Ghost World (2001)

The work of comic book writer/illustrator Daniel Clowes wouldn’t immediately jump out to most people as a natural fit for a big-screen adaptation, but filmmaker Terry Zwigoff clearly isn’t most people. In 2001, the director turned Clowes’ 1993-1997 series Ghost World into an acclaimed indie comedy and even collaborated with the writer himself on the Oscar-nominated screenplay. The story centers on two teenage girls (Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson) whose friendship is tested when they answer a lonely man’s (Steve Buscemi) ad for a date. Notably, the film marks Johansson’s debut as a comic book character long before she became Marvel Studios’ Black Widow, but more than that, Ghost World is memorable for its quirky humor, winning performances and incisive coming-of-age subject matter. A critical darling upon its initial release, the film is still regarded as one of the best comic book films ever made.