15 Best Classic Book to Movie Adaptations
Over the years, we have been blessed with some of the best all-time family movies. Discover below a list of the best movie adaptations of our favorite classic books! Many of these tell the story from the original book and others take a few liberties but are still great movies to watch! I hope you and your family enjoy these and find them heartwarming and entertaining. You and your kiddos will love to read the books before or after watching the movies!
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Anne of Green Gables (1985)
A must-watch for any girl who loves Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne Shirley.
No other adaption catches the magic of Green Gables quite like this 1985 classic.
Enjoy watching and rewatching this movie and its sequels with your girls for years to come!
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (2005)
The first Narnia movie that starts the journey for the four Pevensie children when they take that very first step into the wardrobe.
Prince Caspian (2008)
The second Narnia movie and the next adventure for the four Pevensie siblings.
This time they are caught up in a battle to get the kingdom back and restore the rightful air to the throne
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)
The third Narnia classic and another exciting journey for the two younger Pevensie children and their cousin.
They are on another quest to save Narnia once again from the enemy!
The Princess Bride (1987)
A retelling of an adventurous fairy tale, Princess Bride captures everything you love about a good story.
With characters you will never forget, this classic tale of swash buckling and rescue will keep the whole family entertained!
The Incredible Journey (1963 & 1993)
A fun tale about three pets and their exciting adventure on their journey home.
Made into several movies, this story is still a classic movie for all kids who love animals.
Black Beauty (1994 & 2020)
This classic story of the life of a beautiful black horse is a must-read for all.
These two movie adaptions from 1994 and 2020 are the best
Heidi (1937 & 1993)
After reading the book, you will love watching this classic story of Heidi,
a girl who learns to love her grandpa in the beautiful mountains of Switzerland.
There are many adaptions, but I find these two pictured are the most heartwarming.
Pollyanna (2003)
The story of a girl who chose to find the joy in life despite all the trials. Read and then watch as she shares that joy with all those around her.
An uplifting story that will make you and your kids smile.
The Secret Garden (1993)
Mary Lennox’s life is changed when she moves to her uncle’s house and finds an abandoned garden. With the help of a few friends,
Mary brings new life into the garden and helps her cousin heal. This movie is always such an inspiring story to watch.
A Little Princess (1939 & 1995)
Sara, the daughter of a wealthy captain, comes to live at a school for girls. But when she loses her father, Sara is made to live as a servant.
With some imagination, she choses to act as a princess would, despite the circumstances.
These two movie adaptions capture the heart of this classic story!
Little Women (1994 & 2017 & 2019)
The story of four sisters and how they learn and grow after the trials of the Civil War.
Watch how Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy learn many lessons in selflessness, romance, and family.
Pictured here are two movie adaptations and a three-episode mini series that are all enjoyable to watch!
Miss Potter (2007)
The best classic movie adaption of Beatrix Potter’s life that captures all the magic of her animal friends.
Charlotte’s Web (2006 & 1973)
A timeless book about a spider, a pig, and the girl who saved him. This classic was first animated in the 1973
version and later made into a family film that still captures the fun of the original story.
Flicka (2006)
Based off the classic book called ‘My Friend Flicka’, this film adaption is another take on this story.
A captivating tale of a young girl and the wild mustang that she fell in love with.
I hope you enjoy each of these classic stories and their movie adaptations. All of these are considered family-friendly films and are sure to keep your family entertained for hours. Reading the book aloud first with your children will get them excited to watch the movie together! Seeing what they imagined in their head being pictured on the screen is a fun way to build more excitement for reading more books!
Please, as with all movies, you discern what you want to put in front of your children to watch. Some scenes may not be suitable for younger children.
Comment below what other books YOU love to see on the big screen!
The lovers of God who chase after righteousness will find all their dreams come true:
an abundant life drenched with favor and a fountain that overflows with satisfaction.
Proverbs 21:21 TPT
