I have a confession to make: sometimes – only sometimes! – I prefer movies over books. It’s a rainy afternoon and I know I ought to make myself some hot chocolate or tea or something of the sort and sit down and RELISH the amazing bookish afternoon, but but but… I don’t. (GASP.) Sometimes I’m just in the mood for a movie, you know?
So I have compiled a list. This list is the list of my favorite bookish movies. Some of them are book-to-movie adaptions and some are simply books that involve a bookworm protagonist or author, etc. I’m here to help you in case you are having trouble coming to terms with the fact that our poor bookworm eyes can’t always focus on words. (It’s a shame, really, I know.)
*Note: there are many movies (such as… The Giver or Divergent) that aren’t always rainy-day preferred for me. On rainy days I like funny, sad, more bookish movies as opposed to book-to-movie adaptions that involve more action. So bear that in mind while reading. 🙂 There are book-turned-movie films that I enjoy just as much, but these are the ones I’d be in the mood for on a chilly, rainy afternoon.
(Think this is the prettiest GIF I’ve ever seen.)
becoming jane.
AHHHH JANE AUSTEN. My love for her has only grown within the past four years. I love her books (well, the one I have read, and the others I’ve seen films for – I really need to change that GRR) and I was fascinated by her own life even before that. This movie isn’t 100% accurate on her life, though it is a possibility, as many historians believe she was involved with a Mr. Tom Lefroy. Plus, if you compare the actors (Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy – YESSS) to the actual pictures of Lefroy and Austen, it’s spot-on! (This makes me happy.) Oh and you may recognize McAvoy from another book-to-move adaption: The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe? Mr. Tumnus anyone? (He’s… better-looking in this one, I promise.) XD
miss potter.
Do you know the story behind the famous Miss Beatrix Potter and her little Peter Rabbit?? Do you? DO YOU?? I bet you don’t. (And if you do, go you.) I actually haven’t seen this one in a while, but my goodness the tears. THE TEARS. Grab a box of tissues, some chocolate, and settle in for this adorable story. I’m seriously considering naming my daughter Beatrix one day. (And my son Peter, wouldn’t that be adorable?? BOOKWORM NAMES YES.)
the book thief.
This book is a ten star out of five for me. I feel like it’s something absolutely everyone can enjoy: young, old, boy, girl, whoever you are. YOU NEED TO READ IT OK. And then after you’ve read it, go watch the movie. Of course, there are flaws (that is to say, it’s not a six-hour EXACT replica of the book in movie-form) BUT it is amazingly well-done for a book-to-movie adaption. I read the book a little over two years ago and I reeealllly need to give it a re-read. I was just stunned by Markus Zusak’s perspective and narration. The writing was pure poetry. (Confusing at first, but so is the movie. Even the narration was translated well, I think.)
(As an added bonus: my favorite Emily Watson plays in both Miss Potter and The Book Thief. I like her for her name, of course.) (*Not Emma Watson, even though she’s cool too. Because that’s what Google keeps thinking I mean.)
austenland.
Hilarity and romance. My biggest weakness. (Romantic comedies aren’t the best book genre for me, but 100% for these in movies.) I recently reviewed this book (here) and… to be perfectly honest? … I kind of liked the movie better than the book!! I mean, it’s just even better that Jennifer Coolidge and Jane Seymour star alongside several others. (One of which my favorite actor from a loved movie, Leap Year, which isn’t book-related but plenty cute.) Just… prepare to roll on the floor laughing, alright?!
what are your rainy-day bookish movies?? (i know for sure you’ll remind me of some i missed, so i’d like to hear from you!)
Nice. I usually prefer movies on rainy days too. I usually prefer more actiony stuff on rainy day . Like the Hobbit, HP, and The Lion the Witch and the wardrobe( its him! I always though it was spelled Mr. Thomas. ).
Also…… i though you were going to ask about IT? Its all right you didn’t but I thought you were? I’m working on IT. However I’m getting over a cold and haven’t felt very motovated. (Do you even get what I’m talking about?) Lol. I really need to just come up with them today though. (Anyone reading this will be so cofused. ;p).
Yeah. 🙂 I guess that’s because you’re a natural action fan.
I did too, until I read the books. (Well, I’ve read The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe and The Magician’s Nephew. I still need to read the others.) I recommend reading The Magician’s Nephew first, though I saw the movie before anyway. If you watch the movie and listen carefully again, you hear Tumnus. 🙂
Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry I didn’t do that! *face palm*
Lol. I don’t think anyone could truly get any of our comments. XD Same here.
Oh my goodness Emily I own ALL of those movies except for Austenland (which I will be adding to the list). I love watching those movies for sure, and I was actually just thinking of rewatching Miss Potter, I haven’t seen it in a while. Becoming Jane is a spectacular movie and of course the Book Thief is stellar *wipes away tears*
Anyway, I have a few others that I love:
Sense and Sensibility, with Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman (rest in peace ;-;). I LOVED that movie, a we watch it every now and then since of course we own it (we have so many movies based on classics!) and I’m curious if you find Little Women ’94 a good rainy day movie? I know it’s more appropriate, at least, to watch in the winter ^^
Also Mr. Tumnus haha, I didn’t realize until a year or so after I first watched it that that was him! He’s such a great actor!!
Wonderful post Emily, I love classics and movies based on classics quite honestly. Pride and Prejudice with Kiera Knightley is another xD
Haha great minds think alike! 🙂
I haven’t seen it either, in SO long. Miss Potter and Becoming Jane are both along similar lines though… sigh. *grabs tissues* Haha. 🙂
OH YES. The Book Thief should be required reading in all schools… it’s just so amazing.
OMG of course! Sense & Sensibility, along with P&P are both on my list… they’re assumed, since I love Becoming Jane and Austenland so much. 🙂 Oh absolutely! Little Women is another one I need to re-watch. (And re-read, for that matter.) 😉
Me too! I sat there the ENTIRE time trying to figure out where he was from. He also plays in one of my favorite movies Penelope, alongside Reese Witherspoon. (You should really watch that if you haven’t, it’s adorable.)
I have to say: Kiera Knightley is an amazing Miss Bennet. 🙂
Thanks Grace!
I like You’ve Got Mail. It’s not based on a book, but is definitely about books!
What are the movies above rated? PG? PG-13?
OMG YOU’VE GOT MAIL. YESSS LU YES. How could I forget that one?!
All except for Miss Potter (which is PG) are PG-13. 🙂
AHHH I LOVE THIS LIST. Okay, I am NOT a period fan but I watched Becoming Jane and loved it. Although I don’t remember the ending…I just remember being REALLY mad. gah. XD And I loved Miss Potter so so much, she was just amazing and inspiring and when You Know Who died I BASICALLY WANTED TO BAWL. Also The Book Thief. <3 Tears. Absolutely a zillion stars for that one.
I rarely prefer the movie to the book?? BUT I DO SOMETIMES. Or I like them equally! I prefer Bridge to Terebithia movie…aaaaand I love The Giver movie a HUGE amount, although my love for it and the book are equal. XD
Thanks for stopping by @ Paper Fury!
YES I was too. 😉 The sad thing is — that was how Jane Austen’s life really was! It’s really depressing. O.o
Miss Potter was absolutely adorable! AHHH I KNOW RIGHT.
The Book Thief gets me every time.
I’ve never read OR read Bridge to Terebithia! I FEEL SO SAD. It’s definitely on my TBR.
I agree! I actually liked how they made the characters a few years older because it made much more sense for the movie… it was definitely satisfying! 😉