It is always interesting to learn about the origins of our favorite movies. Alot of the time, the classic animated movies we are watching are actually based on fantasy books, some with mysterious origins.
With that in mind, I thought that it would be fun to take a look at 7 fantasy novel to movie adaptations! Together, lets uncover the books or novels that the movies were inspired from.
I researched the origins of the following fantasy movies and found some fascinating information on their fantasy adaptations. Not only about the original novels, but also about the authors that created them. But before we dig in, what exactly is a book-to-movie adaptation or novel-to-movie adaptation?
Before we delve into the intriguing details behind these fantasy movies, let’s take a moment to understand what a book-to-movie adaptation is all about.
Essentially, a novel to movie adaptation refers to the process of transforming a written work, such as a novel or a book, into a feature film.
It involves translating the storyline, characters, and themes from the pages of a book onto the big screen, often with some creative liberties taken by filmmakers to adapt the story effectively. This process allows fans of the original book to experience their beloved story in a new visual format, while also introducing the narrative to audiences who may not have encountered the book before.
So, when we talk about the origins of these fantasy movies, we’re exploring how these captivating tales made the leap from the written word to the cinema!
Now that we have the definition out of the way, let’s get into the list!
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1 Kiki’s Delivery Service (1985)
For the first novel to movie adaptation, lets explore Kiki’s Delivery Service. Kiki’s Delivery Service is a charming children’s fantasy novel by Eiko Kadono, a celebrated Japanese author. It tells the tale of Kiki, a 13-year-old witch-in-training, who embarks on a journey to prove her independence. Accompanied by her trusty talking cat, Jiji, Kiki settles in a town without other witches, where she starts her own delivery service using her broomstick as her mode of transport.
Throughout the year, Kiki encounters various adventures and challenges, including losing a stuffed toy cat, saving a child from the ocean, and retrieving her stolen broom. She also delivers a giant knitted belly warmer to a ship, poses for a portrait, and delivers musical instruments to a concert.
Despite facing self-doubt and setbacks, Kiki ultimately triumphs and returns home in glory, only to decide to continue her delivery business in the city. The novel beautifully captures Kiki’s journey of self-discovery, independence, and perseverance.
I don’t recall some of the adventures from the novel occuring in the movie. Therefore, the novel must be an interesting read!
About Eiko Kadono
As for Eiko Kadono, she was born in Tokyo in 1935 and has authored nearly two hundred works, primarily for children. Kiki’s Delivery Service, first published in 1985, became a beloved classic and inspired both an anime film by Hayao Miyazaki and a live-action adaptation. Kadono’s rebellious spirit, shaped by her experiences during World War II, shines through her storytelling, making her a revered figure in Japanese children’s literature.
2 The Book of Kells (800 AD)
The Secret of Kells is an animated fantasy drama film directed by Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey, released in 2009. Inspired by the Book of Kells, a renowned 9th-century manuscript, the movie transports viewers into the world of medieval Ireland.
What is the Book of Kells?
The Book of Kells, a masterpiece of illuminated manuscripts was believed to have been crafted by Celtic monks on Iona around 800 AD.
Where was the Book of Kells Created?
The Book of Kells was most likely written on the island of Iona, which is located off the western coast of Scotland. It was created by Celtic monks in a Columban monastery on Iona around the year 800 AD.
The story unfolds against the backdrop of Viking raids on Iona, leading to the relocation of the monastery and the Book of Kells to Kells, Ireland, for safekeeping.
Who Wrote the Book of Kells?
The Book of Kells, written on vellum pages by three anonymous scribes, is celebrated for its intricate illustrations and vibrant colors, depicting scenes from the Gospels with meticulous detail. Despite centuries of turmoil and even theft, the book endures as a symbol of Ireland’s cultural heritage.
Where is the Book of Kells Today?
The Book of Kells is currently housed at the library of Trinity College Dublin in Dublin, Ireland. It has been on display there since the 17th century, making it accessible for scholars, researchers, and visitors to admire its intricate illustrations and historical significance.
