Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at movies that were spawned out of TV shows. In this list, we take a look at movies like The Addams Family, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and Mission: Impossible.
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00Welcome to WatchMojo and today we're looking at movies that were spawned out of TV shows.
00:10These are either loosely connected to the original, remakes or straight-up reboots.
00:15Animated features don't count, since they deserve a list of their own.
00:26Despite receiving critical acclaim, the 70s SWAT series was cancelled due to its bold
00:30depiction of violence.
00:32Still, many remember it fondly for its theme song, which can get anyone in crime-solving
00:36mode.
00:43The 2003 adaptation doesn't fully lean into on-screen brutality, but does retain the original's
00:49action-packed premise.
00:50The titular team escorts a dangerous kingpin while outside forces look to break him out,
00:55and with a solid cast led by Samuel L. Jackson, SWAT hits its high notes from the opening
01:00minutes.
01:05It makes full use of the tried-and-tested template from the series.
01:08Thanks to committed performances by its lead actors, fans can enjoy the kind of thrills
01:12that the original delivered so well.
01:19Among the more creative shows at the time, the Western Maverick series followed members
01:33from the titular family as poker-playing drifters.
01:42The 1994 film combines this premise with the heist genre.
01:45Here, Maverick's search for an easy payout ends up putting him in deep trouble.
01:50Mel Gibson plays Brett Maverick, while James Garner, who played the character in the show,
01:55appears in a different role.
01:56The movie has the show's penchant for humour, as Gibson, Garner and Jodie Foster display
02:00their comedic chops.
02:07Never taking itself seriously, Maverick is a fun, easy-going feature that appeals to
02:11all audiences.
02:12And with several cameos from classic Western actors, the film tips its hat to those who
02:16made the genre such a success.
02:33This franchise has had multiple incarnations since its original release, but while the
02:382011 show and the 2019 film reboot had diminishing returns, 2000's Charlie's Angels is still
02:44a hit.
02:45John Fortyte's reprisal of the unseen Charlie character loosely connects it to the 70s series.
02:51However, it deviates from the original's dramatic elements in favour of a sense of
02:54fun.
03:01Every scene brims with infectious energy, and the chemistry between Drew Barrymore, Lucy
03:05Liu and Cameron Diaz propels it to higher ground.
03:08Charlie's Angels is an exciting look into the lives of three agents who know when to
03:12have fun and when to kick ass.
03:14Much like the TV series, the story injects various twists and turns that have viewers
03:19watching until the end.
03:35Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson have collaborated in multiple films across genres, and the duo
03:40ventured into action comedy with Starsky & Hutch, which adapts the 70s series with
03:44a lighter touch.
03:52The show was popular for the titular protagonists' snazzy style and cool dialogue.
03:56The 2004 entry reimagines Starsky & Hutch as a dysfunctional pair, way in over their
04:01heads.
04:02With the two gifted comedians at the helm, the film effectively lands at gags.
04:06Ranging from slapstick comedy to hilariously awkward exchanges, it knows when to make the
04:10audience laugh.
04:11Thanks to the lead's surprisingly wholesome dynamic, Starsky & Hutch connects viewers
04:15with its protagonists.
04:16There aren't any real surprises here, but the ride sure is fun, as long as it lasts.
04:30As nostalgic as The Brady Bunch makes us, it really is a product of its time, and the
04:34film adaptation certainly knows this.
04:37We find the family in the 90s, still clinging to the lifestyle of the 70s.
04:42The resulting culture clash is the basis for the film, as the characters fail to realise
04:46just how out of place they are.
04:48Along with satirising sitcom tropes, it points out flaws in the show to hilarious lengths.
04:54But far from a generic parody, The Brady Bunch movie's self-referential wit allows
05:06it to carry a unique charm.
05:08Its success sparked renewed interest in the series, as two sequels kept the franchise
05:12running.
05:17Back when James Bond took the world by storm, shows like Get Smart cashed in by spoofing
05:32its format.
05:33Protagonist Maxwell Smart fumbles and stumbles his way, but ultimately gets the job done.
05:37Likewise, Steve Carell's version of the character is as inept as it gets.
05:42Of course, the comedian's talented performance allows Get Smart to be a wildly enjoyable
05:46affair.
05:47Exciting scenes like the Cone of Silence shows how timeless these gags are.
05:59It doesn't hurt that equally celebrated actors like Anne Hathaway, The Rock and Alan
06:03Arkin make up the rest of the cast.
06:06More than the show, the film steers into its action elements, so there are as many thrills
06:10as there are laughs.
06:21When four veterans are framed for a crime they didn't commit, they team up to clear
06:25their names.
06:26This outline is shared between the 80s A-Team and the 2010 film.
06:29The TV series takes on a case-of-the-week format, following the heroes as mercenaries.
06:34Meanwhile, the movie goes all out like few can see coming.
