Top 10 Books that Should Be Movies

#10: “The Secret History” (1992) Donna Tartt

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This 1992 page-turner inspired scholars to stroke their beards with delight. “The Secret History” chronicles the psychological turmoil of six elite college students after a murderous deed and contains all the elements of a classic Greek tragedy. With a confession opening the novel, an unreliable narrator reflects back and allows the reader to ride shotgun as the violent actions are explained. It’s a classic “WHYdunit,” ripe with suspense and begging to be adapted on the screen.

Remember those days when your worst problem was your bratty little brother? If so, then you and Peter have something in common. The first in Blume’s series of “Fudge” novels about Peter Hatcher and his brother Farley Drexel, aka Fudge, “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing” jumps off the page with vivid characters, good-natured humor and relatable stories about sibling rivalry. Appropriate for kids and adults alike, the story remains relevant even over four decades after it was first published. And, like all of the author’s books, this novel covers themes central to growing up, and that’s something we’ll never get too old to watch on the big screen.

#8: “The Corrections” (2001) Jonathan Franzen

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An adaptation has been in the works for years, but Hollywood can’t seem to connect the dots for this memorial of American life in the 20th century. “The Corrections” explores the moral decline of three Midwestern siblings and the mental health of an old-fashioned patriarch unwilling to embrace a brave new world. Franzen’s National Book Award-winning novel caught the anxious mood of post-9/11 American culture – even though it was released less than two weeks before the attack – and could translate to movie magic under the right direction. Please correct this problem, Hollywood, and identify the solution.

Sci-fi readers have been trembling with anticipation for decades and drooling at the idea of this Hugo Award-winning story finally hitting the big screen. The first book of Simmons’ Hyperion Cantos, “Hyperion” is set in a parallel world with both time travel and an exponentially advanced Internet network. Not to mention oddities such as a creature that impales surprised pilgrims on metal trees. Now that’s something that was made for 3D. It’s only a matter of time until “Hyperion” merchandise hits the streets and your local movie theatre. PREPARE yourself.

The author of this 1973 sci-fi classic co-wrote Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey,” but an adaptation of this mesmerizing work remains out of reach. With a futuristic setting aboard a space vessel 12 miles in diameter and 34 miles long, “Rendezvous with Rama” mixes human explorers with alien-robot hybrids, massive skyscrapers, an interior sea and a mysterious island. If that’s not enough material for a Hollywood screenplay, then we are living in dark times. Let us rendezvous with Rama in glorious 3D.

#5: “The Dark Tower” series (1982-2012) Stephen King

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“The Man in Black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.” Anyone who’s read this vast legend by one of our generation’s most popular and prolific authors knows those as its opening words. With elements of fantasy, horror and the Old West, this eight-volume series would crush at the box office. As the protagonist and last member of the “Gunslingers,” Roland Deschain would be a career-making role for any actor. The magical setting guarantees visual splendor and the fictional language known as “High Speech” would create a special audio tapestry onscreen. HBO and Warner Brothers have been attached to a cinematic reconstruction; however we may first see an adaptation of King’s novel “The Long Walk” directed by frequent collaborator Frank Darabont.

This 1985 story of Old West violence remains one of the author’s best works, but may be too dark for modern cinema. Although the adolescent anti-hero discovers how difficult life can be, the mythical Judge Holden takes nihilism to another level. With no body hair and an appetite for destruction, he could easily become one of the most terrifying characters ever seen on screen. Just as “Blood Meridian” challenges the reader’s threshold for brutality, the novel seemingly challenges the film industry to step up to the plate and make the film. Hopefully Cormac McCarthy’s work will find the right man or woman for the job.

#3: “A Confederacy of Dunces” (1980) John Kennedy Toole

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Maybe it’s a curse, or maybe it’s bad timing, but this 1980 classic has long caused trouble for curious filmmakers. John Belushi, Chris Farley and John Candy were all tapped to play the eccentric Ignatius J. Reilly at one time, but passed away suddenly before production could move forward. With a multitude of vibrant characters and a stunning portrayal of 1960s New Orleans, “A Confederacy of Dunces” contains plenty of drama and comedy for a wonderful screen version. However, perhaps the title and the main character’s disdain for pop culture will forever block an adaptation.

#2: “One Hundred Years of Solitude” (1967) Gabriel García Márquez

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While the rights to produce a film may never be granted, admirers of this 1967 Latin American novel often dream of filtering its magical realism through a cinematic lens. “One Hundred Years of Solitude” covers seven generations of colorful characters, making it perfect for film treatment. But its esteemed reputation may daunt some filmmakers, while others may be intimidated by the need to precisely capture its specific Colombian flavor. With a utopian setting and remarkable representations of time and fate, one can only imagine how a lavish but thoughtful production would introduce Gabriel García Márquez to a new generation of moviegoers and readers. Before we crack the spine on our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: - “Artemis Fowl” series (2001-12) Eoin Colfer - “Notes from Underground” (1864) Fyodor Dostoyevsky - “Imperial Bedrooms” (2010) Bret Easton Ellis - “The Savage Detectives” (1998) Roberto Bolaño

One of the most important and widely-heralded works of 20th century American literature, this 1951 novel found its way into the back pocket of teenagers worldwide. Whether it’s the rebellious nature of Holden Caulfield or the idea of his physical being, the larger-than-life persona may be too powerful for any well-known actor to take on. If and when an adaptation ever does take place, a relatively unknown artist may spring upon the world just like Salinger’s protagonist did so many years ago. We’d all get a bang out of that. [reference to dialogue] Do you agree with our list? What book do you think should be a movie? For more mind-blowing Top10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.