3 Shrek! (1990)
Shrek! is a whimsical fantasy comedy picture book penned and illustrated by American author and cartoonist William Steig in 1990. The tale revolves around Shrek, a grotesque green monster with a desire to cause chaos. Born to equally unattractive parents, Shrek’s appearance and abilities surpass theirs by far; he can spit fire and terrify even the bravest creatures with a mere glance.
When Shrek’s parents decide it’s time for him to venture into the world and wreak havoc, they eject him from their swamp home. Along the way, Shrek encounters various challenges and peculiar characters, including a witch who prophesies his journey to a castle, where he will battle a knight and marry a princess uglier than himself.
As Shrek embarks on his adventure, he faces thunderstorms, steals food, and even defeats a dragon with his fiery breath. Upon reaching the castle, he confronts the knight guarding it and ultimately finds his way to the princess, who, to his delight, is as repugnant as he is. The two fall in love and marry, embracing their uniqueness and living “horribly ever after.”
Now, Shrek in the movie has many characteristics, but fire-breathing was not one of them. Maybe in the next Shrek, he will gain that ability.
About William Steig
William Steig, renowned for his cartoons in The New Yorker, embarked on a second career as a children’s book author in his later years, crafting tales characterized by wit, separation, and transformation. Shrek! stands out as one of his most beloved works, celebrated for its originality, illustrations, and theme of self-esteem.
4 How to Train Your Dragon (2003)
The How to Train Your Dragon book series by Cressida Cowell is a blend of fantasy, adventure, and humor, set in a vividly imagined world where Vikings and dragons coexist. The series follows the adventures of a young Viking named Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III and his loyal dragon companion, Toothless.
About Cressida Cowell
Cressida Cowell, a British children’s author and illustrator, is best known for her book series, How to Train Your Dragon, which has been read by people worldwide and inspired an award-winning film franchise by DreamWorks Animation.
Born on April 15, 1966, Cowell spent her springs and summers as a child on a small, uninhabited island off the west coast of Scotland, where she honed her storytelling and drawing skills during the time spent immersed in nature.
In her acclaimed series, the first installment follows the adventures of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, who defies tradition by befriending a dragon instead of slaying it. Set in the fantastical world of the Viking island of Berk, Hiccup navigates the challenges of dragon training while grappling with his own identity and the expectations placed upon him by his community.
I bet the island was a wonderful place to write a story about dragons. I also remember reading about the author of the Eragon series, Christopher Paolini, being inspired to write about dragon adventures while living in the Montana mountains as a 10 year old child.
As with both Cowell and Paolini, Nature can be a huge inspiration to create and write, especially as a backdrop to a fantasy novel!
5 Snow White (1812)
Snow White is a classic German fairy tale retold by the Brothers Grimm and published in their collection Grimms’ Fairy Tales in 1812. The tale begins with a queen’s wish for a daughter as fair as snow, which comes true with the birth of Snow White. However, the queen’s untimely death leaves Snow White in the care of her father and a new, wicked stepmother.
The stepmother, consumed by envy when Snow White surpasses her in beauty, orders her death. But the huntsman, unable to harm the innocent princess, spares her life, and Snow White finds refuge with seven kind dwarfs in the forest.
One notable difference between the Grimms’ tale and some adaptations, like Disney’s animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, is in the stepmother’s methods of getting rid of snow white. In the Grimms’ version, she uses a tight bodice and a poisoned comb, whereas Disney’s adaptation features a poisoned apple.
The interesting differences from the original story and the movie adaptation always intrigues me. Especially the fact that the stepmother tried to tie a lace bodice too tight to cause Snow White’s death- how bizarre! Thankfully, in the story, the dwarves arrive in the nick of time to loosen the laces.
About the Brothers Grimm
The Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm, were German academics known for collecting and publishing folklore. Born in the late 18th century, they gained fame for popularizing classic fairy tales.
It turns out that Snow White is not the only Brothers Grimm literature to movie adaptation. They also published stories such as Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, and Snow White. Their first collection of tales, Children’s and Household Tales, was published in 1812 and became immensely popular.
