It is the era of the recycled tale. So much so I often wonder whether or not any original stories are being filmed. 

Cape Fear, a story originally written by John D. MacDonald in 1957, has been made into two movies since its publication. Want more of what would you do for your family tale: A mini-series starring Javier Bardem as baddie Max Cady has been greenlit by Apple. Think nothing great’s been written for millenia? Check out this trailer for The Return, the story of Odysseus. In the past few months, Like Water for Chocolate, The Day of the Jackal, and Presumed Innocent have all hit the small screen years after the the books that inspired them were turned into film. 

One can see why–when well done, a film or TV adaptation both pleases its fans and creates new legions of the latter. I loved Big Little Lies as well as its Hello Sunshine adaptation. (I’d argue the story is made richer by the completely original second season.) Daisy Jones and the Six, a very good book, was made fabulous–and better–in the series of the same name. Tolkien purists can wail at me all they’d like: Those movies are an improvement on the overlong originals. (Plus, we all needed this desperately.) 

I like so many adaptations, it’s hard to choose a fave. If pressed, any of these would make my top pick.

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. Love stories don’t get any better. #bestkissever

The Princess Bride. The book is a smart hoot, the movie is perfection. 

Shakespeare’s the man, sure, but I’d rather watch Heath Ledger on the stands than reread Taming of the Shrew. 

Crazy Rich Asians was fun but a bit strident. The film made all the same points but with far more charm. 

Station Eleven is a phenomenal book. And still, the mini-series tops it by remaking the plot so without losing anything that made the book so stellar. 

I tried to read Silo and found it too sci-fi for me. But, whoa, is the mini-series electrifying. 

I could list more but I’d rather hear from you! What are your favorite literary adaptations?