Why would I want to read a movie novelization for a movie I’ve already seen?

Even if you’ve already seen a particular movie, it can be fun to rediscover the same film through the written word. Most movie novelizations are faithful adaptations of the films they’re based on, but there are many that contain deleted or alternate scenes that may surprise and delight you.

Here are some of our favorite reasons for reading movie novelizations vs. watching movies:

• Deleted scenes. In the movie novel for The Goonies, there’s a rather raunchy scene involving leeches in the wishing well. We’ll just leave it at that. If you want to find out what happens next, read the book!
• Expanded back stories for characters. Did you know Peter Venkman grew up as a carnie? Thanks to the movie novelization of Ghostbusters, now you do!

• Different perspectives. For example, in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, not only is the story told from E.T’s perspective, but he also macks on Elliott’s mom, and we find out he’s made out of plants. Crazy!
• Different endings. And maybe, just maybe, you’re a Pretty in Pink fan who always wanted to see Duckie end up with Andie (instead of rich, conceited pretty-boy Blane). Thanks to this movie novelization, you’ll have that satisfaction.