Popular Books with a screen adaptation from 1920 to 2020

 

Popular Books with a screen adaptation from 1920 to 2020

These are popular books published that have a screen adaption. It is based on the Popular books 1930-2015 article I wrote in 2017. This version has several changes such as more years included, all the books have a screen adaption. 

1920 The Man Of The Forest by Zane Gray [Firs Published in 1920] The Man Of The Forest (1921/1923/1926/1933)
A Mountain man overhears the plan to kidnap the daughter of a landowner in an attempt to gain control of the land. The mountain man decides to save the girl.

1921 The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Six Other Stories by F Scott Fitzgerald [First Published in 1921] The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
Benjamin Button was born as an old man and grows younger. He lives a full life participating in events and life milestones that are expected of men.  

1922 If Winter Comes by ASM Hutchinson [First Published in 1921] If Winter Comes (1923/1947)
Mark Sabre made poor choice with getting married. He tries to live well and keep his vows when WWI breaks out Mark gets injures and returns home. At this time a pregnant young woman Effie Bright seeks Mark’s help as everybody disowned her or turned her away. In helping her Mark ends up being punished by the town with rumors, divorce, loss of job, and a ruined reputation.

1923 Black Oxen by Gertrude Atherton [First Published in 1923] Black Oxen (1923)
Writer and playboy Lee Clavering falls for the mysterious Madame Zatianny that looks like the younger version of a 58-year-old Mary Ogden a famous socialite from Europe. The two start a romance however it becomes strained when it is revealed that Mary Ogden found a way to physically de age herself and her husband Prince Rohenhauer comes to find her.  

1924 So Big by Edna Ferber [First Published in 1924] So Big! (1932) So Big (1953)
After her father dies Selina becomes a schoolteacher, marries a farmer and gives birth to a son Dirk “So Big” De Jong. Determined that her son will have a better life she focuses on his education and getting him to college where he becomes an architect. When he pursues fast money and a decadent lifestyle it puts the two of them at odds.

1925 Arrowsmith by Sinclair Lewis [First Published in 1925] Arrowsmith (1931)
The life and career of Martin Arrowsmith MD. In the novel Arrowsmith attends medical college and explores the various avenues of the medicine at the time, while the movie cuts it down to just a few plot points.

1926 The Private Life of Helen of Troy by John Erskine [First Published in 1925] The Private Life of Helen of Troy (1927) Helene ou La joie de Vivre (1968)
Helen of Troy runs away with Paris to Troy resulting in the famous war. When Helen is recovered by her husband Menelaus the story shifts focus on her life in Sparta and has moral discussions on the events and their aftermath.

1927 Elmer Gantry by Sinclair Lewis [First Published in 1927] Elmer Gantry (1960)
An ambitious salesman law school and seminary dropout Elmer Gantry involves himself with a lay preacher Sharon Falconer and her tent revivalism road show. Together they become successful for events force him to face tragedy, sins and mistakes from the past.  

1928 The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thorton Wilder [First Published in 1927] The Bridge of San Luis Rey (1929/1944/1958/2004)
On Friday July 20, 1714, an ancient rope bridge in Peru collapses killing five people. When this happened a monk witnesses the event and sets out to learn about the people that died. Over the next six years he travels the country learning about the people and what lead them to be on that bridge on that day and at that time.

1929 All Quiet On The Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque [First Published in 1929] All Quiet On The Western Front (1930/1979/2022)
Paul starts as an idealistic young man with dreams of glory and romantic notations of war enlists with his classmates at the start of WWI. They are sent to the western front and quickly become disillusioned with war as comrades die and are confronted with the difficulties of going back to life outside of the war zone. 

1930 Cimarron by Edna Faber [First Published 1929] Cimarron (1931/1960)
The Cravet Family moves to Oklahoma during the land rush then they proceed to build a large business empire. 

1931 The Good Earth by Pearl S Buck [First Published in 1931] The Good Earth (1931)
Dramatized village life and more specifically, Wang Lung and his family in pre-WWI China as their fortunes rise and fall as the country changes. This is the first book in the House of Earth Trilogy. 
 
1932 The Fountain by Charles Morgan [1932] The Fountain (1934)
Set in Holland during WWI an interned British officer is paroled to a castle under the control of German married to his ex-girlfriend. The War and politics of the time are discussed. 

1933 Anthony Adverse by Hervey Allen [First Published in 1933] Anthony Adverse (1936)
Left at a convent at birth Anthony Adverse seeks a life of adventure, and romance away from the convent. He travels the world doing business in Africa, The US, and Mexico.
 
1934 Goodbye Mr. Chips by James Hilton [First Published in1934] Goodbye Mr. Chips (1939/1969/1984/2003)
A schoolteacher near his retirement reflects on his life teaching at the Brookfield School a public boarding for boys, his brief marriage that ended in tragedy and his fulfillment in being a teacher.
 
1935 Green Light by Lloyd C. Douglas [First Published in 1934] Green Light (1937)
Dr. Newell Paige is a young surgeon takes the blame for a blotched surgery for his mentor and resigns from his position. He goes to work at a wilderness research facility in Montana. At the facility he works to find a cure for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
 
1936 Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell [First Published in 1936] Gone With the Wind (1939)
Set in Atlanta from Pre-Civil War to the Reconstruction era in the south. Scarlet O’Hara labors to keep herself out of poverty, win the heart of the man she loves, and protect her beloved family home. 
 
1937 Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck [First Published in 1937] Of Mice and Men (1939/1968/1981/1992)
Two drifters working the fields during The Great Depression George and Lennie work to achieve their dream of having their own land. Until an accidental murder kills the dream they have. 
 
1938 The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings [First Published in 1938] The Yearling (1946/1994)
A rural family allows their 12-year-old to adopt a fawn. Problems arise when the fawn matures into a destructive misbehaving adult deer.  
 
1939 The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck [First Published in 1939] The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
Set during the Great Depression in Oklahoma a poor family The Joads are hurt by the Dust Bowl, so they resolve to go to California with thousands of other Okies as they seek jobs, land, dignity, and a future.

