Ranking Every Hannibal Adaptation Worst To Best

The Silence of the Lambs was the second film to be made in the series following 1986's Manhunter. It was based on the 1988 novel of the same name and featured the first time Hopkins took on the role that would forever associate him with "fava beans and a nice chianti."

The film follows a similar structure as Manhunter in that it involves a working association between a psychopath, Hannibal Lecter, and a Special Agent of the FBI, Clarice Starling, who are working together to track down a serial killer. In this film, the monster they are hunting is known only as Buffalo Bill and his signature is the removal of his victims' skin.

The Silence of the Lambs was one of the most successful films ever made in its genre and the only horror movie to win the coveted Academy Award for Best Picture. It also won Best Director, Actor, Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

The film is regularly cited as one of the most important and best films of all time. It was selected for preservation by the National Film Registry in 2011 and holds a rating of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. It is, by many accounts, the greatest adaptation of Harris' work and its success led to every adaptation on list list with the exception of its predecessor.

The Silence of the Lambs was the obvious choice for number one on this list simply because it's the film that truly solidified Hannibal Lecter as a movie monster. He may not be like Freddy Kreuger, but that's why he is so compelling. Everything about him could be real, which is what makes him so frightening and he was so perfectly played by Anthony Hopkins, many might find being in the same room with the actor more than a little intimidating.