I’m basically extra sure that there is an unwritten law that one must READ THE BOOK FIRST when it comes to book-to-movie adaptions. I try. I do. But even I, flawless and fabulous as I am, sometimes slip up and see the movie first.
I prefer to read the book first because after a movie, it’s harder to imagine things for oneself.
But at the same tiiiiime…I won’t deny: sometimes seeing the movie has inspired me to go read the book!
So, whilst I am spending this week pointing out my great failings (gawsh, I’m being humble aren’t I? Enjoy it. It won’t last), I shall be listing movies I’ve seen before reading the book! THE SHAME.
(Unfortunately the Top Ten Tuesday prompt is actually nothing like this and I’m twisting it astronomically. BUT I’M A REBEL. Rebels do what they want.)
This Week’s Prompt: Top Ten Book To Movie Adaptations I’m Looking Forward To or Ten Book To Movie Adaptations I Still Need To Watch or haha…whatever
1. CITY OF BONES
In case you didn’t know…I’M MILDLY ENTHUSIASTICALLY IN LOVE WITH CASSANDRA CLARE’S BOOKS. But once upon a time, I tried to read City of Bones and went…”Meh, no.” I believe I read 2 paragraphs and it was thick and I’m weak at heart. But. After watching the movie I quickly re-evaluated my life choices. So this movie actually started me as a Shadowhunter fan! GO MOVIE.
(Also, I adore this movie. I think Jamie Campbell Bower is the perfect Jace. I’m very skeptical of the upcoming Shadowhunter TV show…)
2. PERCY JACKSON AND THE SEA OF MONSTERS
I, like most humans who roam the planet, am horrified that the first Percy Jackson movie even exists. HOW DID THEY MANGLE IT SO?! But let’s talk about the Sea of Monsters! It was still…erm, not like the books. But I actually liked it! I’ve even rewatched it (and I’m a notorious never-rewatcher-of-movies) and you cannot look me in the eye and say Luke wasn’t everything. Because he is fabulous.
Least to say…watching it inspired me to go read the rest of the Percy Jackson books. Now here I am — HAVING READ 12 RIORDAN BOOKS — a dedicated little fangirl.
3. THE HELP
This is one of my favourite movies of ALL TIME. The sass! The writing! The fried chicken! JUST YES! It only occurred to me recently to even try reading the book. And just so you know, the book is spectacular.
4. BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA
I actually prefer this movie better to the book. It stars tiny Peeta Josh Hutcherson and tiny alien Sara Annasophia Robb and basically was my favourite thing as a small human. I remember going to the cinemas to see it with the family. We had no idea. NO IDEA.
Us: Let’s go see a fun family movie about kids in a magical kingdom!
Us: *exiting cinema sobbing grossly* THAT WAS NOT OKAY.
5. THE BOOK THIEF
I tried for this one. I really did. My family yelled, “WE’RE WATCHING THIS COME WATCH IT NOW.” And I screeched back like the panicked bookworm about to commit a horrific felony, “I HAVEN’T READ THE BOOK YET! WE CAN’T! STOP EVERYTHING!” They ignored me. Cruel fiends.
But it’s like the most AMAZING book to movie adaption in the universe. So I forgive my family. (Kind of me.) The movie is just gorgeously done.
6. THE PRINCESS BRIDE
I still haven’t read the book!! But I have seen the Princess Bride movie COUNTLESS times. I can quote it back to front and inside out. There is basically no circumstance in ever that cannot be answered with a Princess Bride quote.
NO I’M NOT. I’LL PROVE. For example:
Sister: Stop being mean to me.
Me: LIFE IS PAIN. ANYONE WHO SAYS DIFFERENTLY IS SELLING SOMETHING.
Sister: Pass the gravy.
Me: I know something you don’t.
Sister: Um….
Me: I AM NOT LEFT-HANDED. *throws gravy with right hand*
Sister: Whyyyyyyy.
7. MATILDA
This is like a childhood classic…yet my childhood was NOT graced by Roald Dahl until I was about 15. But it proves how timeless his books are, because I loved them so much anyway. Also the movie — if you have not Matilda’ed in your life, you need to Matilda immediately.
8. MARY POPPINS
Maybe I’m deluded but…I didn’t know this was a book until this year. I KNOW, RIGHT? Shame on me. But please, don’t read the book. PLEASE. Just keep the happy Disneyfied movie in your head and sing A Spoonful of Sugar and prance around snapping your fingers merrily.
Because the book-version of Mary Poppins is a CRUEL EVIL WOMAN. She’s malicious and nasty and rude and abuses the children and…excuse me. I need a moment to mourn for my lost childhood after reading the horrific book. If you want to read the depths of my despair, I reviewed it.
Also I’m just going to leave this here…
9. HUGO
This is one of the most beautiful movies. Seriously. It’s just gorgeous. All France and clockworks and trains and snow. I ADORE IT BECAUSE VISUALS. It also stars tiny Boy in the striped pyjamas Asa Butterfield and tiny Mia from If I Stay Chloe Grace Mortez. And they are fabulous. And I love this movie, okay? Again, I didn’t realise it was a book until afterwards. And better yet: THE BOOK HAS PICTURES. I highly recommend both. (But the movie is…dare I say it? Come closer and I’ll just whisper it in your ear…the movie is better.)
(By the by, does anyone else refer to actors by a well-known part? Because who says things like “Johnny Depp is in this movie…if you can say Jack Sparrow is in this movie. Whether he’s Sparrowing or not. Am I right here??)
10. THE HOBBIT
OH DEAR. This is the moment where I say, I have only read one Tolkien book and rather hated it. But. I do have plans to read The Hobbit (audio, maybe?) someday. I like the first Hobbit movie. But, now keep your hairy Hobbit feet calm, I actually think these movies are quite, erm, boring. I think they’re beautiful! And I think the acting and music scores are incredible. BUT THEY’RE 3 HOURS AND THAT’S TOO MUCH. Particularly since there’s 3 movies for one little tiny kids book. Sheesh. But these movies did give us Thranduil and that is something to be eternally grateful for.
I HOPE YOU GET THIS REFERENCE.
I saw the Help and Bridge to Terabithia and The Princess Bride First (and I love ALL those movies. particularly the princess bride, best sick day movie ever) And it was really interesting to read and then see the contrast. The Princess Bride book is fabulous, in my opinion, and the Buttercup-is-a-soppy-idealised-female trope makes a lot of fun at itself, but the adaption is awesome too. I adore the book and the movie of Bridge to Terabithia (and if you liked the book, you should definitely read her other book, Jacob have I loved- she wrote a ton, but that one is much more adult and heartbreaking) I read the Hobbit book ages ago, but the movies freak me out. Too many orcs, in my opinion (and orcs are SCARY) Is Hugo based off of Hugo Cabret? Because that sounds interesting. I’m quite excited to see what they do with Mockingjay part two as well. And I loved the book theif movie, though it was not nearly as quirky as the book. Thanks for the post, Cait!
I HAVE READ BASICALLY EVERYTHING BY KATHERINE PATTERSON. *hyperventilates with love for her* Have you read The Master Puppeteer? It. is. so. good. KINSHI.<3 Jacob Have I Love really made me wail. Basically Katherine Patterson = crying.
YES HUGO IS OFF HUGO CABRET!!
I really loved The Help movie! I haven’t actually read the book though… Oops. But the movie was incredible! I watched The Book Thief after reading it, and still loved it so much. I love Rudy. That boy was adorable.
Great list Cait! (We’ve all committed that crime, but shhhhhhh!)
Hehe, I was the same until this year. 😛 I only read The Help a few months ago!! SO YOU’RE NOT THAT FAR BEHIND. Omg Rudy. RUDY. I CRY RUDY I CRY.
There is a ton of movies that I’ve watched, before reading the books. City of Bones is in that list, too. Sadly I did not love this book series…but watching this badass Jace is priceless ^.^
JAAAACE. I have infinite love for the snappy snarky one-liners. XD
OMG CAIT ME TOO THANK GOODNESS I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE!!!
But I do like to stick to this rule. I ALSO CANNOT BELIEVE MARY POPPINS IS A BOOK WHAT EVEN???? That is forgivable….for like, everyone.
I have not read The Help, but have seen it also, I only read A Bridge To Terabithia the other month and have to agree with you that THE MOVIE ***IS*** BETTER!!!! THERE AREN’T MANY MOVIES THAT DO THAT!!!!! WHOOOOO GO TINY WEENY JOSH HUTCHERSON AND ANNASOPHIA ROBB!!!!
