If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, you’ve probably heard of Flowers in the Attic. This iconic novel by V.C. Andrews has captured the imaginations of readers since it was first published in 1979. Since then, it has been adapted into multiple movies, each with its own unique take on the story.
But with so many adaptations out there, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the Flowers in the Attic movies in order. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering the story for the first time, we’ve got you covered.
“Flowers in the Attic” movies in chronological order
Flowers in the Attic: The Classic 1987 Adaptation
The 1987 adaptation of Flowers in the Attic remains the most iconic version of the story. Starring Kristy Swanson, Victoria Tennant, and Louise Fletcher, this movie is a faithful adaptation of the novel that is both haunting and beautiful.
The movie tells the story of the Dollanganger siblings – Cathy, Chris, Cory, and Carrie – who are forced to live in secret in the attic of their wealthy grandparents’ mansion after the death of their father. The siblings are hidden away by their mother, Corrine, who is hoping to win back her father’s love and inheritance by hiding the existence of her children, who were the result of her marriage to her half-uncle.
The siblings’ captivity in the attic is made even more difficult by their abusive grandmother, Olivia, who subjects them to cruel and unusual punishments. As the days turn into weeks and the weeks turn into months, the siblings struggle to survive in their confined space while also trying to unravel the dark secrets of their family’s past.
One of the most compelling aspects of the 1987 adaptation is the strong performances from the cast. Kristy Swanson delivers a standout performance as Cathy, the eldest Dollanganger sibling who becomes the de facto leader of her siblings in the attic. Victoria Tennant brings a complex mix of vulnerability and malice to the role of Corrine, the siblings’ mother who is torn between her love for her children and her desire for her father’s approval. And Louise Fletcher is chilling as Olivia, the cruel and domineering grandmother who seems to take pleasure in tormenting the children.
Petals on the Wind: The Sequel to Flowers in the Attic
Petals on the Wind is the sequel to Flowers in the Attic and was also written by V.C. Andrews. The 2014 Lifetime movie adaptation picks up where the first movie left off, with the Dollanganger siblings trying to rebuild their lives after escaping the attic. However, their traumatic experiences continue to haunt them as they navigate the challenges of adulthood.
The movie stars Rose McIver as Cathy Dollanganger, Wyatt Nash as her brother Chris, and Bailey De Young as their half-sister Carrie. Heather Graham also returns as the conniving mother Corrine, who tries to reconcile with her children after years of neglect and abuse.
As the story unfolds, we see Cathy and Chris struggle to come to terms with their feelings for each other while also dealing with the consequences of their past. Meanwhile, Corrine’s schemes threaten to destroy the fragile new life that the siblings have built for themselves.
Petals on the Wind explores themes of love, betrayal, and the lasting effects of trauma. The movie is a gripping continuation of the Dollanganger family’s story and is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
If There Be Thorns: The Third Chapter in the Flowers in the Attic Series
Released in 2015, “If There Be Thorns” is the third installment in the Flowers in the Attic series. It stars Jason Lewis, Rachael Carpani, and Heather Graham, who reprises her role as Corrine Dollanganger.
The movie is based on the novel of the same name, which was published in 1981. It continues the story of the Dollanganger family, with Cathy and Christopher now grown up and living together as lovers. However, their happy life is disrupted when a new family moves in next door, bringing with them a dark secret that threatens to expose the Dollanganger’s own secrets.
One of the most notable aspects of “If There Be Thorns” is its departure from the source material. The novel introduces a new set of characters, while the movie brings back Corrine Dollanganger as a major player. This creative decision was made in order to tie the third movie more closely to the first two.
Despite the changes, “If There Be Thorns” remains faithful to the twisted and suspenseful tone of the Flowers in the Attic series. It also features strong performances from its cast, particularly from Heather Graham, who brings a chilling intensity to her portrayal of Corrine.
Overall, “If There Be Thorns” is a gripping and unsettling addition to the Flowers in the Attic series. Fans of the previous movies and books will likely appreciate its continuation of the Dollanganger story and its exploration of the consequences of their past actions.
