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Actress Emily Mortimer in The Bookshop..
Photo: Courtesy of Transmission FilmsBooks have long been a source of inspiration for Hollywood. Some of cinema's first hits were adaptations of literary masterpieces like The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, A Christmas Carol, and Frankenstein. More recently, psychological thrillers such as Gone Girl have made their way to the big screen. As the love for literary-inspired films persists, the genre has evolved to include not just adaptations, but films centered around books and bookstores, like Book Club (2018) and Becoming Jane (2007). Here are eight must-see films for any book lover.
1. The Bookshop (2018)
Actress Emily Mortimer in The Bookshop..
Courtesy of Transmission FilmsSet in the 1950s, Florence Green (Emily Mortimer), a passionate bibliophile, moves to the coastal town of Hardborough, England to open a bookshop. However, her love for books isn't shared by the locals, particularly an influential woman (Patricia Clarkson) who is determined to close the shop. Florence must convince the community of the magic that reading brings. Based on Penelope Fitzgerald's novel, The Bookshop is a stunning period drama filled with literary charm.
2. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018)
Lily James stars in Netflix's historical romance, where a British writer travels to the island of Guernsey to gather inspiration for a new column in The Times Literary Supplement. Her peaceful retreat soon takes a twist as she uncovers romance, a unique book club, and the island's history under German occupation. Adapted from the 2008 novel by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a heartwarming ode to books and the life of a writer.
3. 84 Charing Cross Road (1987)
Based on Helene Hanff's acclaimed memoir, 84 Charing Cross Road tells the true story of a 20-year correspondence between Hanff (Anne Bancroft), a New York bibliophile, and Frank Doel (Anthony Hopkins), a bookseller in London. Hanff reaches out to Doel in search of a rare book, and what follows is a lasting friendship. Over the years, their letters explore literature, modern culture, history, and even Yorkshire pudding.
4. Funny Face (1957)
Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn star in this 1957 musical as Dick Avery, a charming fashion photographer, and Jo Stockton, a shy bibliophile working at Embryo Concepts bookstore. When Dick spontaneously takes Jo’s photo, he unintentionally changes her life forever. Featuring songs by the Gershwin brothers, costumes by Edith Head, and direction by Stanley Donen, Funny Face is a quintessential Golden Age musical.
5. Notting Hill (1999)
William Thacker (Hugh Grant) runs a charming travel bookstore in London's Notting Hill district. Recently divorced and sharing his space with a messy but loyal roommate, Will’s love life seems non-existent. But things take a turn when Anna Scott (Julia Roberts), the biggest Hollywood star of the time, walks into his shop. After a book on Turkey is purchased and a glass of orange juice is spilled, the two find themselves caught in a whirlwind romance. Notting Hill is a quintessential '90s romantic comedy with a bookish twist.
6. Devotion (1946)
This Golden Age classic stars Hollywood icons Ida Lupino, Olivia de Havilland, and Nancy Coleman. Based on Theodore Reeves' fictional tale, Devotion follows the lives of Anne, Charlotte, and Emily Brontë as they struggle with both their personal relationships and their literary careers. With a mix of romance, emotional turmoil, and a deep love for literature, this film beautifully blends classic novels with timeless cinematic storytelling.
7. Jane Austen Book Club (2007)
The premise of this 2007 film directed by Robin Swicord is in the title itself. Two women start a book club focused on the works of Jane Austen to support their newly-divorced librarian friend. Joined by a schoolteacher, the librarian’s daughter, and a sci-fi enthusiast, they embark on a journey through six of Austen's masterpieces. However, none of them expect the author’s timeless themes to help them navigate their own personal struggles. Jane Austen Book Club offers a cinematic exploration of the lasting impact of Austen's writing.
8. The Fast Company Trilogy (1938, 1939)
In the late 1930s, Hollywood released this trilogy to cater to fans of the Thin Man series, which starred Myrna Loy and William Powell, as the wait between each film was considered too long. Based on Marco Page's novel, Fast Company follows rare-book dealers Joel and Garda Sloan (Melvyn Douglas, Florence Rice) as they investigate a murder. The sequels feature different renowned Golden Age actors like Rosalind Russell and Franchot Tone, but each film delivers a delightful, book-themed comedy that captivated audiences.