I did not know Princess Bride was a book, but now I shall add it to my TBR list. And I have not read or seen Hugo or The Book Thief (THAT WILL CHANGE SOON I PROMISE!!! *hides from flying books*). :/
And as for The Hobbit, I thikn I was the latest possible fan for the whole franchise and started reading The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings THE YEAR that The Battle of Five Armies came out, then finished ALL OF THE HOBBIT AND LORD OF THE RINGS SERIES and watched the final film like, 3 months after. Phew! That was like a last minute climbing onto the departing ship of a fandom. INTENSE!
Another book that I read that I liked the movie better was Perks of Being A Wallflower. I don’t know, but I really just didn’t like the book and I liked the movie a lot more. It made me happy. (PLUS LOGAN LERMAN AND EMMA WATSON YES PLEASE!!!)
However, because I strictly stick by my rule so often, I don’t think seeing the movie has ever made me want to read the books…
actually I read The Vampire Diaries books after I started watching the show…but they are so completely different that it didn’t really matter. Actually, I also watched A Walk to Remember first, then read the book this year and I preferred the movie again.
GREAT POST CAIT!!! AS ALWAYS!!!! YOU ARE A CHAMP JUST LIKE NOAH CZERNY!! <3 <3 <3 xoxo Renee
I KNOW RIGHT?!?! MOST BOOKS ARE BETTER BUT BRIDGE TO TEREBITHIA OMG AHDASFJKDLAJSKL. I kind of wonder if it’s because I watched the movie first so the book lacked the surprising punch?!? IDEK. MAYBE. But tiny Josh Hutcherson was equally adorable. And Annasophia Robb is incredible. I watched all her movies when I was smallist because SHE IS FAB. THAT IS ALL.
The Book Thief neeeeds to be read, Reenee. IT DOES. AND SEEN. Basically just do both and your life will be 1000 x better.
I think I liked the Perks book better??? But only because it made me cry. FIRST BOOK TO MAKE ME CRY.
I agree about the Percy Jackson movies. They had the chance to be as good as the Potter movies.
Top Ten Movie Adaptions I’m Looking Forward To: https://samwhitehousewriter.wordpress.com/2015/11/10/top-ten-tuesday-top-ten-book-to-movie-adaptions-im-looking-forward-to/
But they faaaailed. WAH. I want to see a remake but done with animation…like How To Train Your Dragon style = but Percy Jackson. :’)
Hi there! I love the twist you did for today’s TTT. 🙂
I will really really watch the Book Thief soon! ;D And don’t be too hard on yourself. I actually committed the same! 😀 I watched Hunger Games withour reading it but the movie was good and it made me read the series.
I have watched One Day as well without knowing that it is in fact a book!
BTW, I cannot find the FOLLOW button on your blog?
I have only met you once and what more can I say! I am loving your blog from the content and from its appearance, even the font! And I bet those photos are yours, too, right???
I hope I can have a blog as good as yours! 😀
I am not Cait, however I believe if you scroll to the very bottom of the blog page there’s a way to follow. ^_^ Because yes, Cait’s blog is fabulous and must be followed by aaaall the people! <3 🙂
@Rosemawrites Awk, thank you! 😀 And AFJDKLASDF I HOPE YOU LIKE THE BOOK THIEF WHEN YOU GET A CHANCE TO SEE IT!! XD I think we all basically commit this “taboo” occasionally right?!! 😛 Half the time I don’t even know the movie is a book beforehand. o.O
Oh my follow button is just in my footer! 😀 But aFJDAKLSD THANK YOU SO MUCH THIS BASICALLY MAKES MY DAY. And yes all the photos are mine. ^_^ THIS COMMENT JUST MADE MY DAY.
This was a great idea! I too have found myself watching the movie before reading the book a couple times. The Maze Runner is the main one I am thinking of right now (it is currently 1:30 am for me, give me a break). I LOVE The Princess Bride! My brother and I are huge fans of the movie, but neither of us have read the book either! I am hoping to read it soon though when I have the time. Great list!
Omg, I admire your dedication for commenting at 1:30. xD DO YOU NOT SLEEP. OMG ANNA. DO YOU NEED CHOCOLATE. *sends you virtual chocolate right now*
Luke will always be made of fabulous — he’s the main reason why I still watch the Percy Jackson movies, hahaha. I need my Luke fix okay?
Also, totally agree with you there on The Hobbit. I’ve read The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy and they were… eh. The Hobbit movies are… eh. (Even though I still haven’t seen the third one.) I mean, they’re stinkingly gorgeous, as usual. But I don’t like them as much as the LOTR movies.
No judgement here, my friend. I regularly rewatch the 2nd PJ movie for my Luke and his sass fix. *nods* NO SHAME.
Same! Same! For the LOTR vs Hobbit! I’m just…eh. I mean, I half think I might watch the rest of the Hobbit movies? But like, life is really short to lose 3 hours like that. SO. I READ INSTEAD.
*whispers* I did! I got the reference. Beware the grrrooooooovvvveeee!!!
THEN YOU ARE CLEARLY THE BEST OF EVER BECAUSE I DON’T THINK ANYONE ELSE DID. XDXD LLLAAAMA FAAAAACE.
Great list, Cait! I have to agree with you about The Hobbit movies – they’re beautifully made and the cast’s wonderful, but they’re unnecessarily long and just a bit a boring. :\ Matilda, The Princess Bride and The Book Thief are all wonderful adaptations, though, although I still haven’t actually read The Princess Bride yet…
I’m also kind of ashamed to say that I don’t mind the Percy Jackson movies? I mean they’re not amazing, and as someone who hasn’t read the books (yet) I’m sure I feel completely different to someone who has, but they’re entertaining, and I do think they’re a great way to get kids interested in Greek mythology. 🙂
Omg, GOOD. I’m glad I’m not alone in my Hobbity thinking. hehe. I mean, I ADORE the world and I want to be a Hobbit so bad. But *sigh* I preferred the pacing of the LOTR movies.
HAHA, omg, no shame for loving PJ! I actually really love the second movie. *nods* I rewatch it. I ACTUALLY REWATCH IT. XD
Personal opinion alert: I liked the City of Bones film more than the book. The film prompted me to search out the books…which I DNFed. I still plan to go back to them (how many years have I been saying this for?). Also, all the Hunger Games films.
That was tiny Peeta??? I knew it was alien Sara, but Peeta? Really? On a completely unrelated note, tiny Cato is alien Seth.
HAHHA. There’s like an infinite list of “I’m going to get back to that…” pile of books, right? I have one. *glares ominously at books should have read by now* AND YES THAT WAS TINY PEETA!!! And I love that Cato is alien Seth. I have too much love for The Race to Witch Mountain, okay?? I was wildly obsessed with it as a kid. Did you ever see The Dark is Rising? Tiny Cato in there too. :’)
Love the twist on it this week!! I didn’t know Mary Poppins was a book until a few years ago. I hadn’t planned on reading but now I know I won’t. I love that movie and refuse to let the book ruin it for me (I can’t believe I just typed that a book would ruin a movie!) I liked The Devil Wears Prada movie more than the book. And I want to see Me, Earl and The Dying Girl because I wasn’t a big fan of the book but I have hopes the movie may be better. Great list!!
DEFINITELY DO NOT. Preserve your happy Disney memories. XD Hahaha, but I know right??! It seems vastly horrific that a movie could be better than its book…but it does happen.
Oh that picture of Thranduil gave me a heart attack. He’s too perfect for my poor mortal eyes<33 I actually liked the LOTR and Hobbit movies better than the book. And Catching Fire too. And I do think the movie TMI cast are perfect so I'm pretty sad when they announced there won't be any City of Ashes movie. I haven't seen A Bridge to Terabithia, but everyone said it pretty sad so I should be prepared with a box of tissue when I watched it!
(Sorry if you recieved this comment multiple times, I had a problem while posting it. It just won't show up!)
I’m so sorry you had a hard time commenting. AGH. WORDPRESS YOU FIEND. *glares at blog* But adjfaksldf Thranduil is amazing that is for sure. He has perfect hair. I have a hair obsession basically. Perfect hair = Cait is in awe.
I do prefer Alec and Isabelle’s casting for the TV show but…Clary/Jace/Simon will always be the movie versions for me. XD
But but…how could you?!
Especially The Book Thief-That’s practically blasphemous, Cait! *shakes fist*
Although I did cheat and do the same for City of Bones and The Maze Runner! 😉
I KNOOOOOW. FORGIVE ME OKAY. I HAVE FAILED OMINOUSLY HERE.
Have to admit here, I watch a lot of movies before I read the book! Hugo, Bridge to Terabithia, and The Book Thief are just a few examples. I don’t even know that Hugo is based on book until now (embarassing, I know). Hugo is a really good movie, though, so maybe I’ll try the book. As for Bridge To Terabithia, that movie is definitely not a kids’ movie! I watch it when I was 6 or 7, and I cried too after I watch it!
