Where to start
The Picture of Dorian Gray
5 versions · originally a book, 1908
These works explore the destructive human obsession with vanity and the terrifying cost of preserving youth at the expense of one's soul.
✦ Most fans start here
The Picture of Dorian Gray (1908)
The original novel
✦ Start hereThe Picture of Dorian Gray
Oscar Wilde · Book · 1908
The Picture of Dorian Gray (1908) remains the quintessential source material, offering the definitive exploration of aestheticism and moral decay through the complex layers of Wilde's original prose and revisions.
1974 film
Phantom of the Paradise
Brian De Palma · Film · 1974
Phantom of the Paradise (1974) reinterprets the Faustian pact as a rock-and-roll tragedy, perfect for viewers seeking a stylistic, genre-bending musical that channels the novel's themes into a chaotic, creative obsession.
2009 film
Dorian Gray
Film · 2009
Dorian Gray (2009) provides a straightforward cinematic retelling of the classic narrative, best suited for audiences who prefer a literal visual adaptation of the protagonist's descent into hedonism and corruption.
2007 book
Dorian
Will Self · Book · 2007
Dorian (2007) reimagines Wilde's themes within the gritty, drug-fueled London art scene of the 1980s, offering a provocative, contemporary perspective for readers interested in how the original narrative survives radical reinvention.
Inspired by
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat · Film · 2024
The Substance (2024) is a visceral, modern body-horror take on the desire for eternal youth, ideal for those who want to see the novel's core concept pushed to its most extreme.
Common questions
Is The Picture of Dorian Gray a movie or a book?
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel published in 1908. While the original work is a book, the story has inspired several film adaptations, including the 1974 movie Phantom of the Paradise and the 2009 film titled Dorian Gray.
Are there modern films similar to The Picture of Dorian Gray?
Yes, themes found in The Picture of Dorian Gray are explored in contemporary cinema. For instance, the 2024 movie The Substance reflects on similar concepts of vanity and physical transformation that are central to the original 1908 novel.
Should I read the book before watching the 2009 Dorian Gray movie?
It is helpful to read the 1908 book The Picture of Dorian Gray before watching the 2009 film. Reading the original source material provides context for the narrative arc and character motivations that the movie adaptation interprets for the screen.
How does the 2007 book Dorian relate to The Picture of Dorian Gray?
The 2007 book Dorian is a modern reimagining that draws inspiration from the classic 1908 novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. It utilizes the core themes and premise of the original story while presenting them in a new literary context.