1940 How Green Was My Valley by Richard Llewellyn [First Published in 1939] How Green Was My Valley (1941) How Green Was My Valley: Mini-Series (1960)(1975)
A chronicle of a Welsh family as seen through the eyes of the youngest son Huw Morgan. The story tells how his family and village and the mining community change and grows until Huw has a traumatic loss innocents. 
 
1941 For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway [First Published in 1940] For Whom The Bell Tolls (1943)
A young American fighting in the Spanish Civil War is attached to a guerilla unit must blow up an important bridge. 
 
1942 The Song of Bernadette by Franz Werfel [First Published in 1941] The Song of Bernadette (1943)
Bernadette a Catholic girl at the age of 14 has a vision of the Virgin Mary, and performs tasks revealed by her visions. As she grows older she becomes a nun and is later recognized as a saint. 

1943 A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith [First Published in 1943] A Tree Grows In Brooklyn (1945/1974)
The story of an Irish American family living in Brooklyn, New York in the first two decades of the 20^th Century.  As seen through the eyes of the family's daughter. 
 
1944 GiGi and the Cat by Collette [First Published in 1944] GiGi (1949/1958)
Set in Paris, France in the early 1900’s GiGi is a 15-year-old girl being trained as a courtesan and her friendship with Gaston a wealthy family friend. As she grows up the two of them fall in love with each other.

            The Cat is a separate short story about a husband that likes his cat more than his wife.

1945 Forever Amber by Kathleen Winsor [First Published in 1944] Forever Amber (1947)
In 17^th Century England a poor girl works her way up from peasant to nobility by marrying or seducing rich and powerful men. Only to lose the one man she ever truly loved.
 
1946 The Egyptian by Mika Waltari [First Published in 1945] The Egyptian (1964)
Set during the 18^th Dynasty in Egypt Orphan Sinuhe becomes a physician that rises to the position of Royal Physician. As a member of the court, he learns its secrets and is involved with politics and intrigue.
 
1947 Miracle of the Bells by Russell Janney [First Published in 1946] The Miracle of The Bells (1948)
An actress’s final request after making her first and final film is to be buried in her hometown. Her press agent asks a local priest to stop a studio executive from reshooting the film with another actress. 
 
1948 Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank [First Published in 1947] Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl (1959); The Diary of Anne Frank (1980); The Attic: The Hiding of Anne Frank (1988); Anne Frank the Whole Story (2001); The Diary of Anne Frank (2009)
The Diary of Anne Frank a young Jewish girl living and hiding with her family and a few other Jewish families from the Nazi’s during WWII Amsterdam.
 
1949 The Naked and The Dead by Norman Mailer [First Published in 1948] The Naked and The Dead (1958)
The novel focuses on a platoon taking a fictional island called Anopopei from Japanese control during WWII. So, the US military can advance into the Philippines. 
 
1950 The Cardinal by Henry Morton Robinson [First Published in 1950] The Cardinal (1963)
Stephen Fermoyle is an ambitious Irish Catholic Priest when it becomes a worrisome to his superiors, he is sent to a rural parish to learn humility. As he is on this journey his sister becomes pregnant and is in a situation that only one of them can live. He follows the Catholic teachings, and his sister dies resulting in a crisis of faith. After a break he returns to Rome and helps other priests in dealing with and opposing the KKK in the US South and Nazis in Europe thus earning him the rank of Cardinal.

1951 From Here to Eternity by James Jones [First Published in 1951] From Here to Eternity (1953/1979)
Just before Pearl Harbor a private is sent to a base in Hawaii where he punished for refusing to be in the units boxing unit. While this is going on his commanding officer is having an affair with their Captain’s wife. 
 
1952 Charlotte’s Web by E.B. Webb [First Published in 1952] Charlotte’s Webb (1973, 2006)
A piglet Wilber, a writing spider Charlotte and other farm animals work to save the pig from becoming food and foodstuffs. By writing messages on a spider web and winning the county fair.
 
1953 The Robe by Lloyd C, Douglas [First Published in 1942] The Robe (1953)
A Roman soldier wins Christ’s robe while gambling. He decides to set out on a quest to learn about the man who first owned the robe. 

1954 Not As A Stranger by Morton Thompson [First Published in 1954] Not As A Stranger (1955)
A young Doctor who lives for medicine and sacrifices everything for his medical career comes to terms with what he can do as a Medical Doctor and his life as a married man.
 
1955 The Man in The Grey Flannel Suit by Sloan Wilson [First Published in 1954] The Man In The Grey Flannel Suit (1956)
A man’s personal quest for purpose in a culture dominated by business, success, consumerism and social status. 
 
1956 Eloise by Kay Thompson [First Published in 1955] Eloise at the Plaza (2003), Eloise at Christmastime (2003)
A girl that lives on the top floor in the Plaza Hotel with a nanny and various pets explores the building and the people who live there. 
 
1957 Peyton Place by Grace Metalious [First Published in 1956] Peyton Place (1957) Peyton Place (1964-1969)
The scandals, passions, secrets and lies of a picture-perfect town in New Hampshire. 
 
1958 Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov [First Published in 1955] Lolita (1962/1997)
A man marries his landlady so he can be close to her underage daughter that he secretly desires. 
 
1959 Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak [First Published in 1957] Doctor Zhivago (1965/2002)
A young married doctor falls in love with a married woman and faces hardship during WWI and The October Revolution.  
 
1960 To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee [First Published in 1960] To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)
Atticus Finch, a lawyer in the depression era Deep South defends a black man accused of raping a white woman in court of law. While teaching his children about predigests. 
 
1961 Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller [First Published in 1934] Tropic Of Cancer (1970)
The story depicts the adventures and personal thoughts of the American writer Henry Miller and his friends while in France in the 1920’s and 1930’s. 

1962 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey [First Published in 1962] One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) TV Series: Ratcheted (2020)
In an Oregon State Mental Hospital Nurse Ratched rules her ward with an iron fist. Until McMurphy a rebel is committed and starts a battle of wills between him and those in charge. 

1963 The Shoes of the Fisherman by Morris West [First Published in 1963] The Shoes of the Fisherman (1968)
Set during The Cold War Ukrainian Catholic Priest Kiril Pavlovich Lakota is set free from a labor camp and is sent to Rome. Where is made a Cardinal. The Pope dies shortly after that and Kiril is elected as the Pope. In this new position he must deal with Vatican politics, the troubles of the world and moral choices. 
 
