Top 10 Movies that Haven’t Been Made But Should Be
Published on February 4, 2008 - 158 Comments
At present there is a writers strike on in Hollywood - this is the perfect opportunity for a budding screenwriter to make a blockbuster film and sell it to the big Hollywood producers. Below I have selected (with a little help from JT) 10 stories that would make truly amazing films. Be sure to tell us your own preferences in the comments - maybe we can inspire a great new film to be made.
10. Sharks in Venice
The advent of Snakes on a Plane has opened up the flood gates for all kinds of likeminded cheesy horror films to dominate our screens with their absurd titles and ‘why didn’t I think of that’ premises. The most promising of this new batch of horror films is Sharks in Venice (‘They’re SHARKS….in VENICE!’) It’s a film that, as long as it delivers what its title promises, simply can not fail. A gondolier paddles desperately away from the Great White it has just poked in the eye; Hammerheads dive out of the water and begin gobbling up idle children playing on the canal front; and whale sharks shimmy through the narrow waterways, tearing away at Venice’s fragile canals, sinking the city further into its watery oblivion. Cue Samuel L. Jackson (or in this case Stephen Baldwin…), shark in one hand, telephone in the other: ‘I have had it with these motherfuckin’ SHARKS in these motherfuckin’ VENETIAN CANALS!’
9. Atlas Shrugged Ayn Rand
If nothing else, this film could act as a balance to the ultra-left films of the likes of Michael Moore. This is probably the greatest novel by Ayn Rand and it tells the story of a future in which the producers are being robbed by the looters who feel that they deserve the fruits of the producers because they (the looters) have a moral right to it. This is a very Robin Hood type tale but one in which we see Robin Hood as the villain. The film is supposedly set to be produced but there has been no action on the part of the producers for some time. Angelina Jolie is set to play the part of the main women (Dagny).
8. The life of Antonio Ghislieri
Antonio Ghislieri (Pope Saint Pius V) lead one of the most fascinating lives of the 16th century. He reformed monasteries (to eradicate immorality), he reformed many facets of the politics of the Roman Catholic Church (and consequently Europe), he provided funding against invading Muslim attacks on Europe, he excommunicated Queen Elizabeth I and declared that the English were not subject to “the false queen”, and he financially supported the successful Battle of Lepanto. His body is incorrupt and can be seen in the Sistine Chapel (image above). Regardless of your political or religious views, Antonio Ghislieri is one of the most important figures of medieval Europe.
7. By the Rivers of Babylon Nelson DeMille
By the Rivers of Babylon is a fantastic book about a flight from Israel that becomes stranded in the desert near Babylon (modern day Iraq). When a group of Arabs come to attack the plane, the Jews onboard decide that they are going to fight back. This would make a fantastic action movie and the presence of Muslims and Jews make it very suitable for the current political climate in the world.
6. Brave New World Aldous Huxley
Brave New World is probably the greatest novel by Aldous Huxley. It is set in the far future where people are born through cloning. The government feeds its people with a drug called Soma to make them “happy”. Set in London in 2540 AD, the majority of mankind is united in a one world state. People typically die at age 61, having maintained good health and apparent youth up to that point. Their bodies go to crematoria, where vital elements such as phosphorus are extracted from the exhaust of the furnaces. People are raised without parents. This novel is chock full of amazing and novel ideas that it would be an incredibly unique movie.
5. The Pillars of the Earth Ken Follett
This incredible novel tells the tale of the building of a Cathedral in 12th century England. It goes in to great detail about the lives of the masons at the time and has intrigue and historic realism packed in. This could be another Name of the Rose, or Braveheart. This is a masterpiece film waiting to be realized.
4. Lunar Park Brett Easton Ellis
This is the most recent book by Brett Easton Ellis (of American Psycho fame). It is a “true” story of his marriage to a famous actress and his decline in to apparent insanity - helped along with extremely large doses of Ketel One and prescription medication. The best thing about this story is that it involved monsters! There is so much potential in this book to take movie goers on a roller-coaster ride through insanity and the lifestyles of the A-listers. Of course, any book by Ellis would make a great movie (and in fact, three have already).
3. The Charm School Nelson DeMille
The Charm School is a brilliant book by Nelson DeMille (the second on this list). It is about a group of American’s working at the US embassy in Soviet Russia. They accidentally stumble upon the “Charm School” - a school being run by the Soviets to train their spies to infiltrate American life. This is one of the best espionage books I have ever read and it would make an incredible movie. Someone needs to get on to this one FAST.
2. The Life of Jack Churchill
Jack Churchill is the man you aspire to be; a man of such unparalleled genius, god-like greatness, and staggering beauty that the fact a film has yet to be made of his life is nothing short of criminal. A skilled bagpipes player, Churchill joined the army during WWII, and went into battle with a sword, and a bow and arrows. He survived many dangerous missions and escaped from two different concentration camps. After the war, Churchill became a stunt archer for Hollywood movies, before devoting his life to surfboarding, becoming the first person to ride the River Severn’s five-foot tidal bore on his own home-made board. If there ever was a man who needed a film, it was Jack Churchill.
1. Foundation Series Isaac Asimov
I consider the Foundation series by Asimov to be his greatest work. I am just astounded that no one has bothered to make a screenplay from one of these books. They have the universal scope of the Star Wars movies and could potentially result in a trilogy of films of equal quality to the original three Star Wars movies. There is an entire franchise to benefit from here - yet no one has done so. This is the series of books I would most want to see made in to a film.
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1. lightningclash - February 4th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Am I first? wow if I am. I love the new site and the list! This site has saved me from hours of workplace boredom! Thanks!
