Graphic novels are well suited to the screen. These are already visual narratives, even laid out like frames in a storyboard. As a result, some of the most successful films of the last two decades have been based on comics. However, films based on graphic novels go way beyond just Marvel and DC. Some of the best graphic novels don’t have superheroes at all.

In fact, there are some amazing graphic novel-turned-movies that take place entirely in the real world, such as Marjan SatrapiX Persepolis And Harvey PekarX american splendor. These creators are pushing the boundaries of media as well as creating compelling stories that lend themselves well to feature films.

10 ‘Ghost World’ (2001)

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IMDb rating: 7.3/10

ghost world it’s a comedy-drama directed by Terry Zwigoffbased on a comic Daniel Close. Enid (Thora Burch) and Rebecca (Scarlett Johansson), are best friends, but have different outlooks on life. Enid is a sarcastic and rebellious outsider who struggles to find her place in the world, while Rebecca is more practical and conformist.

As they go through their last summer before going to college, they meet a variety of eccentric characters, including a lone record collector played by Steve Buscemi. ghost world it’s a witty and poignant coming-of-age story with a killer cast that more than lives up to the source material.

9 ‘American Splendor’ (2003)

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IMDb rating: 7.4/10

american splendor comedy-drama based on the autobiographical comic book by Harvey Pekar. Paul Giamatti plays Pekar, a clerk and comic book writer who chronicles his mundane life in a series of underground comics. It is a mix of documentary and fiction, with Pekar himself appearing throughout the film to provide commentary and ideas.

The film was praised for its inventive style, combining animation and live action. Viewers also praised Jamiatti’s gritty portrayal of a man trying to find meaning in his daily existence. The result is a touching and original film about the power of storytelling and the importance of finding beauty in the ordinary.

8 “History of Violence” (2005)

History of violence

IMDb rating: 7.4/10

This thriller is from the director David Cronenberg is an adaptation of the 1997 graphic novel John Wagner And Vince Lock. The film tells the story of Tom Stoll (Viggo Mortensen), a mild-mannered family man living in a small Indiana town who becomes a local hero after he foils a robbery at his diner. However, Tom’s newfound fame draws unwanted attention from the mob, who believe he is a former hitman named Joey Cusack. Tom is forced to confront his former life and protect his family from the danger that surrounds him.

It is an intense exploration of personality, violence, and the consequences of our actions. Mortensen delivers a powerful, believable performance. He will collaborate with Cronenberg again in Eastern Promises And Crimes of the futurebut this may be their most stressful project yet.

7 “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” (2010)

Scott holding a flaming sword after leveling up

IMDb score: 7.5/10

Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth WinsteadAnd Kieran Culkin lead this contagious Edgar Wright adaptation Brian Lee O’Malley graphic novel. Cera plays the eponymous slacker and bass player who falls in love with Ramona Flowers, a mysterious girl who has seven evil exes he must defeat in order to win her heart.

It’s a visually stunning and highly stylized homage to video games and comics, with inventive battle scenes and colorful visuals that capture the spirit of the source material. Cera’s performance as Scott is both hilarious and endearing, while Culkin hints at the comedic chops he’ll reveal later. succession. Although not a box office success, Scott Pilgrim vs the World rightfully deserved a cult following.

6 ‘300’ (2006)

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IMDB score: 7.6/10

“This is Sparta!”300 was one of the most colorful historical epics of the 2000s. Based Frank MillerThis is a graphic novel about the Battle of Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and about 300 Spartan warriors fought to the death against the Persian army led by Xerxes. Director Zack Snyder conveys the graphic novel aesthetic with a unique color palette and stylized violence.

Gerard Butler’his performance as Leonidas is domineering and powerful, while Lena Headey gives depth to the character of Queen Gorgo. This is an interesting parallel to her role as Cersei in Game of Thrones. The film had a major impact on the action film genre, including the spread of the “slow motion” technique used in action scenes.

5 “Blue is the warmest color” (2013)

blue is the warmest color

IMDb rating: 7.7/10

Blue is the warmest color famous French coming-of-age drama Abdellatif Kechiche. It explores a romantic relationship between two young women, Adele (Adele Exarchopoulos) and Emma (Lea Seydoux) for several years. It is based on the 2010 graphic novel Jule Maro.

The film’s explicit sex scenes and portrayal of lesbian relationships have generated some controversy, but its intimate portrayal of young love and self-discovery has also received numerous accolades, including the Palme d’Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.

4 “Road to Perdition” (2003)

road to death

IMDb rating: 7.7/10

Road to perdition director’s crime drama Sam Mendes. Tom Hanks plays Michael Sullivan, an assassin for Irish-American mob boss John Rooney, played by Paul Newman. Set in the 1930s, the film follows Sullivan as he seeks revenge after the murder of his wife and youngest son.

Along with his surviving son, Michael Jr. (Tyler Hoechlin), they embark on a perilous journey, pursued by the crowd. The original graphic novel was written Max Allan Collinsand published by DC. The cinematography and cool performances emphasize the dark, gritty mood of the comics.

3 “Edge of Tomorrow” (2014)

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IMDb score: 7.9/10

Edge of Tomorrow is independence Day meets groundhog day. William Cage (English)Tom Cruise), a public relations officer, is embroiled in a war against an alien race known as the “Mimics”. After being killed in battle, Cage finds himself in a time loop, reliving the same day repeatedly. With the help of special forces soldier Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt), Cage learns to use his newfound abilities to strategize against the Mimics.

The film was adapted from a Japanese light novel. All you need is to kill To Hiroshi Sakurazaka. It’s a little goofy, but very entertaining, with impressive special effects and a unique storyline. Cruz and Blunt’s chemistry (especially their jokes) adds to the appeal.

2 ‘Persepolis’ (2007)

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IMDb rating: 8.0/10

Persepolis is an animated film directed by Marjan Satrapi.And Vincent Paronneau, based on the autobiographical graphic novel Satrapi. It depicts her experiences growing up in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution. She also spends some time living in Austria which gives her a unique perspective on her home country. It is both a coming-of-age story and a political commentary that explores the themes of identity, cultural clashes and the struggle for freedom. Marzhan voices Chiara MastroianniBye Catherine Deneuve her mother voices.

The animation style is unique and captivating, and very much in keeping with the graphic novel. It is a thought-provoking and emotional journey that provides insight into a part of the world and culture that is often misrepresented or misunderstood. This is especially true in light of the ongoing protests in Iran, especially by women.

1 ‘Oldboy’ (2003)

Oldboy (2003)

IMDb rating: 8.4/10

oldboy legendary South Korean neo-noir director Park Chan Wook. Choi Min-sik This is Oh Dae-soo, a man who was imprisoned for 15 years without explanation and then suddenly released. With the help of a young sushi chef (Kang Hye Jeong), Oh Dae-soo sets out to find his captor and unravel the mystery of his captivity.

It is based on a manga from the 90s. Garon Tsuchiya and illustrated Nobuaki Minegishi. Like the original, the film is a brutal tale of revenge and redemption, with a plot that has a few twists and turns. Choi Min Sik’s acting is outstanding, and Park Chang Wook’s visual style is memorable and handsome. Pak could have made better films with maid And The decision to leaveBut oldboy remains his most explosive project.