takes Manhattan — the first two books in the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella.
‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939)
‘Freedom Writers’ (2007)
The movie Freedom Writers takes it one step further, not only is the film based on a book, titled, The Freedom Writers Diary, but the book is a biography written by teacher Erin Gruwell and her students. The compelling novel chronicles the students’ personal experiences as “unreachable, at-risks” youths learning about the Holocaust.
‘Clueless’ (1995)
‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ (2006)
The Pursuit of Happyness saw real-life father and son duo Will and Jaden Smith play a struggling single father and bright-eyed young boy. But beyond the authentic family ties is the true story of Chris Gardner and his son who he worked tirelessly for to provide shelter amidst difficult times.
‘Mean Girls’ (2004)
Get this: Means Girls is based on a self-help book titled, Queen Bees and Wannabes. The book is meant to act as a helpful guide for parents in assisting their teens through the cliques, gossip, and romance of high school. So basically, tips on how to deal with someone like Regina George.
‘Doctor Zhivago’ (1965)
With two movie adaptations, released in 1965 and 1992, Doctor Zhivago drops viewers into World War I and the Russian Civil War to follow young doctor, Yuri Zhivago, along the journey of his various love affairs. The story was originally written as a book by Russian author Boris Pasternak in 1958.
‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ (1961)
Did you know Truman Capote, author of In Cold Blood, a brutal retelling and investigation of a Kansas family murder, also wrote the wistful novella Breakfast at Tiffany’s? Talk about range! The movie adaption of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, starring Audrey Hepburn, went on to win two Oscars, five Grammy’s, and a WGA Award.
’10 Things I Hate About You’ (1999)
The root of ’90s rom-com 10 Things I Hate About You harks back to a play written by none other than William Shakespeare. The angsty movie is reportedly based on The Taming of the Shrew, a comedy about two sisters: The eldest of whom must marry before the youngest can accept suitors. Sound distantly familiar?
‘Jaws’ (1975)
‘One Day’ (2011)
The best love stories always start as books, and this one is no exception. One Day was written by author David Nicholls in 2009. Two years later, the movie adaptation starring Anne Hathaway was released. Most recently, the story was adapted into a TV mini-series that debuted on Netflix in 2024.
Kate Franke (she/her) is the editorial assistant at Woman’s Day. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread!
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