Based on the (Picture) Book
Below are some of the best known and loved - in some kind of order anyway. Bring back any memories?
10. The Adventures of Tin Tin (2011)
Based on The Adventures of Tin Tin: The Crab with the Golden Claws, The Secret of the Unicorn and Red Rackham's Treasure by Herge
It's scary how good animation has gotten nowadays - although those motion capture faces are still creepy. I read a few Tin Tin books as a child and enjoyed them for the action, the adventure and the dog. Although this film wasn't all that great (read: boring) it was an impressive attempt and gained critical praise as well as a Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film.
9. Where The Wild Things Are (2009)
Based on Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
8. Meet the Robinsons (2007)
Based on A Day with Wilbur Robinson by William Joyce
I once saw this film reviewed as unoriginal. I don't know what that reviewer was watching because this is possibly the most random film I've ever seen - and I love it! The story of an orphaned boy who travels to the future and meets an extraordinary family, this is an extremely underrated film, with a lot of laughs and a lot of heart. The story is expanded from the picture book, but the characters are pleasantly similar in appearance to the original drawings. Worth a watch.
7. The Grinch ( 2000)
Based on How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Doctor Seuss
The Lorax (2012)
The Cat in the Hat (2003)
Fun fact: After the monstrosity that was this film, the Doctor Seuss estate vowed that they would never allow another live action film to be made.
Horton Hears a Who (2008)
6. The Gruffalo (2009)
Based on The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
The Gruffalo's child (2011)
Room on the Broom (2012)
5. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)
Based on Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett
This film takes the basic premise of Judi Barrett's original tale - a town where it rains food - and spins out the story into something new, and just a bit nuts. It was always an odd idea and although the film looks completely bizarre it did well at the box office and has even spawned a sequel. Strange but fun.
4. Madeline (1998)
Based on the Madeline series by Ludwig Belmans
3. Shrek (2001)
Based on Shrek by William Steig
Did you know that Shrek was based on a picture book? Steig's book is about an ugly, smelly ogre who - with the help of a talking donkey - is on a quest to find a princess even uglier than he is, to be his true love. The film basically takes the character of Shrek and creates a whole new story around him, but despite the differences the book looks like a lot of fun.
2. Jumanji (1995)
Based on Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg
In the picture book there is no Alan or Sarah, only Judy and Peter playing the game whilst their parents are out. Still, there's plenty of drama in that alone. Jumanji is one of my favourite films and so well plotted that I would never have guessed it to be expanded from such a short narrative. It's imaginative, funny and just a little bit frightening. And it's not the only blockbuster to come out of a Van Allsburg story...
Zathura (2005)
The Polar Express (2004)
1. The Snowman (1982)
Based on Raymond Briggs' classic story, The Snowman has earned the status of Christmas classic, despite being essentially, a silent movie. The beauty of the original illustrations is retained and 'We're Walking in the Air', the song that plays over the Snowman's flight, brought this short film to the attention of the world.
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