7 Best Fantasy Books That Were Turned Into Fantas(y)tic Movies

Most Popular Fantasy Book?

Our Top Picks

Our Curation Process

Different Genres

Our Top Pick Reviews

FAQs

Although Harry Potter surpasses all other book series globally in sales, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien remains the most significant and influential fantasy literature. Tolkien’s elaborate fantasy universe, featuring memorable characters and intricate histories, continues to captivate readers even today. It has demonstrated its enduring relevance and cultural significance over time. Furthermore, the impact of The Lord of the Rings was amplified by Peter Jackson’s film adaptation trilogy.

MORE FROM COMINGSOON

Bane & Deathstroke Movie in the Works at DC Studios

In this discussion, we’ll be focusing on the vast realm of fantasy literature, which encompasses numerous subcategories. Some claim there are more than 50 distinct sub-genres within this genre. However, for the sake of brevity, we will not exhaustively list them all. Instead, we’ll focus on some popular ones that form the basis of our selection. These sub-genres have also guided our choices.

Fantasy Literature

In this sub-genre, the setting often features magical and supernatural elements woven into everyday life, even shaping the very existence of some worlds. The tales that unfold in these realms extend beyond children’s literature, although they remain a significant part of it. The protagonist embarks on an epic journey marked by various adventures, as he grapples with the struggle between good and evil.

Sci-Fi Fantasy

Science Fiction tales weave together aspects of science and imagination, paving the way for narratives about interstellar voyages, temporal journeys, futuristic landscapes, sophisticated machinery, and an array of other intriguing concepts. These stories can take place on Earth or a world from a distant cosmic system; the potential scenarios are virtually limitless.

Horror Fantasy

This genre weaves together chilling aspects of horror and enchanting elements of fantasy in a spooky and unnerving manner. It delves into topics like supernatural phenomena, ghostly occurrences, sinister magic, and an array of other frightening ideas.

Dystopian Fantasy

In this tale, the backdrop is a far-off time when humanity’s civilization has crumbled. This setting fosters the emergence of various groups in a desolate and repressive environment. Typically, there’s also a dominant faction that seeks to assert control over the entire civilization.

High Fantasy

As a game enthusiast immersed in virtual realms, I find myself lost in high fantasy tales that transport me to entirely unique worlds. These worlds, crafted by talented storytellers, bear no resemblance to our own reality. The maps, mythologies, and even the spoken languages are all inventions of the author’s imagination. While these stories may draw inspiration from our world, they never feature real-world locations or historical events. Instead, they offer a fresh, imaginative tapestry for my escapades.

Children’s Fantasy

Stories belonging to this genre are primarily crafted for the enjoyment of a younger demographic, incorporating playful and creative aspects. Occasionally, they delve into lessons about camaraderie, courage, ethical obligations, and other significant themes.

MORE FROM COMINGSOON

Dune 3 Director Denis Villeneuve Provides Exciting Messiah Script Update

Best Fantasy Books 2025

These books belong to some of the top picks in the fantasy genre. They transport you into a realm where magic and mythical beings exist, where harmony among human societies is elusive, and where you must courageously battle dark forces. Embarking upon these adventures promises an exhilarating experience.

BEST OVERALL

The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings

READ MORE

BEST LITERATURE BOOK

Harry Potter

READ MORE

BEST SCI-FI

Dune

READ MORE

BEST HORROR

The Shining and Doctor Sleep

READ MORE

BEST DYSTOPIAN

The Hunger Games

READ MORE

BEST HIGH FANTASY

The Chronicles of Narnia

READ MORE

BEST FOR CHILDREN

Howl’s Moving Castle

READ MORE

BEST OVERALL

The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings

PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

“My friends, you bow to no one.”

Since the publication of J.R.R. Tolkien’s first book, “The Hobbit,” in 1937, his work has captivated countless individuals across all age groups. From young children to the elderly, people have been raving about the story’s excellence and its unforgettable characters. This genre later evolved into a significant influence for many other notable books. Building upon Tolkien’s foundation, director Peter Jackson offered viewers an extraordinary cinematic journey with his The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, which is considered one of the best book-to-film adaptations ever made. Later, he directed The Hobbit trilogy, leaving fans with mixed feelings. However, these six movies remain a popular choice for marathon viewing sessions.

