Top Ten Picks: Favorite Books to Movies

Top Ten Picks is an original meme here on the blog where I pick a specific topic, make a list, and post them up here. For this week, the topic is on our favorite books-to-movie adaptations. In my opinion, these are the ones that have truly captured the essence of the books, and did it justice! Some, even might have exceeded expectations.. So without further adieu, here are my picks in no particular order.

...

1. Shutter IslandDennis Lehane is an incredible mystery/thriller writer. I love all of his books, most especially Mystic River and Shutter Island. But have you seen the recent movie adaptation? It's one trippy movie. And I know, I hear a lot of people say it starts off slow, but I think that's one of the major things that make the book&the movie work; the suspense and the mystery. And them - bam - everything ties together and you're just like, WHAT? In a good way, I have to say.

2. Psycho

It's just a movie, it's just a movie, it's just a movie. Yes, that's what I tell myself everytime I remember what happens in the movie, or try this; everytime I'm in the shower! The book is good, but the movie, in my opinion, is just better. Simply a classic everyone should watch at least once.

3. A Clockwork Orange

If you haven't read this out-of-this-world book, I highly recommend it. I have to warn you though, it truly is.. out. of. this. world. It is beyond weird, I can't even explain. When you watch the movie, the weirdness of it all picks up a notch, resulting into one of the strangest and creepiest films I have ever seen. Watch it, read it.. just remember, like I said, it's just a movie.

4. Breakfast At Tiffany's

I loved the novel. I have to admit though, Audrey Hepburn is Breakfast at Tiffany's. Without her, it wouldn't be the iconic movie that it is.

5. The Shining

I read The Shining when I was around 13-15 or so. Not a good move, especially knowing that I am such a big chicken when it comes to horror stories! While the book itself is creepy, and made me freaked out by hotels, the movie was just plain scarier. Mainly I think, because of Jack Nicholson. He was just extremely believable as a psychotic person. And how can I forget that scene where.. uh.. I really shouldn't be thinking about that right now. Moving on.....!

6. Fight Club

When you read a Chuck Palahniuk novel, what you can expect is a visit to another world, far from where you live. Fight Club is an exciting story, no matter what. While the novel was really, really good, I personally thought that the movie was even better!

7. Sex and The City: TV SERIES
(I know.. I'm cheating)

It's not exactly a movie -- though there have been two already. But I still am in love with this HBO series, I just have to include them. In fact, I love the series even more than I liked the books. I love all the characters. I love their different personalities and their different lifestyles. I even love the actors that played them. I love their friendship, feminist attitudes, and overall appeal. I just am a HUGE fan of the show, period.

8. Schindler's List

I watched the movie when I was 13. I will never forget it. Ever. Yes, it's a sad, tragic, and maybe even depressing, but I can not recommend it enough. You have to see this at least once in your life.

9. Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory

Roald Dahl is one of my favorite authors when I was younger, but I have to admit, there is just something extra special about the 1971 film adaptation. Perhaps it's the song, "Come with me.. and you'll see.. in a world of pure imagination.." Or maybe it's Gene Wilder himself. Maybe it's even the whole creepy boat scene. I don't know exactly, but what I know for certain is that this one of my favorite childhood movies. I will rewatch it again and again if I could. Also, I don't know about you, but I will never forget that tiny speck of hope I still feel when I open a bar of chocolate, imagining I will find a little golden ticket.. somewhere, someday ;)

10. The Notebook

The novel is good, sure. But can we just please talk about the movie? Its power, its pull, and its ability to make me cry every single time I watch it? I mean, I have seen this movie maybe 100x but I still shed a tear for this. Everytime, it never fails. The fact that Ryan Gosling and Rachel Mcadams did so well here, and made me truly believe in their love story. The fact that even when they got older, I still believed in them. In other words, it's just a genuinely real, classic, lasting, believable, romantic love story -- one that just don't happen everyday. What more can I say?

....

If you would like to join in, all you have to do is:

1. Do a post, listing all your answers. You do not have to include pictures, descriptions, or explanations, but if you would like to do so, feel free!
2. Please sign the Mr. Linky box below with the specific URL of your post.

Agree, Disagree? Let me know! Can't wait to hear to see all your lists, this week!