When it comes to book-to-film adaptations, there seem to be two extremes: brilliant adaptations and terrible adaptations. With the recent remake of Stephen King's It, we were inspired to draw up our own list! So, here are our top ten book-to-film adaptations:

1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

There are so many of King's stories that have been adapted into brilliant movies, and this is just one of them. The Shawshank Redemption is an adaptation of King's novella Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, with the movie starring Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins as 'Red' and 'Andy Dufresne'. Although it may have disappointed at the box office, the movie has gained status with many viewers, who often find the movie endearing, with an interesting plot and relatable characters. Definitely one for this list!

2. The Shining (1980)

Yes, another King adaptation, but one that had to be included on this list! Adapted from Stephen King's novel under the same name, The Shining has become a must-see classic. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, it is well known that the film plays fast and loose with the original source material. However, as an adaptation, we simply cannot deny the brilliance of this motion picture.

3. To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)

Harper Lee's iconic book deserved to see the silver screen, and what an adaptation is was! A novel that encompasses tolerance and compassion in the face of tense race relations, violence and hatred, and a film that simply does the book justice. Directed by Robert Mulligan, everything from the casting to the tone of the movie was spot on. Although some of the sub-plots involving Jem and Scout were cut to keep focus on the trial, To Kill A Mockingbird became a fantastic movie for a superb book.

4. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Although all three of Thomas Harris' Hannibal series were adapted into the film, the movie that stands out amongst them has to be The Silence of the Lambs. Not only did it win Best Film, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor and Best Actress - it also gained a cult following and widespread critical acclaim. One of the best literary villians brought to life in a chilling and masterful remake.

5. American Psycho (2000)

One of Bret Easton Ellis' most acclaimed books, American Psycho is an adaptation that will leave you questioning the American dream. With a book that focuses on miniscule details and reads like an extended director's note (down to whether you should pair a black vest with a brown belt), the cinematic version is a film with massive cultural impact. Not only was it one of Christian Bale's best performances, but with the slightly comedic twist from director Mary Harron, this film is not one to miss.

6. A Clockwork Orange (1971)

A Clockwork Orange is a film directed by the infamous Stanley Kubrick and based on Anthony Burgess' 1962 novel of the same name. Set in a dystopian near-future of Britain, the film (and book) cover an array of disturbing topics and revolve around Alex, a charismatic and violent delinquent who leads his gang through a crime spree. The film is a true adaptation of the book and gained national acclaim with audiences upon its box office release. 

7. No Country For Old Men (2007)

Cormac McCarthy's No Country For Old Men was turned into a film back in 2007 by the Coen Brothers. Although not an easy feat, the Coen Brothers managed to produce a film that was pure gold. Just like the book, the film is rich, with complex characters and a multi-layered story. Starring Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Woody Harrelson and Josh Brolin, the film not only had superb casting but also managed to capture audiences with its breath-taking plot line. A long adaptation but definitely one for the bucket list.

8. Fight Club (1999)

The first rule of fight club? You don't talk about fight club.

Whilst it's probably not the best idea to battle insomnia and paranoia with an undergroud fight club, it certainly creates an interesting premise. Originally written by Chuck Pahlaniuk, David Fincher managed to turn the novel into movie gold. Applauded by critics and the author himself, the movie raised many questions whilst also being provocative, interesting and entertaining. It's worth watching the movie just to see the ending!

9. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)

An unsettling movie for an unsettling book, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo certainly captured our attention. Directed by Niels Arden Oplev, the film pays alarmingly close attention to Steig Larsson's novel and manages to translate the suspense onto the big screen. Although some liberties are taken with the story line and certain scenes are taken from Larsson's other books, the film kept us on the edge of our seats.

10. The Lovely Bones (2009)

This 2009 film, directed by Peter Jackson, was based on the 2002 best-selling novel of the same name by Alice Sebold. Although the adaptation managed to split audiences, it still manages to hold the hearts of those who enjoyed it. Based on the story of a young girl who is murdered, the movie spends more time with our main character on Earth and focuses on her life whilst Susie narrates over; this differs from the book, in which our protagonist watches from Heaven as the plot unfolds. It may not be the greatest, or most accurate adaptation, but as a stand alone entity, it is certainly one to watch.