Sci-Fi Movies & TV Shows Based on Classic Literature

Science Fiction movies and TV rely on epic stories full of memorable characters and fantastic plots. You might call it the epic high of sci-fi. This fantastic storytelling isn't only entertaining, but above all it lays a foundation of the "what if" kind of tale sci-fi excels in, and it's why science fiction lovers keep coming back for more. What better way to ensure a dramatic yarn for a sci-fi movie, or television show, than to base it on classic literature, which loyally earned fans over decades, or even centuries.

Forbidden Planet (1956) - The Tempest (William Shakespeare)

The incredibly efficient Robby The Robot is a high tech toy William Shakespeare could never have imagined, yet the Bard's tale serves as basis for this classic starring Walter Pidgeon, Leslie Nielsen, and my favorite robot of all time, the synthetic, marvel man Robby.

Shakespeare wrote his magically infused play about 1610. It details exploits of magician Prospero, and his beautiful daughter Miranda, as they struggle to survive after being banished to an island. In the sci-fi version, directed by Fred M. Wilcox, Professor Morbius (Walter Pidgeon) and his daughter Altaira (Anne Francis) are the sole survivors of a scientific expedition. The others were all slaughtered by a mysterious force, and now it's up to Commander Adams (Leslie Nielsen) and his spaceship's crew to solve the baffling, deadly riddle. The movie is notable as the first to have a completely electronic music score for the soundtrack.

Robinson Crusoe On Mars (1964) - Robinson Crusoe (Daniel Defoe)

Two years after appearing here, Adam West would star on TV, as the caped crusader in Batman. In this sci-fi adventure, he doesn't have much screen time, but his presence looms over the movie throughout. Leading actor Paul Mantee carries the flick, along with adorable monkey Mona, and Victor Lundin.

Robinson Crusoe, published as a novel by Daniel Defoe in 1719, tells of the title character enduring hardships of being shipwrecked and isolated from humanity for 28 years. In the sci-fi film version, Commander Draper (Paul Mantee) struggles similarly, while also solving problems of an alien world whose atmosphere is basically inhabitable to humans. Directed by Byron Haskin, who helmed the classic original War of the Worlds, it boasts still eye popping special effects, and a real sense of adventure, whimsy and organic humor, which is sadly missing in many modern sci-fi productions.

Lost In Space (1965) - The Swiss Family Robinson (Johann David Wyss)

Danger, danger Will Robinson! This Irwin Allen created TV show is based on the novel The Swiss Family Robinson, published in 1812. Written by pastor Johann David Wyss to teach his sons family values and independence, the book has seen many filmed incarnations.

When TV viewers saw the exploits of the Robinson clan, along with the flamboyant Dr. Smith (Jonathan Harris), they were dazzled by weird planets, aliens, and most of all by the helpful robot. In 1998, a big budget feature film was released inspired by the show, with Gary Oldman playing the always scheming, always cowardly Dr. Zachary Smith.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakespeare_on_screen#The_Tempest

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robinson_Crusoe_on_Mars

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_in_Space

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robinson_Crusoe