How Did Critics Rank The Top Adapted Books Of The Decade?

I've been obsessed with anime adaptations of books for years, and some stand out as truly exceptional. 'The Twelve Kingdoms' by Fuyumi Ono is a classic light novel series that got a fantastic anime adaptation. It's a deep dive into a rich fantasy world with strong character development. Another favorite is 'Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit' by Nahoko Uehashi, which became a stunning anime series with breathtaking animation and a gripping story. 'Howl's Moving Castle' by Diana Wynne Jones was adapted by Studio Ghibli, and it's pure magic. The anime captures the whimsical charm of the book while adding Miyazaki's unique touch. I also love 'The Tatami Galaxy' by Tomihiko Morimi, which got an avant-garde anime that's visually stunning and philosophically deep. These adaptations prove that books can transcend mediums when handled with care and creativity.

If you toss a coin between film nerd mode and bookworm mode, you'll get a list of Oscar winners that sit deliciously in both camps. I love digging through these because you can see how screenwriters transform a dense novel or memoir into something cinematic — sometimes faithful, sometimes wildly different. Below I'm picking out notable films that won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and that were adapted from books, memoirs, or long-form prose (I’m skipping stage plays and original scripts here). This isn’t exhaustive, but it highlights how literature and Hollywood have collided over the decades. Classic examples include 'To Kill a Mockingbird' (Horton Foote), which took Harper Lee’s novel and distilled its moral heart for the screen; 'The Godfather' and 'The Godfather Part II' (Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo sharing credit), both born from Mario Puzo’s book(s) and reshaped into epochal cinema; and 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest' (Bo Goldman and Lawrence Hauben), adapted from Ken Kesey’s novel and keeping that raw human friction intact. The late 1970s and early 1980s also gave us book-to-screen wins like 'Kramer vs. Kramer' (Robert Benton) from Avery Corman and 'Ordinary People' (Alvin Sargent) from Judith Guest’s debut. Moving through the years you get a mix: 'Terms of Endearment' (James L. Brooks) adapted from Larry McMurtry, 'Out of Africa' (Kurt Luedtke) from Isak Dinesen’s memoir, and 'The Last Emperor' which drew on autobiographical material about Puyi. The 1990s and 2000s kept the trend — 'Schindler’s List' (Steven Zaillian) from Thomas Keneally’s 'Schindler’s Ark', 'The English Patient' (Anthony Minghella) from Michael Ondaatje, 'L.A. Confidential' (Brian Helgeland) from James Ellroy, and 'The Pianist' (Ronald Harwood) from Władysław Szpilman’s memoir. More contemporary winners include 'Brokeback Mountain' (Larry McMurtry & Diana Ossana) adapted from an Annie Proulx short story, 'No Country for Old Men' (Joel and Ethan Coen) from Cormac McCarthy, 'The Social Network' (Aaron Sorkin) loosely based on 'The Accidental Billionaires' by Ben Mezrich, 'Call Me by Your Name' (James Ivory) from André Aciman, and 'Jojo Rabbit' (Taika Waititi), which drew inspiration from Christine Leunens’ 'Caging Skies'. If you want the full, official catalogue, the Academy’s database is the best place to dive in — there are many more winners adapted from books, memoirs, and novellas than I can fully list here without turning this into a mini-thesis. Personally, I love spotting which adaptations keep the spirit of the source and which take the kernel and build something new; both approaches can win gold, and that’s part of the fun.

it's wild how many library staples got the anime treatment. Classics like 'Howl's Moving Castle' started as Diana Wynne Jones' novel before Studio Ghibli worked their magic—the adaptation captures the book's whimsy but adds that signature Miyazaki visual flair. Then there's 'The Twelve Kingdoms,' based on Fuyumi Ono's novels, which expands the political drama and worldbuilding in ways the books only hinted at. Modern hits like 'My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected' (aka 'Oregairu') began as light novels, and the anime nails the protagonist's sarcastic inner monologues. Some adaptations go deeper than expected. Take 'Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit'—the anime condenses Nahoko Uehashi's fantasy series but keeps the intricate lore about water spirits and royal intrigue. Even older titles like 'Anne of Green Gables' got a surprisingly faithful anime version ('Akage no Anne') that sticks close to the source's emotional beats. The trend isn't slowing down; recent picks like 'Ascendance of a Bookworm' prove libraries and anime studios keep borrowing from each other in the best way.

