Movie adaptations of books can really be a mixed bag (and an incredibly sore subject for Eragon fans, I’ve noticed). With that said, there are some movies that are every bit as good as (and sometimes better) than the book on which they were based.
There are two things I want to note before I start giving my opinions. First, I am not a film buff. I don’t know much about cinematography or film history or anything like that, and my repertoire of films I have watched is below average. So, I’m not an ideal film critic. Second, I don’t think that the purpose of a movie adaptation is to mirror the book as closely as possible. They are two totally different mediums, and I think the best adaptations take advantage of what the screen can offer that a book can’t (music, visuals, Timothee Chalamet, sets, etc.). In other words, showing the spirit of the book and bringing new dimension to it trumps staying faithful to the plot for me. So, without further rumination on my inadequacy to write this list, here we go:
Call Me By Your Name: I actually saw this movie before reading the book, and I think I enjoyed the book much more for having seen the movie first. The book was beautifully written and definitely expressed more of Elio’s interiority than was fully possible to capture in the movie. Still, the book couldn’t show the stunning Italian scenery and play two Sufjan Stevens songs that completely wrecked me. I honestly could not say whether the book or the movie was better as they each brought their own beautiful interpretations to the table. Both have final lines that hit like a punch in the gut. 
Silver Linings Playbook: The movie really catches the vibe of the book, which is not an easy feat. There were some significant differences, but I think they translated the complex emotions, humor, family dynamics and general culture of the novel so well. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence did a great job portraying their multifaceted characters. Both the novel and the movie are enjoyable and touching.
Holes: For all of my assertions about how it’s not important for a movie to stay completely faithful to the book, this is an example of a movie that followed the book very closely and turned out great. The casting was flawless and watching the movie really felt like you entered the world of the book.
The Haunting of Hill House: I know that this was technically a mini series and not a movie, but I’m counting it. First off, I love “The Haunting of Hill House” and anything else written by Shirley Jackson. I think Netflix’s adaptation of the book is an excellent example of making massive changes to the text while still maintaining the spirit of it (no pun intended). Imagining Hill House’s visitors instead as a family who grew up in the house added so much emotional depth to the story. The characters were all so wonderfully written. “The Haunting of Bly Manor” was excellent as well, and I am really disappointed that Netflix isn’t planning to do another mini series in this vein.
The Great Gatsby: I know that this is a controversial stance, and I’ll totally agree with everyone who thinks framing the movie as Nick writing about his experience while in a sanitarium was a terrible idea. However, I thought that Carey Mulligan was a perfect Daisy and captured her mannerisms and personality better than I could have imagined. The soundtrack was stellar, catchy, and captured the emotional range of the story really well. I think going with modern music instead of sticking with 20’s sounding tunes was a great choice. The costumes were stunning, and the parties were every bit as excessive and sensational as I imagined them while reading the book.
