10 Best Comedy Movies Based on Books, Ranked

Diversifications are difficult, offering filmmakers with robust supply materials but additionally rising the danger that some issues would possibly get misplaced in translation. For that reason, numerous readers have been let down by tepid variations of their favourite books. That stated, lots of variations do succeed, and that is notably evident when comedies. A whole lot of terrific comedy movies had been really primarily based on strong, if not notably memorable, novels, upping the humor and respiratory life into the characters.

The checklist is lengthy however consists of motion pictures like Silver Linings Playbook and The Devil Wears Prada. Via performances and left path, these variations handle to surpass their supply materials. Even The Princess Bride, which was a improbable guide, is best in cinematic type. With this in thoughts, listed below are the ten greatest comedy motion pictures primarily based on books, from coming-of-age classics to wacky household motion pictures. Whether or not they lean into slapstick humor or sharp wit, these movies handle to respect their literary origins whereas making a mark of their very own.

10 ‘The Satan Wears Prada’ (2006)

Based mostly on The Satan Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

“By all means, transfer at a glacial tempo. You understand how that thrills me.” Anne Hathaway turns in an enthralling lead efficiency on this enjoyable adaptation of Lauren Weisberger‘s bestselling novel. She performs Andy Sachs, an aspiring journalist who lands a job as an assistant to the formidable Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), editor-in-chief of a high-fashion journal. As Andy navigates the cutthroat world of trend, she finds herself torn between her private life and the calls for of her ruthless boss.

The film is entertaining and well-crafted; gentle and effervescent but additionally modern. On the storytelling aspect, Aline Brosh McKenna‘s screenplay not solely stays true to the essence of the novel but additionally elevates it, whereas David Frankel’s economical path provides an ideal contact. The performances are the actual spotlight, nonetheless, with Streep turning in some of her very best work. She rightly obtained an Oscar nod for her efforts. Stanley Tucci can be improbable in his supporting half as artwork director Nigel.

9 ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ (1993)

Based mostly on Alias Madame Doubtfire by Anne Advantageous

“Assistance is on the best way, expensive! Based mostly on Anne Advantageous‘s novel Alias Madame Doubtfire, this heartwarming gem follows Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams), a struggling actor who disguises himself as an aged British nanny to spend extra time together with his kids after his divorce. Below the guise of Mrs. Doubtfire, Daniel learns extra about his household and turns into a greater father, all whereas making an attempt to maintain his double life below wraps.

It is a zany and barely twisted premise, however Williams carries the undertaking together with his energetic and versatile efficiency. Cleverly, the humor appeals to each younger and mature audiences, with sly, risqué jokes woven subtly into the dialogue. However the comedy can be balanced out with lots of emotion and real household drama. Not each scene sticks the touchdown, however, total, Mrs. Doubtfire makes for an gratifying slice of ’80s leisure. There is a cause it grossed $441m worldwide in opposition to a finances of simply $25m.

8 ‘Quick Occasions at Ridgemont Excessive’ (1982)

Based mostly on Quick Occasions at Ridgemont Excessive: A True Story by Cameron Crowe

“All I want are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and I am wonderful.” One other ’80s basic, Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a hilarious (and apparently painfully correct) depiction of teenage life in that decade. The movie follows a gaggle of scholars at Ridgemont Excessive, together with surfer dude Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn), as they navigate the highs and lows of adolescence, from relationships to part-time jobs and the complexities of rising up.

The film was primarily based on a guide by future filmmaker Cameron Crowe (Jerry Maguire, Nearly Well-known), who was then nonetheless a journalist. It really works as each a comedy and a social commentary, filled with raunchiness but additionally real emotion. Director Amy Heckerling approaches the characters with care and with out judgment, making for a film that was each of its time and forward of it. Over the next many years, it will exert a robust affect on the teenager comedy style.

7 ‘Imply Women’ (2004)

Based mostly on Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman

“On Wednesdays we put on pink.” If Quick Occasions is a defining assertion on teenagerhood within the Nineteen Eighties, Mean Girls is one for the 2000s. Penned by Tina Fey from the nonfiction guide Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman, it facilities on Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan), a brand new pupil making an attempt to outlive the advanced social hierarchy of her new faculty. The film was an enormous hit on launch and rapidly grew to become iconic, because of its insightful script and defiance of sweet sixteen film stereotypes.

The sharp screenplay brings to life the absurdities of highschool cliques and the ability dynamics at play. (In some ways, the film’s rampant cattiness was a harbinger of social media.) The performing can be nice, with nice work from future stars like Rachel McAdams in addition to SNL alums like Amy Poehler and Tim Meadows. For all these causes, Imply Women has grow to be a cultural touchstone. How lengthy will it stay gratifying? The restrict doesn’t exist.

Watch on Paramount+

6 ‘Excessive Constancy’ (2000)

Based mostly on Excessive Constancy by Nick Hornby

“Did I hearken to pop music as a result of I used to be depressing? Or was I depressing as a result of I listened to pop music?” John Cusack leads this adaptation of Nick Hornby‘s novel as Rob Gordon, a file retailer proprietor in Chicago who recounts his high 5 breakups and displays on his previous relationships. Most of all, he pines for his ex Laura (Iben Hjejle). Bursting with witty dialogue and a stellar soundtrack, Excessive Constancy is an infectious exploration of affection, identification, and private progress.

