Thriller Novels are known for their exciting stories that keep readers hooked. Sometimes, these thrilling books are turned into movies, and it’s interesting to see how they change on the big screen. In this article, we’ll talk about Top 10 Thriller Novels that were made into movies, and we’ll cover everything you need to know about them.
Let’s Dive Into Top 10 Thriller Novels of all Time
The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris (1988)
- Movie Version: “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991)
- This movie, directed by Jonathan Demme, is based on the book. It stars Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins and is famous for its suspense and great acting. The film won many awards, including Oscars.
Did You Know ?
The moth on the movie poster is a death’s-head hawkmoth, which is known for its skull-like markings. It is a symbol of death and transformation, which is fitting for the story.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Year | 1991 |
| Lead Actor | Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lecter |
| Director | Jonathan Demme |
| Box Office | Approx. $272.7 million worldwide |
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (2012)
- Movie Version: “Gone Girl” (2014)
- This movie, directed by David Fincher and featuring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike, is about a mysterious marriage. It’s known for its plot twists and how it explores tricky relationships and media tricks.
Did You Know ?
Gone Girl has been translated into over 40 languages and has sold over 12 million copies worldwide.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Year | 2014 |
| Lead Actor | Ben Affleck |
| Director | David Fincher |
| Box Office | Approx. $369.3 million worldwide |
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (2005)
- Movie Version: “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” (2011)
- Directed by David Fincher and starring Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig, this movie closely follows the book’s complex story, introducing the character Lisbeth Salander to a wider audience.
Did You Know ?
The book was originally published in Swedish in 2005, but it didn’t become a worldwide bestseller until it was translated into English in 2008.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Year | 2011 |
| Lead Actor | Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander |
| Director | David Fincher |
| Box Office | Approx. $232.6 million worldwide |
The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum (1980)
- Movie Version: “The Bourne Identity” (2002)
- Matt Damon plays Jason Bourne in this action-packed movie directed by Doug Liman. It’s a thrilling spy story with a lot of action and a hero with amnesia.
Did You Know ?
The film adaptation of the novel, released in 2002, starred Matt Damon as Jason Bourne. The film was a critical and commercial success, and spawned a franchise of four films and a television series.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Year | 2002 |
| Lead Actor | Matt Damon |
| Director | Doug Liman |
| Box Office | Approx. $214.0 million worldwide |
Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane (2003)
- Movie Version: “Shutter Island” (2010)
- Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, this movie is a psychological thriller about a mysterious asylum on a remote island. It captures the eerie atmosphere of the book.
Did You Know about this Thriller Novel ?
The novel’s protagonist, U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels, is named after two iconic American presidents: Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Year | 2010 |
| Lead Actor | Leonardo DiCaprio |
| Director | Martin Scorsese |
| Box Office | Approx. $294.8 million worldwide |
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown (2003)
- Movie Version: The Da Vinci Code (2006)
- Directed by Ron Howard and featuring Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon, this movie follows a quest for a religious secret. It was controversial but captured the book’s worldwide intrigue.
Did You Know ?
Dan Brown designed a working cryptex for the book’s release.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Year | 2006 |
| Lead Actor | Tom Hanks |
| Director | Ron Howard |
| Box Office | Approx. $760.0 million worldwide |
Misery by Stephen King (1987)
- Movie Version: “Misery” (1990)
- In this movie directed by Rob Reiner, James Caan and Kathy Bates play the main roles. It’s a chilling story about an obsessed fan and is known for Kathy Bates’s great acting.
Did You Know ?
Kathy Bates actually had a hard time filming the infamous “hobbling” scene. She reportedly cried before shooting and really took issue with how violent it was.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Year | 1990 |
| Lead Actor | James Caan |
| Director | Rob Reiner |
| Box Office | Approx. $61.3 million worldwide |
The Sixth Sense by Peter Benchley (1974)
- Movie Version: “The Sixth Sense” (1999)
- Directed by M. Night Shyamalan and starring Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment, this supernatural thriller surprised audiences with its unexpected ending.
Did You Know ?
The movie was originally titled “Bermuda Triangle.”
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Year | 1999 |
| Lead Actor | Bruce Willis |
| Director | M. Night Shyamalan |
| Box Office | Approx. $672.8 million worldwide |
The Revenant by Michael Punke (2002)
- Movie Version: “The Revenant” (2015)
- Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, this movie combines survival, revenge, and stunning visuals in a gripping wilderness story.
Did You Know ?
The movie was filmed in natural light only, except for one scene.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Year | 2015 |
| Lead Actor | Leonardo DiCaprio |
| Director | Alejandro González Iñárritu |
| Box Office | Approx. $532.9 million worldwide |
No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy (2005)
- Movie Version: “No Country for Old Men” (2007)
- Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, this movie stays true to McCarthy’s intense story. Javier Bardem’s performance as Anton Chigurh is especially memorable.
Did You Know ?
The Coen brothers used the exact same suitcase from their 1996 movie “Fargo”.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Year | 2007 |
| Lead Actor | Javier Bardem as Anton Chigurh |
| Director | Joel and Ethan Coen |
| Box Office | Approx. $171.6 million worldwide |
When thrilling books become movies, they often bring new excitement to the stories while staying faithful to the source material. Whether you enjoy suspense, psychological mysteries, or action, these adaptations offer something for everyone who loves thrilling stories.
FAQs
- What is a thriller novel?
A thriller novel is a type of book that is known for its suspenseful and exciting plot. These books often involve mysteries, danger, and unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
- What are some popular thriller novels turned into movies?
Some well-known examples include “The Silence of the Lambs,” “Gone Girl,” “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” “The Bourne Identity,” “Shutter Island,” “The Da Vinci Code,” “Misery,” “The Sixth Sense,” “The Revenant,” and “No Country for Old Men.”
- Who directed “The Silence of the Lambs” movie?
“The Silence of the Lambs” movie was directed by Jonathan Demme.
