6 Magical Movies based on Books for your Holiday Watchlist
- Featured Film
Staff Writer- 9 minutes read
For the adults who caught Wonka in theatres last week, the experience was surely a nostalgic one. Especially if you grew up with Tim Burton’s adaptation of Roald Dahl’s most cherished gem, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The film sprinkled magic all over the silver screen, letting us dive headfirst into stories we once only experienced through words.
Through spectacular world building, it reunited us with a sense of fantasy that feels too disappointing to let go of just yet. Fortunately for us, the holiday season is here to rescue us from the ordinary. Here’s a list of movies, all based on beloved novels, with a delightful storybook quality.
Alice in Wonderland, 2010
Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland is a psychedelic, off-kilter journey down the rabbit hole and into the surreal. The film not only pays homage to Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and its beloved characters, but also serves as a visual feast for audiences craving a return to the fantastical. Helena Bonham Carter’s particularly stunning portrayal of the spiteful, tyrannous Red Queen, commanding the screen with her large presence and even larger head, only adds to the film’s peculiar charm. Though the film’s main event is its eccentric production design that turns every frame into a spectacle of colour and oddity.
Available on JioHotstar
Peter Pan and Wendy, 2023
J.M. Barrie’s classic adventures of Peter Pan and Wendy takes new shape in this live action adaptation led by filmmaker David Lowery. In this updated rendition, Lowery employs his own pixie dust, skilfully preserving the heart of the beloved tale while modernising it for a 21st-century audience. Peter Pan and Wendy’s homage to the animated classic is evident in its mysticism, blending perfectly with Lowry’s knack for the eerie captured through moody skies and striking shadows.
Available on JioHotstar
Mary Poppins Returns, 2018
Step into the world of Rob Marshall’s Mary Poppins, inspired not just by P.L. Travers’ beloved stories but also the 1964 musical Mary Poppins – an undeniably tough act to follow. Still, Emily Blunt brings her best foot forward with a joyous sequel of a classic Walt Disney musical. The Banks’ children, now all grown up with little ones of their own, seem to have forgotten their days spent with their beloved caretaker Mary Poppins. In true fashion however, Ms. Poppins glides down form the clouds with her umbrella, returning us to the nanny we all wish we had.
Available on JioHotstar
Witches, 2020
Roald Dahl’s fantasy universe is revived once again with Witches, a recent Warner Bros. endeavour that eerie narrative filled with macabre humour and fantastical characters. Anne Hathaway’s portrayal of the Grand High Witch adds a delightful touch of wickedness, reminiscent of the many memorable antagonists in Dahl’s literary universe. The film marries practical effects and CGI flawlessly and immerses audiences in a world where villains can stir up some captivating magical mayhem.
Available on Prime Video
Nanny McPhee, 2005
Enter another beloved nanny, Nanny McPhee. Similar to Mary Poppins, she guides the children she takes care of with a firm but caring hand. The film with the eponymous title is based on Christianna Brand’s Nurse Matilda books, expertly played by Emma Thompson. In this childhood gem, Nanny McPhee who, with her magical touch, transforms chaos into order for a group of mischievous children.
Available on JioHotstar
Lemony Snicket’s: A Series of Unfortunate Events, 2004
Within this list of light-hearted films, finally enters the darkly comedic and mysterious world of Lemony Snicket’s: A Series of Unfortunate Events, based on the series by Daniel Handler. The film follows the misadventures of the Baudelaire orphans, Violet, Klaus and Sunny while Jim Carrey’s portrayal of the cunning Count Olaf adds a layer of villainy. The film’s gothic visuals and dark humour draw audiences into a world make it a memorable experience for those seeking a holiday escape.
Available on Prime Video