In the initial novel titled “The Hobbit”, our protagonist is Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who enjoys a quiet life in the Shire. However, tranquility gives way to adventure when Gandalf the wizard and a band of thirteen dwarves, headed by Thorin Oakenshield, make an unexpected visit. They seek Bilbo’s aid for a noble cause: reclaiming their lost home, the Lonely Mountain, from the clutches of the fearsome dragon Smaug. Incidentally, during this escapade, Bilbo stumbles upon The One Ring, a mysterious artifact whose power remains unknown to him at that time.

Over the course of the next three epic tales – Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King – we delve into events that transpire years after those described in The Hobbit. Our protagonist this time is Frodo Baggins, Bilbo’s nephew, who inherits an adventure even more perilous than his uncle’s. Together with his comrades, he embarks on a mission to return the One Ring to its origin, Mount Doom, the singular place where it can be destroyed. This trilogy undeniably ranks among the greatest fantasy books ever written.

Best Fantasy Literature Book

Harry Potter

PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

“After all this time?”

“Always”

J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series is renowned worldwide, showcasing its remarkable success. This captivating collection of books appeals to both young readers and adults, making it one of the finest fantasy novels out there. The films skillfully translated these stories onto the silver screen, faithfully depicting the world, creatures, and characters that enchant us all.

The narrative kicks off by introducing Harry Potter, an 11-year-old orphan who resides with his aunt and uncle. On his eleventh birthday, he discovers that he is a sorcerer and learns the tragic truth about his deceased parents. He then ventures back into the cloaked magical realm to enroll at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Throughout his initial year, Harry, alongside his comrades, unearths hidden mysteries within their school as well as the plans of Lord Voldemort, a malevolent wizard responsible for his parents’ demise, to regain power. The novels brim with unexpected turns, humor, confrontations, emotional turmoil, and more, transforming from a playful read into an intense struggle between righteousness and darkness.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve gotta say, adapting such colossal books into movies was quite the challenge. One movie could easily need several for just one book! So, understandably, not everything made it to the big screen. The movies creatively tweaked certain elements here and there to fit their storytelling, and more often than not, they nailed it. However, occasionally, they fell short of the mark. Nonetheless, this epic fantasy series is a must-watch for any enthusiast – trust me on this one!

Best Sci-Fi Fantasy Book

Dune

PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

I should not let fear overpower me. Fear is a destructive force that can lead to complete annihilation…

Frank Herbert’s Dune, a collection of science fiction novels, significantly elevated the genre’s popularity when it was first published in 1965. Over the years, these books have been acclaimed as among the greatest sci-fi tales ever written. The narrative delves into an intricately designed universe filled with multifaceted characters, where a single misstep could prove fatal. Since their debut, numerous film and television interpretations of Dune have surfaced, with some receiving less than favorable reviews.

In simpler terms, Denis Villeneuve’s film adaptation of Dune has achieved significant acclaim, and it’s not hard to see why if you’ve watched it. Denis Villeneuve possesses an extraordinary ability to craft stunning visuals and depict fascinating worlds through a gritty, authentic lens.

The tale of Dune primarily unfolds on the desert world of Arrakis, where a rare substance called “spice” or “the spice melange” is the universe’s most valuable asset. When the Harkonnes lose control of Arrakis and it’s handed over to House Atreides, it triggers a war. A night of deceit results in the Duke of Atreides’ demise, leaving his son, Paul Atreides, and wife, Lady Jessica, to find sanctuary among the nomadic desert dwellers called Fremen. This adventure involves complex politics, prophecies, and faiths that significantly influence power dynamics. If you’re new to science fiction literature, these books are an excellent introduction to the genre.

Best Horror Fantasy Book

The Shining and Doctor Sleep

PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

“Monsters are real. Ghosts are, too. They live inside of us, and sometimes, they win.”

