In the News

"Lord of the Rings" Tops "Harry Potter" in New Book to Film Poll

Movies
Posted by: Sue
December 05, 2007, 04:12 PM

There was yet another poll released in the UK asking people to vote for their favorite film adaptation of a beloved book series. The winner of the poll was Peter Jackson's adaptation of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien, with the "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling coming in second place. This poll was sponsored by Lovefilm.com who asked 1,000 members to vote, with the website noting "It's hard to recreate the magic of the page on the big screen but every title listed here has managed to do just that.Whether it's escapism, adventure or romance - all the children's book adaptations in this poll have a timeless appeal for kids and big kids." The top ten films were:

  • 1. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001 onwards) by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • 2. Harry Potter series (2001 onwards) by J.K. Rowling
  • 3. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1971/2005) by Roald Dahl
  • 4. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (2005) by C.S.Lewis
  • 5. The Wizard of Oz (1939) by L. Frank Baum
  • 6. Mary Poppins (1964) by P.L. Travers
  • 7. The Railway Children (1970) by Edith Nesbit
  • 7. The Snowman (1982) by Raymond Briggs
  • 9. Matilda (1996) by Roald Dahl
  • 10. Alice in Wonderland (1951) by Lewis Carroll
  • Thanks Karen!

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    63 Comments

    Hufflepuff Lady

    As much of a HP fan as I am, I agree that LOTR is a better book to film adaptation. I read the HP books more frequently than I do LOTR, but LOTR is a better movie.

    Posted by Hufflepuff Lady on December 05, 2007, 11:21 AM
    LisaMarie

    I completely agree with this, of course I am a hugehuge HP fan and have never read the LotR books, but the HP films are appalling and deserved to be beaten by the LotR movies.

    In HP’s case “Never judge a book by its movie”

    In LotR’s case, if the books are as good as the movies then theymust be great.

    Posted by LisaMarie on December 05, 2007, 11:22 AM
    J

    “In LotR’s case, if the books are as good as the movies then theymust be great.”

    ACtually, much better. Though a more diffucult novel to read, LOTR is incredible.

    Overall, I agree with this list.

    Posted by J on December 05, 2007, 11:25 AM
    Grebb

    I’ve never read 1 LOTR book, so I don’t know how faithful they are, but I found the movies to be absolutely boring.

    Posted by Grebb on December 05, 2007, 11:27 AM
    Amy S

    I don’t think people can argue against this really. I love HP but but we all know the films could be better.

    Posted by Amy S on December 05, 2007, 11:28 AM
    Leggers

    Of course. ;) Even though I personally am a humongous HP fan, I have to give it to LOTR for the movie category. I agree with LisaMarie- if the movies are that good, the books must be amazing (I’ve never read the books). ‘Ear ‘ear, Frodo!

    Posted by Leggers on December 05, 2007, 11:30 AM
    drano

    I’m ok with that. It tops MY poll! lol

    Posted by drano on December 05, 2007, 11:31 AM
    alright

    yeah, i’d agree. i do think the potter films are great, but i think the fact that lotr was filmed in one long stretch, and that they knew the ending of the story before even starting probably helped out a lot!

    Posted by alright on December 05, 2007, 11:34 AM
    Picazo

    This is a good topic to discuss, and yet to compare this two books and film is hard to come up with the right choice, but let not forget that HP is related with many kids so for the film are more weak, meanwhile LOR has more adult. Anyways I am sticking with HP I am a huge fan and It will stay that way.

    Posted by Picazo on December 05, 2007, 11:50 AM
    GadgetDon

    I’ve got no problems with the relative rankings of LOTR and Harry Potter, though I question LOTR’s inclusion as “children’s books”.

    I am surprised that Mary Poppins and Wizard of Oz scored as high as they did. They’re great movies, I love them both, but any resemblence to the books is purely accidental.

    Posted by GadgetDon on December 05, 2007, 11:50 AM
    LisaMarie

    Exactly, if it was a poll on the books I would DEFIANTLY argue that HP is better, but I couldn’t actually sit through OotP for the 2nd time and the LotR movies are great.

    Bravo LotR… maybe I should get around to reading the novels.

    Posted by LisaMarie on December 05, 2007, 11:50 AM
    Professor Potter

    I too agree and it seems unanimous that Lord of the Rings deserve that accolade. But it is delightful to see that most people also agree that the Harry Potter series are the second best book adapt ions. Of course there have been many terrific book adaptions many many decades ago such as Gone with the Wind, Oliver Twist, Great Expectations etc, but the older a film is, the more forgotten it will be. The Lord of The rings was phenomenal and has been the most breathtaking cinema experience I have ever had. The Harry Potters films are different – brilliant adaptations in their own right, but they already have my love from the books before I even go see the movies anyway which is like going to see my family fleshed out on screen.

    Posted by Professor Potter on December 05, 2007, 11:54 AM
    BellaSnape

    I think that the HP films are very good we all know that they are very elaborate as far as detail- I dont think that LOTR went into as many detour stories as HP does- so that is a consideration. But I think both franchises are equally good and Im happy LOTR did well and HP got 2nd. Besides the HP movies get better with every one they make!

    Posted by BellaSnape on December 05, 2007, 11:58 AM
    Eeyore

    Well, absolutely, I think Gone with the Wind was the best book to movie. However, it’s not a children’s book and wasn’t on the list.

    I’ve said all along that LOTR movies are better than the HP ones. But as books go, I’d rank HP much higher than LOTR.

    I do have to agree with GadgetDon, though. I question LOTR being included on a list of children’s books. Most children I’ve talked to haven’t been able to read them on their own or relate to the characters. The movies weren’t really for children either.

    Posted by Eeyore on December 05, 2007, 12:03 PM
    Ileana

    Hate to admit it but the LOTR films are better, mainly because of a much bigger budget. But for those who think Peter Jackson didn’t take liberties with the book to film adaptation HE DID. I’ve read LOTR and he left out huge chunks, and added things that were never in the books. He also cut out the last battle (of the Shire) at the end of ROTK. So although the films are better, the purists still hated it.

    Posted by Ileana on December 05, 2007, 12:03 PM
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