The Best Book to Movie Adaptations of the Decade
From "Divergent" to "Little Women," these projects have brought some of the most compelling works to the screen, multiplying the hype.
Throughout the decade, there’s been an overwhelming trend in the film scene—iconic books being turned in to equally iconic movies. From The Hunger Games to Call Me By Your Name, the past decade has been filled with countless book to movie adaptations, bringing readers and viewers a lot to be excited for. The appeal of bringing a novel or memoir to the silver screen is almost a no-brainer—perfect casts, stunning sets, and evocative acting allow the audience to absorb in a completely new way, giving them an experience unlike any other.
While some believe the book is always better than the movie, who’s to say that’s an exact science? The creative, boundary-breaking 2010s film scene united some of the best writers with some of the best actors of our generation, shaping the original books—new and old—into creations with an all-new meaning.
We know, we know, the past decade has been filled with some crazy moments in fashion, politics, beauty, and simply everything around us. We’ll help! L’OFFICIEL USA compiled a list of 15 unforgettable films and TV shows that insurmountably shaped the 2010s. Take a walk down memory lane and revisit some of the decade’s most iconic book to movie adaptations below.
Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer playing lovers in the Italian countryside? Molto bene. Call Me By Your Name, based on the 2007 novel by André Aciman, chronicles the emotional summer of Elio Perlman (Chalamet)—one that’s changed forever after student Oliver (Hammer) comes to stay with the Perlman family. The film is an aesthetically and emotionally stunning portrayal of a summer of love, lust, and self-realization, making it a must-have on any end-of-decade list.
Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley) is 16 years old when her life changes in two big ways: she falls ill with thyroid cancer and falls in love with Gus Waters (Ansel Elgort). Woodley and Elgort star in this John Green book to movie adaptation, playing two equally powerful roles in one of the most tragic love stories of the decade.
Julia Roberts stars in Eat Pray Love, a film and memoir that tells the story of author Liz Gilbert, a newly divorced woman who has to relearn what she wants in life. Directed by Ryan Murphy, who’s well-known for his work on American Horror Story, Glee, and The Politician, the emotional and vibrant film captured the hearts and minds of millions of readers and viewers.
When Suzanne Collins’ book The Hunger Games came out in 2008, girls across the world saw protagonist Katniss Everdeen as a powerful muse. Combat boots, army green pants, and archery seemed to permeate the tween pop culture scene—and the fire was only fueled by the release of the film series in 2012. The film series stars Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson, who play Katniss and Peeta, respectively, and skyrocketed at the box office. Worldwide, the franchise has grossed more than $2.97 billion, making it one of the most iconic and well-received film series in the world.
Starring Emma Stone and Viola Davis, The Help is based in a 2009 novel by Kathryn Stockett. Set in 1960s Mississippi, the film details the lives of Black women working in the homes of white families. The Help offers a heart-wrenching and poignant story of America’s history of race relations, blending moments of humor with political and social commentary.
Gone Girl is one of the decade’s best psychological thrillers, starring Ben Affleck (Nick) and Rosamund Pike (Amy) as a couple with more issues than meets the eye. When Amy disappears unexpectedly, Nick becomes the first suspect. The film edges on horror, and is a chilling book to movie adaptation of Gillian Flynn’s 2012 novel.
When It came out in 2017, fans didn’t think it could get any better. With Bill Skarsgård playing the ever-creepy titular clown, the film was well-received, making more than $700 million at the box office. It Chapter Two met the silver screen in 2019, featuring the same lovable kids from the first movie—Finn Wolfhard, Sophia Lillis, Wyatt Oleff, and Jack Dylan Grazer—but adding their adult counterparts—Bill Hader, Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, and James Ransone, respectively. The second installment even features a cameo from the novel’s author, Stephen King, as an antique shop owner.
In an all-new adaptation of the classic novel Little Women, director Greta Gerwig has spun the tale into something new, refreshing, and insanely powerful. Starring Saoirse Ronan as Jo March, the cast boasts a dynamic team of actors and actresses, including Emma Watson, Timothée Chalamet, and Meryl Streep. The film is set to be released on December 25, which provides the perfect way to round out the decade.
Divergent is set in a dystopian society where people are divided into factions based on their personal traits, decisions, and virtues. Starring Shailene Woodley and based on the Veronica Roth's 2011 hit, the book to movie adaptation was wildly successful, reaching the number one slot on its opening weekend. The trilogy ended up being fully realized in film, with Divergent followed by Insurgent and Allegiant.
Another John Green success, Paper Towns chronicles the mystery and love story surrounding two friends, timid Quentin (Nat Wolff) and popular girl Margo (Cara Delevigne). Based on Green’s 2008 novel, Paper Towns was another success, winning three Teen Choice Awards.
Room details the life of a mother (Brie Larson) and 5-year-old son (Jacob Tremblay) who have been kept captive in a small room for seven years. The film, which is based on a novel by Emma Donoghue, shows the duo’s struggles and successes, and the bleak realities of it all. The heart-wrenching film is a testament to the strength of a mother, and the love she has for her child.
Good day, old sport! As one of my personal favorite movies of the decade, The Great Gatsby is a complex retelling of the 1925 novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The film tells the complicated and beautiful story of Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire), Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio), and Daisy (Carey Mulligan) through the chaos of their lavish lives. From extravagant parties to some incredible outfits, The Great Gatsby is a truly unforgettable book to movie adaptation. Plus, who can forget the soundtrack with all its 1920s-inspired hits by the likes of Lana Del Rey, Fergie, and André 3000?
Based on the world-renowned 1985 novel by Canadian author Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale tells the chilling stories of women in Gilead, a totalitarian society that views women as government property. The show stars Elisabeth Moss, Alexis Bledel, and Samira Wiley, and is distributed and produced by Hulu. After season three ended with a cliffhanger earlier this year, fans are eagerly waiting a release date announcement.
If you have Twitter, you probably know how much people love Game of Thrones. Based on the series by George R. R. Martin, the show was a smash hit, running for eight seasons over eight years and winning more than 50 Primetime Emmy awards. The fantasy-drama show starred the likes of Sophie Turner, Kit Harington, and Maisie Williams, with a sprawling cast that’s said to be the largest on television.
Big Little Lies has everything that a perfect drama should—wealthy families, beautiful homes, and plenty of romance. The show’s all-star cast boasts some incredible actresses, including Reese Witherspoon, Meryl Streep, and Shailene Woodley, as a group of mothers from Monterey, California. Based on Liane Moriarty’s bestselling novel, the fan-favorite drama premiered on HBO and just finished its second season.