As a devoted reader, I can’t help but sing praises for Stephen King’s masterpiece, “The Shining.” It’s not just about sending chills down your spine; the tale and its poignant lines stay etched in your memory long after you’ve turned the last page.

Fast forward to 1980, and the movie adaptation took a unique twist, veering into supernatural horror territory. Yet, under the guidance of the brilliant Stanley Kubrick, it morphed into an unforgettable gothic horror classic that continues to captivate audiences today.

In a nutshell, “The Shining” revolves around Jack Torrance, who accepts a position as caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel. Accompanied by his wife, Wendy, and son, Danny, who has a unique psychic ability called ‘the shining’ that lets him perceive the hotel’s haunting past, they move in. As Jack struggles with his mental instability, he gradually becomes ensnared by the malevolent influence of the hotel, ultimately leading to a dangerous decline.

In a fresh telling, “Doctor Sleep” novel follows the journey of Dan Torrance as he matures, struggling to hide his psychic abilities known as ‘shining’, as he’s still tormented by recollections of the haunted hotel. Meanwhile, a child named Abra is awakening her shining talents and unintentionally reaches out to Dan. They develop a bond until Abra unwittingly catches the attention of an ancient vampire cult, True Knot. With newfound determination, Dan must conquer his inner turmoil and defend Abra from the cult’s grasp. Exciting times ahead!

In contrast to Stanley Kubrick who aimed for a supernatural horror, Mike Flanagan chose to stay faithful to the original material while incorporating elements of Kubrick’s work in the sequel. This was no small task, yet he managed to pull it off successfully.

Best Dystopian Fantasy Book

The Hunger Games

PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

“May the odds be ever in your favor.”

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but sing praises for Suzanne Collins’ groundbreaking novel series, The Hunger Games. Debuting in 2008, this captivating dystopian fantasy tale swiftly soared to great acclaim among young adults. Immerse yourself in a world where politics, power struggles, and the survival of the strongest reign supreme. Throughout the first three books, Katniss Everdeen takes center stage – brilliantly portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence on screen.

The Hunger Games takes place in a post-catastrophe region referred to as Panem, which encompasses a central capital and 12 surrounding districts. In retaliation for a past uprising against the Capitol during its darkest hours, each district is compelled to send one boy and one girl aged between 12 and 18 to participate in the Hunger Games. These games involve a succession of perilous challenges, where contestants must outwit their opponents to remain alive for the longest time. At the selection event, Katniss steps up to compete on behalf of her sister. Throughout the course of three novels, Katniss evolves into both a participant and eventually the symbol of a fresh rebellion against the Capitol. The narrative is filled with unexpected events and chilling acts of deceit from once trusted companions.

In the novels, the tale unfolds solely through Katniss’ eyes, while the films offer a broader perspective, encompassing not only her journey but also the spectators of the games. Given the significance of the final book in the trilogy, it was divided into two movies for a more comprehensive portrayal. For those intrigued by this world, the books are highly recommended. Additionally, given its status as one of the top fantasy reads for teenagers, if you fall within that age bracket, don’t hesitate to give it a read.

Best High Fantasy Book

The Chronicles of Narnia

PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

“Once a king or queen of Narnia, always a king or queen.”

C.S. Lewis penned The Chronicles of Narnia, a captivating book series, with its debut, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” published in 1950. Originally written for young readers, these magical tales continue to resonate powerfully after more than seven decades, maintaining their charm just as vividly as when we first encountered them. It’s a series that leaves an indelible mark on those who read it during childhood and stays with them throughout their lives.

In an attempt to dodge the relentless bombardments, my beloved siblings Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, along with me, were whisked away to the tranquil English countryside under the guidance of the enigmatic Professor Digory Kirke. It was here that I stumbled upon a seemingly ordinary wardrobe, which would lead us to the fantastical world of Narnia. I shared my discovery with my siblings, and although they initially found it hard to believe, their skepticism soon gave way as we found ourselves transported into this magical realm. As we navigated this new land, we came to realize that we were all part of a prophecy destined to overthrow the tyrannical rule of the White Witch. This was when we encountered the majestic Aslan, the great lion, and joined his valiant forces in our quest to free Narnia from the White Witch’s grasp.

