12 Movies You Didn't Know Were Based On Books

Your next great read might be the basis for your favorite movie.
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Sometimes, a visit to the bookstore can turn into one anxiety-filled fest (yes, I'm speaking from personal experience). So many books to choose from—so little time to read! And how do you even know if you'll like the story? Well, here's a quick hack: Pick out a book that served as the basis for one of your favorite movies. Why: You'll already be familiar with the characters and the plot, but you'll have a new chance to see if fleshed out in its poetic literary form. Of course, we all know Harry Potter and Twilight fall into this camp, but here are 12 movies you might not know were based on amazing books.

1. Clueless = Emma by Jane Austen
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While Cher Horowitz was probz too popular to find time to read Jane Austen, the author's 1815 classic novel, Emma, sets the framework for the cult favorite movie. Cher is basically an updated Emma in an Alaïa dress. Get it here.

2. He's Just Not That Into You = He's Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo

2009's rom-com He's Just Not That Into You packed an all-star cast: Jennifer Aniston, Bradley Cooper, Ginnifer Goodwin. And while the movie told a fictional story about a bunch of couples, it's actually based on a self-help book. It's full of timeless, tough-love advice, and it's perfect for anyone playing the field. Get it here.

3. She's The Man = Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
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Amanda Bynes' 2006 comedy might be amazing (it's brilliant, shhh!), but William Shakespeare penned the plot in 1623 with his play Twelfth Night. The movie, obviously, is a modern update, but it gives lots of nods to Shakespeare's original. Sebastian, Duke, Olivia, and Viola are all character names in both the movie and play. Get it here.

4. Carol = The Price Of Salt by Patricia Highsmith

The Cate Blanchett-Rooney Mara romantic drama Carol was an Oscar favorite in 2015. It's based on a revolutionary 1952 novel, which author Patricia Highsmith originally published under a pseudonym. Get it here.

5. Slumdog Millionaire = Q & A by Vikas Swarup
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If you haven't seen Slumdog Millionaire, please remedy that ASAP. The Oscar-winning movie tells the life story of a teen from Mumbai, and it's riveting stuff. The novel it's based off of, Q & A, is equally a can't miss, as it delves further into the main character's rise from the slums to game show TV star. Get it here.

6. The Imitation Game = Alan Turing: The Enigma by Andrew Hodges

A biography about the "founder of computer science" might not sound *exciting* off the bat, but Alan Turing was truly fascinating: In his short life, he helped fight the Nazis, laid the groundwork for modern computers and artificial intelligence, and struggled as a gay man in a homophobic world. His story inspired the powerful movie The Imitation Game, and the book delves even deeper into the fascinating life of Turing. Get it here.

7. Mean Girls = Queen Bees And Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman
Paramount Pictures / via http://giphy.com/gifs/angry-mean-girls-shut-up-tluiyIK3KcxIQ

If only Cady Heron had a copy of this book while navigating high school. The 2002 non-fiction book Queen Bees And Wannabes explores the clique-filled world of high school and gives tips on how girls can survive "the jungle" and their own personal Regina George. Get it here.

8. Mrs. Doubtfire = Alias Madame Doubtfire by Anne Fine

Robin Williams' classic cross-dressing comedy is actually based on an English novel from 1987. The movie will help you imagine the perfect Mrs. Doubtfire while reading. Get it here.

9. Jaws = Jaws: A Novel by Peter Benchley
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The timeless shark story Jaws started as a thrilling book of the same name by Peter Benchley. Published in 1974, Benchley spent lots of time researching real-life shark data while writing the story. Feel free to play the movie's soundtrack while your read to *enhance* the experience. Get it here.

10. How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days = How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: The Universal Don'ts of Datingby Michele Alexander and Jeannie Long

The winning Kate Hudson romcom How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days actually began as a how-to dating book. Similar to the movie's plot, authors Michele Alexander and Jeannie Long dispel their advice on what not to do within the first 10 days of dating a guy. I'd like to pick up a copy just to see if "don't buy a love fern" is included. Get it here.

11. Pitch Perfect = Pitch Perfect: The Quest For Collegiate A Cappella Glory by Mickey Rapkin
Universal Pictures / via http://giphy.com/gifs/pitch-perfect-rebel-wilson-Yg0jv7zixxeUM

The idea for the aca-awesome movie came from journalist Mickey Rapkin's non-fiction book exploring the world of college a capella. The book provides more of the history behind a capella groups (Gregorian chants, anyone?) and focuses on three real college groups competing for glory. Get it here.

12. 10 Things I Hate About You = Taming Of The Shrew by William Shakespeare

The plot for the iconic '90s movie—starring Julia Stiles and a hunky Heath Ledger—was penned in the late 1500's by one Williams Shakespeare. Stiles, naturally, serves as the "shrew" in the modern update. Read Willy's play to see the original inspiration in all it's iambic pentameter glory. Get it here.

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