As a screenwriter, playwright and author, Moira Buffini knows a thing or two about film adaptations. Here are her favorites.

Queen, King, Ace, Spy by John Le Carré

Le Carré’s dysfunctional and desperately lonely spies are beautifully brought to life in Bridget O’Connor and Peter Straughan’s brilliant screenplay.

The Hunger Games and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

These are such good big budget action films that manage to stay true to Suzanne Collins’ blockbuster books while still being intimate and very moving. Kudos to all the screenwriters and to Jennifer Lawrence for her amazing lead performance.

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In the moonlight, black boys look blue by Tarell Alvin McCraney

The script of Moonlight was written by Barry Jenkins and is based on McCraney’s semi-autobiographical play. You’d think adapting plays would be easy, but it’s really hard. This is a near-perfect work of great humanity.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Austen’s novel in its best adaptation by Deborah Moggach, directed by Joe Wright. An absolutely perfect production. My favourite film when I need chips on the sofa and a sunny day.