Now be honest: How many times, after talking to your friends about your favorite movie or tv show, have you heard them say, "the book was better"? Well, this trope is definitely not the case!
Better Adapted is a trope that refers to adaptations of a particular work that are considered to be more successful or faithful to the source material than previous adaptations. It highlights cases where an adaptation effectively captures the essence of the original work and translates it into a new medium with skill and fidelity.
This trope recognizes that not all adaptations are created equal and that some adaptations excel in capturing the core elements of the source material. These adaptations often receive praise for their ability to preserve important themes, characters, and plot elements, while also making necessary adjustments for the new medium. They may feature improvements in areas such as casting, scriptwriting, visual design, or overall execution, resulting in a more compelling and faithful adaptation.
Examples of Better Adapted adaptations can include films, TV shows, stage productions, or even video game adaptations that are widely regarded as superior to previous attempts. These adaptations may resonate more with audiences and fans of the original work due to their ability to faithfully capture its spirit and effectively convey its story and themes.
It's important to note that the perception of an adaptation as "Better Adapted" can vary among individuals, and there may be differing opinions on which adaptation is the most faithful or successful. Nonetheless, this trope acknowledges the appreciation for adaptations that are considered to have achieved a higher level of fidelity and quality when compared to previous adaptations of the same source material.
See also: Adaptation Distillation, Adaptation Expansion, Fridge Brilliance, Adaptation Decay, Adaptation-Induced Plot Hole. For fan works, see Better Than Canon.
