16 books that should have never been adapted into movies — sorry

Talia LakritzNov 3, 2020, 03:24 IST

A scene from "The Cat in the Hat."Universal Pictures

Not all movie adaptations of books have been successful.
"Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them" became a film series widely regarded as a "cash cow" that couldn't recapture the magic of the original "Harry Potter" movies.
"The Cat in the Hat" was panned by critics for its vulgar jokes and a nonsensical plot.
The "Eragon" movie deviated completely from the bestselling book, so much so that author Christopher Paollini says he's hoping for a reboot.

Adapting beloved books for the big screen is no easy task.

With a good script, talented cast, and effective world-building, the stories can come to life in a new way. But Hollywood has been known to butcher book adaptations, leaving both fans of the books and film critics dissatisfied with the results.

Here are 16 book-to-movie adaptations that just didn't work.

"Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them" was a wholly unnecessary addition to the "Harry Potter" franchise.

A scene from "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them." Warner Bros.

The "Ella Enchanted" movie had great source material to draw from. If only it had used it.

A scene from "Ella Enchanted." Miramax

The "Cat in the Hat" movie sullied the good name of Dr. Seuss.

A scene from "The Cat in the Hat" (2003). Universal Pictures

The "My Sister's Keeper" film adaptation changed the book's twist ending into a much less interesting conclusion.

A scene from "My Sister's Keeper." Warner Bros.

"Eragon" the book became an international phenomenon. "Eragon" the movie was not worthy.

A scene from "Eragon." 20th Century Studios

The "Fifty Shades of Grey" movie was better than the book, but that's not saying much.

A scene from "Fifty Shades of Grey." Universal Pictures

"The Golden Compass" movie became embroiled in controversy that overshadowed the message of the book.

A scene from "The Golden Compass." New Line Cinema

"The Hobbit" book is around 300 pages long — not nearly enough material for the film trilogy it became.

A scene from "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug." Warner Bros.

"The Giver" is a classic, beloved book, and the movie made too many changes.

A scene from "The Giver." The Weinstein Company

The movie version of Eoin Colfer's "Artemis Fowl" was past its prime.

A scene from "Artemis Fowl." Nicola Dove/Disney

"Every Day" straightwashed the relationship between A and Rhiannon.

A scene from "Every Day." Orion Pictures

"The Sun Is Also a Star" made for a captivating book, but the pacing didn't work onscreen.

A scene from "The Sun Is Also a Star" (2019). Warner Bros. Pictures.

"City of Ember" was a box office flop, earning back only $17.9 million of its $55 million budget.

A scene from "City of Ember." 20th Century Studios

"A Series of Unfortunate Events" tried to cram three novels into one film.

A scene from "A Series of Unfortunate Events." Paramount Pictures

The "Cloud Atlas" book has too many moving parts for a meaningful adaptation.

A scene from "Cloud Atlas." Warner Bros.

"The Goldfinch" was unsuccessful at the box office and with critics.

"The Goldfinch" Warner Bros.

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