2. Licurgo - February 4th, 2008 at 11:59 am
or you can read the book and make your own movie in your mind
with no stupid twist and without spend 10 bucks in popcorn for your girl that cost you 2 bucks in your house
3. toolnut - February 4th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I’ve always thought that Brave New World would make a great movie. I’ve had dreams of how it would look. I would definitely pay money to see it at theaters. Fo sho!
4. delioglan - February 4th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
i thought a zombie film by the zombie’s point of view would be on the list.. never seen one
5. Z - February 4th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
neXt by Micheal Crichton would make an amazing movie. Any book by Micheal Crichton would (Jurassic Park sure enough did).
6. Liverboy - February 4th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
I agree with the selction of the Foundation works on the list. I thought that the Hyperion cantos by Dan Simmons would make a great set of movies also. They are great books if you haven’t read them.
7. chadster - February 4th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
YES!!! brave new word should definitely be made. I wouldn’t mind watching a movie full of perfect women. However, there wouldn’t be much action.
8. Levi - February 4th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I just finished Pillars of the Earth last month. Let me tell you, it’s the best book I’ve ever read. I had to read it with a dictionary next to me, as many of the things mentioned, are obsolete or non-existant anymore. Adz for example. I strongly encourage everyone to read it.
9. Dave - February 4th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Good list. I’m really hoping that they follow through on making Atlas Shrugged into a movie, although it would be hard to ram that whole book into a 3 hour time frame and still tell the story as intended. I heard that Brad Pitt has really gotten on board that ideology since being with Angelina Jolie, and he has some interest in doing the movie as well. I’m hoping that their star power can get it made.
10. Mystern - February 4th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
I’m in the middle of reading the Foundation series and I have trouble imagining how it could be made into a good movie. It seems as though the the movies would be terribly slow. Kind of like making “Speaker of the Dead” and “Xenocide” into movies.
11. SocialButterfly - February 4th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
“Listversers love zombies…”
Yeah I think we can definitely check that one off now Jamie…
See comment #4 if you don’t know what I’m talking about.
12. stevenh - February 4th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Great list
the story of Churchill - wonderful.
“Eccentric until the end, Churchill would toss his briefcase out of the window of the commuter train he rode home every day. Passengers and conductors were shocked because they didn’t know he was throwing the luggage into his own backyard as the train passed by. It saved him the trouble of carrying it all the way home from the station.”
13. Another Kiwi - February 4th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Number 6: Already done? I recall a movie, maybe a television programme, from way back. I can’t remember what it was called. I can recollect people slowly rising, grinning like idiots, inside a turning “thing” on their way to recycling. Hero of movie objects, escapes the city …
14. Peri - February 4th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
#3 reminds me of a Dean Koontz book I read a very long time ago. Can’t remember the title unfortunately. Charm School is probably a better story.
15. riley - February 4th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
I think The Lovely Bones would make an incredible movie if done right. As well as Ender’s Game as long as it was good sci-fi not cheesy.
16. Johnny Razor - February 4th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Hey jfrater,
http://imdb.com/title/tt0493762/
I don’t know if that has already been brought to your attention. Love the site!
17. Blogball - February 4th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Jfrater, someone might have brought this up already but with the new lay out (which I like by the way) you can’t click on a commenter’s name to learn more about them like we used to be able to do.
Is this going to stay like that?
18. Kevin - February 4th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Brave New World is one of my all time favorite books and I’ve been waiting for it to be made into an actual movie. I say actual, because it’s actually been made a couple of times for television, but those versions all stunk (imo).
1998 version: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0145600/
1980 version: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0080468/
19. Jordan G - February 4th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
There already is a movie of “Brave New World.” It only aired once on TV, but my mom has a copy from Craigslist that she uses for teaching English.
20. Jordan G - February 4th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Also, World War Z would make a great film if they marketed it as a real documentary.
21. Derek99 - February 4th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I love you Jfrater. Once I saw the name of this list, I immediately thought “Foundation Novels”. Great minds think alike.
Oh, and I think “Ass” from Idiocracy needs to be made.
22. gabrielAmerican - February 4th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Love the new look for the site!
Movies to make:
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card - would be a great space shoot ‘em up
The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg by Twain - it’s a short story, but could certainly make a fantastic feature length film
Snow Crash by Stephenson- not enough sci-fi comedies as far as I’m concerned
23. Ashley - February 4th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
riley: Peter Jackson IS making The Lovely Bones into a movie.. Set to be released next year.
24. Nick Jones - February 4th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Brave New World has already been made twice, in 1980 and 1998, as made-for-TV movies, but both are out of print. The 1980 version is supposed to be the better of the two.
25. Csimmons - February 4th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
I think the Artemis Fowl series should be made into movies, and not animation either.
26. Mac - February 4th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Sharks couldn’t survive in Venetian canals. Nothing could. Those canals are filthy dirty filthy. I love Venice, but seriously, if the movie’s tagline is “don’t go into the water”, it’s not because of the sharks. It’s because the water is wrong.
Venice is so beautiful, though. Apparently it’s going to sink into the lagoon on its own volition (whale shark or not) which is very sad.
27. 9000 - February 4th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Jordan G- That was a made-for-TV movie, so I don’t know if it counts…
But it actually ok, even for a TV movie. There were some pretty major changes from the book, but no more so than most other adaptations.
Plus, it had Mr Spock in it. So…. there’s that.
28. Kevin - February 4th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Mac- So the Venetian canals are highly polluted? Well then, what about “Mutated Sharks in Venice”?