Anyway, great topic, Cait! 🙂
Awk, it’s not embarrassing. The book is called The Invention of Hugo Cabret, so it’s kind of a vastly different title too. And I…*whispers*…I think the Hugo movie is better. xD
Hahaha I love this! If you promise not to tell I preferred the Book Thief movie too 🙂 Sh!
OH I WILL NOT TELL. I loved them both equally but that movie…*flails loving it*
OH GOOD I WASN’T THE ONLY REBEL THIS WEEK. But may I say, you HAVE to read THe Princess Bride. It is completely fantastic and sassy and just brilliant.
OH OH The Book Thief was such an amazing movie, goodness gracious <3 <3
REBELS FTW. Like seriously if I added up all the TTT posts I’ve done and counted how often I cheated to how often I did the rules…? I THINK IT WOULD BE A SAD STATE OF AFFAIRS. XD
PLEASE READ PRINCESS BRIDE
It is so witty and funny and utterly worth the time — plus, I would LOVE to hear your thoughts. :p can I make a review request??
Uhm, movies I saw first. I don’t remember. I have a terrible memory for this sort of thing. But movies I liked better? BBC’S TV adaptation of Merlin. (I tried to read the original and sorry, but ughhhh) (also JUST REALIZED THAT I watched the shows first!! Woop!)
And I totally agree with you about Mary Poppins. The books are awful.
I am so pleased with myself because I’ve watched/heard of most of these. I watched The Help and Bridge to Terabithia before reading (yes, I am a terrible person, but they were both so good). And the main thing that stood out to me in The Book Theif is how they said ‘Rudy’ (I had a german boy in my class and yes, he actually said Wudy so that must be right. <3 (that was for Rudy)) And my ensemble is playing LOTR music for a concert (When I last watched those and the hobbit movies I mostly just freaked out at the fighting but oh well) And I didn't know the Princess Bride was a book until 5 minutes ago but the movie is everything so why even read it (apparently it's good, according to Shanti, who is authority I guess). Thank you for sharing, Cain!
So many great movies/books on this list! I try really, really, really hard to read the book first, but yeah, sometimes I slip up. The Princess Bride is one of my favorite movies and I just read the book this year. IT WAS FABULOUS!!! I loved it. You must read it!! I just read The Book Thief a few months ago, but I have not seen the movie yet. Man, that book was devastating. I did just download it on iTunes though, so I will be watching it soon. I did see the movie of Matilda way before I read the book. I was late to the game on that one. I loved the book, but that movie will always have a special place in my heart. I love Matilda.
I always try to read book before watching its movie adaptation. Otherwise, I cannot be bothered to pick book up and read it once I watched movie. And there is only 1 movie adaptation that is equally good (or maybe even better) than book – Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Yeah even I have committed the taboo of seeing a movie before the book. In fact, on your list itself there are two – I saw the movie and never got around to reading the book even though it was so interesting. About movies that are better than the book – hmm, Stardust is the first that pops into my mind.
Matilda is fabulous though I have not read the book, but you speaking about it and how timeless Roald’s writing is, I think I may have to pick it up some time. I just love the whole story and I definitely think it would be nostalgic and bring back some amazing memories.
THE BOOK THIEF. I just watched it yesterday for the first time (I had read the book twice before – I’m a good girl, I am) BUT IT WAS AMAZING AND I LOVED IT TO BITS AND PIECES. HANS I LOVE HANS.
I REALLY want to see ‘The Help.’
~ Naomi
I have tried the ‘Must Read Book Before Film!’ rule many times but I think the only film that I still haven’t watched purely for the reason that I haven’t read the book is The Book Thief. Which is totally dumb because it is amazing (apparently!)
Bridge to Teribithia, I also didn’t expect the uncontrollable sobbing that goes with that film! WOW was it sad! (Also is it bad I didn’t know that this was based on a book?)
The Hobbit. Totally loved the film, but haven’t read the book. I tried to read LOTR a little while ago and got VERY confused by all the different hobbit names and places and it was just A LOT of information for my poor little head to take in at that time and in fact I don’t think I even made it past the 1st chapter!
And finally THANK YOU for being possibly the only person who has ever agreed with me that Jamie Campbell Bower is a PERFECT Jace! I loved him as Jace and I too am a little nervous about the TV series (will definitely still watch it, but just complain every week that the new Jace sucks compaired to Jamie!) 🙂
Cait, a great list. I really loved The Help movie too and Bridge to Terabithia (though the book > the movie for me, haha poor 10 year old Rachel!!!), and the City of Bones movie was so fun. Everyone always hates on it and I thought it was just good really fun….I mean nothing will ever be like the books lol but yea for a movie it was really great.
My TTT- http://rachelwritesthings.blogspot.com/2015/11/top-ten-book-to-movie-adaptations-im.html
With City of Bones and Warm Bodies, I made a half-sin: I’d read a third of the book, then watch the movie up to that point. Then read a third more, then watch more of the movie. I DON’T KNOW WHY, I COULDN’T STOP MYSELF! And you must be the only person in the universe apart from myself who liked Jamie as Jace! He was just everything.
I vastly preferred the Breakfast At Tiffany’s movie to the BaT book. But I just… Audrey Hepburn… SHE IS MY WEAKNESS. And it’s entirely too sad that fifty years later YA authors STILL haven’t grasped the concept of “People don’t belong to people” which Holly Golightly champions in that book/movie. “YOU ARE MIIIIIIIIIINE!”
Dude, no, she isn’t. Lay off the testosterone injections. Kthnxbai.
You have no idea how happy this post makes me. I have committed this bookworm crime a thousand times! I had little desire to read the Harry Potter books until I saw the last two movies and went, “Wait. THIS IS BRILLIANT.” And then promptly read the entire series. I also didn’t read the Hunger Games or Divergent series until watching the first movies of each (don’t ask me about the Insurgent movie; I will rant angrily). I watched the Princess Bride many times before finally reading the book, and I didn’t like it. At all. But my husband and I quote the movie endlessly. Humor me one more example? I watched the Lord of the Rings countless times before finally deciding that if I loved them so much, I should probably gather up my courage and attack the books. So I did, and I was immensely happy about it. And there are more, plus many movies I’ve seen that I haven’t read the corresponding books of, but I’ve already written an essay in your comments section, so I’ll stop now…
I love that you butchered the prompt to do this! I wish I had thought of it! I read a lot as a kid but there was still a lot that I didn’t know was a book first back then (i.e. every Disney movie and unfortunately, every Roald Dahl book as well). I always try to read the book first as an adult but I still fail most of the time! I’m trying to catch up but there are just too many movies to read all of the books!
Here’s my Top Ten Tuesday
I know that once I watch the movie, I will rarely read the book. I still have The Martian sitting on my shelf and have to read it before the DVD release because I know my husband will want to watch it when it comes out. I have seen so many King books become bad adaptations (and I won’t even talk about series) that I find myself thinking all books to movies are bad, which is not the case. Great list.
I saw basically all of these without reading the book, maybe it’s time I fix that. I usually watch the movie first. It’s like a tradition in itself.
You quoting Princess Bride at your sister is my new favorite thing.
The best thing about FINALLY reading The Princess Bride after years of watching it…the line “Do you want me to send you back to where you were? Unemployed, in Greenland?” will make perfect sense.
Do you need to read the book to love the movie? Nope. The movie certainly stands on its own. The book just blows the story up with a lot of backstory and history. And no cute Fred Savage. 🙁
Oh god my mom and I had no idea either; we thought Bridge to Terebithia would be like Narnia. I WAS TRAUMATISED AND NOT OKAY AFTERWARDS.
Great post! I admit to liking The Deathly Hallows(parts 1&2) better than the book. I watched the Princess Bride movie long before I read the book and love them both equally. 🙂
~Giselle Hawthorne
I’ve seen the movie without reading the book with at least half of these, lol (and the only books I’ve actually read are the first two. Sorry, not sorry). One movie I liked way better than the book was Ender’s Game. The book was too unnecessarily brutal in my opinion., but I LOVED the movie.
Alexa
thessalexa.blogspot.com
verbositybookreviews.wordpress.com
I don’t really like the Mary Poppins movie, but I read the book in middle school and I remember surprisingly enjoying. it. I DON’T REMEMBER DETAILS THOUGH. Same with Bridge to Terabithia! Maybe I’ve just always been into cruel, twisted things.
I’m glad you liked The Book Thief movie so much. I was underwhelmed, but having read the book first, I had really high expectations.