1964 You Only Live Twice by Ian Fleming [First Published in 1964] You Only Live Twice (1967)
The 12^th 007 novel by Ian Fleming his last novel published in his lifetime. James Bond agent 007 must find a space capsule and stop WWIII. 
 
1965 The Spy Who Came In From The Cold by John le Carre [First Published in 1963] The Spy Who Came In From The Cold (1965)
British Intelligence Agent Alec Leamas is sent assigned to be a double agent in East Germany and sell disinformation. In performing his mission, he discovers how little value he is to both sides and has to learn to deal with this knowledge personally and professionally.

1966 Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann [First Published in 1966] Valley of the Dolls (1967)/Jacqueline Susann's Valley of the Dolls (1981)
Three women in show business become friends and have success until amphetamines and barbiturates lead to their downfall.  

1967 Rosemary’s Baby by Ira Levin [First Published in 1967] Rosemary’s Baby (1968/2014)
Rosemary and her husband move into a new apartment she comes to believe her neighbors and later her husband are members of a Satanic Cult; That want her to give birth to the Anti-Christ. 

1968 Airport by Arthur Hailey [First Published in 1968] Airport (1970)
In a busy airport during an epic blizzard at The Lincoln Airport personal, professional, and life and death issues affect and are dealt with airport personal, pilots, flight attendants as well as the passengers. 

1969 Portnoy’s Complaint by Philip Roth [First Published in 1969] Portnoy’s Complaint (1972)
The novel is a humorous semi-monolog of a kinky bachelor who confesses his sexual escapades to his psychoanalyst.  

1970 Love Story by Erich Segal [First Published in 1970] Love Story (1970)
A rich boy with a bright future and girl from a working-class background fall in love, marry and are happy until tragedy strikes. 
 
1971 The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty [First Published in 1971] The Exorcist (1973) The Exorcist: The Series (2016 - 2017)
The book and film details the demonic position of a 12-year-old girl, Regan MacNeil who gets possessed after playing with a Ouija board. After series of strange supernatural things happen around the house as Regan’s starts to withdrawal and her behavior, mental, and physical wellbeing gets worse. Regan’s Mother Chris MacNeil a famous film actress who also an atheist has exhausted all of the medical options; turns to the Catholic Church which sends two priests to exorcise the demon. The TV series expands on the original story.
 
1972 Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach [First Published in 1970] Jonathan Livingston Seagull (1973)
A rebellious young seagull is kicked out of his tribe, so he works on improving himself exploring his freedom. 
 
1973 Burnt Offerings by Robert Marasco [First Published in 1973] Burnt Offerings (1976)
The Rolf family rent a large house for a very low price for the summer. There are a few details the house needs some work and upkeep as well as an older family member will be staying in her wing of the house and will need to be checked on and feed. Once the family settles the condition is slowly reveled. 

1974 Jaws by Peter Benchley [First Published in 1973] Jaws (1975)
A Great White Shark preys on a small coastal resort town. Three men the Sheriff, a marine biologist, and a shark hunter mount an expedition to remove the shark one way or another. 
 
1975 Black Sunday by Thomas Harris [First Published in 1975] Black Sunday (1977)
Blimp Piolet Michael Lander is resentful against society and suicidal. Dhalia Iyad a member of Black September a Palestinian Terrorist Group is manipulating Michael to carry out an attack on Super Bowl Sunday as punishment against Israel and its allies. Working to stop them is Israeli Mossad Agent David Kabakov and FBI Agent Sam Corley who have learned of the plan. 

1976 The Omen by Davis Seltzer [First Published in 1976] The Omen (1976) Damien (2016)
The US Ambassador to England Robert Thorn and his wife Katherine lost their child in birth. Robert decides to secretly adopt a child whose mother died about the same time with the help of the hospitals Catholic Chaplin Father Spiletto. The child is names Damien. About five years later strange, deadly, and horrifying events centered around Damien occur.  After receiving a warning about Damien from Father Brennan; Robert Thorn and a photographer Keith Jennings (who has witnessed strange events centered around Damien) investigate the boy's birth and heritage. Only to learn that he is the Anti-Christ. The pair try to stop the Anti-Christ and prevent the coming Apocalypse.  

1977 The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough [First Published in 1977] The Thorn Birds (1983)
The story is about the struggle of three generations of the Cleary family in Australian Sheep Country and a forbidden love between a priest and a young woman in the Cleary family. 

1978 The Stand by Stephen King [First Published in 1978] The Stand (1994) (2020) 
A man-made plague gets out of the lab and quickly spreads and kills most of the world’s population. Then the story takes a supernatural turn with most of the remaining population from North America go to Las Vegas, NV or Boulder, CO.
 
1979 Sophie’s Choice by William Styron [First Published in 1979] Sophie’s Choice (1982)
A writer befriends a couple that are in a love hate relationship and are haunted by the choice that Sophie made while trying to survive in a Nazi concentration camp.  
 
1980 The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum [First Published in 1980] The Bourne Identity (1988/2002)
An injured man wakes up with retro grade amnesia and several shadow groups, assassins, the CIA, are after him. He wants to know why.  

1981 Cujo by Stephen King [First Published in 1981] Cujo (1983)
A Saint Bernard is infected with rabies. Goes crazy from the disease and attacks and kills his family and other people around him.
 
1982 The Running Man by Stephen King writing as Richard Bachman [First Published in 1982] The Running Man (1987)
Set in the future Ben Richards becomes a member of a popular death game show called the Running Man. The objective is to run and stay alive while on the run from people that are hunting him to the death. If he can survive to the end, he will have the good life. However, the game is rigged against the running man. 
 
1983 The Color Purple by Alice Walker [First Published in 1982] The Color Purple (1985/2023)
Set in Georgia during the 1930’s the story is about a black woman of low social status, suffers abuse from her father and others over four decades.
 