06:38Bradley Cooper shooting down planes on a flying tank is certainly unexpected.
06:43It doesn't even bother with realism, opting for crazy spots that push all believability
06:50out the window.
06:51But it's this uninhibited attitude that makes the A-Team so much fun.
06:55It goes for the full throttle and never lets up, ensuring that this is one film you will
06:59never forget.
07:08The best political thrillers deliver edge-of-your-seat entertainment through mind-blowing plot twists.
07:12Whether it's the British miniseries or the American film adaptation, state-of-play is
07:16a winner.
07:23It follows journalist Cal McCaffrey as he investigates a mysterious death tied to his
07:28friend, Congressman Stephen Collins.
07:30McCaffrey locates traces of hidden corruption the deeper he goes.
07:34Each revelation adds another layer to the cast, as just about every character has a
07:38secret to hide.
07:46The story flips on its head by the end, recontextualising all the events we've followed.
07:51The film does compress some of the miniseries' plot elements, but it also maintains a similarly
07:55mystifying pace that ensures audiences are always invested.
08:14Several quality shows premiered during the 60s spy boom.
08:17The Man From U.N.C.L.E. was one of the significant contributors to its success.
08:21Half a century later, its hip dialogue and snazzy aesthetics appeared in cinematic form.
08:32The film is an efficient thriller that relies on its cast's talents.
08:36Led by Henry Cavill, the actors embody their roles completely.
08:40While it shares character traits from the show, the movie serves as an alternate origin
08:43story.
08:44Along with some great action set pieces, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. also benefits from a slick
08:48script that keeps us guessing.
08:50So put on your shades and buckle up as you take a trip to the genre's golden age.
09:08The original Twilight Zone series scared audiences with its blend of creepy, mysterious and intriguing
09:13tales.
09:14The movie served as a revival, giving fans a taste of its brand of entertainment after
09:18nearly two decades.
09:25Much like the series, it tells independent stories that vary from horror to sci-fi.
09:29While there isn't a single arc tying things together, the anthological format is still
09:33gripping.
09:34The distinct tone between Twilight Zone's four segments is a refreshing change of pace,
09:38each with a thought-provoking message.
09:40With contributions from big-name directors including Steven Spielberg and George Miller,
09:45it's an interesting experience that leaves fans in awe by its closing moments.
09:55The 80s series is best remembered for its eye-catching visuals and snappy soundtrack.
09:59Michael Mann's Miami Vice goes for a similar stylistic presentation, diving into the city's
10:04seedy underbelly through an atmospheric lens.
10:13Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell appear as undercover detectives tracing a drug operation to its
10:18source.
10:19The pair struggle to get the job done as several unforeseen problems threaten to expose their
10:23identities.
10:24Miami Vice wasn't particularly lauded during its release, however, it's since become
10:28a cult favourite.
10:29Fans appreciate Michael Mann's attempt at bringing an older premise into the 21st century.
10:34Its cinematography gives a sense of authenticity, making viewers see what it's like to be
10:38in the heart of danger.
10:40As years go by, Miami Vice continues to hold up well.
10:54From the original 80s show starring Edward Woodward, to the current incarnation with
10:58Queen Latifah, this series is a proven hit.
11:01On the big screen, Denzel Washington followed in Woodward's steps as Robert McCall.
11:05The hero, a former special ops agent, works as a vigilante to atone for his past.
11:18After catching wind of a trafficking syndicate, Robert has to spring into action and confront
11:22his inner demons.
11:23The equaliser pulls no punches when it comes down to it.
11:27Violent bloody beatdowns sell its premise, leaving no doubt that this is not a man to
11:31be trifled with.
11:32It elevates the original's outline by depicting the subject material in graphic reality.
11:37The film's success opened doors for sequels, carving out an arc for the protagonist.
11:51The TV series had a relatively short run, but has since become a classic with various
11:56adaptations.
11:57The 90s brought everyone's favourite family into cinemas, complete with their taste for
12:01the macabre.
12:08Everyone from the oddball Uncle Fester to the iconic Wednesday retains their larger-than-life
12:12personality.
12:13The story follows Fester's reunion with the titular family, although the clan begins
12:17to doubt if he really is who he claims to be.
12:26The Addams Family is firmly entrenched in its comedy-horror roots from the get-go.
12:30The movie plays out like an extended episode of a sitcom, bringing along crazy gags and
12:34laughs that do this eccentric family justice.
12:38And if you're in the mood for more, head on over to its sequel for an equally wacky
12:41experience.
12:50After a botched robbery ends with the criminal's death, their wives decide to complete the
12:54plan themselves.
12:55This outline is shared between the Widows series and its big-screen adaptation.
12:59The hints sprinkled around tease a larger plot than what it seems, and with a cast of
13:03A-list performers led by the likes of Viola Davis and Liam Neeson, there's absolutely
13:08no lack of talent here.