29. warrrreagl - February 4th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
I’ve got to pull for Stephen King’s Gunslinger/Dark Tower series and the great Roland Deschain. I used to swear that Lord of the Rings could never be properly filmed, so I wonder now about the Dark Tower.
30. Logick Bomb - February 4th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
World war Z. absolutely.
I’d like to see one of those disaster movies made about chernobyl, as well.
31. Borg - February 4th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Cool list. 2 books that deserve to be filmed are A Confederacy of Dunces and The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. Both have scripts written, actors attached, but are stuck in development hell. “Dunces” had Will Ferrell attached to star, but due to some issue with the publisher, production never started. Kavalier and Clay had Natalie Portman and Tobey Maguire attached, with a script written by Michael Chabon himself, but this movie, too, has been bogged down by studio politics. Both books are classics and would make great movies.
32. Louis - February 4th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Brave New World has had two TV movies made that were based on it. Brave New World in 1980 and 1998.
There are three books I feel should be mentioned here all are by the same author and there are many more that could be adapted well to the screen aside from these: ‘Tunnel in the Sky’ - Great action adventure and survival movie.
To Sail Beyond the Sunset - A story of a woman who lived and loved for over a century and at the end of her life found herself with still more time to spend.
Starman Jones - Big Adventures & grand vistas as a boy comes of age. Living and becoming a hero by his wits and a quirky memory.
Other honorable mentions would have been Methuselah’s Children, Farnham’s Freehold, Farmer in the Sky, The Cat That Walks through Walls, The Rolling Stones, Friday, and Time Enough for Love. There are more but I see my obsession is showing.
33. jfrater - February 4th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
When I was last in Venice I was told that the ALL of the canals are refreshed every day because it is a tidal system - it is refreshed by the sea - so the water is actually very clean sea water.
34. dan - February 4th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
The Gunslinger by Stephen King…
I dunno why, I guess I like stories set out in the desert. Stuff like “No Country For Old Men” have elements about it, but I think this would be an awesome movie, if directed properly.
35. FelixMG - February 4th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Atlas Shrugged has been announced with Angelina Jolie in the starring role.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0480239/
Whether or not there will be a follow up to this announcement is beyond me.
(Remember the Halo movie?)
36. Yogi Barrister - February 4th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
I can’t believe Borg stole my thunder. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay should totally be made into a movie. Let’s see I see WATCHEMEN is finally getting made, instead I’ll go with PREACHER, SANDMAN, and just about any of Alan moore’s creations at ABC Comics: Promethia, Greyshirt, TOP 10, etc.. I would also like to see Zippy the Pinhead made into a movie, and something animated in R Crumb’s style updating his take on life for the 21st Century.
37. rearden - February 4th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Would a film version of “Atlas” really do justice to the novel?
(Completely off-topic…. I’m not sure how many regular posters this site has, but one poster uses my real first name as their username, and another poster uses my real last name. It’s funny, yet strange at the same time.)
38. jfrater - February 4th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Rearden: I can only hope so (like the nickname btw :))
39. jfrater - February 4th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
FelixMG: they have been talking about it for a long time. I really hope they don’t put Brad Pitt in the role of John Galt!
40. FelixMG - February 4th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
I use my real first name, and my initials as my username. The community feel of the comments section makes me very secure about this.
BTW, it’s too bad the forums get no love.
41. toolnut - February 4th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Louis: Tunnel in the Sky would be freakin’ sweet to see. That was one of the only books I was forced to read in school that I actually liked, aside from 1984.
42. Joss - February 4th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
I’d like to see someone try to make Screwjack: A Short Story by Hunter S. Thompson into a movie. That book is trippy as hell.
43. Borg - February 4th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Yogi: I’m just glad someone agrees. It’s one of my favorite books.
Joss: Your comment reminded me that Johnny Depp, who starred in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and paid for Thompson’s funeral, has bought the rights to The Rum Diary, Thompson’s first novel. I loved the book and hope it gets made into a film.
44. Andrea Carlena Beauman - February 4th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Hollywood would only make a book-to-movie if it could use over $3million in special effects just to make a statue or a frog talk.
-Andrea Carlena Beauman
45. Joss - February 4th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Borg: I haven’t read that one. I tried to get into Thompson - wasn’t my cup of tea at the time. I might try again, though.
46. Louis - February 4th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Oh, if we are goign to open this to Graphic Novels I am completely on boad with Preacher. However, the Planetary stories would make an insane group of films, it could be done with a relatively small budget, Joss Whedon would be the man to take those to film.
47. Borg - February 4th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Joss: The Rum Diary was written before he adopted his gonzo style and so it is much more accessible than his later works. If anything, it reminds me of Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises (a bunch of American expatriates getting drunk and having sex in foreign lands).
48. Zac - February 4th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Many of the DeMille books (two of the best are on your list, plus I’d add “Up Country” for a terrific story about the fallout from the Vietnam War) would make good action-type movies. Too bad Clive Cussler is such a lunatic - judging from the lawsuit against ga-zillionaire Phil Anschutz over “Sahara” - since his Dirk Pitt character could have been America’s answer to the James Bond franchise — without the babes, of course.
49. JJ - February 4th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
i think its funny how the author say the foundation series are great then compares them to that load of crap star wars series
50. JMurf - February 4th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Life of Pi, Killing Pablo, Adventures in Two Worlds
51. Brandon5am - February 4th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Sharks in venice is already in production…
52. Dana - February 4th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Brave New World has been made but it was a piece of crap.
53. Joni - February 4th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
JMurf: I’m not sure about killing pablo or adventures in two worlds, but a life of pi moving is being made. Set release date is sometime next year.