YES TO THE PRINCESS BRIDE!!! I need that book! And also, the way you work those quotes into conversation. XD
I AM SO PERFECTLY SUBTLE, RIGHT?!?!
*whispers* I’m actually right there with you for the first two, but I haven’t even read the books for the rest.
I’m so scared/excited for Shadowhunters because of this. XD Like the movie got me started on the fandom…I don’t want the TV show to turn me off!!
I’ve still not watched The Book Thief film. The book is one of my all time favourites and I’m terrified that the film won’t deliver. I confess I too cheated with The Hobbit but I did read the book by the time the third film came out and not going to lie I have some issues with the film. However, in spite of this Middle-Earth will always be my fantasy home.
I read the Hobbit and only watched the first film. I didn’t realize they were going to suck ever second out of the book and make it into three whole separate movies!!! (Not at all happy with that, so I gave up.) But you’ve officially piqued my interest, what issues do you have with the film?!?!
@Lois: I totally get that fear!! I DO. I’m terrified of The Scorpio Races being made into a film. :O It’s like my all-time-favourite book and I do NOT want it mangled. *chews fingernails nervously*
The Scorpio Races is being turned into a film!? I did not know about this and I’m not sure what to think of it.
I quite enjoyed The Hobbit, but I could not get past more than a few pages of The Lord of the Rings. So if you’re worried about not liking The Hobbit because you didn’t like Tolkien’s other books… don’t be. The Hobbit is much more fun.
Also, you must read The Princess Bride. It’s a bit different from the movie, but it’s still an awesome book.
I have read The Book Thief, but I haven’t seen the movie yet. I purposely avoided seeing the movie when it came out because I hadn’t read the book. Now I’m ready for the movie and… I just never get around to it.
I like the 1993 version of The Secret Garden better than the book. I liked the book, but I found it a little… long (I got bogged down in the chapter about magic). I also like the 1934 version of The Little Colonel better than the book; the movie is just so gosh-darn cute (and it has Shirley Temple in it, so that’s always a plus). Oh, and I love the 2008 version of Sense and Sensibility — dare I say it? — more than the book. I have yet to get through the book, but I can watch that movie over and over again. (Dan Stevens as Edward Ferrars… are you kidding me? Yes, please.)
I second not judging The Hobbit (book) on LOTR. I read and loved it many
argh, weird typing; wasn’t done. I read and loved The Hobbit many times from 4th grade on, but couldn’t get through LOTR until college–and even then, I skimmed over large chunks of it.
I will try the Hobbit because of that!! I just about died reading the first LOTR because I was so bored, but I loved the first chapter on hobbits. Hobbits are everything. XD
I want to attempt the Princess Bride this year!! BECAUSE REASONS.
Oh oh I loved the Secret Garden too!! I think I even watched that before reading the book as well. :O So many classic movies actually…like Swiss Family Robinson and Tarzan and Alice in Wonderland…GAH. YEAH. Epic fail me.
LISTEN TO THE LORD OF THE RINGS ON AUDIO THEN! XD Because the epiiiic okay? *puppy eyes*
The Book Theif was probably the only time I have ever loved a film as much as the book… it was exactly how I imagined it all!! I watched the Divergent film before I read the book- my friend and I went to see it at the cinema but I read it after and LOVE that series. I think I wrote a post on this a while back but I’m thinking about it now so I’ll probably write an updated one soon haha!
Eliza xo | http://www.lipglossandpaperbacks.blogspot.co.uk
YESSSS. ME TOO!! Although, since I saw it first, I was like totally re-imagining the movie while reading the book. Death’s narration though = perfection. XD It feels weird to say but…I LOVE DEATH.
There have been quite a few movies I have seen before reading the book. Most when I was a child or when I hadn’t realised it was based on a book. I have seen The Hobbit and LOTR films without reading either books. I LOVE LOTR films, all three of them. I think they are utter perfection. But, The Hobbit movies, nope! I was so bored during the second film and thought it was so disappointing that I never even bothered with the final movie. I still haven’t seen it and I don’t regret that.
Omg, I’m glad I’m not alone in my boredom of the Hobbit movies then. :O Because I LOVE LOTR and I was really worried I’m just getting old and grouchy, ahahha. But I also have a short attention span, weirdly, so getting through mega long movies kills me. >_< I haven't seen the second Hobbit all the way through and haven't even touched the 3rd. >_<
YOU MUST READ THE PRINCESS BRIDE BOOK. I saw the movie first, too. No shame. The book actually helps connect some movie events. And it tells Fezzik’s backstory! Which is unbelievably sad… but did you know that the “Life is pain, anyone who says differently is selling something”? That was actually a line from Fezzik’s mom.
It actually shows what a horrible tragedy it was for Inigo to be beaten by the man in black. Swordfighting is his life, and no one has ever beaten him, then this guy just comes up and beats him. He’s crushed when he wakes up.
And the stakes are (I’m avoiding spoilers) even HIGHER in the rescue attempt of Buttercup!
And the final fight between Inigo and Count Rugen?
IT’S JUST…
Go read it. Now.
I WILL!! I PROMISE!! I kind of want to make sure I do it this year?!? But we’ll see. 😛 Awww, I want to know more about Fezzik because Fezzik is amazing.
Love the twist you have given this list (I was also a little rebel with My TTT this week and turned it into a wish list). I don”t think I’ve ever gone and read a book once I’ve seen the movie. I hate already knowing the ending when I read a book so maybe that’s why!
*rebel hi five* XD Ahhh, I do get that. I always want to see what the differences are, but it DOES take away the surprise of not-knowing the end, right!?
Oh gosh, The Bridge to Terabithia was so a book of my childhood. I loved it when the film came out and it was fantastic and just yay! lol I probably see tons of films without having read the book – it just happens. Not enough time for all the books!
It IS true. It’s just quicker to see a movie, right!??! And sometimes I don’t even know a movie is a book until I finish it (like Silver Linings Playbook…oops that should’ve been on my list too! :P)
HUGO!!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 I haven't read the book, but I'd probably read it with my kids or something if I had some. 🙂
JUST READ IT TO YOURSELF AND EMBRACE THE PICTURES. XD
I watched The Book Thief and absolutely LOVED it and I’ve had the book for like 10,000,000 years and still haven’t read it (I know, I know, shame on me). I will read it though…eventually…xD
AND YESS LUKE. He’s perfection and is basically the only reason I own the Percy Jackson movies (oops?) <3
YOU NEED TO FIX THIS BOOK THIEF SHAPED HOLE IN YOUR LIFE, CARINA. I PROMISE IT’S WORTH IT. It’s narrated by Death and he has all these little footnotes and afjdklafdsjdlk it’s the best.
LUUUUKE. <3
I still haven’t seen The Book Thief movie, although I cried throughout the whole book so I can only imagine what the movie holds in store.. I kinda agree with Tolkien’s books, they are boring in my opinion
OMG THE MOVIE IS JUST AS TEAR WORTHY. I just…nope. And even when I read the book and KNEW what was coming…still crying.
My niece and I were just talking about this. I was telling her that I’m on to this new thing, because I saw Silver Linings Playbook without realizing it was a book, and then when I read it, I wasn’t all offended that it was different, because I knew it was source material. So I got to enjoy both versions as distinct works. She said basically, “I know what you mean, and I even agree with you, but I can’t get over the knowledge that it is WRONG to see the movie first.” She’s had Gone GIrl downloaded on her computer for months, and plans on watching it the second she finishes the book.
101 Dalmations is one I saw first. Also, How To Train Your Dragon, and Princess Bride. (I was totally suckered by the faux ‘history’ of “Morgenstern’s” version too.) As for movies I’ve never read the books of, I pretty much can’t read Robert Ludlum or Philip K. Dick, but I enjoy the Bourne trilogy and all the sci fi movies based on Dick’s work.
SAME!! I had no idea Silver Linings Playbook was a book until I saw it in the credits. 😛 (That movie is sooo amazing, omg.) HAHA. But yes! I still think one should read the book first. Idek…I feel like a better fan?!?! But I’m not opposed to seeing the movie first at the same time. So basically my life is a quandary. *collapses and buries self*
I really need to try The Hobbit! I WILl. I PROMISE.
You have to read The Princess Bride! It’s like, you think there’s no way the book can actually be any better than the movie because the movie is already so good, right? Except it is! Well, it’s been a few years since I’ve read it, but I do remember loving all the absurd humor.
I also did not know Mary Poppins was a book until recently, so it’s all good. But whaaaat? I had no idea the book was like that!
I have liked a couple moves better then the books though, and those would be The Notebook and Big Fish (how you are with The Princess Bride is like I used to be with Big Fish, I could quote it all day long lol). And I think Interview With the Vampire and Water for Elephants are two movies that were pretty close to equal with their books.
