With the second The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opening this week, it reminds us we have at least one book we remember reading over and over again as a child. It’s always a tricky business bringing beloved childhood stories to the big screen, especially since the images we’ve created for ourselves are hard to erase. Luckily, there have been a handful of movies that have harnessed the essence of the novels and, at the same time, brought something new and different to the story.
Here’s a look at a list of 10 classic children’s literature adaptations:
10. Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
Based on the Newbery-Award winning novel by Katharine Paterson, this adaptation–starring Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb–blends a sweet coming-of-age story with the powers of the imagination and creates a film that will not only touch your heart but open your mind to the possibilities.[PAGEBREAK]
9. Horton Hears a Who! (2008)
Dr. Seuss strikes again! Animating the classic story of a kindly elephant who believes a “person’s a person, no matter how small,” filmmakers finally hit the nail on the head by truly capturing the whole wacky Seuss-ian world. And having Jim Carrey and Steve Carell as your main vocal talent always helps.[PAGEBREAK]
8. Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)
Jim Carrey’s mug strikes again! Based on the popular novel series, it centers on the Baudelaire children who, after their parents die, are forced to live with the dastardly Count Olaf. He wants the family fortune—and will get it at any cost.[PAGEBREAK]
7. Charlotte’s Web (2006)
This endearing live-action adaptation of the adored book about a pig named Wilbur, the little girl Fern (Dakota Fanning) who loves him, and his faithful friend Charlotte, the spider, is the perfect movie to inspire the next generation.[PAGEBREAK]
6. Holes (2003)
Based on the award-winning children’s novel by Louis Sachar, Stanley (Shia LaBeouf) is sent to Camp Green Lake, a detention camp where the boys are forced to dig holes in the desert to find a hidden treasure. Good stuff for the ‘tween set.[PAGEBREAK]
5. Curious George (2006)
Although it certainly caters to the little ones, take comfort in knowing that bolstered by rich animation and a pop soundtrack, Curious George is an adorable and heartening adaptation that does the beloved children’s tale justice.[PAGEBREAK]
4. The Polar Express (2004)
In the mood for some good old-fashioned holiday cheer? Then take a ride on the exceptional The Polar Express, a delightful tale about the spirit of Christmas, inspired by the beautifully illustrated award-winning book.[PAGEBREAK]
3. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
Unlike the fluffed-up 1971 original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, director Tim Burton and Johnny Depp channel Roald Dahl’s darker novel in a highly stylized version. There are very few warm and fuzzy moments—and that’s OK.[PAGEBREAK]
2. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
This adaptation captures a certain wondrousness inspired by C.S. Lewis’ literary classics. From the great Aslan, to the thousands of mythical creatures, the film creates a real, magical Narnia many of us have only imagined in our heads.[PAGEBREAK]
1. The Harry Potter Series (2001-Present)
J.K. Rowling’s seven-book saga about the boy wizard Harry Potter and his misadventures just keep getting better and better with each film installment. Next up, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, in theaters Nov. 21.