54. reid1201 - February 4th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
when I was reading The Charm School,the whole time I was thinking “why hasn’t this been made into a movie, yet?”
55. Martin L - February 4th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Mac: (#26) Actually, sharks are hardier than rats and can survive in the nastiest environments. And Venice’s canals are fed by a salt-water lagoon, so — so when did Hollywood worry about scientific accuracy anyway?
Anyway, “The Pillars of the Earth” puts me in mind of “The Spire” by William Golding (of “Lord of the Flies” fame). Definitely need a Terence Malick or Nicholas Roeg to direct.
Then, after all the Heinlein movies — “The Puppet Masters,” “Starship Troopers,” “Destination Moon” — when is someone going to show the guts and vision to do “Stranger in a Strange Land?” Steven Spielberg, are you listening?
56. Martin L - February 4th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Forgive the double post, but I just looked back and saw all Louis’s choices of Heinlein titles. Any of them would make watchable flicks. Good going, brother!
57. Smerkis - February 4th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Alexis de Tocqueville and Antonin Dvorak, both foreigners who composed works to describe america and its peoples. Tocqueville wrote a book while Dvorak wrote one of the greatest symphonies in history.
Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison, though there have been films that feature both none have captured their rivalry nor the intricacies of Tesla’s personality, he was crazy.
The labor riots of the late 1800’s in america, specifically in Pittsbugh. Little known story which has the same character potential as well a violence seen in Gangs Of New York. It would be a nice little history lesson on the involvement of government and bussiness too.
58. canuch - February 4th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
How about Red Storm Rising? Probably the best Clancy that hasn’t been turned into a movie. Sure you can argue with the literary value of it but come on, there is so much destruction in it that it would have enormous value with the masses that love blood and gore.
59. the hound - February 4th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
i recomend The Wanting Seed. it’s by Anthony Burgess, (a clockwork orange) set in the future where the Earth becomes grosly overpopulated. the government takes over by limiting couples to only one child, and only if the child is approved by them. The government endorses homosexuality as a good thing to keep the population down, and plasters the city with “love your fellow man” posters.
60. Joss - February 4th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Borg: You sold me. The Sun Also Rises is the only Hemingway book I could get myself to read all the way through. Well, I didn’t “get” myself to read it; I loved it. I’m writing it down and checking it out.
61. loseitbonkers - February 4th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
the martian chronicles.
62. magnidude - February 4th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Seems nobody has mentioned “Forever War” by Joe Haldeman yet. It surely made a good comic book.
There are considerably many movies made out of Philip K. Dick’s works but the most successful of them like “Ubik” or “The Man in the High Castle” still remain untouched. And concerning the science-fiction genre …there are just so many good topics simply waiting to be grabbed. Let’s say, “The Moon is a Harsh Mistress” by Heinlein or “The Left Hand of Darkness” by Le Guin.
And even if it’s not much feasible I’d love to see the adaptation of epic fantasy Westeros series by G.R.R. Martin. Ahh…well why not to dream a little bit?
63. erin - February 4th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
I am doing a university course in Brave New World by Aldous Huxley right now. The professor hasn’t introduced his thoughts into the book yet but it is really interesting and eerily accurate of what the human race could become. It’s an awesome read, I definitely recommend it.
64. james - February 4th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
i’d have to go for The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch and Ubik, both Phil Dick books. Really mindbending, so much more than other books of his that have been filmed.
65. nelia - February 4th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
I didn’t love the new logo until i saw it in blue. love the color change and the logo looks great.
I think Brave New World, done right, would make an awesome movie. Someone has to do it eventually right?
66. Firefly27 - February 4th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
I agree with Red Storm Rising. It was actually the first Tom Clancy book I read and I really enjoyed it. There are sequences in it that I would love to see on screen. The book I would most want to see as a movie is Eon, by Greg Bear. There was enough interest to actually have a competition to make a movie trailer for a theoretical film adaptation. Check it out here: http://features.cgsociety.org/.....ry_id=3987
67. chsrocket47 - February 4th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
what I’d like to see is Homer’s Odyssey or the Illiad but in the same format as 300.
68. Joss - February 4th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
My husband would die of happiness if The Moon is a Harsh Mistress was turned into a (well done) film.
69. Diogenes - February 4th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
I’m sure if you proposed The life of Antonio Ghislieri to the Vatican, they might part with some of their monies for feature.. a couple of reclics auctioned off perhaps.
To be honest I think a number of these, if made, would be made for public television.
the “real” script for Brave New World is in the box with The Teachings Of Don Jaun and Kafka’s Metamorphisis, buried somewhere in a unnamed desert.
Although I know Fellini had tried to get Don Jaun made and D.Lynch has mentioned knowing how Kafka’s story should be filmed.
who’s willing to bet Will Smith would end in B.N.W if it gets made? Too old? maybe his son.
Maybe A Rand had to disconect her phone after winning the Nobel and “the call” cant get through to secure rights.
70. Mom424 - February 4th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Wonderful List!
Pillars of the Earth is my favorite Ken Follet novel. Jack’s gift of architecture and flying buttresses…the scenery would be worth making a movie of….
I’m pretty sure Star Trek - Next Generation did a take on Brave New World by Huxley (David Ogden Steirs - refused when it was his time to die)
And I agree on Charm School…..great spy novel
The Camerons by Crichton would make a great mini-series or epic movie (coal mining family, when coal miners were almost considered property of the mine)
71. Mom424 - February 4th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Firefly et al; Red storm rising would be excellent. Quite a few scenes would translate well; Iceland would be a great contrast to the battle scenes and submarine scenes…
72. goof_ball - February 4th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Hmm… cool I guess
73. zionred - February 4th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Sharks In Venice!
http://imdb.com/title/tt1087474/
74. rearden - February 4th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Thanks jfrater.
