Books written about topics some find controversial or offering perspectives outside of the dominant narrative paradigm exemplify the spirit and purpose of free speech. Unfortunately, book banning remains a practice in educational settings. This list offers several films— most considered classics—based on banned books. Consider these titles if you are looking for a unique library program on film adaptations. You can also use these films to develop your collection of titles your public library patrons may already be familiar with because they are based on a book.
Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling
Though Rowling’s social media presence has proven less than heroic in recent years, her books about the young wizard, Harry Potter, remains memorable in the life of many millennials. The movies create magic on their own and should be experienced at least once, preferably as a holiday movie marathon.
Purchase the Harry Potter books
Read our review of Harry Potter
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Atwood’s dystopian tale draws from horrific experiences already forced upon women at various points in history and across different cultural locations. Though Hulu recently adapted and extended the novel into an original series, the first film adaptation of the novel was released in 1990, starring Natasha Richardson, Faye Dunaway, and Robert Duvall.
Purchase The Handmaid's Tale book
Read our review of The Handmaid's Tale
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
This unsettling tale of high school boys marooned on an island remains a perennial favorite. The film adaptation is now part of the Criterion Collection, which means it has been dubbed a classic.
Purchase the Lord of the Flies book
Read our review of Lord of the Flies
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
I read this book as a freshman in my rural high school's 9th-grade English class. Often regarded as a classic tale of the fight against racism, the novel’s patriarch, Atticus Finch, has also been criticized as the embodiment of a white savior complex. Wherever you land on the opinion spectrum, I think we can all agree Scout’s ham costume deserves a prize. The film version stars Gregory Peck as the hottest Atticus Finch on record.
Purchase the To Kill a Mockingbird book
Read our review of To Kill a Mockingbird
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Not going to lie, this film is strange. Mostly because it’s animated. The book remains a classic, but the film should be experienced, preferably in a freshman English classroom where you can exchange bewildered facial expressions with your classmates.
Purchase the Animal Farm book
Read our review of Animal Farm