Dive into a world where words have power and ideas are challenged. Long before public libraries became common, books were being banned for their content—ranging from the provocative to the revolutionary. Today, while many of these literary works are readily available, they still face censorship in certain communities. From classics like George Orwell’s “1984” to contemporary gems like Angie Thomas’s “The Hate U Give,” these stories have sparked conversations and controversies. Delve into our curated list of “25 Banned Books That You Can Watch as a Movie” to explore the narratives that have challenged norms and inspired change.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969) by Maya Angelou
This powerful memoir details Angelou’s experiences of racism and sexual abuse. The film adaptation stars Oprah Winfrey as an adult Angelou who reflects on her childhood experiences.
The Color Purple (1982) by Alice Walker
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the story of Celie, a black woman who is abused by the men in her life. The film adaptation stars Whoopi Goldberg as Celie, a woman who finds strength and courage in the face of adversity.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham (1995) by Christopher Paul Curtis
This children’s historical novel follows a Black family on a road trip to Birmingham, Alabama during the Civil Rights Movement. There is a 2013 television movie adaptation of the same name.
Their Eyes Were Watching God
The novel faced challenges for its frank portrayal of sexuality, exploration of gender roles that defied expectations, and its depiction of race and social issues in the early 20th century America. There is a 2005 film adaptation starring Halle Berry as Janie Crawford.
The Hate You Give
The Hate U Give (2017) by Angie Thomas: This novel was banned for its profanity, violence, and portrayal of racism. The film adaptation stars Amandla Stenberg as Starr Carter, a teenager who witnesses the fatal shooting of her unarmed friend by a police officer.
Beloved
Beloved (1987) by Toni Morrison: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel was banned for its graphic portrayal of violence and its exploration of slavery. The film adaptation stars Oprah Winfrey as Sethe, a former slave who is haunted by the ghost of her dead child.
The Hunger Games
While not typically banned, “The Hunger Games” has faced criticism for its violence and dark themes, especially considering its young adult audience. The book and subsequent film adaptations, The Hunger Games (2012), Catching Fire (2013), and Mockingjay (2014), have sparked discussions about power, society, and resistance, making it a notable series in both literature and film.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
The Autobiography of Malcolm X (1965) by Malcolm X and Alex Haley: Banned or challenged due to its controversial themes and discussions on race and activism. The film adaptation, Malcolm X (1992), directed by Spike Lee, brings this powerful narrative to life, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of Malcolm X.
Caste (2020) by Isabel Wilkerson
While not a widespread banning, but challenged in some areas for its critical exploration of caste systems in societies, including the United States. Ava DuVernay adapted a masterful version of this book into a film starring Aunjanue Ellis as the lead character.
Hair Love (2019) by Matthew A. Cherry
Is banned in some parts of the country. The animated short film adaptation, Hair Love (2019), beautifully portrays a father-daughter story celebrating black hair and love.
The 1619 Project (2019) by Nikole Hannah-Jones and The New York Times Magazine
Not a traditional book but faced controversy for its reexamination of American history from the perspective of enslaved Africans. No film adaptation exists, but it has sparked important discussions on race and history.
Native Son (1940) by Richard Wright
Initially banned due to its portrayal of racial tensions and violence, it later became a classic in African American literature. This powerful novel explores racism and social injustice in America through the story of Bigger Thomas, a young Black man. There have been three film adaptations: one in 1939, another in 1957, and another in 2019.
A Lesson Before Dying (1983) by Ernest J. Gaines
It’s challenged for its profanity and its portrayal of racism in the American South. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the story of Jefferson, a Black man wrongly convicted of murder. There is a television movie adaptation of the same name (1999).
On the Come Up (2019) by Angie Thomas
Like her first book, ‘The Hate U Give’, this was also was challenged for its profanity, violence, and drug references. This young adult novel follows a teenage girl in poverty who dreams of becoming a rap star.
Monster (Myers novel)
This young adult novel has been challenged for its portrayal of violence and criminal behavior. It follows the story of Steve Harmon, a 16-year-old Black male on trial for murder.
Monster has been adapted into a film of the same name directed by Anthony Mandler. It premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival before heading to Netflix in 2021. It starred Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jeffrey Wright, Jennifer Hudson and more.
I Am Not Your Negro (2014) by James Baldwin
This nonfiction book is an unfinished manuscript by James Baldwin. There isn’t a direct adaptation, but the documentary I Am Not Your Negro (2016) uses Baldwin’s words and letters to explore race in America.
To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) by Harper Lee: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel was banned for its portrayal of racism and injustice in the Deep South. The film adaptation stars Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, a lawyer who defends a black man wrongly accused of rape.
Farenheit 451
Fahrenheit 451 (1953) by Ray Bradbury: This dystopian novel depicts a future world in which books are outlawed and firemen burn them. The film adaptation stars Oskar Werner as Montag, a fireman who begins to question the society in which he lives.
1984
1984 (1949) by George Orwell: This dystopian novel depicts a future world in which the government controls every aspect of people’s lives. The film adaptation stars John Hurt as Winston Smith, a man who rebels against the totalitarian government.
The Handmaid’s Tale
The Handmaid’s Tale (1985) by Margaret Atwood: This dystopian novel depicts a future world in which women are forced to become handmaids, who are enslaved to bear children for the ruling class. The film adaptation stars Natasha Richardson as Offred, a handmaid who rebels against the totalitarian government.