1984 Bright Lights, Big City by Jay McInerney [First Published in 1984] Bright Lights, Big City (1988)
Jamie Conway 24 years old is an aspiring writer and fact checker for a high-end New York magazine. He is out every night partying, heavily drinking, using cocaine, and about to lose his job, and his 
wife has left him. After Jamie makes a last attempt to win back his wife. He starts to examine his life, connects with the sister of his best friend and resolves to change his life.  

1985 Secrets by Danielle Steel [First Published in 1985] Secrets (1992)
A producer making a new nighttime drama has a cast that has secrets worth of any TV drama. As the series starts shooting all of the tensions, and secrets come to a head. 
 
1986 The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy [First Published in 1986] The Prince of Tides (1991)
 A man who has taken responsibility of his family from a young age; talks with his suicidal sister's psychiatrist about their family history. The man and the psychiatrist fall in love. 
 
1987 Patriot Games by Tom Clancy (Jack Ryan #2) [First Published in 1987] Patriot Games (1992)
C.I.A. researcher Jack Ryan intervenes in an assignation marking him and his family as targets for revenge.  
 
1988 The Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice [First Published in 1988] The Queen of the Damned (2002)
Book three in the Vampire Chronicles: The Vampire Lestat becomes a rock star waking the first vampire from her slumber resulting in a confrontation between the vampire queen who wishes to conquer the world and those who stop her.  
 
1989 War of the Roses by Warren Adler [First Published in 1981] The War of the Roses (1989)
The Roses are getting a divorce. The big problem is that they both want the house. As they try to get the other to leave the hate, humiliation, and violence between them grows until everybody loses. 
 
1990 The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love by Oscar Hijuelos [First Published in 1989] The Mambo Kings (1992)
In the 1950’s two musician brothers escape Cuba for the US. Once in the US they work to fulfill their dreams in the new world. 

1991 The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien [First Published in 1990] A Soldier’s Sweetheart (1998)
A set of connected short stories about US soldiers fighting in the Vietnam War.
 
1992 Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillan [First Published in 1992] Waiting to Exhale (1995)
Friendship between four different African-American women as men, careers, and families take them in different directions in life. 
 
1993 The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller [First Published in 1992] The Bridges of Madison County (1995)
A photographer creating a photo essay of the covered bridges of Madison County has an affair with a lonely farmer’s wife over four days in the 1960’s. 

1994 One for the Money by Janet Evanovich [First Published in 1994] One for the Money (2012)
This is First novel in the Stephanie Plum series. Stephanie Plum is divorced, has lost her job, had her car repossessed and is broke. Not wanting to move back in with her family she forces her cousin Vinnie to give her a job as a bail bondsman with his company. Her first big assessment is to find her ex-boyfriend Joseph Morelli.

1995 High Fidelity by Nick Hornsby [First Published in 1995] High Fidelity (2000/2020)
A record shop owner/music expert, DJ, and compulsive list maker is going through a bad breakup. He decides to reexamine his top five breakups so he can move on with his life. 
 
1996 The Deep End of the Ocean by Jacquelyn Mitchard [First Published in 1996] The Deep End of the Ocean (1999)
This is about a suburban family’s reaction when their kidnapped son is discovered nine years later alive and well living in the town they just moved to. 
 
1997 Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier [First Published in 1997] Cold Mountain (2003)
Near the end on the US Civil War W. P. Inman a wounded Confederate Soldier walks for months to his home in Cold Mountain, North Carolina and the love of his life Ada Monroe. 
 
1998 Holes by Louis Sachar [First Published in 1998] Holes (2003)
Unlucky/cursed teenager Stanley Yelnats is sent to a desert detention camp after being for arrested for crime he did not commit. At the camp the juvenile inmates are required to dig holes 5 by 5 by 5 every day for mysterious reasons. Stanley discovers the reason why. 
 
1999 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling [First Published in 1998] Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
The second book in the Harry Potter series; Harry is warned to stay away from Hogwarts because the Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Harry ignores the warnings (of course) and finds the school plagued by a series of mysterious attacks. 

2000 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling [First Published in 2000] Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
The fourth book in the Harry Potter series Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters announce their return creating debate and panic within the Wizard World. While this is happening The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is hosting a Magic Competition with two other magic schools. Due to interference by Harry’s enemies he has to compete and try and win. 

2001 The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen [First Published in 2001] The Corrections (2012)
A Midwestern couple and their three adult children gather together at the family home for one last Christmas together. 
 
2002 The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold [First Published in 2002] The Lovely Bones (2009)
A teenage girl is raped and murdered then watches from her personal heaven as her family and friends deal with moving on while she comes to terms with her death. 

2003 The Da Vinci Code (Book 2 in the Robert Langdon series) by Dan Brown [First Published in 2003] The Da Vinci Code (2006)
Harvard symbologist Professor Robert Langdon is pulled into a religious mystery involving the Catholic Church and the Holy Grail after a curator is murdered in the Louvre. 
 
2004 The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom [First Published in 2003] The Five People You Meet In Heaven (2004)
After an elderly man dies trying to save a child he is sent to heaven where he meets with five people that help him learn the impact they had his life had and to help him find peace and happiness. 

2005 The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd [First Published in 2004] The Mermaid Chair (2006)
A middle-aged married woman falls in love with a monk that help her while caring for her dying mother. 

2006 Marley& Me by John Grogan [First Published in 2005] Marley & Me (2008)
An autobiographical book about the Grogan family its destructive, wild, pet labor retriever. 
 
2007 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling [First Published in 2007] Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010), Part 2 (2011)
The seventh novel in the Harry Potter series; Harry has his final battle with his arch enemy Lord Voldemort. 
 
2008 Twilight by Stephanie Meyer [First Published in 2005] Twilight (2008)
The first book in the Twilight saga A girl and a vampire fall in love. They face obstacles from other vampires, vampire leadership, coming from different worlds and supernatural dangers.
 
2009 My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult [First Published in 2004] My Sisters Keeper (2009)
Anna Fitzgerald sues for emancipation from her parents. Due to the fact she has been used to keep her older leukemia-stricken sister alive but has come to point of wanting to make her own choices. 
 
2010 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson [First Published in 2005] The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2010/2011)
A journalist and a hacker search for a woman that has been missing presumed dead for forty years. 
 