EXACTLY. And my sister actually read the Princess Bride and said the book was horrible, so I’m scared to try it. xD But I love the movie so. so. much. It’s like a cult classic, right?!?
I kind of want to see Water for Elephants?!? I ended up DNFing the book, but I think I was just not in a good mood for it and I was listening to the audiobook and, gah, I think I just got impatient. XD
I suppose we could have different tastes. I don’t want to be blamed now if you read The Princess Bride and don’t like it lol. I can see why some people didn’t like Water for Elephants though. I never connected with the characters and the plot had a lot of random subplots, but I love circus books and thought the writing itself was great because it made me feel like I was there.
HAHA. Omg, don’t worry!! My sister told me to read The Princess Bride too. 😉 And I really want to!!
I also saw Hugo, The Book Theif and Percy Jackson before reading the books because….I still haven’t read the books. Ooops. I really, really want to get into the Percy Jackson series. Think I should?
~Sara
YES I THINK YoU SHOULD ABSOLUTELY OMG YES. They’re really cute and I think the second (Heroes of Olympus) series is much better and more YA-ish. But Rick Riordan’s humour is absolutely the bessssst.
Hehehe…I LOVE your Princess Bride section – especially your examples for using quotes in the every day. 🙂 I will say that the Lord of the Rings movies are WAY better than the books. The Hobbit book was okay, better than LotR books.
I have a friend who watches the movies and then reads the books. He says that way he enjoys the movie and then reading the book later just adds to the story.
I’m definitely going to at least TRY the Hobbit! I MEAN I CALL MYSELF A BOOKWORM, RIGHT?!?! I need to try it. XD And I totally get the watching-the-movies-first thing. XD Sometimes I prefer it because it helps me visualise the world better! (I just feel bookwormishly guilty.)
That trailer for Mary Poppins was AMAZING. I need a scary Mary Poppins retelling, I’ve even thought of writing one.
Have you heard of Poppins?!? I forgot it till now, but Tim Burton is remaking Mary Poppins but freakified. XD (that is totally a word…do not doubt me on this now, Abi.)
WUT? Ohmygosh no I hadn’t heard of that. SO COOL. 😀
OMG YES CAIT YOU THINK JAMIE IS THE PERFECT JACE TOO?! YOU ARE MY BEST FRIEND, ITS OFFICIAL! I thought I was the only one who adored this movie and most of all adored Jace in the movie. In fact, I loved most of the cast! 😍💕
And then I saw your post about The Hobbit and you broke my heart in two 😭 It’s one of my favourite books of all time and the movies are flipping fabulous, I watched all three in one day because… Why not? I’ve also probably watched the Lord of the Rings movies more than 30 times in my life so far. (However one downside is those terrifying spider scenes).
Loved it Cait! You also made me discover adaptations I never knew were adaptations 😂
YESSSSS. WE ARE AGREED ON THIS, OMG. WE MUST BE TWINS OR SOMETHING, BASICALLY. Although I waaay prefer the new Alec and Isabelle cast. Like they don’t look like 20 year olds. They look (sorta?) like teens and Malec is going to be adorable. SOOOOO. There’s that. I will stil watch it. heheh.
Omg, but I will read The Hobbit one day! I almost always like things on audio SO much better so I’m audioing it for sure. My sister is a massive LOTR fan. xD She can name all the dwarves and knows trivia and has nerdy merchandise. Bah. I’m inept beside her. XD
Nice list this week!! The Help was a good movie… I still want to see The Book Thief. 🙂
The Help just CRACKS me up. XD Best actors of ever in there too.
I LOVED the Bridge to Terabithia movie. It’s one of the few book-to-movie adaptions that I thought really captured the tone and characters while still having something fresh all its own. I also always refer to Josh Hutcherson as “Peeta,” He has fallen under the category of actors labeled People Whose Names I Can’t Remember and Who Played a Character I Really Like So Now I Always Think of Them as That Character Playing Other Characters in Movies.
Example:
Me: We should watch that movie where Captain Piccard and Gandalf send Wolverine back in time to save the world.
Husband: …Days of Future Past?
Me: Yeah, the one where Juno has mind powers and Mr. Tumnus isn’t paralyzed anymore.
YESSSSSS. It was so cute and magical and just…it was just fantastic. *sniffles* But yes, Josh Hutcherson is permanently Peeta now. There is no going back.
BAHHA THAT CONVERSATION = EXACTLY ME TOO. We were watching Red Dawn and I’m sitting there shrieking, “LOOK! Peeta! Thor!” And my dad is like “What…stop.” XD
“LOOK! Peeta! Thor!” is EXACTLY my reaction to Red Dawn!!! O_O *dies of laughter* Conversations like that are the BEST! XD
Very nice twist Cait hahahah! ALSO SO GLAD YOU WATCHED THE BOOK THIEF. But you did read it after, yes? Also I totally watched the Lightning Thief as well, on an airplane. I don’t necessarily hate it, but eh.
I have seen Gone Girl without reading it (and now I won’t ever probably), and I also have watched some that you have watched, like The Hobbit, Mary Poppins (this was a book?), and the Princess Bride.
I need to read and watch Bridge to Terabithia. WHY IS IT SO SAD?
I DID READ IT!! *Flails for 90000 years* I STILL cried even though I knew what was coming. But srsly…how could that book be so horrible. HOW. WAH. (I love it, by the way.)
Um, I did the same with Gone Girl. I won tickets and…I thought it was a mystery and court-case sort of movie? So. I am scarred. For life. Yep.
HAHA I AIN’T TELLING. JUST GO WATCH BRIDGE TO TEREBITHIA AND tHEN I’LL BE THERE WITH COMFORT CAKE WHEN YOU’RE DONE.
I love this post! I did the same thing for (*shamefully hides face) City of Bones, and Percy Jackson, but the movies led me to two of my favorite fandoms. I tried to read the Maze Runner, twice, but I could never get into it, and so I saw the movie and thought it was fantastic! My TTT for this week: https://aubreysbooknook.wordpress.com/2015/11/10/top-ten-tuesday-most-anticipated-book-to-movie-adaptations/
DON’T SHAMEFULLY HIDE!! We are the same in this! 😛 The Maze Runner movie is ajdfklasfd so so fantastic. AHHHHH BASICALLY THAT CAST. AHHHHH. *calms self*
I was totally clueless that How to Train Your Dragon was a book. I also didn’t know about The Princess Bride until about two years ago. I have not read Mary Poppins yet either, and I have not read Peter Pan! And I definitely agree about Jamie Campbell Bower, but even his magnificence could not lure me to see City of Bones (I DNFed the book). 😝
Oh YES!!! I should’ve had that one on the list! I only read the first book this year (so cute!) and I’m totally making the Princess Bride a reading goal before this year is finished. *nods*
I don’t think I can watch Bridge to Terabithia because I don’t know what I am supposed to think about tiny Josh, and it would confuse and frighten me. Oh, I didn’t know Mary Poppins was a book either, until I was composing my lists and searching for “books to movies” and that popped up. I almost didn’t even believe it. Now I am glad I didn’t check into it further. And now you’re making me kind of want to watch the City of Bones movie! I didn’t want to and now.. maybe!
So, confession: I liked The Maze Runner movie better than the book. Oopsie? And I assume there are actually quite a few movies I have watched before reading the books, because I didn’t even know there WERE books. Like The Notebook! Okay so I found this list on Goodreads- it’s called “I Only Watched the Movie” and apparently there are LOTS- and I don’t even watch many movies, so for most people, this would probably be a huge number. Yeah, like ALL the books on that list, basically.
Sidenote: I think this goes to show society at large how awesome books are. People think they’re just watching some movie.. NOPE it was a book first! MUAHAHHA
BUT TINY JOSH IS SO CUUUUUUTE. And not Peetaish at all. hehhh. When I first saw the Hunger Games I’m like “OMG THERE’S JESS WHERE IS LESLIE?” and my family was like 1000% done with me, but pfft. Whatever.
Do NOT read Mary Poppins. You’ll thank me. You will.
HAha, most people like the Maze Runner movie better. XD I like them equally, but it’s one of the BEST adaptions ever…omg that cast. *dies*
(Like almost all the movies these days are adapted right?!? It also goes to show the world that authors have more writer skills than movie-makers. MWHAHAH. XD)
I watched Hugo when I was elevenish and I was a little spooked but it looks so cool I don’t know how I didn’t want to watch it? Clearly I was just a big softy.
