Discovering movies based on beloved books is a joy for movie lovers. Rotten Tomatoes, a trusted source for film ratings, provided data on the highest-rated movies of 2023 that originated from captivating literary works.

1. Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret

11-year-old Margaret Simon and her family moved to the suburbs from the city in the 1970s. Margaret figures out her religion, exploring Jewish and Christian traditions and dealing with the challenges of growing up. The Tomatometer and Audience Score reveal a rating above 95%. This movie adaptation is a must-watch for fans of Judy Blume's works. 

2. BlackBerry

"BlackBerry," directed by Matt Johnson, narrates the story of friends Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie, who invented the first smartphone. The film does not hold back when displaying the difficulties and setbacks other Silicon Valley tales frequently omit. Critics praise the realistic and funny performances of Jay Baruchel and Glenn Howerton as BlackBerry's leaders. The film brings humor to the struggles of starting a tech company, making it different from typical startup stories. The Tomatometer Score reveals a rating of 98%. 

3. All of Us Strangers

"All of Us Strangers," based on Tachi Yamada's novel "Strangers," has been made into a movie called "The Discarnates." Now, in 2023, Andrew Haigh directs a new version. Starring Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal as neighbors Adam and Harry, the film explores their growing attraction and dives into surreal themes of past traumas and relationships. Haigh's script keeps the audience hooked, and the movie surprises with a twist at the end, setting it apart from similar films. Unlike the horror of the previous adaptation, this one becomes a romantic fantasy. Scott and Mescal deliver outstanding performances, bringing alive the intimate chemistry between Adam and Harry. Rotten Tomatoes rated the film 95%. 

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4. How to Blow Up a Pipeline

The story follows environmentalists uniting to destroy an oil pipeline in Texas. Viewers and some critics on Rotten Tomatoes praise the interesting characters, fast-paced plot, and intense action scenes. The non-linear story structure adds urgency, and the characters, like Xochitl, played by Ariela Barer, have intricate backgrounds connected to their mission. Barer's emotional performance highlights the impact of climate change. While different from the book, the movie sheds light on the importance of addressing climate issues.

5. Poor Things

Based on Alasdair James Gray's book, the story follows Dr. Godwin Baxter, who brings a young woman, Bella, back to life by implanting a baby's brain into her body. Despite differences from the book, the film captures Gray's eccentric creativity. Bella, portrayed by Emma Stone, evolves from an infant to a self-discovering woman with humor and quirks at each life stage. With a touch of Pygmalion and Frankenstein, the movie stands out with its unique twist, and Stone's performance earned her a Golden Globe. The film's visuals, set design, costumes, and Robby Ryan's cinematography bring Bella's world to life. Rotten Tomatoes rated the film 94%. 

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