Filmography › Ric Burns

All the book-based movies and TV shows adapted by Ric Burns, ranked

Ric Burns, known for works such as New York: A Documentary Film or Oliver Sacks: His Own Life, has adapted several stories from the pages of books and comic books to the screen.
Below, we present a ranked list, from best to worst, of 4 Ric Burns movies and TV series based on existing source material. Revisit old favorites or discover hidden gems, whether books or film productions. We invite you to watch, read, and vote for any title, joining the debate of whether the book or the movie is better.
The Civil War. Poster of the 1990 TV series and cover of the book novelization
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The Civil War: An Illustrated History
Geoffrey C. Ward, Ric Burns, Ken Burns, 1990
TV series vs book
The Civil War
Ken Burns, 1990

A thorough and authoritative account of the American Civil War, this production has garnered 40 major film and television awards, including two Emmys and two Grammys.

New York: A Documentary Film. Poster of the 1999 TV series and cover of the book novelization
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New York
Ric Burns, 1999
TV series vs book
New York: A Documentary Film
Ric Burns, 1999-

Delve into the rich history of New York City as a complex and dynamic metropolis that has uniquely contributed to shaping the nation and mirroring its ideals.

Oliver Sacks: His Own Life. Poster of the 2019 movie and cover of the 2001 book, Uncle Tungsten: Memories of a Chemical Boyhood
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Uncle Tungsten: Memories of a Chemical Boyhood
Oliver Sacks, 2001
movie vs book
Oliver Sacks: His Own Life
Ric Burns, 2019

In January 2015, a mere month after being given a terminal diagnosis, Oliver Sacks engaged in a series of recorded interviews within his New York City apartment. During these interviews, he candidly discussed his life, his professional endeavors, and his enduring fascination with the beauty of the natural world.

Oliver Sacks: His Own Life. Poster of the 2019 movie and cover of the 2015 book, On the Move: A Life
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On the Move: A Life
Oliver Sacks, 2015
movie vs book
Oliver Sacks: His Own Life
Ric Burns, 2019

In January 2015, a mere month after being given a terminal diagnosis, Oliver Sacks engaged in a series of recorded interviews within his New York City apartment. During these interviews, he candidly discussed his life, his professional endeavors, and his enduring fascination with the beauty of the natural world.