Banned Books Week is a celebration of the freedom to read—and a reminder that stories often challenged, censored, or silenced are the very ones that most need to be told. Over the years, countless books have faced removal from classrooms and libraries due to their depictions of race, sexuality, politics, or uncomfortable truths. Many of these same works have also made their way to the screen, reaching new audiences through powerful film adaptations.
The following films, each based on a banned or challenged book, highlight why these stories matter. They are not just entertainment—they are opportunities to confront prejudice, reflect on identity, and spark dialogue about why certain voices are targeted for erasure. Perfect for library programming or community screenings, these films are a vital way to honor Banned Books Week and reaffirm the importance of intellectual freedom.
Precious
2009 | Directed by Lee Daniels | Based on the novel by Sapphire
Push (also released as Precious) is an unflinching adaptation of Sapphire’s 1996 novel, which has long been the subject of school and library challenges due to its explicit content. The film follows Precious, a 16-year-old Black teenager in Harlem who is pregnant with her second child and living with an abusive mother. Illiterate and deeply traumatized, she is offered a lifeline when a teacher in an alternative school helps her discover her own voice through writing.
A powerful entry for Banned Books Week programming, Push speaks directly to the transformative power of education and storytelling. The novel and film have both faced bans for their depictions of sexual abuse, incest, and poverty—but precisely because of this, Push remains essential viewing. It’s a brutally honest but ultimately hopeful film that affirms the dignity of marginalized youth and challenges the systems that fail them.
Click here to get a copy of Precious on DVD.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post
2018 | Directed by Desiree Akhavan | Based on the novel by Emily M. Danforth
This adaptation of Emily M. Danforth’s acclaimed YA novel explores the life of Cameron Post, a teenager sent to a gay conversion therapy center in the 1990s after being caught with another girl. There, she meets other queer teens navigating the contradictions and traumas of an institution determined to "fix" them. As Cameron quietly resists and seeks solidarity, the film explores themes of identity, repression, and quiet rebellion.
Banned and challenged for its LGBTQ+ themes, The Miseducation of Cameron Post is a poignant and vital choice for Banned Books Week. The film doesn’t sensationalize or exploit its subject; instead, it offers a clear-eyed look at how young people survive unjust systems. This is an excellent screening option for libraries or schools interested in highlighting banned books that uplift queer narratives.
Click here to get a copy of The Miseducation of Cameron Post on DVD.
The Chocolate War
1988 | Directed by Keith Gordon | Based on the novel by Robert Cormier
Robert Cormier’s The Chocolate War is frequently challenged for its depiction of authority, rebellion, and psychological manipulation in a Catholic boys' school. The film adaptation remains largely faithful to the novel, following Jerry Renault as he refuses to participate in the school’s annual chocolate sale—an act of defiance that puts him at odds with a powerful student organization and the administration. As power dynamics escalate, the story becomes a dark meditation on conformity and courage.
The Chocolate War has been removed from school reading lists for its bleak tone and perceived anti-authoritarianism, but that’s precisely what makes it so relevant. The film is a haunting and effective exploration of peer pressure, institutional power, and personal integrity—ideal for discussion-driven screenings during Banned Books Week.
Click here to get a copy of The Chocolate War on Blu-ray.
The Kite Runner
2007 | Directed by Marc Forster | Based on the novel by Khaled Hosseini
Set against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s turbulent political history, The Kite Runner follows the story of Amir and Hassan, two childhood friends torn apart by betrayal and class divides. When Amir returns to Taliban-controlled Kabul as an adult to confront his past, he must face the guilt and secrets he has long buried. Adapted from Khaled Hosseini’s widely read novel, the film retains the emotional gravity and moral complexity of its source.
Challenged for its sexual violence and depiction of ethnic tensions, The Kite Runner has been banned in some school districts and even caused real-life danger for actors involved in its production. As a film, it opens the door to conversations about literature, censorship, and the real-world consequences of storytelling. It's a deeply humanizing film for Banned Books Week audiences interested in global perspectives.
Click here to get a copy of Kite Runner on DVD.
Persepolis
2007 | Directed by Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud | Based on the graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi
Based on Marjane Satrapi’s bestselling autobiographical graphic novel, Persepolis tells the story of a young girl growing up during and after the Iranian Revolution. With striking black-and-white animation, the film captures her transformation from a rebellious child to an independent young woman navigating exile in Europe. Witty, raw, and politically charged, Persepolis is both a personal coming-of-age story and a critique of political repression.
Despite widespread acclaim, Persepolis has been challenged and banned in parts of the U.S. and the Middle East for its political content and depiction of torture. For Banned Books Week, the film stands as a powerful testament to artistic expression and the need for diverse voices in literature and media. It’s especially fitting for museum screenings, high school and college discussions, or public library programs focused on global perspectives and free speech.
Click here to get a copy of Persepolis on DVD here.
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