ALSO THANK YOU I almost nearly picked up Mary Poppins and now no thank you i dont want my childhood ruined. #nope
I GET THAT KUZCO REFERENCE AND I LOVE IT thank youuuu
Awww, I get that!! When I was a small tiny human I literally NEVER watched movies (particularly at night) because I got such intense nighmares from the stupidest things. Let’s not talk about Jumunji. -_-
STAY AWAY FROM MARY POPPINS BOOK. THE DISNEY VERSION IS BETTER.
ALSO LLAMAS AND CAKE FOR YOU FOR GETTING THE REFERENCE. XD That’s my new favourite Thranduil gif of eeeeever.
I AM SO TERRIFIED OF THE UPCOMING CITY OF BONES TV SHOW. I was a bit so-so about the movie (but he WAS a good Jace, I thought) , and yeah, I’m verrrrrrrry skeptical about the show. Eh. I guess we’ll see.
I AM TERRIFIED TOO. WE SHALL BE TERRIFIED TOGETHER, YES. I did really like the movie..like I’m super hard to please movie-wise, but, omg, I cracked up. It was wonderful. :’)
Okay, I had no idea Bridge to Terabithia was a book before it was a movie. *goes hide in a corner* I can totally relate to the feeling though, I thought it was going to be a cute movie, and I ended up crying my eyes out for the whole day after that. So many emotions, I couldn’t take it. (I cry easily in front of movies, so I guess there’s that, too.)
*drags you from the corner* IT’S OKAY. I had no idea either when I first saw it. xD
INCONCEIVABLE! (See what I did there?) I cannot see Jamie Campbell Bower as Jace AT ALL! I haven’t seen the movie and all my feelings are based on the trailer but… no, he’s not Jace! I much prefer Dom Sherwood as Jace and I’m in love with the rest of the Shadowhunters cast. Except Clary, UGH.
Now back to The Princess Bride. I watched it for the first time in school and actually thought it was the stupidest thing ever. But now I love it and I’ve seen it about 7 times. Wesley is amazing! I’ve had the book on my shelf for ages now and I still haven’t gotten around to reading it yet…
I DO NOT THINK THAT WORD MEANS WHAT YOU THINK IT MEANS.
*dies laughing at self*
Ahem. But omg I shall just block my ears about Jace-Jaime-Campbell-Bower because HE IS THE JACE TO ME. XD I am kind of excited/nervous about what the show will do?! Clary looks right in casting but I’m not sold on her acting. 0_0
I SHALL NAME MY FIRSTBORN WESTLEY.
Watching the movie for City of Bones made me really really want to go read the book after!! I do not regret it cause shadowhunters are life! Plus, I am also nervous for the tv show!!!!!
I also saw the 2 percy jackson movies, but haven’t read the books. I’m a loser! But 2016 is the year I read Percy Jackson plus all the rick riordan books! 😀
OOOH. WE CAN BE NERVOUS TOGETHER!! I think Alec/Magnus/Isablle are WAY better cast in the TV show…but the movie was just seriously awesome. *sniffles happily*
But omg I only JUST read the Percy Jackson books this year!! So you’re not that far behind me. 😛
Okay, Cait, get read for an alarmingly super-duper long comment!
(1) I just watched City of Bones after rereading the book! I actually really liked the movie — Jamie is definitely a perfect Jace, and I absolutely love Godfrey Gao, he was a perfect Magnus. I’m not sold on the previews for the Shadowhunters show, though… I can’t wait to finally continue with the rest of the books, though. Finally joining the Cassandra Clare club!
(2) I watched only the first Percy Jackson movie and eeehhhh… I kind of want to watch Sea of Monsters just to see what they did with it, but the books really are in their own league that movies can’t replicate.
(3) I prefer Bridge to Terabithia the book over the movie, although the movie’s really sweet, too. The movie didn’t have me sobbing, but the book did, and I’ve read the book multiple times now.
(4) Gah I NEED to watch The Book Thief because I loved the book and the movie looks so good!
(5) Don’t hate me but I haven’t watched or read The Princess Bride…! Although, since it’s such a huge pop culture icon, I do know a bunch of the references and I’ve seen numerous clips from the movie to know what’s going on and what I’m missing out on. Gotta go watch it someday soon…
(6) Matilda! Such a fun movie! I prefer the book, but both forms of the story are hilarious!
(7) And Mary Poppins! I love the movie! And also the book. Yeah, book Mary Poppins is really strict and not all that likeable, but I love the adventures she takes the kiddos on. I’ve read all the Mary Poppins books but they get repetitive after book 2.
(8) And The Hobbit! I like the book but the Lord of the Rings are far better. (I take it you’re not a fan?) I’ve only seen the first Hobbit movie and while I really liked it, I somehow never got around to seeing the others… But Lee Pace, YAAAAAS.
OMG I’M SO GLAD YOU ARE ABOARD THE JACE TRAIN WITH ME. *Flails and collapses* I don’t like the Shadowhunters TV show Jace at all. But I think their Alec and Isabelle are WAY better.
I really wish they’d do the Percy Jackson books as actual animation kids movies?!? Like How to Train your Dragon but….with demigods and awesome and stuff. xD And actually make the characters 12. IT WOULD BE SO GOOD.
I couldn’t even get past the first Mary Poppins book. >_< I just couldn't get over how MEAN she was to those poor little kids, omg. I think it's the babysitter part of me getting all riled up. haah. I don't MEAN to not be a LOTR fan...but, heheh, I like the movies but not the books...and I haven't seen the rest of the Hobbit movies. >_> I HAVE A REALLY SHORT ATTENTION SPAN.
Oh my gosh, I was thinking “could there even BE ten movies that I’ve seen first?” but I share almost EVERY MOVIE in common with you! Maybe I should try watching the City of Bones. I picked it up the first time and had the same reaction. It’s like The Golden Compass where the movie made me want to read the book. (I still haven’t.)
AHH I STILL NEED TO SEE THE GOLDEN COMPASS! 😀 IT’s like on my computer waiting…but omg shiny books always get me and I end up barely ever watching movies. 😉 I loved the dramatised audiobook of The Golden Compass though!!
The movie really got me interested in the book! But that’s mainly because nothing really was explained so I want to read the book for answers =P
I actually didn’t know Mary Poppins was a book either. Did you know Tim Burton is making a movie about it called Poppins. I wonder if it’s based on the book more. I completely agree about Hugo. It is such a beautiful movie and has me interested in reading the book. I saw Divergent the movie before I read the book, but it made me want to read the book so badly and now I’ve read the entire series. I like the book and movie equally
YES I DID. I don’t know how to feel about that!! I mean Julie Andrews IS Mary Poppins right?!?! As much as I lvoe Cate Blanchett…eh, I’m struggling XD I’ll still see it though because Tim Burton is epic. I love things creepified.
Yeah, I couldn’t think of ten movie adaptations I’m looking forward to, because book to movie adaptations make me really, really nervous.
I went to the Percy Jackson movie and people in the theater were openly mocking it. I could not bring myself to watch The Book Thief because I was convinced that it would ruin the book for me. And yeah, the book version of Mary Poppins is really different from the movie. I bought it to read to my kids and …. whoa.
Fun topic – glad you turned it on its head 🙂
Jen @ YA Romantics
They make me SO NERVOUS too!! Like they were getting better for a while there, with Catching Fire being A+ and the Book Thief…but I feel like the Divergent franchise is rapidly dying. >_< XD
I had to go check out your review of Mary Poppins. You are not alone – I didn’t know it was a book either. Maybe I’ll just let Mary Poppins stay in my head as the cheerful movie version, though.
Yes. WISE CHOICE. Just let yourself stay with the Disney version because you’ll be much happier. *nods sagely*
The ONLY thing I will admit was good about the Percy Jackson movies was Luke’s sass… and Logan Lerman’s face. ANYWAY. I also saw The Hobbit/LoR before I read the books…because I don’t think I am going to read them… I also saw the first few Harry Potter movies before I was old enough to read the books. AND I LOVE MATILDA–movie and book!
LUUUUUKE. I love Luke. Infinite love for LUKE. I love Logan Lerman in most of his other movies, but omg, he wasn’t a fabulous Percy Jackson. >_<
I am horrible in that I usually watch the movie first *checks to make sure no one can see this comment* It’s just, a lot of adapted books are ones I have no interest in picking up – so I only read them when I’ve seen them on the big screen and enjoyed that version. I guess that’s why I still haven’t read Percy Jackson bc that movie… yup. The only instance where I read the books before the movie were for The Hunger Games, Gone Girl, Martian, and Harry Potter. I used to be a TERRIBLE reader. Of course, now I am always on top of things.*beams*
I’m mostly so deluded that when a movie says “adapted from the book” in the credits I’m like “Say what? I did not know…” XD Otherwise I tryyyyyy to do the movie first? BUT EPICALLY FAIL TOO, OMG. I saw Gone Girl before I read the book. I am…not reading the book. I AM A DELICATE SOUL AND NOW COMPLETELY TERRIFIED.