The brothers spent their formative years in Hanau, Germany, where they developed a fascination with German folklore. Despite facing financial hardship after their father’s death, they attended the University of Marburg and dedicated their lives to preserving and sharing traditional folk tales. Their work has since become a cornerstone of children’s literature worldwide.
6 The Borrowers (1952)
The Secret World of Arrietty, directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, is a Japanese animated fantasy movie based on the novel The Borrowers by Mary Norton. To learn more about the movie adaptation, check out my movie review of The Secret World of Arrietty here.
The Borrowers by Mary Norton tells the story of a family of tiny people who live secretly in the walls and floors of an English house and survive by “borrowing” from the big people.
About Mary Norton
Mary Norton, the author of The Borrowers, was a British writer known for her imaginative storytelling and captivating characters.
Published in 1952, it won the Carnegie Medal for outstanding children’s literature. The novel begins with a story of young Kate sewing a quilt with her aunt Mrs May, who tells her about the Borrowers. The main narrative follows Arrietty Clock, who lives with her parents Pod and Homily under the floor.
Arrietty befriends a Boy, who brings her books in exchange for her reading to him. However, their peaceful existence is threatened when the Boy’s curiosity leads him to discover their home. The novel explores themes of friendship, trust, and the desire for freedom.
Let’s talk about some differences between the book and the Japanese movie adaptation. While the basic plot remains the same in adaptations, some differences exist, such as the exchange of books and living under a clock. In the movie, the borrowers live under the floorboards, and not underneath a grandfather clock. The main antagonist in the movie is Haru, a nosy maid. Also, Arrietty never reads books to the boy, but instead builds a bond with him over their individual struggles.
7 The Adventures of Pinocchio (1881)
Last but not least, lets explore The Adventures of Pinocchio for our last movie to novel adaptation. Written by Carlo Collodi, the story follows the adventures of a mischievous marionette named Pinocchio and his relationship with his creator, Geppetto. Originally published in 1881 as a serial in the Giornale per i bambini, it gained immense popularity and was later compiled into a single book in 1883.
What is a Marionette?
You might be thinking at this point, what is a Marionette? If you are unsure, as I was, here is the definition:
A marionette is a type of puppet controlled by wires or strings from above, managed by a puppeteer known as a marionettist.
These puppets can be manipulated with the puppeteer either hidden or visible to the audience. They are operated using a vertical or horizontal control bar in various types of theaters or entertainment venues.
Marionettes have been utilized in films and television shows, offering versatility in their movements and expressions. The configuration of the strings differs depending on the character or function of the marionette, allowing for precise control over its actions and gestures.
About Carlo Collodi
Collodi, a prolific Italian writer known for his contributions to children’s literature, crafted a tale that transcends generations, exploring themes of morality, redemption, and the consequences of one’s actions.
In the original version, Pinocchio faces a gruesome fate, being hanged for his numerous faults in Chapter 15. However, at the urging of his editor, Collodi continued the story, introducing the character of the Fairy with Turquoise Hair who rescues Pinocchio and guides him towards self-awareness and transformation.
This addition made the story better for children, emphasizing growth and redemption. Notably, the second half of the book shifts focus from the fatherly figure, Geppetto, to the motherly figure of the Turquoise haired Fairy. Despite the darker elements, Collodi’s work is hailed as a canonical piece of children’s literature, inspiring numerous adaptations, including Walt Disney’s beloved animated version. While some adaptations may diverge from the original plot, Collodi’s tale remains a timeless classic, captivating audiences with its enduring themes and vivid characters.
Conclusion of Fantasy Novels to Movie Adaptations
To sum up, we just got a glimpse into the origins of our beloved fantasy films through their literary inspirations. These fascinating insights took us into the creative minds behind these magical stories, which adds to our appreciation for both the books and their novel to movie adaptations.
Have you read any of the fantasy novels listed above? Do you have any more information to add? Let me know in the comments below.
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As a movie lover, especially classic 2D animation, I launched this blog as a guide to keep fellow enthusiasts updated on the latest news and information about films and shows. Through Movie Prairie, I strive to share my insights and recommendations, inviting you to explore and appreciate the magic of movies just as much as I do. Join me on this as we delve into the captivating world of film together.
