Why Some Adaptations of Books Fail (And a Few That Get It Right)

Translating a beloved book into a successful movie is no easy feat. Fans expect to see their favorite characters and storylines faithfully recreated, while filmmakers must balance runtime constraints, cinematic storytelling, and studio demands. Some adaptations become instant classics, while others fail spectacularly, alienating audiences and disappointing readers. But what separates a great adaptation from a disaster? Let’s break down where things go wrong—and highlight a few adaptations that actually got it right.

Where It All Goes Wrong: Common Pitfalls in Adaptations

1. Over-Simplification and Rushed Storytelling

One of the biggest challenges in adapting books to movies is condensing complex narratives into a two-hour runtime. Often, this leads to major plot points being cut or characters being removed, weakening the depth of the story.

A prime example is Eragon (2006), based on Christopher Paolini’s bestselling novel. The movie drastically simplified the book’s intricate world-building, skipping key character development and lore. Fans were left with a generic fantasy film that barely resembled the source material, making it one of the most infamous failed adaptations in recent history.

2. Straying Too Far from the Source Material

While some changes are necessary for a good adaptation, others can completely derail a story. When a film ignores the heart of the original book, fans feel betrayed.

Take The Dark Tower (2017), adapted from Stephen King’s expansive fantasy series. Instead of faithfully recreating King’s dark, layered storytelling, the movie condensed multiple books into a single, disjointed narrative. It failed to capture the depth of Roland’s journey, disappointing both longtime readers and newcomers alike.

3. Poor Casting and Character Changes

Characters are the heart of any story, and casting missteps or unnecessary personality changes can ruin a film’s authenticity. A strong example is the original Percy Jackson & The Olympians films, which miscast crucial characters and aged them up significantly, removing much of the charm and humor from Rick Riordan’s books.

Even Riordan himself was vocal about his dissatisfaction, calling the films unfaithful to the spirit of his work. This ultimately led to the franchise being rebooted as a Disney+ series, aiming for a more accurate adaptation.

When It Works: Examples of Great Adaptations

Not all adaptations fail—some manage to translate the essence of the book while making smart cinematic choices. Here are three that got it right:

1. The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003) – A Masterclass in Adaptation

Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy is often cited as the gold standard of book-to-movie adaptations. Despite making changes, such as removing Tom Bombadil and altering certain character arcs, Jackson stayed true to the heart of Tolkien’s epic. The films maintained the depth, themes, and emotional weight of the books while using cinema’s strengths—stunning visuals, a powerful score, and masterful pacing—to enhance the storytelling.

2. It (2017-2019) – A Different Approach, but the Same Terror

Stephen King's It is a sprawling novel filled with psychological horror, childhood trauma, and supernatural terror. The 2017 and 2019 films adapted the story by splitting it into two chronological parts, a departure from the book’s dual-timeline structure. However, this change allowed for a deeper exploration of the Losers’ Club’s childhood and adulthood separately, preserving the novel’s emotional core.

Bill Skarsgård’s chilling portrayal of Pennywise, combined with strong performances from the cast, brought King’s vision to life in a visually striking and emotionally resonant way. While some subplots were omitted, It remained one of the most faithful and well-received adaptations of King’s work.

3. Dune (2021) – Respecting the Source While Modernizing It

Denis Villeneuve’s Dune managed to accomplish what the 1984 adaptation couldn’t—staying true to Frank Herbert’s vision while making the complex world more digestible for modern audiences. The film’s visual storytelling, minimalist dialogue, and faithfulness to the book’s themes of power and survival made it a critical and commercial success. By splitting the story into two parts, Villeneuve avoided the common pitfall of rushed storytelling.

The Fine Line Between Faithfulness and Creativity

A great adaptation isn’t about being 100% faithful to the book—it’s about capturing its essence. Some of the best adaptations take creative liberties that enhance the story rather than diminish it. On the other hand, when studios prioritize spectacle over storytelling or ignore what made the book special, the results are often disappointing.

Adaptations like Game of Thrones (which started strong but faltered when it ran out of book material) show that understanding the core of a story is crucial. Meanwhile, projects like The Last of Us (HBO series) demonstrate that when done right, an adaptation can even surpass its source material.

A Story Well Told

Book-to-screen adaptations will always be a challenge, walking the fine line between staying true to the source material and making a story work on screen. When done right, they introduce beloved tales to new audiences and enhance the experience for longtime fans. When done poorly, they become cautionary tales of wasted potential.

The best adaptations prove that storytelling isn’t just about copying words from page to screen—it’s about understanding why those words resonated in the first place. Whether through faithful recreations or bold reimaginings, the key is always the same: respect the heart of the story.