10 Best Sci-Fi Book to Movie Adaptations, Ranked by IMDb

Science fiction is the genre that encompasses many different stories, from artificial intelligence to space odysseys, and that is what makes it so appealing to so many readers and viewers out there. Everyone can find an unexplained concept that is right up their alley!

Ironically, the stories that are often very futuristic, even for the 2020s, often turn out to have been written many decades ago. And some of the most famous movies of the genre may have used the novels of authors from past centuries, whose imagination knew no limits of time and space.

Here are 10 of the best sci-fi movies adapted from novels and short stories to the big screen, ranked by IMDb users from simply awesome to totally mind-blowing.

10. Cloud Atlas (2012)

Based on the 2004 novel by David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas may have been the most difficult adaptation to bring to the big screen. With so many characters, timelines, and major plot arcs, the Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer did the impossible and made it all work in one piece. Many believe the story would have benefited more from the miniseries format.

9. Predestination (2014)

Many may not even know this, but the Australian production starring Succession 's Sarah Snook and Ethan Hawke is based on Robert A. Heinlein's 1959 short story All You Zombies. Although the story is based on the concept of time travel, it was the identity of the main character, often perceived by viewers as transgender, that most resonated with audiences.

8. Minority Report (2002)

Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Cruise, this science fiction tale of a police department using psychic help to catch criminals is as action-packed as you might expect. Though it took many creative liberties, the film is loosely based on Philip K. Dick's novella of the same name, published in the 1950s.

7. The Martian (2015)

Adapted from Andy Weir's 2011 novel of the same name, The Martian remains one of the most awe-inspiring space movies to date. The story of astronaut Mark Watney, portrayed by Matt Damon, and his struggles to survive on Mars after being left behind during the mission's evacuation is both heartbreaking and truly inspiring.

6. Arrival (2016)

Another great movie based on a short story from the past is Denis Villeneuve's Arrival. With the help of the amazing cast led by Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner, Ted Chiang's story of your life was done justice. And audiences were given another reason to think about all the dangers the extraterrestrial intelligence could bring.

5. The Prestige (2006)

While the movie hasn't been a huge success in theaters, it's so packed with A-list celebrities that it's hard to ignore. Where else would you see David Bowie as Nikola Tesla? Based on the 1995 novel of the same name by Christopher Priest, this story of two magicians competing for the best teleportation trick will keep you on the edge of your seat.

4. Ready Player One (2018)

Even if you haven't read the Ernest Cline novel on which the movie is based, this Steven Spielberg production is a must-see for all pop culture enthusiasts. With numerous references to such hits as The Shining, the Back to the Future franchise, Godzilla and The Iron Giant, it will not let you catch a breath even for a second.

3. Jurassic Park (1993)

This Spielberg title, on the other hand, is so well known and recognized that it's surprising it didn't land at the top of the ratings. Perhaps IMDb viewers had some issues with how Michael Crichton's 1990 novel was adapted, but you have to admit that any Jurassic Park rewatch is always a good time.

2. Edge of Tomorrow ( 2014)

While the movie doesn't completely copy the content of Hiroshi Sakurazaka's All You Need Is Kill, it takes a lot of inspiration from it. Together, Emily Blunt and Tom Cruise tell the story of Sergeant Rita Vrataski and Major William Cage as they try to defend the human race while stuck in a time loop.

1. Blade Runner ( 1982)

Although Blade Runner is an adaptation of Philip K. Dick's 1968 novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? it has already taken its place in pop culture history as a masterpiece in its own right. It's hard to say whether Dick's vision of Los Angeles in 2019 was more or less dystopian than reality, but it made for a great adventure story.

Source: IMDb