9 Movies That Succeeded By Ignoring The Source Material

Released seven years after the original Roald Dahl novel, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory stands as an immensely popular adaptation that's still played on repeat nearly forty years after its release.

Much of its success comes from its charming tone and characters, which made it a brilliant family flick that anyone could enjoy. While the film achieved its success, Dahl openly disowned the film, feeling it violated his original vision. The author was himself attached to write the screenplay, but his work was overwritten by David Seltzer after he failed to meet deadlines.

As a result, a fair few details were added; such as the fizzy drink lifting scene and recasting rival candy maker Slugworth as a villain. By taking many liberties with Roald Dahl's story, Willy Wonka - as opposed to Charlie - formed its own classic identity. Gene Wilder's unforgettable performance as the titular candy man was arguably its finest element, his method-based acting making a strong impression from the moment he walked into frame.

The film's success was shown most greatly when Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory released many decades later in 2005. That version went closer to the book, but didn't make nearly as much of an impression on viewers.