In 2000, it was adapted into a film directed by Danny Boyle and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Virginie Ledoyen, Guillaume Canet, Tilda Swinton and Robert Carlyle.

When the three finally reach the hidden beach - bypassing the island's cannabis field on the way - they discover a group of approximately 30 backpackers who have the outside world to live a slow-paced, largely self-sufficient life of leisure under the de facto leadership of an American woman called Sal and her South African lover Bugs who, along with Daffy, founded the community.

The islands turn on Richard, who is saved by Françoise, Étienne, Keaty, and Jed armed with fishing spears, and they successfully make their planned escape on the raft.

"[3] Publishers Weekly wrote that "Garland is a good storyteller, though, and Richard's nicotine-fueled narrative of how the denizens of the beach see their community shatter and break into factions is taut with suspense, even if the bloody conclusion offers few surprises".

[4] The Beach was adapted as a film released in 2000, directed by Danny Boyle, and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tilda Swinton, Robert Carlyle, Virginie Ledoyen, and Guillaume Canet.