The Silence of the Lambs book cover

Cover via Open Library

Movie · 1991

Is The Silence of the Lambs based on a book?

Quick answer

Yes. The Silence of the Lambs is based on the book The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris (1988).

The Silence of the Lambs is book 2 of the Hannibal Lecter series.

The movie was released in 1991.

The book behind The Silence of the Lambs

The Silence of the Lambs cover

The Silence of the Lambs

by Thomas Harris · first published 1988 · horror fiction, thriller, crime fiction

1988 novel by Thomas Harris.

Hannibal Lecter: books in order

  1. Red Dragon (1981)
  2. The Silence of the Lambs (1988)
  3. Hannibal (1999)

Other adaptations of The Silence of the Lambs

Common questions

Is The Silence of the Lambs based on a book?

Yes. The Silence of the Lambs is based on the book The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris (1988).

Who wrote the book The Silence of the Lambs is based on?

The Silence of the Lambs was written by Thomas Harris and first published in 1988.

Is The Silence of the Lambs part of a series?

Yes, it is book 2 in the Hannibal Lecter series (4 books listed below in reading order).

Should I read the book before watching?

Start with Red Dragon, book 1 of The Silence of the Lambs. If you like knowing the full story and characters first, read it before you watch. Adaptations often change or cut plotlines, so the book is a different experience even if you've seen the movie.

More screen adaptations of Thomas Harris's books

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