2011 The Help by Kathryn Stockett [First Published in 2009] The Help (2011)
During the 1960’s A young college graduate and aspiring author writes a book detailing African American maids' point of view on the families they work for and their daily.
 
2012 Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James [First Published in 2011] Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)
A literature student meets billionaire Christian Grey a man with specific sexual and romantic tastes. Together they pursue a relationship. 
 
2013 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn [First Published in 2012] Gone Girl (2014)
When a man’s wife goes missing, he becomes the prime suspect and is tried in the court of public opinion and the media. 
 
2014 The Fault in Our Stars by John Green [First Published in 2012] The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Two cancer patients that meet and fall in love at a cancer support group. Go on a journey to Amsterdam to meet with a retired, reclusive author. 
 
2015 The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins [First Published in 2015] The Girl on the Train (2016)(2021)
An alcoholic Rachel Watson sees something strange on her daily train ride. She decides to get involved which results with her becoming entangled in a missing persons/murder investigation.

2016 The Hating Game by Sally Thorne [First Published in 2016] The Hating Game (2021)
Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman work as assistants for co-CEOs for a publishing house and they hate each other. Every day they try and outdo each other in everything. When a promotion opens things grow more heated and their feelings, they discover their feelings for each other are more complicated than they thought.

2017  IT by Stephen King [First Published in 1986] Stephen King’s IT (1990) Woh (1998) IT (2017) IT: Chapter 2 (2019)
Depending on the version the decade it starts in vary taking place in Derry Maine children are haunted by a monster that appears as a clown called Pennywise. Seven of these children form a group called the Losers Club for protection and to fight IT. After their first attempt fails, they meet again as adults to end it once and for all.
Who (1998) is an Indian TV series based in the novel.
 
2018 Normal People by Sally Rooney [First Published in 2018] Normal People (2020)
Connell and Marianne attend high school together and develop a romantic relationship that they keep secret because they belong to different social and economic status groups.   After breaking up before college they end up attending the same university. Where they stay involved in each other lives and must decide what kind of future they want after university. 
 
2019 Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens [First Published in 2018] Where The Crawdads Sing (2022)
Set in North Carolina marsh Catherine Kay Clark is abandoned by her family at a young age. However, she is able to survive off the land and by selling mussels to a local store becoming known as the Marsh Girl. As she grows, she learns to read and write with the help of her first love Tate Walker.  After he leaves for college, she enters into another romance with a popular local boy Chase Andrews. When he is found dead Kay is charged with the crime and put o trail. Being found not guilty she reunites with Tate. 
 
2020 News of the World by Paulette Jiles [first Published in 2016] News of the World (2020)
Set Five years after the Civil War Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd a veteran of several wars; now travels from town to town with several newspapers reading the news to people eager to hear news of the world. On his way west he is paid to escort Johanna a girl that had been taken by the Kiowa after they killed the rest of her family. He is to take to her remaining family in Texas. Along the way they have to face many dangers. 

Hollywood Writers (What it is like to be a Hollywood writer by Hollywood)

Writing for Hollywood; screenwriter as the protagonist by Hollywood. 

Mank (2020)

In the 1940's the studio RKO makes a deal giving Orsen Wells creative control of his films. Orsen Wells hires script writer Herman J Mankiewicz to write the screenplay for Citizen Kane (1941). This film goes over how it was written. 

The Screenwriters (2016) 

Set in the 1940's Producer Chester Mayer demands that a feature length film script be completed in 24 hours. Scriptwriters Stewart Harvey and Chip Leninskovich are at different points in their careers have to work together to create the script or they are unemployed. As they clash with how the story should go, other writers and studio employees inject their suggestions and demands making the process more challenging. 

Their Finest (2016)

Based on the novel Their Finest Hour and a Half by Lissa Evens [First Published in 2009]. Set during WWII secretary Catrin Cole becomes a script writer for propaganda films on behalf of the Allies. 

Trumbo (2015)

Based on the book Dalton Trumbo by Bruce Cook [First Published in 1977] Dalton Trumbo was one of the most in demand screen writers in the 1940's. Until his membership with the Communist Party USA gets him and 9 other writers and directors called to testify before Congress.  Refusing to cooperate The Hollywood10 were found to be in contempt and serve prison time. Upon release Trumbo is on the Hollywood blacklist created by the Assocation of Motion Picture Producers. Unable to work he finds ways to work around it until the blacklist was done away with. 

The Rewright (2014)

A burned-out screen writer Keith Michaels goes to work as a professor for Binghamton University located in upstate New York where he is assigned to teach screen writing. At first, he is just there to collect a check but over time finds he loves teaching and falls in love with a single mother taking his class.

True West (2014/2002)

Based on the stage play True West by Sam Shepard [First Published in 1981]. Brothers Austin a screen writer and his older brother Lee a drifter and small-time criminal. Must work together to complete a movie script. 

The TV Set (2006)

Story about the creation of a TV pilot starting from writing to casting, to production, and airing.  

King Kong (2005)

The third version of King Kong set in the 1930's movie producer and director Carl Denham latest film is about to be canceled he creates a team to finish his film. All he needs is a lead actress and a writer. He finds actress Ann Darrow in need of work and writer Jack Driscol who he tricks ad traps on s ship he has chartered to Skull Island. Once on the island they discover it is filled with strange creatures and a native tribe. When Ann is taken by the tribe and given to their deity King Kong a giant gorilla Jack who has fallen in love with Ann, forms a rescue party to save her. This results with King Kong being captured and brought to New York. Where he escapes and resulting in a violent clash of man vs nature. 

Adaption (2002)

Based on the true story of screen writer Charlie Kaufman's struggles to make a faithful adaption of the nonfiction book The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean [First Published in 1998] to the screen. 

New Suit (2002)

Inspired by the fairy tale The Emperor's New Clothes frustrated screen writer Kevin Taylor creates a rumor about an exciting fictional writer Jordon Strawberry and his screen play New Suit. This rumor generates a lot of interest within the industry as people put their desires into what the script and writer are about. 

