Forrest Gump to The Shawshank Redemption - 5 times when cinematic masterpieces outshone their book counterparts

While books provide the foundation for some of the most compelling movie scripts, there's something undeniable about the power of visuals to bring stories to life. While we cherish the power of imagination ignited by books, the visual impact of films can undeniably captivate our mind.

However, there are certain films that have the ability to transcend our own imaginations and create a cinematic experience that is equally engaging, if not more so, than the original book. These films are able to capture the essence of the story while also adding their own visual flair and interpretation, creating a new and exciting way to experience the narrative.

Here's a list of five such films that transcended their original adaptations, and garnered critical acclaim:

Forrest Gump

Based on the 1986 namesake novel written by Winston Groom, the Oscar-winning Tom Hanks-starrer has largely eclipsed the original literary work. While the film took some liberties with the story, empowering its protagonist Forrest to a greater extent, it nonetheless remains a captivating cinematic achievement.

The Notebook

Nicholas Sparks’ books are a must-read for romance enthusiasts. His novels weave tales of love that are so captivating and heartfelt that they have inspired a string of Hollywood adaptations. One of them is no doubt, The Notebook, which remains his crowning achievement. The romantic chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams is so perfect that it can ignite every lovers' hearts from every generation.

Me Before You

Another romance drama that rules everyone's hearts generation after generation is Me Before You. Despite its seemingly realistic portrayal, the film is a fictional narrative. Its inspiration stems from the 2012 namesake novel, penned by Jojo Moyes. The plot closely mirrors that of the film, suggesting that Moyes drew upon an external source for her creative endeavour. Despite the contradictory characters, Sam Claflin and Elilia Clarke’s beautiful portrayal as lovers can drown into a dreamy romantic fantasy.

The Hunger Games

Based on the 2008 namesake novel, The Hunger Games thrusts young school children into a brutal and unforgiving arena, where they must fight for survival against one another. Suzanne Collins, the author of the novel, has acknowledged the influence of the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur on her work. While some critics have labelled the film as a blatant imitation of the popular Japanese video game franchise - Battle Royale, others believe the film stands as a distinct and compelling narrative in its own right.

The Shawshank Redemption

Based on the 1982 Stephen King's novella - Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, the film chronicles the story of Andy Dufresne, a banker unjustly convicted of murdering his wife and her lover, sentenced to life imprisonment at the infamous Shawshank State Penitentiary. Over two decades, Andy's resilience and unwavering spirit shine through as he navigates the harsh realities of Shawshank State Penitentiary, establishing a deep friendship with fellow inmate Ellis Boyd Redding, he becomes the most unconventional prisoner.