These modern movie adaptations of classic novels tell the original story from both the classic perspective and a fun new modern retelling of the original narrative.
I believe that movies are a phenomenal way to bring a challenging classic text to life for modern readers.
My very favorite college professor insisted we watch both the classic movie Emma right alongside the modern retelling of Clueless. Comparing the two for my final paper was my favorite writing assignment of all time.
I couldn't resist picking Recipe for Persuasion as our book club pick because I just love modern retellings of classic novels.
If you want to have a little extra fun with your book club, choosing one of these classic novels and then planning a fun movie night for your book club party would be a great way to get the conversation flowing.
Pop the popcorn and chat about who told the story better!
Modern Movies Based on Classic Books
This is the movie + book combo that started it all. Jane Austen's Emma is wonderful whether you watch it as a movie or read the book.
SUMMARY:
Beautiful, clever, and rich, Emma Woodhouse is perfectly content with her single life and sees no need for neither love or nor marriage. However, nothing delights her more than interfering in the romantic lives of others.
But when she ignores the warnings of her good friend, Mr. Knightley and attempts to arrange a suitable match for her protégée, Harriet Smith, her carefully laid plans soon unravel and have consequences that she never expected.
Modern Movie Option 2:
My favorite Emma starring Gwyneth Paltrow
COMPARE IT TO:
Clueless starring Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, and Paul Rudd
READ THE BOOK:
The most gorgeous edition of Emma by Jane Austen.
I can never decide which is my favorite Jane Austen book: Pride & Prejudice or Sense and Sensibility!
P&P is better suited to a movie night with countless options and adaptations available!
SUMMARY:
Excitement fizzes through the Bennet household at Longbourn in Hertfordshire when young, eligible Mr. Charles Bingley rents the fine house nearby. He may have sisters, but he also has male friends, and one of these—the haughty, and even wealthier, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy—irks the vivacious Elizabeth Bennet, the second of the Bennet girls. She annoys him. Which is how we know they must one day marry.
The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and Darcy is a splendid rendition of civilized sparring. As the characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, Jane Austen's radiantly caustic wit and keen observation sparkle.
COMPARE IT TO:
Bridget Jone's Diary starring Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant
READ THE BOOK:
A gorgeous edition of Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen.
I am SO excited about the newest version of West Side Story coming out this month. My kids and husband were surprised to hear it is based on Romeo and Juliet and I think this will be our next classic to modern movie comparison for family night!
Modern Movie Option 2: Romeo + Juliet starring Leonardo Dicaprio and Claire Daines
West Side Story (2022), the new Steven Spielberg movie
The classic West Side Story featuring Natalie Wood
READ THE BOOK:
Shakespeare is definitely meant to be performed to be appreciated and I remember just loving the 90's version of Midsummer Night's Dream when I saw it in high school.
COMPARE IT TO:
Get Over It starring Kirsten Dunst
READ THE BOOK:
This edition of A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare also includes a modern translation.
My Fair Lady is one of my very favorite musicals of all time, it's hard to beat Audrey Hepburn. Unless of course, you're talking Pretty Woman with Julia Roberts!
Did you know those two stories are both based on the classic novel Pygmalion?
COMPARE IT TO:
Pretty Woman starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere
READ THE BOOK:
I had to read The Scarlet Letter for school and wasn't a fan at the time. I had no idea that Easy A was based on it! Excited to revisit this story with a modern twist.
COMPARE IT TO:
Easy A starring Emma Stone
READ THE BOOK:
As much as I loved the modern version of this movie, I had no idea there was a classic movie staring Elizabeth Taylor to compare it to!
COMPARE IT TO:
10 Things I Hate About You starring Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt
READ THE BOOK:
Another case where I'm more familiar with the modern movie than the original! I am excited to go back and see the original Twelfth Night starring Helena Bonham Carter.
COMPARE IT TO:
She's the Man starring Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum
READ THE BOOK:
More Movies Based on Books
Looking for more movies based on books for movie night? Or maybe you want to dig a little further into beloved classic novels. In either case, you'll love these:
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