The Majestic (2001)                                                                                                                                  Set in 1951 a Hollywood screen writer Peter Appleton has a car accident after a night of drinking and bad news he loses his memory and washes up in a small town where he is mistaken for the lost MIA son of the local movie theater owner Harry Trimble. Peter revives the local treater and brings life back to the town before he regains his memory.  Having regained his memories, he has to face congress and the House on Un-American Activates after being accused of being a communist. 

Chump Change (2000)

Comedy inspired by Writer, Director Stephen Burrows experiences starting out in Hollywood as he tried to find success, fame, and wealth. 

Hit and Runaway (1999)

Alex Andro wants to work in movies as a writer and has stroke of luck when he finds a producer interested in his idea about a cop working undercover as a fashion model. needing help to finish his project he forms a writing partnership with a more experienced writer Elliot Springer. 

The Muse (1999)

After winning a lifetime achievement award Steven Phillips has a career crisis. Not wanting to retire he hires a professional MUSE to revive his career. The Muse Sarah Little makes his life uncomfortable but in dealing with her his work improves ad he gets a new opportunity.  

Just Wright (1997)

Harold McMurphy is a Hollywood tour bus driver. One day he gets the opportunity to meet his favorite actress Amanda Clark where he pretends to be a successful writer. Amanda is unhappy with a script she is attached to, so she hires him to make changes to it. Wanting to spend more time with her he agrees, and things are going well until his lies are discovered.  

Doppelganger (1993)

Patrick Highsmith is a professional screen writer that is needing some extra cash. When he rents a room out to mysterious Heiress Holly Gooding they get romantically involved. Then strange things start to happen, when he learns of a murder of her parents and of her belief that her doppelganger is killing those that get too close, he has to find a way to protect himself and her from a real danger. 

The Player (1992)

Based on the novel The Player by Michael Tolkin [First Published in 1988]. Griffin Mill is a studio executive that makes decisions about what scripts and pitches move forward to development. When a coworker making moves to replace him Griffin starts receiving death threats from a writer whose script that he rejected. Not knowing who stalking and threatening him Griffin thinks he knows who it is and kills him.  Only for it to be the wrong person. As Griffen makes moves to save his career and evade law enforcement from identifying him as the murderer. Having done this the stalker reveals himself and has written a script about a studio executive that is being stalked by a writer whose work he rejected and kills the wrong man. Griffen likes the script but requests a Hollywood ending with the producer getting away with it. 

Barton Fink (1991)

Set in the 1940's Barton Fink is a successful New York playwright that is enticed to write a screenplay for Hollywood. Only to regret it when things to turn out differently from what he thought it would be. 

The Big Picture (1989) 

Recent film school graduate Nick Chapman won the top prize for his short film upon graduating. This gets him some attention from Hollywood.  Where he wants to make a serious drama that he has written. As he tries to make progress and making changes to get his film made. Hollywood starts to lose interest in him until he hits bottom. At this point he reconnects with a former classmate and creates an award-winning music video with an unknown band. This rekindles Hollywood's interest in him although this time he refuses to comprise on the film he wants to make. 

The Lonely Lady (1983)

Based on the novel The Lonely Lady by Harold Robbind [First Published in 1976] Jerilee Randel starts as a young high school graduate with dreams of success in Hollywood as a screen writer. After gaining some success in rewriting her first husband's script their marriage falls apart. As she works towards having her own script produced, she gets involves in a series of affairs with both men and women. 

Paris When It Sizzles (1964)

A screen writer hired by a producer to write a screen play for the title The Girl Who Stole The Eiffel Tower. With the deadline two days away, a temp secretary is hired to get the final product ready. The problem is that almost nothing has been written so the two of them collaborate to complete the script in time by going around Paris writing and acting out the story. 

Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966)

Home and work life of Robert Petrie who is the head writer of a TV comedy sketch show. 

Beloved Infidel (1959)

Based on the memoir Beloved Infidel by Sheilah Graham [First Published in 1958]. During the 1930's Sheilah Graham leaves London, England for the US where she becomes a gossip cosmist and radio host. In this role she becomes involved with F. Scotts Fitzgerald who has been writing screen plays to make money to cover various bills as he struggles with alcoholism and poor health. 

In a Lonely Place (1950)

Based on the novel In A Lonely Place by Dorothy B, Hughes [First Published in 1947]. Dixon Steele is a screen writer that has not had a success in some time. When a producer consults him about adapting a novel. Learning that the coat room girl read the novel while he was meeting with the producer, he takes her home to discuss her thoughts. The next day she is found dead, and Dixon is the prime suspect. However, his neighbor Laurel Grey is able to provide an alibi. The two become romantically involved and Dixon writing, and life improves however Laurel starts to have doubts about his innocence because of his short temper and that the police are still investigating him resulting in the relationship imploding. 

Sunset Blvd. (1950)

Joe Gillis is a screen writer that is having money problems being unable to sell his latest script. Trying to keep his car from being reposed he hides the car at an old mansion that seems empty. Finding a occupied by a former silent film star Norma Desmond. Joe flatters her and gets himself hired to help rewrite a script she has written for her return to acting. As time passes, she becomes more possessive of Joe and sabotages his work on a script that a studio is interested in. Leading to a deadly fight where he confronts her on the truth that she is a has been and that he is planning to return to his hometown. 

Labor Union Films

 Labor unions, strikes, labor organizing films. 

Newest to oldest. 

The Simpsons: Night of the Living Wage: Season 35; Episode 14 (2024)
After an unexpected medical bill requires Marge to get a job. She takes one with a food delivery start up. When the company proves to be a bad employer Marge starts a union, while company fights back.  Leading to a war and nobody being happy. 

Cesar Chavez (2014)
Based on the life of Cesar Chavez Labor Leader and co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW) the film devotes a lot of time to his work in the 1960’s and 70’s. 

Cart (2014)
The employees of a big box store unionize when the management start to lay off workers and forcing employees to deal with short staffing. 

Bread and Roses (2000)
Two sisters Maya and Rosa work as janitors and maids for a non-union company in Los Angeles, CA. When The Service-workers Union sends an organizer Sam Shapiro; conflict rises as management and employees fight for what they want. 

Harlan County War (2000)
Based on the Harlan County War in the 1930’s, A Kentucky woman with both her husband and Father hurt by the mines she joins the strikers in the long battle for better pay, working and living conditions.

