1. The Wizard of Oz
Based on: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's The Wizard of Oz is one of America's most beloved classic movies. But did you know that the film was actually based on a novel by L. Frank Baum? Prior to its release as a 1939 film, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was originally a novel published in 1900 and was considered by many to be one of the greatest American fairytales of all time. In fact, the success of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz prompted Baum to write an additional thirteen novels, taking the world of Oz far beyond the Yellow Brick Road and the Emerald City.
2. Shrek
Based on: Shrek! by William Steig
That's right: everyone's favorite green ogre was once the main character of a children's picture book. Published in 1990 by William Steig, the rights to the book were then purchased by Steven Spielberg in 1991 with the intent to one day create a series of animated films. However, after Spielberg's partners at DreamWorks discovered the book, the rights were soon sold to the company in 1995. In 2001, the film Shrek was released, followed by Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007), and Shrek Forever After (2010).
3. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Based on: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
The movie that inspired a generation of chocolate lovers and Nestle's Wonka candy line was originally a 1964 children's book by British author Roald Dahl. The rights to the book were originally purchased by Paramount Pictures, who released the classic film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory in 1971. Paramount distributed the film until 1977, after which they sold the franchise to Warner Brothers Pictures. In 2005, Warner Bros. released Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a modern adaptation of the book directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp.
4. 101 Dalmatians
Based on: The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith
Walt Disney's classic 101 Dalmatians is, in fact, not an original Disney film. Published in 1956 by Dodie Smith, The Hundred and One Dalmatians was originally written as an English children's novel. Disney, always on the hunt for the next best thing, read Smith's novel and immediately acquired the rights in 1957. In 1961, Buena Vista Distribution, Disney's production company at the time, then released the beloved classic film 101 Dalmatians. As a result of its commercial success, the film was reissued to theaters an additional four times: in 1969, 1979, 1985, and 1991.
5. Mrs. Doubtfire
Based on: Madame Doubtfire by Anne Fine
It's true: the popular Robin Williams film is actually based off a well-known British novel. Written as a YA (young adult) novel by author Anne Fine, Madame Doubtfire received high acclaim and won several awards upon its publication in 1987. After its success, 20th Century Fox purchased the rights to Fine's book and adapted it for theatrical release in 1993 under the title Mrs. Doubtfire. The film is often considered to be one of Robin William's best performances.
