Some books are just so amazing that they have to be made into movies. For those who have zero interest in reading or who process information better through a visual medium, movie adaptations of books are a great way to transmit these stories. It's also a great way for readers to see their books comes to life (literally).
Sometimes, a creative team might take a little too much creative license. They might change the setting, tone, or if they're bold, the whole ending. This isn't always bad, but it's a risk. Here are 10 movie adaptations of books that took that risk. Spoilers are ahead!
My Sister's Keeper
This tear-jerker of a novel follows a family as they navigate their daughter, Kate's, cancer diagnosis, and their other daughter, Anna, and her journey through medical emancipation. The novel ends with Kate recovering from cancer and Anna tragically perishing in a car accident.
The 2009 film, however, wanted to go in a different direction. They switched the two daughter's endings: Kate dies from cancer and Anna receives an art scholarship to study in New York. To readers, the twist was a shocking change.
The Scarlet Letter
Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel is well known in many an English class. Set in the 18th century, it follows the life of shamed adulteress, Hester Prynne, who wears a scarlet letter "A" to symbolize her sins. The novel ends with church minister, Arthur Dimmesdale, dying after he reveals that he is the father of Hester's daughter, Pearl.
The 1995 film version only loosely adapts the novel. It ends with war breaking out between the Algonquins and the Puritans, and Hester escaping with Dimmesdale.
Jurassic Park
This cultural touchstone directed by Steven Spielberg started solidified many actor's careers, including Sam Neill and Jeff Goldblum. What people might not know is that it's based on a novel. It ends quite tragically with the dinosaur island being bombed.
The film ends much more positively. There is plenty of action, as the scientists and their team is chased by dinosaurs. Thankfully, they escape to safety in a helicopter. The franchise has since spawned many films, , TV shows, video games, and theme park attractions.
The Notebook
This novel lead to the creation of one of the most beloved romance films ever. Penned by prolific romance writer, Nicholas Sparks, the novel follows Noah and Ally as they reunite after class differences broke apart their ionate summer affair. The novel ends with Allie, suffering from Alzheimer's, finally recognizing Noah and the couple falling asleep together.
The 2004 film does a very good job of adapting the novel and only changes one minor detail of the ending: Noah and Allie end up dying in their sleep, holding each other.
Watchmen
This DC comic book follows an alternate world where superheroes prevent many pivotal moments in history from happening, including the Vietnam War and Watergate. The graphic novel ends with a giant squid-creature attacking Manhattan, contributing to a new co-operation between previously outlawed superheroes and the government.
The film adaptation also follows the graphic novel pretty closely. The ending, however, does not have a giant squid. Instead, one of the heroes, Adrian Veidt, launches an attack on New York using energy reactors and frames Doctor Manhattan.
Fight Club
Fight Club is known for its discussion of anarchy, physical violence, and an infamous twist ending. However, it began as a book that follows an unnamed narrator on his psychotherapy journey through fighting. The novel ends with the protagonist, after a failed suicide attempt, waking up in a hospital surrounded by of Project Mayhem.
The film keeps the infamous twist of the narrator and Tyler Durden being the same person. However, in the film, the narrator and Marla watch as Project Mayhem's plan to destroy the city unfolds.
A Clockwork Orange
This infamously violent and controversial film is based on a 1962 novel. It follows convict Alex acting on his violent impulses and the state's efforts to reform him. The novel ends with Alex finding less pleasure in committing crimes and contemplating starting a normal life.
Stanley Kubrick, however, had other ideas. By the end of the movie, the treatment used on Alex has been reversed and he is still contemplating his violent impulses. It takes a much more violent and bleak turn than the novel.
Forrest Gump
Tom Hanks' heartwarming performance is a great excuse to check out the book that the movie is based on. It follows Forrest through his amazing life: from his time in the Army, working as an astronaut, a chess champion, and ending with him living on the street with his old lieutenant and an orangutan named "Sue."
The film's ending is much less bleak. Jenny and Forrest get married (though there is debate as to whether she deserves him) and he raises their child after she succumbs to AIDS.
I Am Legend
The well known Will Smith action-dystopia film is based on the 1954 novel by Richard Matheson. It follows Robert Neville as he navigates the world after he is revealed to be the sole survivor of a "vampire" pandemic. The ending is bitter-sweet, as Neville is peacefully resigned to death as the "infected" create a new society.
The film's ending is a little more hopeful. It ends with Neville sacrificing himself, protecting both the cure for the disease and two survivors.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return Of The King
Most Lord of the Rings fans are familiar with the novels and films. As Sam, Frodo, and Gollum continue their journey to destroy The One Ring, Gandalf s forces with a multitude of characters to defeat Sauron. The novel ends with the Hobbits returning to the Shire, only to find it under attack, leading to a rebellion.
The film ending brings the "happily ever after" a little sooner and omits the Shire rebellion. Frodo leaves for the Undying Lands and Sam receives "The Red Book of Westmarch."
