Filmography › Spike Jonze

All the book-based movies and TV shows adapted by Spike Jonze, ranked

Spike Jonze, known for works such as Adaptation. or Beastie Boys Story, 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 3 Spike Jonze 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.
Adaptation.. Poster of the 2002 movie and cover of the 1998 book, The Orchid Thief
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The Orchid Thief
Susan Orlean, 1998
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Adaptation.
Spike Jonze, 2002

The self-loathing Charlie Kaufman is hired to write the screenplay adaptation of Susan Orlean’s The Orchid Thief. Too shy and socially awkward to speak with her upon arriving at her office and after he received the surprising news that Donald’s spec script for a cliché psychological thriller, The 3, is selling for six or seven figures, Charlie resorts to attending McKee’s seminar in New York and asks him for advice.

Beastie Boys Story. Poster of the 2020 movie and cover of the 2018 book, Beastie Boys Book
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Beastie Boys Book
Michael Diamond, 2018
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Beastie Boys Story
Spike Jonze, 2020

Michael Diamond and Adam Horovitz share the story of the band, Beastie Boys, and 40 years of friendship in a live documentary experience directed by friend and collaborator, Spike Jonze.

Where the Wild Things Are. Poster of the 2009 movie and cover of the 1963 book
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Where the Wild Things Are
Maurice Sendak, 1963
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Where the Wild Things Are
Spike Jonze, 2009

Max, a lonely pre-teen boy with an active imagination whose parents are divorced, is wearing a wolf costume and chasing his dog. His older sister, Claire, does nothing when her friends crush Max’s snow fort with him inside during a snowball fight. Out of frustration, Max messes up her bedroom and destroys a frame he made for her.