Which book has the best movie adaptation?

The debates among bookish folk are endless – and endlessly fun.

But we all know a great film adaptation of a favorite book when we see it.

An experience that takes you right into the story – just as you pictured it in your imagination.

With character portrayals that are spot-on — or even better than you thought they could be. I’m looking at you, Mr. Collins from P&P 1995!

Since nothing goes better with an excellent movie than a mood-enhancing candle – we thought we’d create a list of our favorite film adaptations of books.

With book candle pairings, of course.

Dune

Dune is our candlemaker-in-chief Amanda’s favorite book.

So when the 2021 film adaptation of Dune was released, she created a Dune candle in celebration!

It quickly became one of our 2021 best sellers. Audiences loved our Dune candle as much as we loved the fantastic film adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi classic.

Our Dune book candle captures the imagery of the story.

A striation of dune sand circumnavigates the candle. While silhouettes of giant, breaching sandworms adorn the jar – allowing the spice to flow.

Our secret Spice Melange fragrance is cinnamon-forward – with hints of ginger and cardamom. It smells like a mug of exotic tea -- or the air in a spice market.

Our Dune candle is the perfect olfactory companion for your next visit to Arakkis.

Pride and Prejudice

I’ve already mentioned David Bamber’s excellent portrayal of Mr. Collins in the 1995 version of Pride and Prejudice. So I’ve probably shown my bias.

I love the ability of the mini-series to go more in-depth with the story – and I think that Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle have fabulous chemistry.

Plus, the excellent Mr. Collins.

But I’m not here to debate about which is better – P&P 1995 or 2005.

Each has its merits, and if 2005 is your thing – you do you. The scenery is gorgeous – and so is Matthew Macfayden.

Whichever Darcy floats your boat – make sure your next viewing is accompanied by Gardens of Pemberley – our Pride and Prejudice book candle.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula

I – the writer of this blog – am young Gen X – so 1992’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula had to be on this list.

It’s a high-quality production – directed by Francis Ford Coppola – with a phenomenal cast: Gary Oldman as Dracula, Anthony Hopkins as Van Helsing, and Gen X goddess Winona Ryder as Mina Harker.

The complaints about Keanu’s English accent are valid – but I still love Keanu.

While this film version takes a few liberties with the novel, overall, it’s a solid adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula – and a lot of fun during spooky season.

With a stunning Gothic aesthetic and a scent inspired by Dracula’s lust for blood – our Bram Stoker book candle is a macabre accompaniment to your next viewing – or reading – of Dracula.

The Color Purple

The 1985 adaptation of Alice Walker’s The Color Purple belongs on any list of great movie adaptations of books.
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The film stars Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, and Oprah Winfrey. The movie wass scored by Quincy Jones and directed by Stephen Spielberg.

Noted for its excellent performances, The Color Purple was nominated for eleven Oscars, including Best Picture – and Best Actress for Whoopi Goldberg.

Lavender & Lilac – our The Color Purple book candle – adds a peaceful ambiance and cottagecore aesthetic when you watch the film – or read the novel.

The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit

I had to include Peter Jackson’s adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit on this list.

The first time I saw The Fellowship of the Ring in theaters, I felt like I was in Middle Earth.

Plus, the hobbit houses in the Shire were everything out of my cottagecore aesthetic dreams.

And – Sean Astin as Sam Gamgee. He really has the unassuming-hero-you-need-who-also-tears-your-heart-out thing down, doesn’t he?

I suggest adding our Shire Sweetgrass candle to your next journey to Middle Earth.

Inspired by our favorite spot in the Tolkien universe.

The Outsiders

The 1983 film adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders had to make this list. Gen X strikes again!

This movie is full of stars – before they became stars. In fact, this film was the launching pad for many of the biggest stars of the 1980s and beyond.

Patrick Swayze. Matt Dillon. Emilio Estevez. Ralph Macchio. Tom freaking Cruise.

Diane Lane plays Cherry. And Sodapop? Rob Lowe.

This much star power requires an effervescent accompaniment.

Try Soda Pop, our book candle inspired by The Outsiders.

The scent of old-fashioned cream soda hits your right in the nostalgia – and the jar is dusted with biodegradable gold glitter.

Stay gold.

The Wizard of Oz

No list of fantastic film adaptations of books would be complete without The Wizard of Oz.

It’s a timeless classic – such a cultural cornerstone that many of us were introduced to the story through the film.

When I was a kid – when network television was in its prime and cable in its infancy – the yearly broadcast of The Wizard of Oz was a big event.

Yep. Once a year – that was it – unless you recorded it off tv with one of those old beast VCRs.

What a time.

The images and music in The Wizard of Oz permeate popular culture – and have for generations – in a way that few films do.

The film’s classic imagery – Poppy Fields and Apple Blossoms – inspired our Wonderful Wizard of Oz candle.

The apple blossoms symbolize the apple-throwing trees.