Have you ever watched a movie and felt as though you’ve seen it before but know that it’s a new release? If you have, then there’s a good chance that you’ve read the book associated with the movie. Numerous books have been turned into hit movies, allowing you to see the actions that have occurred in the book and put a voice to the characters. The following are only a few examples. 

Jurassic Park

This is a blockbuster movie that was first a book. It’s filled with dinosaurs of all kinds, intense scenes, and a little romance on the side. Steven Spielberg directed the movie with many viewers claiming that it’s better than the book. The female characters in the book are held up a bit more in the movie. Michael Crichton did include an additional dinosaur in the book that wasn’t in the movie. You can stream this movie on Netflix and DISH TV.

Clueless

A group of girls living in Beverly Hills might seem like any ordinary movie, but “Clueless” takes you deeper into their lives, especially the main character who was played by Alicia Silverstone. The movie is based on a book called “Emma” that was written by Jane Austen in 1815. The basis is the same in the book and in the movie as the main character can make her friends and family happy but doesn’t know how to be happy herself. 

Jaws

Another classic movie, “Jaws” was first a book in 1974. Steven Spielberg offered his talents to this movie as well, giving it details that the book just can’t seem to pull off in some chapters. There were a few plots in the book that aren’t included in the movie including a connection to the Mafia and an affair. However, the gory details associated with the deaths and the explosions tend to make up for the scenes that aren’t present. Jaws is available in Flex TV and HBO to watch. 

The Notebook

If you enjoy romance, then you’ve likely seen “The Notebook.” It’s one of those movies that can put a smile on your face one minute while leaving you in tears the next. This movie is one that details a simple romance that could have been seen at the turn of the century. Nicholas Sparks brought the characters to life in the book, but Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams brought them to life one scene at a time in the movie as they hugged each other and even shared the classic kiss in the rain. 

The Fault in Our Stars

This is another movie that can result in tears throughout. Two teenagers with cancer meet each other and fall in love, but there’s more to the story. They realize that life is short and that you need to do what makes you happy before it’s too late. The movie was released only two years after the book hit store shelves. You can watch this movie on Netflix, Dish Network, and Amazon. 

Forrest Gump

If you haven’t seen this movie, it should be on your list. You should also consider reading the book as there are many details that are left out of the movie. “Forrest Gump” won six Academy Awards with the cast winning numerous other awards. Tom Hanks delivered an exceptional character when he played Forrest from his accent to his running shoes. Throughout the movie, you get a glimpse at some of the most important parts of Gump’s life, such as his love for his mother and for Jenny. There is a sequel to the book, but there has been no talk of the sequel heading to the big screen. 

The Help

An Academy Award movie, you’ll see some of the struggles that occurred in Mississippi in the 1960s among African American workers, especially the maids who took care of homes. Although the book offers information about the heartbreaking experiences that some of the maids had to endure, the movie pulls you in so that you can clearly see the work that they did for little to no pay while often dealing with horrendous name-calling and actions against them. However, the movie does have a loving note as well as the main characters pull together and support each other during a time when many are against each race. 

Ella Enchanted

Girls who aren’t quite teenagers might enjoy this movie as it details the life of a young princess. The book was written in 1997 while the movie wasn’t released until 2004. Some compare the movie to “Cinderella” with some of the same themes, but it’s a bit more modern with more songs and better dancing. There are also horses and a few surprise animals that you might find just over the rainbow.