8 Sci-Fi Movies You Didn’t Know Were Based on Books

Think your favorite sci-fi flicks were original? Think again. These 8 movies were inspired by books—some barely recognizable!

1

I, Robot (2004)

Loosely based on Isaac Asimov’s short stories, the film adds action and conspiracy, straying far from the book’s philosophical tone.

2

World War Z (2013)

Max Brooks’ novel is a global oral history of a zombie apocalypse. The movie? A Brad Pitt-led action thriller with little resemblance.

3

The Lawnmower Man (1992)

Stephen King’s short story was about a killer gardener. The film? A VR experiment gone wrong. King even sued to remove his name!

4

Blade Runner (1982)

Based on Philip K. Dick’s *Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?*, the film is a noir masterpiece—but diverges in tone and plot.

5

The Running Man (1987)

Stephen King (as Richard Bachman) wrote a gritty dystopian novel. The movie turned it into an action-packed Schwarzenegger vehicle.

6

Minority Report (2002)

Another Philip K. Dick adaptation, the film expands a short story into a full-blown thriller with new characters and subplots.

7

Children of Men (2006)

Based on P.D. James’ novel, the film keeps the premise but shifts the tone to gritty realism and political commentary.

8

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

Inspired by Brian Aldiss’ short story *Supertoys Last All Summer Long*, Spielberg expanded it into a futuristic Pinocchio tale.