While I’d probably be unable to resist seeing a film adaptation of “Atlas”, a person has to wonder whether it’s more beneficial or detrimental to see a movie based on one’s favorite novel. Personally, I’m not sure I’d want my own mental images of the characters, settings, etc. to be replaced by those of the director (because, let’s face it, any future enjoyment of the novel would probably be diminished after seeing the movie.)
Just a thought, anyway.
75. rearden - February 4th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
P.S. Great new look to the site.
76. anandaji67 - February 4th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
The Hunger Artist by Kafka could potentially be an awesome movie, as could Native Son by Hamilton {if it’s not already a movie}
77. Chucklhead05 - February 4th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Either novels by Joseph R. Garber, Vertical Run or Whirlwind. I thought I read that Vertical Run was going to be made into a movie, but I haven’t seen anything else.
For Whirlwind, I could see Tommy Lee Jones playing the male lead easily and John Lithgow the slimy government man. Charlize Theron could play the Russian spy. I haven’t figured out who would play the part of Johann Schmidt. I thought of Rutger Hauer, but I think he is too old. Great books!
Thanks for a great website!
78. 20Fan20 - February 4th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Pillars of the Earth is one of the more under rated novels IMHO. I have read it three times. It would make a great movie! I can’t wait to read the sequel just released (at least in the States.)
I wonder how many of these movie could be made to run in under 3 hours!
79. Arabella - February 4th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
I am an avid reader and the movies are never on equal footing with the books. I would rather just read the book and let my imagination do the work!
80. Sam - February 4th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Yes, yes, yes, YES to Brave New World. I would love to see that become a movie, although it would probably never match the genius of the novel.
81. Ravenous - February 4th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
I’m a fan of Neal Stephenson, and I think that two of his books would be great for the big screen.
1. Crytonomicon - About crytology, lots and lots of GOLD from WWII, and a modern day data haven. Involves three generations of three families.
2. Zodiac - About a pain-in-the-ass environmentalist who does nitrous oxide to get his high, industrial polluters, and lots and lots of LOBSTERS.
3. Snow Crash - Satirical, cool, witty, the Metaverse, and lots and lots of incredibly plausible FUTURISTIC WEAPONS, GADGETS, and DRUGS.
82. Ravenous - February 4th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
I made a boo-boo…I mean three books!
83. Michelle - February 4th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
I’ve been waiting for A Confederacy of Dunces forever.
84. souxieq - February 4th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
I agree with everyone who suggested the Gunslinger/Dark Tower series. As long as it had a decent budget and was done well. It’s one of those stories that you really want to share with people, but most people take a look at the amount of reading required and don’t want to read it.
85. D Holmes - February 4th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
I think “Flow My Tears, The Policeman” by Philip K. Dick said would make an excellent movie.
Plot Summary of the official website dedicated for him:
“On October 11 the television star Jason Taverner is so famous that 30 million viewers eagerly watch his prime-time show. On October 12 Jason Taverner is not a has-been but a never-was — a man who has lost not only his audience but all proof of his existence. And in the claustrophobic betrayal state of Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said, loss of proof is synonymous with loss of life.
Taverner races to solve the riddle of his disappearance”, immerses us in a horribly plausible Philip K. Dick United States in which everyone — from a waiflike forger of identity cards to a surgically altered pleasure — informs on everyone else, a world in which omniscient police have something to hide. His bleakly beautiful novel bores into the deepest bedrock self and plants a stick of dynamite at its center. ”
This book is one of my favorite books and one of PKD’s best.
Apparently a studio has the rights for it, but have done nothing with said rights.
86. D Holmes - February 4th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Correction on title, its “Flow My Tears, The Policeman Said”.
Didn’t notice that until after I clicked submit.
87. D Holmes - February 4th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
@magnidude
I agree, The Man in the High Castle is a movie waiting to happen. Its a fascinating premise and is perfect source material for a film.
Lets just hope if it DOES happen, they don’t pull a “Next” (the Nicolas Cage film) and create a dumbed down version of the source complete with ridiculously stupid action.
Sorry for the triple post.
88. Craig Farr - February 4th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Nelson DeMille rocks!!!!!!!
but I would also like to see “Where is Joe Merchant” by Jimmy Buffet
89. zionred - February 4th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
I had always thought that Steven Gould’s book “Jumper” would be a great movie. However, once again, Hollywood is determined to ruin another great book. The trailer looks horrible (nothing at all like the book). And… Hayden Christenson? give me a break!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0489099/
90. indiefreak19 - February 4th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
If I had any skill writing historical novels/screenplays, I would currently be writing something on Jack Churchill! His life is amazing and a testament to the British patriotic war hero!
And one film I cannot wait for which is in the scriptwriting phase (though who knows when that will be finished!!), is Susanna Clarke’s ‘Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell’, an amazingly intricate novel about magicians in an alternate 19th century England where magic once existed but is believed lost…however, two magicians appear and reignite the arts, whilst becoming celebrities, rivals and war heroes in helping against Napoleon!And theres a deeper story about this weird, evil fairy king who seeks to manipulate characters…
I have a bunch of ideas I am trying to write up but I shall not publish them here for fear of someone stealing them and writing a better story before me!! haha
91. David - February 4th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
One Word: Ringworld
92. emeraldi - February 4th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
I agree with Borg and Michelle, Confederacy of Dunces needs to be made into a film. I also think that On the Road by Jack Kerouac would be fun. I imagine it a bit like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Candide by Voltaire could be a decent satirical dark comedy.
