Love, humor, mystery, horror and redemption are core genres that transcend time and location and provide endless storylines and entertainment. 

They’re at the heart of five of the most recognized, beloved and frequently adapted stories: “Sherlock Holmes,” “Dracula,” “A Christmas Carol,” “Frankenstein” and “Pride and Prejudice.” These are classic tales with unforgettable protagonists and antagonists. 

Each has endured through two centuries, inspiring adaptations to screen—some faithful to the authors’ works, others reimagined. 

‘Sherlock Holmes’

When we think about famous fictional detectives, one name is nearly universally recognized—Sherlock Holmes.

The character Sherlock Holmes was created by British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who wrote four novels and dozens of short stories featuring the fictional London detective between 1887 and 1927. Sherlock Holmes is the most portrayed literary human in film and television, having been portrayed 254 times on screen.

The BBC series “Sherlock” (2010–2017), starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson, is set in present-day London.  

Guy Ritchie’s films “Sherlock Holmes” (2009) and “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” (2011), starred Robert Downey Jr. as Holmes and Jude Law as Watson. The films are set in the late 19^th century and offer an action-packed, humorous take on the British detectives.

‘Dracula’

The lore of the vampire has been found throughout history, but it was Irish writer Bram Stoker who gave us the archetype we know today with his 1897 gothic horror novel, “Dracula.” Count Dracula travels from Transylvania to England, terrorizes a town and gets hunted down. The story continues to inspire new interpretations.

While vampire depictions are pervasive in entertainment, Dracula is the most recognized figure. Dracula is the most portrayed literary character in film, appearing at least 538 times on screen. The latest film adaptation, directed by Luc Besson, just hit theaters on February 6.

“Bram Stoker’s Dracula” (1992), directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Gary Oldman as Count Dracula, is mostly a faithful adaptation of the novel. It won three Academy Awards.

Earlier adaptations like “Dracula” (1931), starring Bela Lugosi, and the unauthorized German silent film “Nosferatu” (1922) are known for their influence on the horror film genre.

‘A Christmas Carol’

Charles Dickens is one of the greatest English Victorian-era authors, having written novels with unforgettable characters. One of his best-known tales is both a ghost story and a Christmas story.

“A Christmas Carol” tells the story of a cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future and shown the true meaning of Christmas.

“Scrooge” (1951), starring Alastair Sim, is one of the most faithful adaptations, while “A Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992)—a musical—is equal parts funny and tender while remaining faithful to the story.  

“Scrooged” (1988), starring Bill Murray, reimagines the tale in a 1980s setting.  Murray stars as a New York City TV executive charged with ensuring the success of the global live airing of a TV adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” on Christmas Eve.  

‘Frankenstein’

English author Mary Shelley started writing “Frankenstein” when she was just 18 years old. First published in 1818, the novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who brings a creature to life—and then abandons it.

Although the creature is commonly referred to as “Frankenstein,” the name belongs to the scientist, who could arguably be considered the novel’s true monster.

The 1931 film “Frankenstein,” starring Boris Karloff, created the iconic image of the monster still associated with the story today. 

“Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein” (1994), directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh as Victor Frankenstein and Robert De Niro as the Creation, is a very faithful adaptation of the novel. The biggest departure from the novel is when Victor tries to resurrect Elizabeth — and it doesn’t end well.

Guillermo Del Toro’s “Frankenstein” (2025) portrays the creature as a victim of circumstance rather than a simple villain. It received nine Academy Award nominations.

‘Pride and Prejudice’

English author Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” published in 1813, centers around Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, whose pride (his) and prejudice (hers) initially prevent them from seeing each other’s virtues. The pair overcome their own impressions of each other and find that they’re a good match.

BBC1’s “Pride and Prejudice” (1995), starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, is a faithful adaptation of the novel—even using Austen’s direct dialogue throughout the show. The show elevated Colin Firth (and his wet shirt) to stardom.

Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen star in 2005’s “Pride and Prejudice,” which is widely considered a more romantic but condensed adaptation of Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship.  

“Bridget Jones’s Diary” (2001) is a loose modern adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” starring Renee Zellweger as Bridget Jones. Firth again portrays the Darcy character, this time Mark Darcy, a childhood friend of the family. The film has three sequels.

About the writer

Beth Rementer has more than 20 years of experience as a communications professional. She lives in Central Pennsylvania and is the proud mom of teenage twin boys. She enjoys reading, writing, running, golfing and volunteering with the Special Olympics. Her all-time favorite story is “A Christmas Carol,” which she reads every December.