I am so glad to see someone who thinks Jamie was the perfect Jace! I don’t want to see the new Jace. It’s Jamie for me always and forever.
I saw the two Percy Jackson movies before I read the books. I didn’t like them and that was the whole reason I didn’t want to read the books anymore. Really happy I got over myself and started the series anyway.
YESSSS I’M GLAD YOU THINK SO TOO!! It’s one of the biggest reasons I’m nervous for the TV show. Although I think the new casting of Alec is SO much better. *nods*
THRANDUIL! He’s fabulous and I have a not so secret crush (ermmm obsession) with him. I want to sit down and watch ALL THESE MOVIES. Especially Bridge to Terabithia because I’ve never actually seen it… the book was enough for me to be like “NOPE” to seeing the movie.
So I have read three of these books, and four of these movies, that I remember (apparently I’ve seen The Princess Bride, but I have no clue what the book or movie is about, or have any recollection of it whatsoever).
I have read City of Bones, Matilda, and The Hobbit. I wasn’t a fan of The Hobbit. I found it so boring, too. I’ve tried the LOTR books, but nope. I can’t deal with them. But LOVE Matilda and City of Bones.
I have seen The Help, Matilda, Mary Poppins, and The Hobbit (1&2)! I LOVE the first three, but I think The Hobbit movies lose something for me by having Martin Freeman as Bilbo, simply because every character he plays is exactly the same. I much prefer the LOTR movies.
I have seen many, many Nicholas Sparks movies, but I’ve read only one book: The Notebook. It was CRAP! I LOVED the movie, it’s my favourite ever movie, but the book is so boring. Half the movie isn’t even in the book! It skips all the good parts! Or the movie put in good parts because it missed them in the book!
There are many book-to-movie adaptations that I haven’t read OR seen though. The Book Thief, The Maze Runner, Paper Towns… those are the ones I can think of right now, but I know there are others. I really want to see The Book Thief, though. Not sure if I fancy the book :/
Great post, Cait!
NO. NOT THE PERCY JACKSON MOVIES. OMG. It’s been a few years and I’m still not over that. They were so different from the books, and they didn’t do them justice at all. 🙁 (Although now I guess I understand why it took you so long to pick the books up – haha).
And OMG Bridge to Teribithia! The movie was amazing – it really did the book justice (*looks pointedly at Percy Jackson movies again*). AnnaSophia Robb and Josh Hutcherson are two of my favorite actors, and they portrayed their characters perfectly.
Thanks for sharing Cait and, as always, fabulous choices! ♥
Oh no… now I feel so bad. I saw these movies that you listed! But in this list, I’d only read Percy Jackson, started The Hobbit, then forgot to finish it midway. I didn’t even watch The Book Thief, coz like you, I hadn’t read the book yet and I felt like I should. Sigh. I should read and watch it as soon as possible!
I hate/love the Percy Jackson movies because they are just SO cheesy and terrible, but they’re sort of a cheesy and terrible comfort movie for me & I will rewatch it whenever it’s on. HAHA.
I’m one of those awful people who will just… not read the book if I know the movie’s coming out. I mean, it mostly happens when I’m lukewarm about the book anyway, but yeah. When I keep seeing a title everywhere, I just end up getting sick of it & lose interest haha. I am terrible!!!
The Book Thief movie was AMAZING. I absolutely adored Rudy. I haven’t read the book yet but I definitely will BECAUSE OF THE MOVIE. I haven’t read the mortal instruments series or watched the film honestly. But I’m seriously thinking of picking up the books. Great post by the way and yes, I agree that there is such a rule.. Books before movies I dare say..
OMG: okay, so i need watch these. i need to read these. basically just YES.
also, i liked the Princess Bride movie better than the book.
#sacrilegeiknow
also: Mary Poppins. i loved that movie as a kid, never read the book (like you, i didn’t even know there was one until last year) but:
watch Saving Mr. Banks. IT EXPLAINS EVERYTHING – mostly the link between the movie Mary Poppins and the book Mary Poppins.
also it is sad and will make you cry. (it made me cry.)
like, Bridge-to-Terebithia-cry.
DO IT.
So many great movies – and books!
One movie here that I still haven’t seen all the way through: The Bridge to Terabithia. The dvd I attempted to watch had a horrible scratch in it and it wouldn’t play the last 1/3 of the movie. I’ll have to finish it someday.
Check out my TTT.
THIS IS HORRID AND I DO IT ALL THE TIME. *dodges incoming tomatoes*
I saw The Fault In Our Stars without reading the book (honestly, I really don’t wanna the book tbh), I’ve seen Matilda about a million times and I SWEAR to soon read the book. OMG I had no idea The Princess Bride was a book. I’m so sorry. Orlando Bloom with that long hair and those eyebrows, though. Major shudder.
Darling post, Cait! 😀
Another fantabulous post!
I am ashamed to say that I have not yet Matilda’ed my life *goes to corner of shame*
I also tend to call actors by their first name but this tends to confuse people.
(i.e. ME; JOSH IS EATING A BREAD ASDFGHJKL
PERSON: Who’s Josh?
ME: Peeta?
PERSON: ??
ME: Mellark? Bread boy? THE HUNGER GAMES?
PERSON: ??)
….usually
I also didn’t know Mary Poppins was originally a book until a minute ago… whoops? However, I’d prefer to keep the happy version in my head because dancing penguins.
Princess Bride is perfection and I need to start quoting it more often xD
*realizes how long this comment is*
I read Matilda when I was younger after seeing the movie, saw The Hobbit, never read the book, same for The Help. Wont be seeing BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA cause the book made me bawl like a baby.
THE SCARY MARY MOVIE TRAILER SCARED ME MORE THAN ANY HORROR MOVIE TRAILER I’VE EVER SEEN WHY CAIT WHY.
I recently saw The Martian, AND OMG I NEED TO READ THE BOOK NOW. It was SO good! I’ve already bought the book, and I can’t wait to read it, but I have to read booooring university books first. The struuuuuggle. Why read about real life murder cases that border on, dare I say it, non-fiction *shudders* when I could be reading about hilarious banter and disco music and science? I am APPALLED that no one has ever recommended The Martian to me personally. I mean, I might have heard it mentioned once or twice, but it was one of those cases where I was like DON’T KNOW DON’T CARE, and I SHOULD have cared, Cait, I should’ve. Sorry, it’s past midnight, and I’ve been editing for hours, I might be feeling slightly crazy.
Aaaanyways. I actually like Catching Fire and Mockingjay better as movies. It’s not that I didn’t like the books. They were great, and I loved the entire series, but somehow I’m just much more emotionally involved with the movies!
LET ME LOVE ALL YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY!!!!!!!!!!!! <3 Your gorgeous pics just slay me. THEY DO.
TINY PEETA! XD (I think of him as that for the voice of Michael in the Howl's Moving Castle movie…)
Also what you said about The Book Thief. XD *dies from laughing* (What can I say, this post is just killing me in aaall of the ways.)
The Princess Bride is one of the few movies that I think is actually BETTER than the book. (I love the book too. But the movie. Just. CLASSIC.)
*so astronomically jealous of your gorgeous heart clock necklace I love it*
Okay, Cait, you simply must listen to The Hobbit AND the Lord of the Rings books on audio. Because yes. YOU HAVE TO OKAY. INSIST ON THIS FACT!!!
THRANDUIL!!!!!! I will admit that he's much more fabulous in the movie just because I loved him so. <3 (But the book is still better…)
Cases of movies I like better than the books: The Princess Bride, Treasure Island (1990 TV movie I think?), and The Willows in Winter which was an unofficial sequel to The Wind in the Willows. Offhand that's all I can think of. BOOKS ARE USUALLY BETTER.
And I've seen movies like Eragon and all the Hunger Games movies so far without having read the books. Hee. I so bad. -_- ImayreadHGafterthelastmoviethough.
I read the Percy Jackson books after I watched the first movie too hah. I also still haven’t read most of the books on your list and I have watched nearly all these movies – opps hah.
Thanks for the post
But it’s quicker to see the movie right?!?!? So it’s understandable. XD
I LOVE THAT FINAL PICTURE LOOK AT THAT SASSY GUY. And I’ve barely watched any of the movies on this list, I should get my life together and watch all the bookish movies at some point.
I KNOOOOW. HIS SASS IS LEGENDARY. So is his beautiful hair.
SCREAMS. The Bridge to Terabithia broke my damn heart ;_; I haven’t read the book, but I’ll take your word on it that the movie is better. I loved the movie though.
