Victor Hugo’s timeless novel Les Misérables has been adapted into numerous films over the years, each with its unique take on the classic story. Despite the popularity of the stage musical, the majority of Les Misérables films adapt the novel and do not feature sung dialogue. This comprehensive look at the novel’s film adaptations presents a ranking of 10 notable adaptations, from lowest to highest, based on their IMDb score.
At the bottom of the list is the 1952 adaptation, which feels rushed and omits significant parts of the story. The 1982 adaptation is an epic three-hour film that keeps the core story intact, but is notable for making some of the death scenes occur earlier in the plot than usual. The 1978 adaptation is a TV production that stars Anthony Perkins as Inspector Javert, making for a unique take on the character.
The 1958 and 1998 adaptations are both notable for their epic length, with the former being a French production that is three hours and 40 minutes long, and the latter being a shorter, 134-minute film that uses its budget to give the story an epic feel. The 1995 adaptation is a French production that sets the story in the 20th century and follows an aging man who sees parallels between the novel and his own life.
A Still From Les Misérables Movie (Photo: Les Misérables)
The 2012 adaptation is notable for being an adaptation of the stage musical, with all the characters singing instead of talking. While some of the music works well, some of it does not, and the film’s unusual camera work and editing can be distracting. The 2018-2019 miniseries adaptation is a four-part, 90-minute production that tells the same story as the novel, but with a strong ensemble cast.
The top three adaptations are highly regarded for their powerful storytelling and strong performances. The 1935 adaptation, starring Charles Laughton as Javert, is notable for its efficient condensing of the story into a 108-minute runtime. The 1934 adaptation is a towering achievement of early non-silent filmmaking, with powerful acting and visuals that give the story a visceral feel. Finally, the 2019 miniseries adaptation is a standout for its strong cast and epic storytelling.
