More often than not, movie adaptations fail to compare to their book counterpart. A director must keep the author’s original intent in mind while creating a movie, or they may lose the initial appeal. Despite the odds, rare instances occur in which a movie overshadows the book.

Here are three notable movies that are arguably better than their books:

The Shawshank Redemption:

Hailed as the highest ranked movie of all time on IMDB, it is no surprise that “The Shawshank Redemption” reigns over this list. Director Frank Darabont overtook the Herculean task of adapting a book by world renowned author, Stephen King, into a movie. As daunting enough of a task as undertaking a King book, Darabont managed to exceed expectations and create a final product arguably better than the original.

Fight Club:

Equipped with a star-studded crew of Edward Norton, Brad Pitt and director David Fincher, the 1999 rendition of “Fight Club” astounded critics with its brilliant script and flawless execution, leaving you questioning your very own existence by the end. The film captures emotions unavailable through text alone.

Forrest Gump:

Robert Zemeckis’s 1994 adaptation of Winston Groom’s “Forrest Gump” amazed audiences worldwide and was instantly established as an American classic. Additionally, Tom Hanks’ impeccable performance cemented his legacy as an American icon. Recounting his life experiences to strangers, adult Forrest Gump perfectly captures the atmosphere of monumental events throughout his life, from his childhood romance to the Vietnam War.