13:17Although it stays true to its heist theme, the movie goes beyond with several twists
13:21in the making.
13:22It captures the attention with a neo-noir style that's as engaging as it is perplexing.
13:27Ultimately, its artistic achievements complement a story that pays off big time by the finale.
13:43Steven Soderbergh's traffic was unanimously lauded, winning multiple Oscars on the way
13:48to becoming a smash hit.
13:49However, not everyone knows its origins from 1989's British traffic miniseries.
13:55Three stories surrounding the drug trade are told from different perspectives, and
13:59Soderbergh takes this aspect to a wider scale.
14:08Marvellous set design and cinematography allow it to separate each arc with a distinct look.
14:13The film deals with themes such as corruption, betrayal and injustice.
14:17Although characters make questionable choices, it makes sense in a world with skewed moralities.
14:22This level of complexity has audiences thinking way past the film's runtime.
14:26Thanks to an in-depth look into multidimensional characters, traffic more than succeeds in
14:31its ambitious premise.
14:46Prohibition agent Elliot Ness' clashes with gangster Al Capone have long been a Hollywood
14:52The Untouchables is the most famous adaptation of Ness' memoir.
14:55The series sensationalises much of his life, but remains a cornerstone of the crime drama
15:00genre.
15:01The 1987 film is similarly out there, although its fun factor is as high as it gets.
15:11Bolstered by magnificent performances from Robert De Niro, Kevin Costner and the Oscar-winning
15:15Sean Connery, The Untouchables simply works gangbusters.
15:19The film ticks along at a thrilling pace, and watching Ness' ragtag team defy Capone
15:24never gets old.
15:25It goes to show that a simple story can still go a long way when the execution is so entertaining.
15:42Even around six decades since its premiere, the original Star Trek commands legions of
15:46fans.
15:47And while there were several cinematic sequels, the 2009 reboot stands above all.
15:57Hailing from an alternate reality, the Enterprise crew explores strange new worlds in a time-travel
16:02plot.
16:03Thanks to a big budget and solid special effects, the characters' journey looks wondrous to
16:07behold.
16:08They've freed up the universe to shoot for fresh stories, without worrying about previous
16:11events.
16:12Despite taking place in a separate timeline, the film honours the original's legacy.
16:17Star Trek's success reconfirmed the franchise's evergreen nature, delighting long-time fans
16:22and reaching new audiences around the globe.
16:24Live long and prosper indeed.
16:39The 2010s saw light-hearted film sequels to dramatic shows like Chips and Baywatch, but
16:4421 Jump Street easily features the most accomplished delivery of this concept.
16:49While set in the same location as the original, it dives head-first into comedy.
16:53Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum star as clueless police officers infiltrating a high school.
17:02Their disastrous attempts to find a drug supplier served up plenty of belly laughs.
17:06It makes for an all-around bizarre yet funny experience, as we watch the duo succeed despite
17:11their limited talents.
17:13The departure from the show is so great that you might not even realise it's based on
17:16a police procedural.
17:18Of course, that crazy Johnny Depp cameo is there to remind us all.
17:30To its credit, the TV show lasted a respectable seven seasons, and enjoyed solid ratings.
17:36But Tom Cruise's involvement propelled the Mission Impossible brand to heights like never
17:40before.
17:41In terms of box office success, no film adaptation comes close.
17:51The series' value has never diminished, as each entry ups the ante.
17:55However, the first entry deserves praise for kick-starting it all.
17:59Although technically a follow-up to the TV show, Mission Impossible quickly distances
18:03itself to become its own entity.
18:05Here, IMF agent Ethan Hunt is framed for the slayings of his team, and has to clear his
18:10With bombastic action and breathtaking stunt work, the movie successfully set the platform
18:15for one of the longest enduring franchises to date.
18:28You have the option to be notified for occasional videos, or all of them.
18:31If you're on your phone, make sure you go into your settings and switch on notifications.
18:40Intense and captivating, the fugitive takes hold of viewers and never lets go.
18:49The series wowed fans with a detailed account of Dr. Richard Kimball's search for the
18:53one-armed man.
18:54The film might be shorter, but in no way does it skimp on the thrills.
19:02With a central mystery in place, characters engage in a race against time at a breakneck
19:06pace.
19:07William Ford portrays the terror and desperation Kimball feels after being accused of his wife's
19:12death.
19:13Meanwhile, Tommy Lee Jones' unrelenting US Marshal Gerard stays hot on his trail.
19:18It's an intriguing game of cat-and-mouse that the film masterfully delivers.
19:22The Fugitive is a perfect example of an action-thriller done right, wrapping together the genre's
19:26best elements for an unforgettable ride.
19:34And that's it for our list.
19:36Which TV-to-movie adaptation is your favourite?
19:38Let us know in the comments.