I particularly enjoy movies or television shows based upon books even if I don’t completely agree with the interpretations. My main criteria for evaluation is whether or not I want to read (or reread) the books or book series after I watch the adaptation.

The following are a few of my favourite movies based upon books:

Anne of Green Gables, 1985 – The beautiful sets, costuming, and music make this family-friendly adaptation, based upon L. M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, a thrill to watch. NOTE: I also like the sequel Anne of Avonlea (otherwise known as Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel) based upon L. M. Montgomery’s Anne of Avonlea.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, 2001 – Based upon Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling, the sets are colourful and exciting, and the music is haunting and expressive.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Extended Edition, 2002 – This movie, based upon The Two Towers: Being the Second Part of The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien, with its magical music, suspense-filled scenes, and deep, rich acting transports the viewer to a wonderful place known as Middle-earth.

The following are a few of my favourite television shows based upon books:

Adventures from the Book of Virtues, 1996-2000 – This series, based upon The Book of Virtues: A Treasury of Great Moral Stories by William J. Bennett, is a collection of tales from around the world that encompass virtues such as courage, honor, and truth. NOTE: I also like The Moral Compass: Stories for a Life’s Journey and The Children’s Book of Virtues by William J. Bennett.

Road to Avonlea, 1990-1996 – This series is based upon L. M. Montgomery’s The Story Girl, The Golden Road, Chronicles of Avonlea, and Further Chronicles of Avonlea. The hijinks of the young people and the wisdom of the old remind me how important it is to live in community.

The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends, 1992-1995 – This children’s series based upon some of the more well-known stories by Beatrix Potter, such as The Tale of Peter Rabbit and The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, brings both her lovely narrative voice and her beautiful illustrations to life.