Evander Jones
While many beloved TV shows have leaped to the big screen, we can’t help but wonder about the reverse. According to us, these 15 movies would have thrived as TV shows, as each has a potential for in-depth character development, intricate plotlines, and a chance to captivate audiences over multiple seasons.
Dune – 1984
Notoriously hard to adapt, Frank Herbert’s Dune struggled to condense its vast universe into a feature film. The resulting movie left many viewers confused and underwhelmed, failing to capture the novel’s intricate plot and deep world-building. A TV series could do justice to its complex politics, religious elements, and ecological themes.
The Goonies – 1985
This beloved adventure film captures the spirit of childhood and the thrill of treasure hunting. The Goonies series could follow a new group of kids on different adventures, introducing new quests and challenges. Who wouldn’t love to see a show highlighting the importance of friendship, teamwork, and the joy of exploration?
The Truman Show – 1998
The Truman Show explores compelling themes of reality and authenticity, making it an excellent candidate for a television series. Following Truman’s journey as he uncovers the truth about his life could introduce new characters and provide a deeper examination of how media influences perceptions and shapes individual experiences in society.
The Incredible – 2004
Pixar’s The Incredibles offers a captivating look at a family of superheroes grappling with everyday challenges. So, it becomes a perfect movie to be made into a TV series, giving us a peek into their day-to-day lives as they balance superhero duties with family dynamics, introducing new villains and adventures in each episode.
Mean Girls – 2004
It’s the story of Cady, a homeschooled girl who enters high school and joins the popular clique to take them down but gets caught up in their drama. High school dramas never lose their appeal, and Mean Girls is a mix of sharp social commentary, unforgettable characters, and witty humor to thrive as a series.
V for Vendetta – 2005
In reality, oppressive regimes, as shown in the movie, don’t announce their presence overtly. Instead, they subtly infiltrate our lives, gradually embedding twisted ideologies until we start to believe that freedom isn’t necessary or that marginalized groups should vanish. We believe a television series could effectively capture this slow and disturbing progression.
Eragon – 2006
Adapting Eragon into a television series could offer a richer experience than the original film, which struggled to capture the depth of a beloved fantasy novel. The complexities of Eragon’s journey, from a humble villager to a dragon rider, along with the moral dilemmas, could be more effectively analyzed over multiple episodes.
Watchmen – 2009
While the film had merits, Alan Moore’s groundbreaking graphic novel deserved more than just a film. Had it been a series, the writers could have dealt with the alternate history in greater detail, fleshed out the characters’ backstories, and delved into the moral ambiguities that made the comic so compelling.
Inception – 2010
Constrained by its runtime, Inception couldn’t do justice to its mind-bending concept. Many felt shortchanged by the limited exploration of its fascinating world. As a show, it could have been a captivating blend of high-concept sci-fi and character-driven drama, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats season after season.
The Book of Eli – 2010
The two-hour format left little room for the film’s rich, desolate environment and its complex themes. The Book of Eli has a scope of following Eli’s journey across the ravaged countryside, revealing new challenges that shape his mission. The series could also develop the antagonist, Carnegie, beyond a simple villain.
Ender’s Game – 2013
Lacking the psychological depth of its source material, Ender’s Game disappointed many fans. Oversimplified character arcs could not convey the book’s complexity and emotional impact. As a series, the creatives would be able to gradually build tension towards its shocking climax while exploring the book’s sequels for a multi-season arc.
World War Z – 2013
While the film was a solid zombie thriller, it barely scratched the surface of Max Brooks’ novel. However, in the series format, it could have followed multiple storylines across the globe, chronicling the zombie apocalypse from various perspectives. In a part-by-part form, writers could have focused on different survivor stories.
Jupiter Ascending – 2015
With the Wachowskis directing and writing the script, Jupiter Ascending had all the ingredients to be a remarkable film from the talented siblings. Unfortunately, it was a commercial disappointment and faced harsh criticism. Since the premise is rich and intricate, it would have been better as a television series.
The Nice Guys – 2016
Why is The Nice Guys an ideal candidate for a TV series? Thanks to its quirky blend of action, humor, and mystery, it offers endless possibilities for episodic storytelling. The film, set in 1970s Los Angeles, follows two private investigators as they piece together a conspiracy while constantly getting into chaotic situations.
The Dark Tower – 2017
Unable to do justice to Stephen King’s magnum opus, the film left audiences and critics underwhelmed. Some believe the film’s attempts to cram the sprawling narrative resulted in a confused and shallow adaptation. Each book in the series could form a season, allowing for a faithful adaptation that captures the saga’s scope and emotional resonance.