Compared to the books, their film adaptations didn’t get as much appreciation as they deserved. The first movie was a huge hit, but subsequent sequels saw dwindling success. The cast and visual portrayal of Narnia were spot-on, making it feel like the story straight from the book, but the movie’s pace failed to keep viewers engaged. If you’ve only seen the movies without reading the books, this box set of the Narnia collection is an excellent opportunity to carry on the journey that the films didn’t fully complete – highly recommended!

Best Children’s Fantasy Book

Howl’s Moving Castle

PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

“A heart’s a heavy burden.”

If you’ve had the pleasure of watching any of Hayao Miyazaki’s films, you’re aware of their stunning beauty. Among his masterpieces, Howl’s Moving Castle stands out as one of the finest. This film is an adaption from the book of the same title, penned by Diana Wynne Jones and published in 1986. Initially intended for children, this book offers themes and messages that resonate with adults too. It’s a captivating tale about how the lives of two individuals intertwine. As expected from Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, they infuse magic into every character and element from the book, making them come alive on screen.

The narrative revolves around a young lass named Sophie Hatter, dwelling in the whimsical realm of Ingary, who spends her days at her family’s hat-making business. However, her mundane existence is flipped upside down when she gets hexed by a sorceress, causing her to age into an elderly woman. In search of a remedy to reverse this enchantment, she embarks on a journey to the countryside, aiming to encounter the legendary wizard, Howl, who is rumored to inhabit a colossal castle with stilts that perpetually move its location. Throughout her sojourn, she uncovers the captivating mysteries within the castle and learns about its links to Howl. As days slip by, her bond with Howl deepens, and she slowly unravels his hidden truths.

This book and movie delve deeply into the intricacies of their shared relationship, enriching our understanding of magic, love, and self-sacrifice. They also tackle the repercussions of war on individuals’ lives, weaving humor and magic seamlessly throughout. The result is a captivating and enjoyable tale that appeals to both young and old minds. If you haven’t experienced it yet, I highly recommend giving it a read or watch!

How We Chose the Best Fantasy Books

Our group of dedicated bookworms carefully selected these captivating fantasy novels, having delved into numerous genres throughout their reading journeys. The selection was made considering factors such as plot, world-creation, character development, the film adaptations’ success, and many more aspects. Furthermore, they conducted extensive research on various online forums and websites to gather opinions from fellow readers and movie enthusiasts about book-to-film transitions. After thorough investigation and careful consideration, our team settled on the seven books listed here. Therefore, you can expect an immersive reading experience when choosing one of these titles.

What is the best fantasy book ever?

As a devoted fan, I wholeheartedly believe that The Lord of the Rings trilogy stands among the greatest book series ever penned, regardless of genre.

What is the most popular fantasy book right now?

The Folk of the Air and The Song of Ice and Fire are leading the genre right now.

What is the most famous fantasy series of all time?

Lord of the Rings is undoubtedly the most famous series.

What should I read if I like fantasy?

Pick any book from the above list, and you’ll be sorted.

Who is the king of fantasy books?

J. R. R. Tolkien is considered as the king of fantasy stories.

Is fantasy good to read?

Absolutely! If you’re drawn to imaginative realms populated by grandiose figures, then delving into the captivating world of fantasy literature would be a perfect choice for you.

Which is the best fantasy world?

The world of Middle Earth, as depicted in “The Lord of the Rings,” is one of the most exquisitely designed fantasy realms that we are deeply fond of.

What was the first popular fantasy book?

The Princess and the Goblin and Phantastes, released in 1858, was the first fantasy book.

Why are fantasy books the best?

Imaginative tales set in fantasy offer an escape from reality, immersing readers in enchanting realms filled with extraordinary beings.

Who is the best fantasy author ever?

J. R. R. Tolkien.