I actually want to read The Golden Compass so that I can watch the TV show when it comes out.
Awesome post as always <3
THE MOVIE IS EVERYTHING. I WAS NOT OKAY AT THE END. I REPEAT. NOT. OKAY. *breaks down sobbing again in remembrance*
Oh oh if you like audio books I totally recommend checking out the Golden Compass ones! 😀 They’re dramatised and just EPIC.
Hello there, my adorable Cait. I have nominated YOOOUUUU for the very amazing Sisterhood of the World Bloggers award. Go and clickety-click on my post if you accept!
Hugs and rainbows, Grace.
AFJDSKALD YOU NICE BEAN, YOU. IS HALL CHECK IT OUT IMMEDIATELY.
I was the same as you when it came to Percy Jackson Cait! Everyone hated the first movie and talked about how bad it was, but it actually got me curious about the rest of the series and I read it all! I loved The Help as well, and man, The Book Thief was just super sad. That City of Bones movie though….uggghhhh it was so bad. But I’m glad you liked it!
Ohmygods, at least now I know I am not alone. 😀
I hated City of Bones and The Lightning Thief so I didn’t even bother with Sea of Monsters.
The Help, Mary Poppins and Hugo, I haven’t read nor watched.
The Bridge to Terabithia, The Book Thief and The Hobbit, I haven’t read the books but I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE MOVIES! (And they all broke my heart, too.)
I’ve read Matilda and The Princess Bride, but haven’t watched the movies yet. Loved both books, btw. 🙂
As a LOTR fan, I just have to make my presence known. I could not stay quiet 😉
Matilda is life and if someone hasn’t seen the movie, they have missed out on life as a child. I’m just saying. I still try to move objects with my mind (not kidding).
Annnnnd… now I’m off to purchase The Book Thief 😀
I have tried to keep it a secret, but I am a frequent felon convicted of this crime. I have watched The Book Thief and The Princess Bride and I STILL have not read the books. I just love the movies so much that I am afraid about how the book is going to be different and if it is going to live up to the movie (which sounds backwards, I know). I have heard some not so stellar things about the Princess Bride movie, and while it is inconceivable that the book could be bad, it is going to be hard to bet the high standard set by the movie. As for The Hobbit, I fell asleep in the first 30 minutes of the movie and woke up later incredibly confused on what was happening. I have not read any of the books yet, but I have always planned to. The Lord of the Rings books have been on my TBR for so long that I actually forget that I have not read them yet. I guess I am also a little bit afraid to step into yet another intense fandom. I would like to keep the pieces of my heart together, please and thank you.
I hear ya with keeping one’s heart together. wHY IS FANDOM LIFE IS DIFFICULT?!?!? XD And my little sister also read the Princess Bride book and pronounced it horrible, so I think that’s a big part of the reason I’ve been scared to touch it. The movie is like a cult classic right?!?! It’s perfection. :’)
Don’t even bring up the Percy Jackson movies *screams internally* I honestly can’t handl how horribly they potrayed such glorious books…. But I did enjoy them when I hadnt known that they were completely different from the books *punches self*. Anyways I loved this post 🙂
Interesting obejctions. I didn’t even know, there was a Matilda movie before. I read the book when I was seven (ewww, that’s so dramatically long ago.) and I loved it, though I also have to confess that I never read it again. Because a library book, and then you move away…
Also, Percy Jackson and the sea of monsters was actually a good movies? I never saw any of the movies, though I lot of snippets and things I heard about the first were reall bad. If I was Rick Riordan I had long ago already screamed “Remake!!! immediately!” I don’t even want to see the first completely. All I needed was this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDngEnB1rQs I mean, it sounds like something worth laughing about… but it totally rips a lot of the logic the books had in pieces.
I actually belong to the few peope who read Lord of the Rings before I saw the full movie (when I was six years old, I wanted to watch when my dad did, but instead he paused and watched with me how they animated Andy Serkis as Gollum, because that seemed a bit more appropiate to him, at least a bit 😀 and I like tidbits of the Hobbit movie more than in the book, but I also like tidbits of the book more, depending on which part you take. What I do think is, that some parts of the movies, like goblin town that were said to be ridiculous in the movie, where ridiculous already in the books, so please, I hear no complains. I seriously had to deal with somebody, who wanted to explain me, that the Hobbit book is better because Thorin doesn’t die. Wait, what? That would be actually fantastic.
Oooh, Bridge to Terabithtia. My big disappointment, when I read it. The movie is all about the fantastic and magic, but in the
book you only rediscover the sad parts. But I also remembered why Peeta looked so damn familiar to me, when I first saw the HG movie, when I researched all about that.
Wait, you don’t like the Mary Poppins book? Really? I mean, she’s a bit different in the book, but still! A lot of things I liked about Mary Poppins.
I actually refused to go to the cinema for Divergent, The Book Thief, The Fault In Our Stars and The Maze Runner just because I hadn’t read the book. Even though they were at convenient times on cinema, when I had absolutely nothing to do. Instead of course, I read. But on the other hand I watched “How to train your dragon” without even knowing there was a book. But I actually did read the book of the Dreamworks animated film “Home” of this year. It’s called “The true meaning of Smekday”.
Also, City of Bones already looked so bad on the trailer, that I didn’t gave it a try. I don’t even like the books much (they’re okay and the writing is fluent, so that you get through the book quickly) so I wasn’t really high-off fangirling because if the movie. I didn’t watch it.
The only contact with “The Princess Bride” I so far had was from the quotes in Inkheart 😀 also I know a few movie snippets because of YouTube.
I couldn’t friend with the Hugo movie. Probably because I had seen the pictures in the books before and my idea of the film was very different. I didn’t even need all the Steampunk. I mean, I love Steampunk. But not in a supposedly historical setting. If it wants to be realistic, then please go and be hyperrealistic, please…. I can be moody like that.
Ahh, I understand about the Hugo movie. *nods* Like it was a little slow anyway? But I still adored it. :’) Just for the visuals. Oh OH have you read his new book, The Marvels?!? It’s like 50% in pictures this time so LOOOOOVED that.
hehe, nope. I couldn’t stand the Mary Poppins book-version! I feel utterly blasphemous for saying that I liked the movie better, buuuuut….I definitely did.
And seriously you saw the LOTR at 6?!?!? WOW. You are a brave little thing. 😉
I’m just like you, I must READ THE BOOK FIRST, and only then I go to the movie. But there was this huge one time, when I did it wrong. Actually you know what? I think I would write a post on my blog about it, I can’t do it in several sentences. Thanks for inspiration, Cait!
YESSS DO IT. I want to read this post of yours. XD
hehehe! I have committed this horrible atrocity before too^^ I actually saw the first two Harry Potter films before reading the books, I saw Lord of the Rings before having ever read the books and to this day The Count of Monte Cristo is one of my favorite films, but I have yet to read the book! I’ve heard that the movie was better though so I feel a bit better about that! As for Hugo, I wanted to see it big time but for whatever reason that was one of the ones that made me feel like I wanted to read the book first. And I may be uttering blasphemy here but I actually prefer the LotR and Hobbit movies to the books. Tolkien has an especially descriptive writing style that bored me to tears in some bits but I still loved the books despite that. The movies though, although they were too long in some parts, really brought Middle Earth to life in a way the books never quite managed.
Ok so, Jess (Curiouser and Curiouser) featured your blog recently and we seem to like a lot of the same books so I am now offically stalking you via Bloglovin’ and Twitter 🙂
Pfft, I’ll join you in the LOTR blasphemy then. XD I couldn’t even get through the 2nd LOTR book and I think I was only reading the first so I could say I’d read it. hehe. WE ARE BAD TOGETHER. 😛
AWWW. REALLY!?!? OMG. *welcomes you with cake* I’m so glad you like my blog!!
I GOT THE THRANDUIL GIF REFERENCE *bows* thank you thank you i’ll be here until nine. I’m currently reading The Hobbit to my baby sister and we’re LOVING it. I like it much better than The Lord of The Rings, as far as reading goes. It’s a really funny book so far.
ALSO I REFER TO ACTORS BY THEIR OTHER ROLES AS MUCH AS I CAN! There’s this one movie I saw a long time ago and literally Mrs. Weasley murderously stalked behind Rose Tyler while The Doctor was a cutey patootie working in a newsroom and Rose Tyler fell in love with Mr. Tilney who’s sister was Peggy Carter! It was all very twisted. The film was called Ruby…something??? I forgot the title, but it was the tits!
OH OH THAT IS GOOD NEWS. I have the Hobbit on audio now and I’m debating whether to start it, hehe. So I should?! LOTR just…I almost always chose sleep over reading. >_> #awkard
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