25 book adaptations that surprisingly lived up to the books they’re based on

The Maze Runner

Though it pains most book lovers to admit it, sometimes the movie is actually better than the book. Such is the case with The Maze Runner, which has an interesting premise that’s taken to the next level with its film adaptation. Though the plot of the movie doesn’t differ much from that of James Dashner’s original story, the film manages to bring Dashner’s novel to life in ways that mere descriptions simply couldn’t have.

To begin with, the maze itself benefits from being given a physical form, as it isn’t always easy to picture in the novel. The film gives readers a visual to associate the maze with, and it also expands upon the different traps and threats scattered throughout the maze. Though the maze accounts for a major part of the story in both formats, its presence feels more consequential in the film. WICKED, the organization behind the maze, also comes off as more fleshed out.

The adaptation of The Maze Runner also brings Dashner’s side characters to the forefront. While Thomas is still clearly the focal point of the story, his friends and enemies feel less like peripheral characters in the film. This could simply be the result of casting talent like Kaya Rose Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, and Will Poulter in the roles, but it also might be due to the amount of depth given to the plot and characters over the course of the film trilogy. And while fans didn’t necessarily need more reason to root for Thomas, casting Dylan O’Brien as the lead certainly didn’t hurt.