I do lists of ten favorite movies of various genres all the time over on my other blog, Hamlette's Soliloquy. But today, I'm doing one here, for Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week is a movie-related freebie, so I'm doing My Top Ten Favorite Movies Based on Classic Novels. I've put them in alphabetical order because why not :-) I'm sticking with books I've read, by the way. And these are my favorite adaptations, not necessarily the best -- just the ones I personally love best, okay?
Anne of Green Gables (1985) A quirky, imaginative orphan (Megan Follows) gets accidentally adopted by a middle-aged brother and sister (Richard Farnsworth and Colleen Dewhurst) and turns their lives around. Based on the book by Lucy Maud Montgomery.
Ben-Hur (1959) A wealthy Jewish man (Charlton Heston) is betrayed by his best friend (Stephen Boyd), sent to the galleys, then rises to power again, and seeks revenge on his erstwhile friend. Based on the book by Lew Wallace.
The Count of Monte Cristo (1975) Simple, honest sailor Edmund Dantes (Richard Chamberlain) is betrayed by his supposed friends and sent to prison on false charges. He escapes, gains staggering wealth, and seeks vengeance against his enemies. Based on the book by Alexandre Dumas
Emma (1996) Meddlesome young Emma (Gwenyth Paltrow) tries her best to make matches for all her friends and acquaintances, then falls in love herself. Based on the book by Jane Austen.
Jane Eyre (1983) Strong-spirited governess Jane Eyre (Zelah Clarke) falls in love with her wealthy, secretive employer (Timothy Dalton). Based on the book by Charlotte Bronte.
The Lord of the Rings (2001-03) Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) sets out to destroy the One Ring, and everyone has heaping helpings of adventures. (YES, I know this is three movies and three books, but it's all one story, so I'm counting it as one.) Based on the books by J. R. R. Tolkien.
North & South (2004) Margaret Hale (Daniela Denby-Ashe) moves from pastoral southern England to industrial northern England and does not fall in love with factory owner John Thornton (Richard Armitage) for a long time. Based on the book by Elizabeth Gaskell.
The Outsiders (1983) Ponyboy Curtis (C. Thomas Howell) and his friend Johnny (Ralph Macchio) try to run away from their problems, including a murder charge, only to find more trouble and possible redemption. Based on the book by S. E. Hinton.
Pride & Prejudice (2005) Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) and Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) can't fall in love with each other until they both come to understand themselves first. Based on the book by Jane Austen.
The Three Musketeers (1993) D'Artagnan (Chris O'Donnell) wants to be a Musketeer, but first he has to help three other Musketeers save the king and queen. Based on the book by Alexandre Dumas.
There you have it! Do you like these? Did you post a Top Ten Tuesday list this week yourself? Please share!
Please, let's not get into a big argument over P&P05 vs. P&P95. I like the '95 version a lot too, and even own a copy.
Hey, I did basically the same thing for my Top Ten Tuesday, except that I didn't stick strictly to classics (and didn't include miniseries). I've seen almost half of these; I say almost because I haven't seen that particular version of Jane Eyre, only the 1940s one. Anne of Green Gables would have to be my favorite!
ReplyDeleteElisabeth, that's great! I will check yours out. I haven't seen the '40s version of Jane Eyre, but I want to -- I've seen 4 different adaptations, but this one is by far my favorite.
DeleteI love that movie of The Three Musketeers - and I like the new tv series as well. :)
ReplyDeleteLauren @ Always Me
Lauren, I haven't watched the new TV series, but it looks fun! I do love a good swashbuckler.
DeleteI've seen 7 out of 10. Clearly I need to broaden my cinematic horizons. ;)
ReplyDeleteLaura, which 3 haven't you seen?
DeleteI have read 4 of those, and I have seen 2.
ReplyDeleteMovieCritic, very good! Did you like them?
DeleteYes I did! They were very good!
DeleteI've only seen 4 of these ... but I LOVE North & South :) I actually have the Gwyneth Paltrow Emma but haven't got around to seeing it yet, so I need to change that. I also like both versions of Pride & Prejudice a lot (but I'm not sure which one I prefer, I like different things about both of them).
ReplyDeleteRachel, I only just discovered N&S a couple years ago, but it was insta-love.
DeleteI have two shelves of to-be-watched movies, and then more overflowing nearby, so I know full well what it's like to have a movie (sometimes for years) not see it yet. Hope you get a chance to watch Emma soon!
And hooray for another person who likes both P&Ps! I do love how the '95 miniseries delves more deeply into the characters and stories -- it's the one I watch when I want a good immersion into the story, but don't have time to re-read the book. But I love a lot of what they did with the '05, and I'm very fond of several of the actors and actresses, so yeah... I like that one slightly better.
Anne of Green Gables is so amazing- great story and a great soundtrack! I haven't read or seen North & South- sounds great, I'll definitely check them out, book first of course ; )
ReplyDeleteKatie, yes, Anne is gorgeous. I have the soundtrack too!
DeleteNorth and South is staggeringly good. Book and film both, but I actually prefer the movie because it's paced better.
I love that Anne movie! So well done, and no matter how fun the newer versions may or may not be, I don't think any is capable of surpassing the beauty and perfectness of this miniseries.
ReplyDeleteSo I know we'll have to disagree over this, but my fave Emma is the '09 version. I watched both '96 versions and never seemed to be able to like either one. But in 2009 I finally found a Mr. Knightley I liked! And now I'm determined to get the book read. I thought I'd make it happen this year, but alas. Hopefully 2017!
LOTR - YES, North and South - YES yes yes! P&P any version - absolutely! :)
Kara, confession time: I have not yet seen the 2009 Emma. I know, I know, how is this even possible? I just have to carve a chunk of time for it and I haven't. Sigh. Maybe 2017 will be the year you read the book and I watch the 2009???
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