The Simpsons: Last Exit To Springfield: Season 4; Episode 17 (1993)
When the dental plan is canceled by Mr. Burns to save money. Homer Simpson gets elected Union leader. As the leader of the union Homer leads a strike to get the dental plan back and other union goals. 

Germinal (1993)
Set in France during the 19^th century the miners of a town strike for better conditions. The aristocrats make moves to end the strike by any means necessary.  

Daens (1992)
Based on the book Pieter Daens by Louis Paul Boon [First Published in 1971]. Catholic Priest is sent to Aalst where he finds the working conditions at the major employer a textile factory deplorable, he works to help the poor going against the rich and powerful in society and the Catholic Church. 

Hoffa (1992)
Based on the life of Jimmy Hoffa a labor Union leader that had success in creating a successful and powerful labor union and got involved with organized crime before disappearing in 1972.  

Teamster Boss: The Jackie Presser Story (1992)
After Jimmy Hoffa disappears the top position of the Teamsters Union is vacant. Jackie Presser a long time official in the union takes over as union president. 

Newsies (1992/2017) 
A musical about New York City newsboy Strike of 1899, When the newspaper publishers increase the distribution price of the already under paid newsboys, the boys form a union to battle the increase and for better working conditions.

Matewan (1987)
Set in Matewan, West Virginia Joe Kenehan a union organizer arrives in Matewan to help the miners.  While the company brings in scabs and strike breakers and union busters to keep things as they are. This results in bloody violent clashes. This is later reviled to be one of the early events in the West Virginia Coal Wars.   

Act of Vengeance (1986)
Based on the book Act of Vengeance by Trevor Armbrister [First Published in 1980]. After an accident the killed 80 miners in West Virginia the president of the United Coal Miners Union sides with the companies. Joseph Yablonski puts in his bid to become the President in the 1969 elections. Making him a target for assignation.  

Armed and Dangerous (1986)
A former cop and lawyer join a security guard company. When the pair question the union and the company they are punished. They decide to investigate what is going on and end up making enemies of everyone.  

Gung Ho (1986) TV Series: Gung Ho (1986-1987)
After the main employer a car company Hadleyville, Pennsylvania shuts down former foreman Hunt Stevenson convinces a Japanese Car Company to buy and reopen the factory. Things are good until the Japanese Management and American culture clash. Causing frustration and friction on both sides resulting in a walk off. With the plant at risk of being shutting down again the town comes together to save the plant and find a way to resolve their differences. 

Silkwood (1983)
Based on Who Killed Karen Silkwood? by Howard Kohn [First Published in 1981]. Karen Silkwood is an employee at a Kerr-Magee Petroleum Plant. When working conditions become dangerous due to cost saving measures and forced overtime. Karen becomes a union activist and whistle blower. Until her death in a car crash.      

Norma Rae (1979)
Based on the true story textile worker and union organizer Crystal Lee Sutton. Norma Rae is an employee at a cotton mill that has poor and dangerous working conditions. Norma tries to unsuccessfully improve working conditions. When union organizer   Sonny Webster comes to create a union, Norma Rae devotes herself to the creation of the union. Resulting in angering her employers and alienating her friends and family she will not stop until a union is created. 

F.I.S.T. (1978)
Set in the 1930’s Johnny Kovack is a dock worker in Cleveland, Ohio shows he is a charismatic man that can bring workers together. When he loses his job, he is recruited to work for a labor union. After being successful after violent clash with his former employer he rises up the ranks and becomes powerful target to be taken down by his enemies. 

Which Way is Up? (1977)
Orange picker Leroy Jones loses his job after getting involved in a labor action. So, he goes to LA where he gets more involved with the company that fired him and the union that got him fired.  

Why Rock The Boat? (1974)
Set in 1940 Harry Barnes becomes a reporter for The Daily Witness. As he learns on the job, he becomes interested in fellow reporter Julia Martin who is working to form a journalist union. 

Boxcar Bertha (1972)
Based on Sister of the Road by, Ben L. Reitman [First Published in 1937]. A union leader and a young woman start a war with the railroad bosses becoming criminals in the process.

The Molly Maguires (1970)
Based on the book Lament for the Molly Maguires, by Arthur H Lewis [First Published in 1964]. In 1876 a secret society of Irish Immigrant Miners fight against the mine owners Pennsylvania and other places fight for better working conditions with gun powder, sabotage, and the support of the poor. The mine owners hire the Pinkerton Detective Agency to stop the society. 

The Organizer (1963)
Set in Turan, Italy a labor union forms after an accident at a textile factory cripples a worker. While struggling to improve working conditions the union gets unexpected help from Professor Sinigaglia a union activist. He helps to organize the Union and to start a strike. 

The Big Operator (1959)
A union leader with criminal ties targets union members that can testify against him and the mob.  

I'm All Right Jack (1959)
Based on the novel Private Life by Alan Hackney [First Published in 1958]. Stanley Windrush has returned from WWII and has decided to go into business for his uncle's business. Starting at the bottom he is to work his way up. The owners and the labor union both try to use him for their own goals.  

Chicago Confidential (1957)
Based on the book Chicago Confidential by Jack Lait [First Published in 1950]. A criminal organization murder a union treasurer is killed and fellow union official Arthur Blane if framed for the crime. Blane and his Fiancé Laura Barton try to prove his innocence. 

The Garment Jungle (1957)
Set in New York garment works are struggling to unionize while the owners are doing everything possible to keep the unions out.  

Salt of the Earth (1954)
Based on a real miners’ strike in New Mexico, The workers and their families start a strike for better conditions.

On the Waterfront (1954) 
Terry Malloy an ex- professional boxer goes to work as a longshoreman in New Jersey. While running errands for a local union boss with organized crime connections Terry witnesses a murder of a union member.  Terry is caught between the mob, the union, and those opposed to the mob. 

Black Fury (1935)
Set in Pennsylvania Joe Radek a Slavic immigrant miner joins a labor dispute and helps start a strike. When strike busters end the strike, Joe takes things to the extreme. 

A look at Military Basic Training, Officer Candidate School, and or Advanced Training.