Seeds of Yesterday: The Final Installment in the Flowers in the Attic Saga
Seeds of Yesterday is the final installment in the Flowers in the Attic saga. Released in 2015, this movie picks up where Petals on the Wind left off, with the Dollanganger siblings trying to move on from their traumatic past. The movie focuses on the relationship between Cathy and her brother Chris, which has become increasingly complicated and fraught with tension.
As the siblings try to navigate their relationship, they must also deal with the return of their estranged grandmother, Olivia Foxworth, and the arrival of a new family member, Bart Winslow. The movie is filled with drama, suspense, and unexpected twists as the Dollangangers confront their past and try to build a new future.
One of the standout performances in Seeds of Yesterday is from actor James Maslow, who plays Bart Winslow. Maslow brings a new energy to the Flowers in the Attic series and his character adds an interesting dynamic to the story. Fans of the books will also appreciate the faithful adaptation of key scenes from the novel.
Overall, Seeds of Yesterday is a satisfying conclusion to the Flowers in the Attic saga. It provides closure for the characters and brings the story full circle. Fans of the series will not be disappointed by this final installment, which delivers all the drama and suspense they’ve come to expect from the Dollanganger family.
Flowers in the Attic: The 2014 Adaptation
The 2014 adaptation of Flowers in the Attic was produced by Lifetime and stars Kiernan Shipka, Ellen Burstyn, Heather Graham, and Mason Dye. This movie closely follows the plot of the novel, with the Dollanganger siblings being locked away in the attic by their cruel grandmother and forced to endure a series of traumatic events.
One of the standout features of this adaptation is the excellent performances by the cast, particularly Kiernan Shipka as the eldest Dollanganger sibling, Cathy. Shipka brings a depth and complexity to the character that makes her journey all the more compelling to watch.
Another notable aspect of this adaptation is the stunning production design. The mansion where the Dollangangers are trapped is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, with ornate details and eerie shadows that contribute to the overall sense of foreboding and danger.
Overall, the 2014 adaptation of Flowers in the Attic is a must-watch for fans of the novel and the previous adaptations. It stays true to the original story while also bringing a fresh perspective to the material, making it a gripping and unforgettable viewing experience.
The Origin – A Gripping Tale of Olivia Winfield’s Transformation
Lifetime’s latest addition to the adaptation of V.C Andrews’ novels has been a runaway success for the channel. “Flowers in the Attic: The Origin,” a four-part miniseries, is directed by Declan O’Dwyer and Robin Sheppard and stars Jemima Rooper, Max Irons, T’Shan Williams, Evelyn Miller, and Peter Bramhill. The series is a prequel to the forty-million-selling novel Corrine’s Children, now brought to life on the big screen in two different movies.
Olivia Winfield is the focus of this gripping prequel, and audiences get to witness her transformation from an innocent young wife into her later years as a ghastly grandmother. The series tells the origin, scandalous and depraved story of the Foxworth Family, with Olivia Foxworth as the central character. It takes viewers on a journey through Olivia’s early years, as she marries Malcolm Foxworth, a debonair charmer. However, her seemingly idyllic life takes an unexpected turn and turns into an unspeakable nightmare.
The series starts with “Garden of Shadows,” which sets the stage for this enthralling exploration. It weaves a captivating tale that reveals hidden motivations behind such incomprehensible acts. “Flowers in the Attic: The Origin” is an enthralling account of one woman’s journey over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flowers in the Attic about?
Flowers in the Attic is a novel by V.C. Andrews that tells the story of the Dollanganger siblings, who are forced to live in secret in the attic of their grandparents’ mansion after the death of their father.
How many Flowers in the Attic movies are there?
There are seven Flowers in the Attic movies in total. The first adaptation was released in 1987, followed by three sequels, and then three more adaptations in 2014, 2015, and 2019.
Which is the best Flowers in the Attic movie?
This is a matter of personal opinion, but many fans consider the 1987 adaptation to be the best. However, each adaptation brings something unique to the story, so it’s worth checking them all out.
Conclusion
Flowers in the Attic has captured the imaginations of readers and viewers for decades. With seven different adaptations to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of the classic 1987 movie or you’re curious about the latest adaptations, this guide has everything you need to know about the Flowers in the Attic movies in order. So grab some popcorn and get ready for a chilling journey through the twisted tale of the Dollanganger family.