93. emeraldi - February 4th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Crap, I just realized Candide was already made for TV a couple times. Well, it should be made again.
94. Crowley - February 4th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
good omens (terry pratchett/neil gaiman)
drawing of the dark (tim powers)
the life of jeffrey hudson
95. Gryphon - February 4th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Charm School and By The Rivers of Babylon would make excellent movies but I’m sure some director would mess them up. A book I love and have read a couple of times is Colin Forbes’ Tramp in Armour. It is really enjoyable and kind of sweet for a war movie.
Recently met two new American friends and an idea came up for a new franchise. “Americans with passports”. Each movie is in a different country with a catchy title. In every movie they would loose their passports (similar to Kenny getting killed in South Park) and just cause random havoc.
96. newsong - February 4th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Cool! This has inspired me to make another attempt at reading Huxley, and I’ll have to put the rest of the books here on my list.
97. Miss Destiny - February 4th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
This site gives me more reading assignments by the day! I’ve really got to get to the library.
98. mr cheez3 - February 5th, 2008 at 12:36 am
brave new world is already a movie…im confused. is this an old list??
99. jfrater - February 5th, 2008 at 12:44 am
mr cheez3: I was aware of that - this is a list of books or stories I would like to see made with epic budgets for the big screen - think “The Last Emperor” etc. TV Movies don’t count.
100. sdggrant - February 5th, 2008 at 1:57 am
A movie that should of been made—Gates Of Fire…it was to be based off of the mostly-historically accurate book by the same name written by Steven Pressfield. Its basically the battle of the Spartans and Persians. George Clooney was going to star in it, but he wasn’t going to be King Leonidas. Makes me sad that the $$$ fell through and the 300 was made instead, even though I enjoyed the 300 as well.
101. Shadow - February 5th, 2008 at 3:12 am
Mystern’s right. Though it would be a good movie with some editing to increase the pace a bit, in its book form it is way too slow for most folks. Also, the ending was kind of disappointing for me.
102. flgh - February 5th, 2008 at 3:30 am
StarCraft. A StarCraft film will be prety epic.
103. Sharon - February 5th, 2008 at 4:50 am
Boys and Girls Together William Goldman
This Perfect Day Ira Levin
These books have been stuck in my head for decades.
104. romerozombie - February 5th, 2008 at 5:53 am
If done right, The Dark Tower series by Stephen King could be incredible. There are some amazing set pieces and events, well-written characters, it’s funny and it’s heartwrenchingly sad.
105. Rich Anthony - February 5th, 2008 at 6:16 am
The Mote in God’s Eye by Larry NIven and Jerry Pournelle
106. Rich Anthony - February 5th, 2008 at 6:18 am
I hate to let you , but, Brave New World was made into a movie. A rather dismal box office disaster.
107. courtney - February 5th, 2008 at 7:57 am
What about Catcher in the Rye?
108. Kai4a - February 5th, 2008 at 8:38 am
Where’s Hop On Pop? Moving, important, and timely, it begs to be made!
btw- when will Angelina Jolie realize she’s NOT a real artist and just eye candy and stop meddling in good films? I haven’t read Atlas Shrugged yet, but it’s on my list. She just overshadows every project she gets involved in with her “star power” and everything else about the film takes a back seat. That’s fine with the tits-and-explosions projects, but when it’s a real, honest-to-God important film, it spoils it. Just go play Lara Croft, Angie. You didn’t get your daddy’s acting gene. If possible, go make Gia II: Gia’s revenge. Sry, just had to have my little tantrum. I hate Hollywood.
109. Mom424 - February 5th, 2008 at 9:08 am
20Fan20; Please let me know when you’ve read the sequel to Pillars of the Earth. I was disappointed when I had finished the novel because I wanted more. In the same breath, I’m almost always disappointed with sequels (ie; the 2nd and 3rd Dune novels, good but nowhere near the first). Save me some grief please.
110. EnglishRose - February 5th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Life of Pi would make a great film. Though I doubt there is an actor brave enough to film long scenes on a small boat with an agitated tiger!
111. longball - February 5th, 2008 at 9:43 am
The Shannarra series by terry brooks would make an excelent movie/series. And enders game by orson scott card would also…
112. gilles - February 5th, 2008 at 10:21 am
How about “On the road”?
113. rneiderman - February 5th, 2008 at 10:34 am
Most of my picks have already been mentioned. All I can think about are movies that I want to be made, that were already made badly.
-Timeline, by Michael Crichton, is and AWESOME book. Sadly, the movie was so abominable that no one will ever attempt it again.
-I also had high hopes for the recent King Arthur, which was supposed to be an historically accurate imagining of the Arthur legend, but was neither accurate nor good.
-Then there was Kingdom of Heaven. I continue to wait for a big sweeping epic about the crusades. All they gave us was garbage.
May I suggest a list of great ideas that were made into crappy movies?
114. jfrater - February 5th, 2008 at 10:38 am
gilles: I considered On the Road
rneiderman: good idea for a list -t hanks!
115. Kai4a - February 5th, 2008 at 11:41 am
On The Road is being made:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0337692/
Get ready for Hollywood to take another great big crap on literature. I’m guessing Matt Damon/Tom Cruise for top billing. Somebody mentioned that Phoenix guy that ruined Walk The Line (OK, to be fair Reese Witherspoon ruined it more), but I really hope they’re joaquin.
