The 7 best movies that changed their source material

Sometimes a movie likes to change things up from its source material, and while this is usually seen as bad, sometimes it can be genius.

A Haunting in Venice, the newest Kenneth Branagh picture, has been receiving favourable reviews, despite differing quite heavily from its source material.

This positive reception despite its changes had us at Dexerto thinking: what are some great movies that differed from the source material? Either these changes were so good that nobody minded, or they even improved upon the original.

While there’s no doubt plenty of choices, below we have picked seven movies that we think stand as good examples of this trend. But first, a warning for mild spoilers for these flicks ahead!

Mission: Impossible (1996)

What we think: Mission: Impossible first started off as a hit 1960s TV series with the iconic catchphrase: “This tape will now self-destruct.” But Mission Impossible has always been about the missions, and the movies just manage to do that better by focusing on far higher stakes. This allowed for bigger stunts, better effects, and a cast that you can never truly trust.

Where to watch it: Paramount+

Clockwork Orange (1971)

What we think: The main difference between the book and the movie is its ending, and many believe the movie’s ending to be the more fitting turn for the tone of the story. The ending of the movie also feels more abrupt, which funnily enough actually works to the film’s credit, creating a sense of unease.

Where to watch it: Amazon Prime and on-demand

21 Jump Street (2012)

What we think: 21 Jump Street was based on a show of the same name, but while the 1980s series was more drama-focused, this 2012 movie leant fully into comedy. Because of this, the wacky concept of the plot is much easier to believe, and it’s clear that the movie – and its sequel – are far better known in the cultural lexicon, namely for its iconic quotes and hilarious characters.

Where to watch it: Amazon Prime and on-demand

The Little Mermaid (1989)

What we think: Now, while some may complain about the ending of this movie being different from the source material, it can be argued that it actually made the film better. At the very least, kids would not have fallen in love with this movie – and kicked off the Disney renaissance – had the ending followed that darker turn of the book. Plus, the book obviously didn’t have the amazing music that this flick is known for.

Where to watch it: Disney+

The Planet of the Apes Trilogy (2011-2017)

What we think: The Planet of the Apes have had an interesting movie history, but arguably the best renditions are the 2010s prequel trilogy. These films manage to surpass their source material by focusing more on the emotional arcs of the apes. And of course, improved special effects don’t hurt.

Where to watch it: DirectTV and FXNow

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014)

What we think: Now, some may argue that this is a worse adaptation, due to its splitting up of the final book. However, we argue that Mockingjay – Part 1 really improved upon the first part of the Mockingjay book purely because it includes the character of Effie. Effie was barely featured in the final book, which many Hunger Games fans have actually since forgotten, purely due to Elizabeth Banks’ entertaining take on the role.

Where to watch it: DirectTV

Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

What we think: Dracula has gone through many adaptions since the book first released back in 1897. However, the 1992 film manages to stand out despite its alterations to the source material, mainly for its strong visuals and choice to lean into a romance between Dracula and Mina.

Where to watch it: Amazon Prime and on-demand

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