Before we begin, a warning is in order: this might just be the best Literative article you’ve ever read. The following is a collection of 5 of the best examples of world-building possible. In order to touch on various mediums, each one of these examples is a novel turned into film. Now, to be perfectly clear, the list is in no particular order. Each world is so vast/detailed that it is all a matter of opinion.
Why commit the injustice of numbering?
What is clear is that if novel writing is your thing, world-building is going to be a daily regimen. Learning from some of the best examples out there is one of the most valuable, effective methods of improving writing skills.
Check them out.
World Building Example #1: Blade Runner
This 1982 classic, directed by Ridley Scott, and starring Harrison Ford, Edward James Olmos, and Sean Young, is one of the most talked about sci-fi films…seemingly ever. Modified from the 1968 novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick, the film focuses on a dystopian Los Angeles, in the year 2019.
Now, remember—this was 1968, and then 1982. Society had high expectations that are simply not going to be met in 3 years. Accept it, and enjoy the story for what it is, despite this minor let-down.
The story revolves around engineered replicants, indistinguishable from humans. Banned to off-world colonies, those remaining on Earth are killed by Blade Runners, retired police operatives. Frankly, they’re better described as bounty hunters.
The world in the film is inspired by Métal Hurlant, the French science fiction comic magazine, as well as Hong Kong, China. Combined by aerial shots filmed by director Stanley Kubrick, the world of Blade Runner was born. It’s dark, gloomy, illuminated by neon lights, rainy, mysterious, and most of all, beautiful.
World Building Example #2: Lord of the Rings
It all began in 1937, with J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. What seemed like a simple story following Bilbo Baggins, and his quest for treasure guarded by the dragon, Smaug, gave way to a thrilling series. Next up were four more books, an epic tale, and the inevitable film adaptations.
Defeating the Dark Lord Sauron, collecting the rings, dealing with the treason of Isengard—it all takes place in Middle Earth. Think of it as Midgard, a world inhabited by humans, of Norse mythology. That would make it one of the 9 worlds in Norse mythology, although none of the others are touched on by LOTR. Dark Land, a continent south of Middle-earth is mentioned, although not much is known.
Perhaps a better way of understanding Middle-Earth is thinking of it as a continent of Earth, during an imaginary period of Earth’s past. Tolkien put a time frame on it, the end of the Third Age, set 6,000 before his own time.
World Building Example #3: Children of Men
Before the bashing begins, let’s be clear—Children of Men is not the best example of world-building, but it strangely is, simultaneously. While there are many more examples out there, like Narnia for instance, Children of Men made the list because of one simple reason: it forces you to look beyond the attention-grabbing detail.
Adapted from the P.D. James 1992 novel of the same name, this film’s screenplay can be attributed to Clive Owen, Alfonso Cuarón, Timothy J. Sexton, David Arata, Mark Fergus, and Hawk Ostby.
Briefly, the story takes place in a dystopian 2027, where two decades of human infertility have taken a toll on society. With no babies, humanity is on the brink of extinction. Few stable nations have government, and war prevails.
But while the story focuses on the primary points, the focus of all story elements, it goes beyond and shows you information that you didn’t know you needed.
World Building Example #4: Game of Thrones
Trying to provide a short synopsis for GOT is futile, so that’s getting skipped. Instead, focus on Westeros and Essos, two fictional continents that interweave many plot lines and characters. Essentially, picture many powerful people clamoring for the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms. Others fight for independence, of course, as with any power dilemma.
Altogether, the stories are spread throughout the North, the Iron Islands, the Riverlands, Vale, Westerlands, Stormlands, Reach, Crownlands and Dorne. There is also an unmapped area to the north, separated by what is only called “the wall.” Protected by the Night’s Watch, this wall is made up of ice and old magic.
World Building Example #5: Wicked
OK, maybe not everything on the list is a film, but maybe a musical counts. Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, is a novel published in 1995 by Gregory Maguire. By taking L. Frank Baum’s Oz characters (originally published in 1900), Maguire refocused the attention on the witch.
Afterall, she is the most interesting character in the series, is she not?
Obviously, it takes place in the Land of Oz, with the yellow-brick road. This magical place is considered the Wonderland or Narnia of America. It can be divided into the North, South, East and West, which doesn’t sound too interesting in and of itself.
However, in the North, it’s Gillikin Country, where most everything is purple. In the South, Quadling Country, everything is red. The East is Munchkin Country, where the yellow-brick road connects to the Emerald City. Finally, the West is Winkie Country. This is later ruled by the Wicked Witch of the West.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering why not just select the Wizard of Oz movie instead, well, Wicked doesn’t feature gruesome on-set deaths. It also didn’t give way to an abandoned amusement park.
Summary… The Best Worldbuilding Is One Of The Most Important Parts Of An Author’s Arsenal
It’s been a long journey, but a creative one nonetheless. These five examples prove that world-building can lead to many different paths. Historical fiction, crazily imagined future, and genuinely fictitious continents set the stage for some immersive worlds. Fans scramble to learn all about these lands, to imagine their beauty and greatness. Perhaps that’s why the Land of Oz amusement park was created. The vivid descriptions and intricate details woven into these worlds ignite the imagination and transport readers to fantastical realms beyond their wildest dreams. For more inspiration, consider world-building examples like J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, and George R.R. Martin’s Westeros.
But will your fictitious land be abandoned?
