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Someone once said ‘those who say money can’t buy happiness are the ones who don’t have any’. That someone apparently had excellent insight into human mind, especially of the ones in the film making business. And so the whole process of spending months writing, shooting, editing and releasing a movie boiled down to filling already overstuffed pockets.

And what better way to create a multi million dollar blockbuster than converting an already oversold book into a motion picture. And since the author ends up with jaw dropping royalties and the producers with more money than they can spend, everyone’s happy. But the one flaw in the plan is that blockbusters don’t fall from the skies or off bestselling pages, they need to be made with the most deep and well-thought perspectives. So here’s a look at all the movies that did not only leave blots of disturbing memories in the minds of the viewers but also spoilt the reputation of the books.

  • Angels and Demons- The movie, which had expectations soaring as high as those from classics, was a disappointment. Not only was the plot changed drastically, the film failed to bring out the sheer excitement and thrill a viewer should experience watching Robert Langdon come to life. The studio made a sad choice between a shorter running time and a better, more authentic plot.

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  • Eragon- If you’ve watched the movie, then I don’t even need to elaborate on what a horror those 2 hours were. One of the most well written fantasy novels was turned into one of the most pathetic movies (genre no bar). Everything from start to finish was completely different. In fact, if the studio named the movie something else, they would have had an original disappointment to their credit. Thankfully, a sequel is unlikely. But please do not trust the movie, read the book. It’ll be worth your time.
  • Lord of The Rings: Before you write me off as delusional, let me clarify, the movies were pretty good! But, they were not even a spec on Tolkien’s classic Trilogy. Even though no movie can capture the depth of a book, this is especially true in this case. The plot was the same and the movies won Oscars, still reading the books is a far better experience.
  • Eat Pray Love- Think Julia Roberts, Think visual excellence. And then think again. Beside Roberts in exquisite locations, Eat Pray Love has little to offer. Roberts brilliance as an actor was eclipsed by a completely deformed plot. The movie seemed to drag on endlessly. It wasn’t even able to approach the depth of the book.

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  • The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen- No list of worst movies can be completed without the mention of this particular one, much less a list of good books turned into bad films. The graphic novel is touted as one of the most hair-raising comics of recent times was turned into one of the most shunned movies of all times. In fact, it’s hard to find even one review recommending the movie.
  • One Night At The Call Centre/Hello- If you believe that only Hollywood makes such mistakes, then let me enlighten you. Although the book itself was no Pulitzer winner but the movie was even worse. The audiences discomfort in sitting through the film was mirrored by the evident discomfort of the actors trying to do something they can’t. Actually, neither watching nor reading it will be the safest option.

A few others, which managed to make it to the hall of shame, are Inkheart, The Bonfire of the Vanities, Stardust and Hobbit (making 3, 3 hour films out of one book- seriously!) to name a few.

Do yourself a favor, and do not watch them, read them! (or at least read them before watching the films)