The screenwriters (together with Cusack himself) do a terrific job of translating the guide to the display. Their adjustments (like relocating the setting from London to Chicago) are typically for the higher, they usually retained the first-person narrative by having Rob ceaselessly speak on to the viewers. Along with Cusack, Jack Black also delivers a scene-stealing performance as an obnoxious file retailer clerk, one which vastly boosted his profile and enabled most of the roles to comply with.

5 ‘Election’ (1999)

Based mostly on Election by Tom Perrotta

“Choose Flick!” Election, primarily based on the novel by Tom Perrotta, is a satirical comedy a couple of highschool election that spirals uncontrolled. On the coronary heart of the mayhem are two oddball characters: Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon), an overachieving pupil decided to win the election for sophistication president, and historical past instructor Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick), who will go to any size to forestall Tracy from profitable.

It is a biting commentary on ambition, ethics, and energy, packaged inside plentiful gags. A lot of the film’s success is because of Witherspoon. She turns in a few of her most interesting work right here because the wacky however terrifying Tracy, an embodiment of unrestrained power-hunger. Her advanced character finally flips the script and is the film’s actual animating pressure. Not for nothing, Barack Obama has reportedly named Election as his all-time favourite film about politics. It has aged properly and stays presumably Alexander Payne‘s funniest undertaking.

4 ‘M*A*S*H’ (1970)

Based mostly on MASH: A Novel About Three Military Docs by Richard Hooker

“Consideration, consideration. All personnel report back to the compound for ‘M*A*S*H.'” Earlier than the long-running TV collection, there was this basic black comedy movie directed by Robert Altman (Nashville, The Player). It is primarily based on Richard Hooker‘s guide MASH: A Novel About Three Military Docs, set through the Korean Warfare. The plot facilities on the irreverent antics of surgeons Hawkeye Pierce (Donald Sutherland) and Trapper John (Elliott Gould), who use humor and pranks to deal with the horrors of conflict. Whereas it’s full of jokes, the movie additionally poignantly addresses the toll that conflict takes on these concerned.

The movie is endlessly irreverent (seemingly poking at each sacred cow) and infrequently crass however conveyed via refined camerawork and a sneakily good script. It is also completely absurd, in a approach that remembers Joseph Heller‘s Catch-22. The hard-edged humor and clear-eyed tackle conflict resonated with viewers on launch, making M*A*S*H a field workplace hit.

Watch on Hulu

3 ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ (1961)

Based mostly on Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote

“You name your self a free spirit, a ‘wild factor,’ and also you’re terrified any individual’s gonna stick you in a cage.” Audrey Hepburn is at her most iconic on this one as Holly Golightly, a New York socialite with a mysterious previous who charms everybody she meets, together with her new neighbor, Paul Varjak (George Peppard). However, whereas Holly seems carefree and eccentric, her life is way extra advanced than it appears, as she struggles with identification, love, and survival within the huge metropolis.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a pleasant mixture of romance and comedy, rating among the many most beloved motion pictures of the Nineteen Sixties. What many followers could not know is that it was primarily based on a novella by Truman Capote, the writer of In Chilly Blood. The author complained that the film deviated an excessive amount of from the supply materials, though even Capote admitted that it was enjoyable, saying, “The film is a confection — a sugar and spice confection.”

2 ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ (2012)

Based mostly on The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Fast

“You need to do the whole lot you may, and should you keep optimistic, you’ve got a shot at a silver lining.” Based mostly on Matthew Fast‘s novel, Silver Linings Playbook tells the story of Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper), a person with bipolar who returns to stay together with his dad and mom after being launched from a psychological well being facility. Decided to reconcile together with his estranged spouse, Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a younger widow together with her personal emotional struggles. Collectively, they type an unlikely bond and uncover new methods to search out happiness.

The guide was well-received, however the film takes the whole lot good about it and ups it by an element of ten. It is splendidly eccentric and madcap, shot via with humor and drive and surprising emotional twists. The movie might have been sentimental however is as an alternative energetic and recent. It helps that the performing is nice, not simply from the leads but additionally from the supporting gamers like Chris Tucker, Jacki Weaver, and Robert De Niro.

1 ‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)

Based mostly on The Princess Bride by William Goldman

“As you would like.” In terms of the most effective comedy motion pictures primarily based on books, it is very onerous to high The Princess Bride, which was tailored by author William Goldman from his personal 1973 novel. Each the guide and the movie are improbable, radiating a pleasure that may’t assist however be infectious. It is a fairy story journey centering on Westley (Cary Elwes), who embarks on a quest to rescue his real love, Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright), from the evil Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon).

Alongside the best way, Westley encounters a solid of colourful characters, together with the enormous Fezzik (André the Large), the vengeful Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), and the crafty Vizzini (Wallace Shawn). The movie is pure enjoyable from begin to end, jam-packed with quirkiness and memorable dialogue. Virtually each second line is quotable. A real basic, The Princess Bride remains entertaining today and has aged much more gracefully than most of its ’80s friends.

NEXT: The Best Comedies of All Time, Ranked