Romance novels turned into movies have always been a treat for fans like me who love to see their favorite love stories come to life on screen. One of the most iconic adaptations is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, which has been adapted multiple times, with the 2005 version starring Keira Knightley being particularly memorable. Another classic is 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks, a heart-wrenching tale of enduring love that was beautifully brought to life by Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. For those who enjoy a mix of romance and fantasy, 'The Time Traveler's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger offers a unique love story that transcends time, with its film adaptation capturing the emotional depth of the novel. 'Me Before You' by Jojo Moyes is another adaptation that left audiences in tears, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and personal choice. 'Bridget Jones's Diary' by Helen Fielding is a lighter, more humorous take on romance, with Renée Zellweger perfectly embodying the charmingly flawed Bridget Jones. Each of these adaptations brings something special to the table, offering a visual feast for fans of the genre.

I've been keeping a close eye on book-to-movie adaptations, especially in the erotica genre. One of the most talked-about is 'The Idea of You' by Robinne Lee, which has been adapted into a film starring Anne Hathaway. It's not purely erotica but has enough steamy moments to qualify. Another notable mention is 'After' by Anna Todd, originally a fanfiction that became a book series and then a movie franchise. The films toned down some of the racier elements but kept the intense romantic tension. 'Fifty Shades of Grey' obviously set the trend, and its success paved the way for more adaptations like '365 Days' by Blanka Lipinska, though the latter received mixed reviews. I’m also excited about rumors surrounding 'Credence' by Penelope Douglas, which has a cult following and could be the next big thing if done right.

I've been a huge fan of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot since I first picked up 'Murder on the Orient Express.' The adaptations are just as thrilling as the books. The 1974 version of 'Murder on the Orient Express' with Albert Finney as Poirot is a classic, though I prefer David Suchet’s portrayal in the TV series. 'Death on the Nile' has been adapted multiple times, with the 1978 film being my favorite. Kenneth Branagh’s recent take in 2022 brought a fresh visual style, though it strayed a bit from the book. 'The ABC Murders' was also adapted into a TV movie with John Malkovich, which was interesting but divisive among fans. These adaptations capture Poirot’s brilliance, even if they sometimes take creative liberties.

I love when physics and cinema collide, and there are some brilliant adaptations out there. 'The Theory of Everything' is a standout, based on Jane Hawking's memoir about her life with Stephen Hawking. It beautifully captures his groundbreaking work while weaving in a deeply personal love story. Another favorite is 'Interstellar,' inspired by Kip Thorne's work on wormholes. While not a direct adaptation, the film’s science is rooted in real physics concepts, making it mind-blowing for nerds like me. 'Hidden Figures' also deserves a shoutout—though more about math, it showcases the physics behind NASA’s space missions in an inspiring way.

As someone who keeps a close eye on book-to-movie adaptations, I've been eagerly tracking news about 'Pi' books potentially hitting the big screen. While there hasn't been an official announcement yet, the mathematical and philosophical depth of books like 'Life of Pi' by Yann Martel, which already got a stunning adaptation by Ang Lee, shows how powerful these stories can be in visual form. I've heard whispers in the film community about other 'Pi'-related works being considered for adaptation, especially those blending science and spirituality. The unique narrative structure and visual potential of such stories make them prime candidates for filmmakers looking to create something visually striking and intellectually stimulating. The success of 'Arrival' and 'Interstellar' proves audiences are hungry for smart, visually ambitious adaptations of thought-provoking literature.