Pride and Prejudice, 2005
Book: Can love overcome pride and prejudice? It'll take some twists and turns and one awkward proposal but eventually Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett will find that they do belong with each other, despite that disastrous first meeting.
Movie: Jane Austen meets Brà¶nte in the Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen version…and it works! In the movie, you see Darcy's secret attraction and simmering passion for Lizzie (something you're never quite sure of in the book) in his longing looks and that almost-kiss.
Verdict: It depends. Darcy and Lizzie's courtship is subtler in the book–will they or won't they? Oh, you know they will but it's hardly ever spelled out for you. If subtle is too subtle for you, watch the movie instead.

Lord of the Rings series, 2001, 2002, 2003

Books: Frodo Baggins' life as an unassuming hobbit changes when he is tasked to destroy the One Ring before the evil and powerful Sauron gets a hold of it.
Movies: It must have been quite an ordeal to translate Tolkien's world to the big screen. Kudos to director Peter Jackson and his cast (Viggo Mortensen, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Liv Tyler, Ian McKellen, among others) for their passion and dedication.
Verdict: No disrespect to J.R.R. Tolkien, but the movie trumps the books. The books are excellent, but they require focus and determination. And the movies really do the books justice, condensing the tomes without shortchanging them. Plus, the special effects are nothing to sneeze at, either.