For a filmmaker adapting a book is one of the most daunting tasks, especially when it belongs to the action genre. But these movies prove that it is not impossible and it can be accomplished. These movies are adapted exceptionally, and some of these movies even managed to overshadow their source material. Here’s a list of action movies based on books that you will love to watch.
#10: Ready Player One (2018)
Based on: Ready Player One
Author: Ernest Cline
Ready Player One is an absolute crowd-pleaser directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg, and he presents this amazing story in the grandest manner possible. It seemed impossible to adapt the novel at first as it is filled with pop culture references but Spielberg managed to crack the code.
#9: Jack Reacher (2012)
Based on: Jack Reacher Series
Author: Lee Child
Jack Reacher is a super realistic Action thriller that relies solely on an awesome plot and doesn’t waste our time with Slo-mo scenes and excessive CGI. The movie is full of suspense just like the novels and it is a refreshing addition to the action genre. The fans of the novels did not want Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher at first, but he nailed the role.
#8: Total Recall (1990)
Based on: We Can Remember It for You Wholesale
Author: Philip K. Dick
Total Recall is an iconic Sci-fi Action movie that never fails to impress us. It is one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s best movies of all time, he fits in the role of Doug Quaid perfectly. The movie is fast-paced and full of violence. Despite a few cheesy moments, it is a solid adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s story.
#7: I, Robot (2004)
Based on: I, Robot
Author: Isaac Asimov
I, Robot mixes action with philosophy to give us one of the most thought-provoking movies of all time. The movie is inspired by Isaac Asimov’s story, but it tries to do something different with the source material, which makes it a unique experience. Will Smith is awesome as usual and he brings a lot to the table.
#6: The Bourne Identity (2002)
Based on: The Bourne Identity
Author: Robert Ludlum
The Bourne Identity stays true to the source material and gives us one of the most realistic depictions of a spy. It showed the entire industry that an awesome action movie can be made without using jump-cuts and shaky-cam shots. Gladly, the movie didn’t dumb down the story and gave it to us as it is in the novel.
#5: Minority Report (2002)
Based on: The Minority Report
Author: Philip K. Dick
An action movie with such an intriguing concept like The Minority Report is very hard to find nowadays. It is set in the year 2054, and the technology depicted in this movie does not seem far-fetched. The director-actor duo of Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise delivers on all counts and gives us a serious action movie, that is full of thrill and suspense.
#4: Casino Royale (2006)
Based on: Casino Royale
Author: Ian Fleming
Daniel Craig made a fantastic debut as the legendary spy James Bond in Casino Royale and threw everyone’s doubt out of the window without breaking a sweat. Casino Royale ranks among one of the best Bond movies of all time as it is full of high-intensity action that we expect from the master spy.
#3: First Blood (1982)
Based on: First Blood
Author: David Morrell
Sylvester Stallone’s character Rambo is an icon in the entire industry and his first movie still remains the best one in the franchise. First Blood is not just another senseless action movie, it is dark, gritty, and intelligent. It is filled with action and it holds a huge spot in the hearts of fans.
#2: The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
Based on: The Bourne Ultimatum
Author: Robert Ludlum
The Bourne trilogy will go down in history as one of the best trilogies of all time. All three movies are absolutely fantastic. The Bourne Ultimatum has everything that an action fan wants to see in a movie – an intelligent plot, superb action, and a fitting end. We will never forget Matt Damon’s stellar performance in this movie.
#1: Die Hard (1988)
Based on: Nothing Lasts Forever
Author: Roderick Thorp
The most iconic action movie of all time deserves the top spot on this list. Full of Badass action and characters, this movie never disappoints. It is the ultimate action movie that sets the standard for the entire action genre and without it, the action genre feels incomplete.
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