The best movies based on books

Though I'm more of a TV than a movie person these days, I'm suddenly excited to hit the multiplex again — to see two upcoming movies based on two of my favorite books, Cloud Atlas (Oct. 26) and The Great Gatsby (May 10). (I'm kind of into Anna Karenina, out Nov. 16, too.) I'm sure there's something smart to say about the fact that even though the book business is always being declared dying, it's still where Hollywood goes to find good ideas. But instead I'm going to do a list!

To me, the best films stand on their own, even eclipsing, or at least rivaling, the books in your memory. Now, when you think of Bridget Jones , you think of Renee Zellweger, even if you loved the book; when you think of Silence of the Lambs, you think of Anthony Hopkins in that crazy mask. (Or the lotion in the basket, or Chianti …) But a few caveats, since lists get everyone so worked up on the Internet: This is my own personal list, not some sort of broad, deep, and lasting artistic judgment. It definitely reflects my own sensibilities (note that the first eight are relatively light, even if both animal movies feature death and pigs). And it also reflects my limitations; as I mentioned, I've been spending more time with the DVR and less at the theater the last few years, so I've missed some big ones, like Girl With the Dragon Tattoo . Feel free to add your own and debate amongst yourselves in the comments.

My Personal Favorite Movies Based on Literature (Neither Twilight nor The English Patient included, not to worry):

1. Charlotte's Web

2. Breakfast at Tiffany's

3. Bridget Jones' Diary

4. Babe

5. Sideways

6. The Princess Bride

7. It's a Wonderful Life

8. High Fidelity

9. The Color Purple

10. Schindler's List

11. The Silence of the Lambs

12. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

13. Stand By Me

14. Ordinary People

15. Terms of Endearment

16. Memento

17. Hunger Games

18. The Joy Luck Club

19. Fast Times at Ridgemont High

20. Psycho

21. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

22. The Shining

23. Field of Dreams

24. Trainspotting

25. Out of Sight

You can find Jennifer Keishin Armstrong on Twitter at @jmkarmstrong or at her website.

.