Recently, Netflix has released the trailer for their new movie adaptation of Jane Austen's final novel, Persuasion, coming July 15th. Starring Dakota Johnson and Henry Golding, Netflix's version will provide a new take on the classic book, sharing the story in a new stylistic view of Anne Elliot breaking the fourth wall.
From The Count of Monte Cristo, many adaptations of popular classic literature have come out, but Ranker collected a list of these films that have been overlooked. The reasons could stem from a film receiving mixed reviews or creative decisions like theater aesthetics being too artsy for a general audience.
Note: Ranker lists are live and continue to accrue votes, so some rankings may have changed after this publishing.
Anna Karenina (2012)
Stream On HBO Max
A connoisseur in adapting classic tales, director Joe Wright gave his depiction of Tolstoy's novel Anna Karenina, starring Kiera Knightly in the titular role, Jude Law, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Anna Karenina focuses on her marriage with Alexei Karenin and the life-changing love affair between herself and Count Vronsky.
At the time, Wright saw much criticism for his lavish adaptation, with many declaring he had changed much of the original content to fit his vision. Despite this, the film had four Oscar nominations and was very stylized and sumptuous within its production, winning Best Costume. It is deemed underrated due to its genius retelling through the eyes of a 'picture book' theater production.
Jane Eyre (2011)
Stream On Starz
Mia Wasikowska starred in the 2011 adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre as the titular protagonist, Jane Eyre. Starring alongside Michael Fassbender, Jane Eyre follows a governess finding her true love but holds a dark secret that ruins her life forever.
The film does lack a few key elements from the book, such as Blanche Ingram being cast aside. Also, the overall visual style used by the director and the attempt to condense a rather complicated book makes the film underrated. The set plays into the darkness at the story's heart, with the desaturated, grimy depiction showing the audience Jane's fears throughout.
The Giver (2014)
Stream On Netflix & The Roku Channel
The Giver was originally a 1993 American novel written by Lois Lowery, set in a dystopian world without war, pain, suffering, differences, or choice. In the film version, Brenton Thwaits played the protagonist who learns of the pleasures of the real world.
While the movie received a few negative reviews, the film's fan discussed the intriguing content of sharing both the good and bad sides of modern humanity. It gives more depth to side characters from the book and doesn't sideline any plots from the original novel. Throughout, the film's artistic direction to depict emotion was also praised, specifically the use of color motifs and vibrancy as the protagonist begins to learn more about the world.
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Rent On AppleTV, Amazon, Google Play, VUDU, and Redbox
One of Jane Austen's most famous novels, Pride & Prejudice, has continually been adapted for the big screen. However, 2005's version saw Kiera Knightley take on the protagonist role, Elizabeth Bennet, alongside her Mr. Darcy, Matthew Macfadyen.
Compared to other variations, fans gravitated towards this version due to the chemistry and raw ion, which left viewers wanting more. The focus was put on the main characters more than previous versions, allowing a better in-depth understanding of the motives and desired romance. While the acting had been the main payoff, the stunning visuals and choices to strip parts of the book came off for the better, with fans enjoying the downplayed characters and changed personality - Mrs. Bennet's annoying attitude.
The Crucible (1996)
Rent On AppleTV, Amazon, Google Play, VUDU, and Redbox
Set in the midst of the 1692 witch trials of Salem, Massachusetts, the 1996 adaptation of The Crucible follows Abigail, portrayed by Winona Ryder, attempting to accuse her ex-lover's wife of witchcraft.
Fans commend this adaptation for its portrayal of early Christian migrants living in America and the manipulation of beliefs within a small community. While the film is visually average, the balance of dramatics and comedy makes this film an underrated watch.
Animal Farm (1954)
Rent On Vudu & Flix Fling
One of George Orwell's most famous novellas, Animal Farm, was adapted into an animation by the CIA as a propaganda film for the effects of USSR fear and communism. It was widely distributed, being the first British feature animated film.
Despite its heavy messages in a political climate, the animation was a simple metaphorical explanation of equality being used as a mask for the abuse of power behind the scenes. The animated feature has slightly comedic value while still sticking true to Orwell's overall message of his book - allowing it to be understood by a variety of audiences.
The Boy In The Striped Pajamas (2008)
Stream On Max Go
Asa Butterfield stars as Bruno in the 2008 adaptation of The Boy In The Striped Pajamas, written by John Boyne. The film follows the friendship between the 8-year-old son of the camp's Nazi commander and an 8-year-old Jewish prisoner at a Nazi concentration camp.
While this is a retelling of a horrific event in history, the story focuses more on the connection between humans and the pursuit of adventure. The adaptation leaves quite a few things out from its novel counterpart, but the film remains ever impactful to the viewer. There is a considerable amount of in-depth details about the characters to make them real, representing what really happened, but not too much that the film is considered overwhelming.
The Count Of Monte Cristo (2002)
Stream On Hoopla
Kevin Reynolds' 2002 adaptation of the French 1844 novel, The Count of Monte Cristo, starred Jim Caviezel and Guy Pearce in the story about false imprisonment, jealousy, and revenge.
While the movie is considered loosely based on the source material, it has been one of the adaptations that fans weren't annoyed at the changes made, with some viewers saying that it made the film better. The movie has spot-on casting for the sly antagonist and innocence but shrewdness of the count, along with an amazing soundtrack.
Lord Of The Flies (1990)
Buy On AppleTV, Amazon, & Redbox
Lord of the Flies - written by William Golding - has been adapted twice into films for the big screen in 1954 and 1990. The story follows a group of schoolboys stranded on an island after their plane crashes. They split into two groups - one valuing civilization and the other embracing the animalistic nature of survival.
There are some different aspects from the book to the 1990 iteration, but this made the viewing experience more enjoyable for fans. The acting, which was all done by children, was considerably good, and the director captures the essence of the savagery the book was trying to convey with one of the tribes.
Of Mice And Men (1992)
Stream On The Roku Channel, Kanopy, Pluto TV, & Tubi TV
A staple of high-school reading, Of Mice and Men, written by John Steinbeck, was turned into a feature adaptation starring Gary Sinise and John Malkovich. The book and film follow two men trying to make money during the 1930s economic depression in order to fulfill their dreams of running their own farm.
Fans criticized the long length that deviated from the short book, but the realistic portrayal of the characters was spot-on. The performances by the actors convey a down-to-earth message and allow viewers to connect with the characters.