This is a look at going though Basic Training, Officer Candidate School, and or Advanced Training.

Annapolis (2006)
Jake Huard a boy from a poor family is accepted to the US Naval Academy. He is near the bottom of the class with grades and discipline but manages to improve and finish his first year. 

An Officer and a Gentleman (1982)
Zack Mayo has been accepted into the US Navy Aviation Officer Candidate School. Zack is cocky and looks out for himself first. As he goes through the training, he clashes with a Gunnery Sergeant; falls for a local girl and becomes an officer and a gentleman. 

Biloxi Blues (1988)
Set during the final years of WWII A group of young recruits is sent for boot camp training in Biloxi Mississippi based on the play Biloxi Blues by Neil Simon. 

The Boys in Company C (1978)
Set in 1967 five young men become friends as they begin marine boot camp together and are sent to fight in The Vietnam War.  

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Steve Rodgers a reject from the US Military participates in a super soldier experiment. By doing this he becomes Captain America and fights against the Red Skull and his organization during WWII. 

C.P.O. Sharkley (1976-1978)
Chief Petty Officer Otto Sharkley is a career Navy man stationed in at a training base in San Diego, CA. At the base he labors to train a company of recruits into professional sailors.

Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Inspired by the novel The Short Timers by Gustav Hasford [First Published in 1979] The film James T Davis aka Joker going through Marine basic training at Paris Island South Carolina under Drill Instructor Gunnery Sergeant Hartman. After training the story continues with Private Joker (Davis) becomes a military journalist and sees various action in Vietnam.

Glory (1989)
Based on the true story of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and the Massachusetts one of the first black company of soldiers in the US Army. Colonel Shaw trains a group of black volunteers from civilians to professional soldiers in their first battle during the US Civil War. 

The Guardian (2006) 
Fictional story about the US Coast Guard: Search and Rescue training. Experienced sailor Ben Randall is tasked with training class of rescue swimmers including Jack Fisher a young hot shot rookie into a professional Sailor and rescue swimmers.

Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Based on the true story of Medal of Honor recipient Desmond T Doss an army medic. It shows the challenges he faced for keeping his vow to never using a weapon, going through basic training and how he pulled at least 75 men to safety in one of the bloodiest battlefields in WWII. 

Heartbreak Ridge (1986)
Set in 1983 Gunnery Sergeant Thomas Highway in the US Marine Corp is assigned to Cherry Point North Carolina to train a reconnaissance platoon. Once there finds the platoon not fighting ready, as well as clashing with a Major Powers who sees him as old fashioned. Things change when the US goes to war with Grenada. 

In The Army Now (1994)
Two best friends enlist in the US Army Reserves for some extra money and the one weekend a month two weeks a year commitment. They two of them complete boot camp and then their MOS training and are ready to go back to regular life only to be called to active service in a foreign country. 

Legionnaire (1998) 
Set in 1925 Alain Lefevre a professional boxer gets in to trouble with the mob and joins the French Foreign Legion as a way to escape. He goes through training, bonds with his fellow Legionnaires and is sent to Morocco. While he is going through this the mob learns of his whereabouts, they send men to kill him. So, he has to face danger from within and without. 

Mulan (1998) (2020)
Inspired by the Chinese myth when the Emperor of China calls conscripts an army that would require her father or another male from the family. Mulan disguises herself as a boy and fills the Emperor’s requirement. Goes to boot camp and helps defeat the Hun invaders. 

The Navy Way (1944) 
A group of recruits and how they to go through the US Navy BootCamp. 

Our Girl (2013-2020)
In the first season Molly Dawes joins the British Army as a medic. She goes through training and sees action overseas in Afghanistan. The later season focus on a different medic different medic and her tours, missions and adventures in different parts of the world. 

Private Benjerman (1980)
After, Judy Benjerman's husband dies, she hears a recruitment pitch from an army recruiter and decides to enlist. She faces struggles through boot camp and has a promising career ahead of her until while serving overseas she gets romantically involved with a communist. 

Private Valentine: Blonde and Dangerous (2008)
Megan Valentine is a movie star that is limited in her roles and is having trouble with her career. She ends up enlisting in the US Army. She gets through basic and creates new opportunities for her career.

Renaissance Man (1994)
Businessman Bill Rago is in need of money takes a job as a teacher for the US Army. His assignment is to teach under achieving recruits pass basic and become soldiers.

Starship Troopers (1997)
Inspired by the novel Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein [First Published in 1959] Set in the 23^rd Century this is a Propaganda film about wealthy Johnny Rico as he joins the military for a girl goes through boot-camp to be a Mobil Infantryman and works his way up the ranks enlisted to officer as he fights in or is linked to the most important events and battles during the Earth Arachnid War. 

Strips (1981)
Two out of shape friends with bad jobs and no girlfriends decide to enlist in the US Army. They are laced in a platoon of other less than ideal recruits. When their Drill Sergeant is incapacitated, the guys pull together graduate and are sent on an overseas mission. Where they get involved in an international incident, they become heroes. 

There's Something About a Solider (1943)
Five soldiers from different backgrounds go to Camp Davis, North Carolina for Officers Candidates School compete with each other for command slots and for the local girls.

Tigerland (2000)
Set in 1971 a group of recruits is sent to Fort Polk, Louisiana for Advanced Infantry training before going to Vietnam. 

Ten Gentlemen From West Point (1942)
Set in the early 19^th Century Congress is debating on closing the academy; they decide to have it a one-year trail. When war breaks out the Cadets prove themselves and their worth. 

Top Gun (1986)
US Navy Lieutenant Pete "Maverick" Mitchell is a daredevil Ace Fighter pilot that gets a place in the Top Gun School. There he works to be the best of the best, out do his father, and overcome personal tragedy after his best friend dies in an accident. 

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Set 30 years after the events of the first film Pete "Maverick" Mitchell is now a Captain. When he is assigned to train a group of the pilots that the US Navy and Top Gun have to offer on what may be a suicide mission into enemy territory. As he does this, he faces mistakes and demons from his past to get his students back home.  

Yomigaeru Sora - Rescue Wings (2006) 
An anime series of the search and rescue wing of the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) Through the eyes of a young helicopter pilot new to the unit.