116. Mathilda - February 5th, 2008 at 11:50 am
20Fan20 and Mom24 - I’ve got the sequel to Pillars of the Earth; it’s called World Without End. I haven’t gotten to start it yet because I’m finishing The Amber Spyglass first, but apparently it’s set in Kingsbridge several hundred years after the first book. Hopefully that will eliminate most of the standard sequel problems; where the author feels compelled to create some crisis for the characters and/or they suddenly all have mid-life crises and begin to act completely differently than they did in the first book.
My fear regarding Pillars of the Earth being made into a movie is that, since it became one of Oprah’s book selections (nothing against Oprah’s book club) that producers might feel the need to really dumb it down to try to appeal to a broader audience. I also feel that, due to the length of the book, someone might try to produce it as a miniseries which is almost always the kiss of death.
As for movies I’d like to see, when I was young I loved The Dark Is Rising series by Susan Cooper (actually, I still do love it.) I think they could be made into great movies with lots of action but very little real violence.
117. BME - February 5th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
gabrielAmerican: Ender’s Game is in pre-production now. It’s actually being done as a combination between Ender’s Game and Ender’s Shadow. Read the afterword in the 20th Anniversary Edition of Ender’s Game for Card’s (rather lengthy) story about his attempts to get it made properly.
118. SW09 - February 5th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
What about The Fab 5? A movie based on the history of Michigan Fab 5?
119. 2overpar - February 5th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
sequel to e. t. - the earth is being invaded by evil aliens and e. t. returns to save Elliott and the rest of us.
sequel to rounders - michael mcdermott and worm make it to the final table of the ME in Vegas.
120. islanderbst - February 5th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
chucklhead- good call on vertical run
i’d say
rendezvous with rama (i think there are working on it tho)
anything by australian action novelist matthew reilly
utopia by lincoln child- outstanding quick fun read imho
121. vinny - February 5th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
I read Charm School a long time ago. It was a good book. I remember being very disturbed at the end.
I think someone made a movie very very similar to it - involving the whole Russian camp charading as an American village thing.
The hero was kidnapped and he thought he was in a weird American city where the only music being played was Sousa march music and everyone went to sock-hops and stuff. It turns out the russians were basing their camp on 20 year old American movies.
I thought it starred Brandon Fraser - but I looked at his IMDB and I couldn’t figure out which one it was.
Charm School would be very good - if a little out of date with the cold war being over.
122. islanderbst - February 5th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
vinny, check john travolta, he and arye gross i think did a goofy comedy like that, cant remeber name off hand
123. Jorden - February 5th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Brave New World was made into a move
124. Jorden - February 5th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
There is a movie made based on the book by Aldous Huxley’s A Brave New World
125. Tom Wang - February 5th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Dante’s Inferno, or Divine Comedy, could make a good adaptation with some minor changes for political correctness. Technology now with CGI and mastery of model making techniques could do that story justice too. The imagery in the poem is extremely vivid and ones imagination is in high gear trying to visualize it. A good director with a vision could make it a very good movie. I said the Inferno because its the best and most elaborate and vivid of the three parts.
by the way I know about the comedy version thats out. Im talking about an epic adaptation that takes the scope of the literature and its setting(s).
126. Tom Wang - February 5th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
I’d just like to see Inferno adapted as an epic in the same vein that Lord of the Rings is. That kind of epic and ‘meaningful’ adaptation. Not some bad modernization a la ‘Romeo and Juliet’ from the 90’s
127. Nik - February 5th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
I agree AJolie is not a suitable choice for Atlas Shrugged and I fully agree with rearden that you shouldn’t make movies from your favorite novels. Besides Atlas Shrugged is on such a large canvas that it would be difficult to do justice. Lots of gud books that I can add to my “Must Read” list ……..
great website ………
128. Schiesl - February 6th, 2008 at 12:15 am
How about “The Long Walk” by Richard Bachman, aka Stephen King. Its one of my favorites of his
129. riledupone - February 6th, 2008 at 12:23 am
Any of Terry Pratchet’s “Discworld” series.
130. riledupone - February 6th, 2008 at 12:23 am
‘Scuse me, should be Pratchett.
131. Du - February 6th, 2008 at 7:08 am
what about the Twilight series? its an awesome book series about a girl who moves from pheonix to some town in the middle of nowhere, and goes to school and tries to fit in.
the thing is, there is this group of “cool” kids in the school that later turn out to be vampires. she befriends them and they go through many adventures together =D
132. HexenBexen - February 6th, 2008 at 7:36 am
I had to laugh at Sharks in Venice! I can’t believe nobody ever came up with that before.
133. Yondofan12 - February 6th, 2008 at 8:23 am
If you have read “Odd Thomas” by Dean Koontz, about a man who can see ghosts and ghostly figures called Bodocks that only come around when evil is present. It is pretty creepy and would make an awesome movie.
134. ravthewave - February 6th, 2008 at 9:01 am
Deathwatch by Robb White was my favorite book as a kid and I just recently read it again. That book would make a great movie for sure, except that fact that the main character is stripped of all his clothes during his ordeal in the desert.
135. Generic Poster - February 6th, 2008 at 11:19 am
If someone made a move of A Song of Ice and Fire…
…
…
… They would be horrible in comparison to the novels.
136. Marcy - February 6th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Du: Twilight is on its way! Look it up on imdb.com!
I think a movie about the life of Jeff Buckley is LOOOONG overdue. I’ve heard that his mother doesn’t want it to happen, but I’m not sure how true that is. I’ve also heard that Brad Pitt was at one time interested in buying the rights, but that was years ago and I haven’t heard anything since. He’s got a great life, it mirrors his father’s in such a spooky way (both young musicians on the verge of great success, both die very suddenly).
