16 Classic Lit Movies to Stream if You Can’t Stop Thinking About ‘Frankenstein’

There’s nothing better than finishing a book and immediately getting to watch the movie version. Every once in a while, you’ll get lucky enough to see your favorite story adapted for the screen—but those magical moments are few and far between. The good news? You don’t have to sit around waiting for your new favorite release to get the Hollywood treatment. There’s already an entire backlog of incredible films based on classic literature. Whether you’re dipping your toes into the world of the classics or your Goodreads is full of five-star reviews of them, these movies based on classic lit are must-adds to your watchlist.

1. Jane Eyre

If you love Jane Austen adaptations, the 2011 version of Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre will be an instant favorite. The story centers on Jane, an orphan abused by her aunt and later sent to the harsh Lowood School. As an adult, she becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she falls for her employer, the mysterious Edward Rochester. But when she uncovers a dark secret, she’s forced to flee—though she may not be able to stay away for long.

2. Wuthering Heights

Before Emerald Fennell’s upcoming Wuthering Heights adaptation drops, revisit the iconic ’90s version starring Ralph Fiennes as the brooding Heathcliff. If you don’t know the plot of Emily Brontë’s famous story, it follows an orphan, Heathcliff, after he is adopted into the wealthy Earnshaw family. He moves into their estate and strikes up a strong bond with his foster sister, Cathy. Cathy gives in to societal pressures and marries Edgar Linton, a man of higher standing. But Heathcliff vows to get her back, no matter what.

3. Anna Karenina

Keira Knightley is truly the MVP of movies based on classic literature, and Anna Karenina is no exception. AND Jude Law AND Aaron Taylor-Johnson? Yeah, I’m sold. Anna Karenina is the wife of a high-ranking Russian official who gets involved in a society scandal when she has an affair with the handsome Count Vronsky. Her husband gives her an ultimatum: she can go into exile with her lover, but never see her son again, or stay with her family, but follow society’s rules. Complicating matters even further, Princess Kitty has her sights set on Vronsky, while a farmer yearns for her.

4. The Secret Garden

Watching this movie as a child had me convinced I would stumble upon my own gorgeous secret garden, and while I’m still waiting for that day to arrive, the film still holds a special place in my heart. After her parents’ death, Mary is sent to live in her uncle’s gloomy estate, where she discovers a neglected, hidden garden. Alongside her sickly cousin and a local boy, she brings the garden and herself back to life. It’s a timeless story of healing, wonder, and rediscovering hope.

5. Ophelia

If you read Hamlet in high school and were dying to hear things from Ophelia’s point of view (or want to learn more about the Taylor Swift muse), this is your moment. It tells the story of Hamlet from her perspective, following the secret romance between Ophelia and the prince, how she earned Queen Gertrude’s favor, and the complicated political mess that drives her to fake her own madness and death. It’s a feminist twist on one of literature’s most tragic figures.

6. Emma

Everyone always talks about the Pride and Prejudice adaptations, but Emma is criminally underrated. It follows a young woman in high society who loves matchmaking her friends, but isn’t exactly skilled at it. After she tries to arrange one particular match, hilarious chaos ensues and leads her to realize her own feelings for her neighbor, Mr. Knightley. This adaptation is witty, charming, and guaranteed to make you want to run to your library to check out the book.

7. The Great Gatsby

Chances are, you read The Great Gatsby in school, and hopefully, you’ve seen the masterpiece that is the film. If you haven’t (or you’re overdue for a rewatch), you’re in for a treat. The story dives into the opulent world of Jay Gatsby after Nick, an aspiring writer, moves next door to the millionaire and across the bay from Jay’s cousin Daisy. As Nick gets drawn into their luxurious, deceit-filled lives, we see a story about love, ambition, and dreams.

8. Little Women

Little Women should be the blueprint for all classic lit adaptations. It’s the coziest comfort watch there is, and in my world, an annual rewatch is mandatory. The coming-of-age story centers on the four March sisters as they grow up, discover who they are, and find their place in the world, alongside their neighbor Laurie. The recent 2019 version is probably already in your rotation, but I recommend going back to 1994. Winona Ryder and Kirsten Dunst as Jo and Amy are so good.

9. Clueless

When you think of classic lit, Clueless might not be the first thing that comes to mind—but this iconic rom-com is actually based on Jane Austen’s Emma. While it takes a very different (and very 90s) approach, it’s a must-watch if you’ve somehow missed it. When a new student arrives at popular, slightly self-obsessed Cher’s high school, Cher takes her under her wing for a makeover. But when the new girl starts to outshine her, Cher realizes her matchmaking might have been a little misguided.

10. Romeo + Juliet

We all know the story of Romeo + Juliet, but if you haven’t watched Baz Luhrmann’s film version, you’re seriously missing out. This adaptation reimagines the story in a modern Verona Beach where the Capulets and Montagues are rival gangs. The Shakespearean dialogue set against a bold, stylized backdrop makes for an unforgettable watch. Plus…young Leo. Enough said.

11. The Man in the Iron Mask

Based on the final novel in The Three Musketeers series, The Man in the Iron Mask is another young Leo hidden gem. The film follows three former French Musketeers as they hatch a plan to overthrow the ruthless King Louis XIV and replace him with his secret twin brother, imprisoned and forced to wear an iron mask. Leonardo DiCaprio plays both Louis and Philippe in a criminally underrated royal twin-swap watch.

12. Pride and Prejudice

There’s no list of classic lit movies without Pride and Prejudice. The Mr. Darcy handflex will go down in history as one of the best moments in cinema history, and lives rent-free in my mind pretty much 24/7. If you haven’t yet witnessed this perfection, I’m honestly jealous you get to experience it for the first time. Elizabeth Bennet, the eldest of five daughters, faces immense pressure to marry. When she meets the wealthy Mr. Darcy, sparks fly, but his reserved nature might keep them apart.

13. Les Misérables

If Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables feels a bit too intimidating to tackle, the film version is absolutely worth the watch. This decades-spanning epic set in 19th-century France is emotional, beautifully shot, and filled with performances that will wreck you in the best way. Keep tissues nearby, and prepare to have the soundtrack on repeat for weeks after.

14. Nosferatu

Based on Dracula, Nosferatu was one of my favorite watches of 2024. Lily-Rose Depp’s haunting performance alone is reason enough to tune in, but the gothic horror atmosphere really cements its place on this list. In the story, real estate agent Thomas travels to Transylvania to meet Count Orlok, a mysterious client interested in selling his decaying estate. Meanwhile, his wife Ellen is plagued by eerie visions and an encroaching sense of dread as an evil force looms closer.

15. To Kill a Mockingbird

You probably read To Kill a Mockingbird in school, but revisiting it as an adult gives you a whole new appreciation for the story. Told through the eyes of young Scout Finch, the daughter of lawyer Atticus Finch, the story follows his defense of Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of assault in the 1930s South. Alongside the trial, Scout and her brother Jem become fascinated by their reclusive neighbor, Boo Radley. It’s a timeless story about racism and empathy, and it’s even more impactful when you watch it as an adult.

16. Atonement

The green dress alone could earn Atonement a spot on this list, but there’s so much more to love. After 13-year-old Briony misinterprets a moment between her sister Cecilia and family friend Robbie, she falsely accuses him of a crime that changes all their lives. Robbie is sent to prison, and years later, their paths cross again during World War II. It’s devastatingly beautiful and will have you applauding a young Saoirse Ronan’s acting abilities.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lauren Blue, Assistant Editor

As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of must-read books, movies, home tours, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Goodreads for new releases to feature on the site.

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