And who will play Mr. Buckley? I nominate James Franco. The resemblance is striking. Not too sure about his acting ability, but I’m sure he can pull off “aloof, yet haunted, free spirit”.
137. BrotherMan - February 6th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Number 2 sounds really interesting. I have always thought that wars should not be fought with guns and explosives and planes and such. Soldiers should be given a sword and shield or a poleaxe and storm the battlefield.
138. rneiderman - February 6th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Generic Poster: A Song of Ice and Fire is supposed to be in the works for an HBO miniseries. That should give them more time to get all of the intrigue and depravity in.
139. PANIC - February 7th, 2008 at 8:25 am
How about doing a list of top ten movies that were made that shouldnt have been? (like junior…)
140. Shellhell - February 7th, 2008 at 11:51 am
I have always loved Ayn Rand’s books and I believe Atlas Shrugged would make a wonderful movie - I really hope it gets made!
I would also love to see David Eddings “The Belgariad” made into a movie. It is a set of 5 books that are wonderful science fantasy! They could even make “The Mallorean” (another set of 5 books that follows “The Belagriad”) into a sequel. Between all 10 books, there is a lot of movie to make!
141. Sharki - February 7th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
As much as I love the Dark Tower series, there is no way they could ever be made into movies. You’re talking about a seven book series, six of which are very, very long and one of which is a prequel. You’re talking about a narrative that jumps between worlds, crosses time, mixes with other King works and has a mythology that rivals anything in the LOTR universe. In other words, everything that makes the Dark Tower series such a rich experience would have to be jettisoned in favor of a straight foward narrative about the journey to the Tower itself. This is the same reason a mini-series version of another King work, “The Talisman”, has never gotten off the ground despite two different attempts.
142. treypole - February 7th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
There was a Confederacy of Dunces movie in the works, set to star John Candy. After his death, nobody else has been considered.
143. Caroline - February 7th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
i know this is about books,
but someone should make a horror movie entitled “angel of death” about josef mengele, a famous nazi during the holocaust. that’s just what i think.
144. Diogenes - February 7th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Concerning #10,or more specifically Samuel L Jackson.
The was a movie made called “the Clones of Bruce Lee” (Bruce Li) and also a movie called “They saved Hitler’s Brain”.
I havent seen either flics, but on titles alone, if you combine them and star S.L.J..
what would we get?
They Cloned Samuel L. Jackson’s Brain
The Clones Of Samuel Jackson Vs. Hitler
or ofcoarse
The Clones Of Samuel L Jackson
and last but whatever,
“Samuel L Jackson Clones All His Movie Characters and Fights Them In a Free For All Resulting in the Pulverized Remains Reconstituting and Fighting the CGI Clones of Bruce Lee and Hitler’s Brain”.
Yeh that would be one hell of a movie.
145. Diogenes - February 7th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Diogenes: Yeh I agree,
“The Clones of Samuel L Jackson” would make a good flick.
Perhaps he purchased a castle which had once been occupied by a mad scientist, who had been working on his masterpiece before his mysterious disapearence. In a secret labratory, that Jackson discovers, there is Cloning Equipment capable of cultivating Samuel L Jackson’s grand desires.
146. islanderbst - February 7th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
i’m tired of these motherf%!@ing clones in this motherf%!@ing castle!
samuel l. jackson- #3 badass of alltime. (behind Jesus and Laurence Fishburne)
147. YashaMaru - March 12th, 2008 at 7:29 am
the speech of the horned god should be made into movies.
best fantasy books there ever was, several horseheads ahead of LoTR and harry potter. unfortunately: i think they only exist in norwegian…
fortunately: i am norwegian and is lucky enough to have been able to read the chronicles:P
148. Skeeter - April 15th, 2008 at 9:55 am
You’re list….
it…
sucks the balls.
149. infallibleangel - April 19th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Check out this guy: Joshua A. Norton.
He was a “mentally unbalanced” man who lived in San Francisco through out the mid-1800’s. He thought he was royalty, and the rest of the city humored his delusions. He even had currency printed with his picture on it. It’s a really great story, and a good example of the kindness that human beings can have.
Here is the Wikipedia link for the full story:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joshua_A._Norton
150. infallibleangel - April 19th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
That would make a good movie.
151. toolnut - April 19th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
that kinda reminds me of this movie I just bought called Lars and the Real Girl.
152. alana - May 6th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
I am disappointed and surprised that none of Chuck Palahniuk’s books were reccomended!!
He wrote Fight Club…an incredible movie…and the book is ten times more incredible.
On top of that, Fight Club is probably my least favorite book of his.
I know in the near future his book Choke will be released as a movie,
but I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see movie versions of Haunted, Survivor, and Invisible Monsters.
If you haven’t read Chuck’s books yet, Jamie, I’d start doing that now… In my opinion, he is one of the most amazing writers of our time :-).
153. d0lph1n - May 17th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Except that Brave New World has been made into an exceedingly bad movie (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0145600/ )
154. Weirdo1 - May 28th, 2008 at 7:02 am
AnotherKiwi: The Movie you’re thinking of is logans run. Similar to Brave New World but is more often linked with The Island starring Ewan MacGregor and whats her name.
155. Hendershot - June 3rd, 2008 at 7:20 am
I wholeheartedly agree with your #1.
I would love to see the Foundation series on big screen !
156. Smily - July 17th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
Ever since I first read the entire foundation series (all seven or eight books) in 5th grade, I thought they should have been made into movies.