A film's popularity leads to sequels, reboots, spin-offs, and sometimes a children's show based on the original film's characters. Although some children's shows based on popular films are made solely in hopes of making a profit, many of them are surprisingly good.as the genuine effort to connect with the younger audience is evident. While there are inevitable references to the original films, the premise of children's shows are not simply familiar plots repackaged for a younger generation.
Instead of, several of these shows choose to continue the story of their inspired and successful filmsbased on the world and characters established in the films. Many children's programs end up being animated series and have the perfect dose of nostalgia to impress the older audience that follows the younger one. While some shows are more memorable than others, many of the best kids' series based on movies are undeniably great, and many can still be enjoyed by kids today.
10
The land before time (2007-2008)
Based on the 80s film and set later in the franchise
Debuting in 2007, Cartoon Network The land before time sought to recreate a show with heartfelt themes and character relationships similar to those seen in the 1988 film. the children's show features many of the same characters seen in the original filmtakes place between the later films in the franchise, The wisdom of friends and Journey of the Brave. The series sees beloved characters like Littlefoot, Ducky and Cera embark on a new adventure in the Great Valley with each episode.
The land before time It doesn't have the same emotional impact as the 80s film, and for audiences who grew up with the film, the series doesn't compare. However, it still works as a great introduction for the younger target audience. The heart, charm and valuable lessons learned are ideal for childrenand the animation style and strong sense of nostalgia appeal to older viewers.
9
The Karate Kid (1989)
Daniel and Mr. Miyagi set out to reclaim a prized shrine
When most people think of a TV show based on The Karate Kid, Cobra Kai is probably what comes to mind. However, before that, there was an animated series, also known as The Karate Kidwhich ran for 13 episodes in 1989. The children's show continued to explore the famous relationship between Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Mr. Macchio. Morita returned to the series to narrate the beginning of the episodessetting up the exciting journey the audience will have ahead.
Instead of each episode dealing with the pressure of karate tournaments, they saw Daniel and Mr. Miyagi on a never-ending search for a powerful miniature shrine that was stolen. In each episode, the two get one step closer to obtaining the shrine before they are stopped by several antagonists who are after the shrine. Additionally, an Easter egg revolving around the children's series can be seen at Cobra Kai season 3 at the Chozen Toguchi dojo.
8
The Little Mermaid (1992-1994)
Focuses on Ariel's life before meeting Prince Eric
The critical and commercial success of The Little Mermaid led to sequel films and prequels, a live-action adaptation, and a stage musical. From 1992, The Little Mermaid was turned into an animated TV series of the same name. The children's show incorporated several parts of the original film, including the use of beloved songs like “Part of Your World” and “Under the Sea.” Additionally, some actors joined the series to reprise their roles.
Samuel E. Wright and Pat Carroll voice their iconic movie characters Sebastian and Ursula, and Jodi Benson returns as Ariel. The Little Mermaid the series acts as a prequel to the film and takes place after the prequel film, The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning. Ariel's bravery and sense of independence seen in the film are stronger than ever in the series. However, unlike the film, Much of the series centers on Ariel's relationships with her family and friends.
7
Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventures (1990-1991)
Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter voice the animated versions of their characters
Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure is considered one of the best time travel films because its charming protagonists, played by Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, are relatable and know how to have fun. A year after the film's release, a spin-off animated series aired on CBS, with its first season being produced by beloved production company Hanna-Barbera. In The Excellent Adventures of Bill and Ted season 1, Reeves and Winter reprise their iconic roles, as does George Carlin.
The first season draws many comparisons to the film, and with the original cast voicing their characters, the series was exciting and looked promising. However, the second season, which would be The Excellent Adventures of Bill and Ted' lastly, it brought in a new cast to voice the titular protagonists. This change, in addition to a different theme song, meant that the children's show was unable to connect with a large audience and ended up being cancelled.
6
Timon and Pumbaa (1995-1999)
The captivating duo have their own show
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Walt Disney The Lion King features a tragic death, a compelling antagonist, and catchy music. However, One unexpected part of the film that has kept audiences hooked all these years is the supporting duo of Timon (Nathan Lane) and Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella).. The humorous dynamics and antics of the characters throughout the film were well suited for a series centered on the two, which came to fruition in 1995. In the aptly titled Timon and PumbaaSabella returns as her character from the film, while Lane voices Timon in ten episodes.
The children's series has strong slapstick humor and sees Timon and Pumbaa embark on adventures outside of the Pride Lands. During their adventures, the pair often make friends and come face to face with antagonists. Timon and Pumbaa also features special appearances by The Lion King characters like Simba and Rafiki.
5
The Real Ghostbusters (1986-1991)
Continue the adventures of the paranormal team from the film
The release of Ghostbusters in 1984 it was a big deal, and it was only a matter of time before another movie or TV show was created to capture audiences in the same way. A few years later, the children's program The real ghostbusters premiered on ABC, which reunited audiences with the beloved team of paranormal investigators. While the characters' stories continued, the actors who played them in the '80s live-action film did not return. Instead, they were voiced by an exciting group of new actors.
The film's comedy and monster elements are toned down in the series, but not to the point of losing what makes the story and characters celebrated in the first place. The excitement and interest in The real ghostbusters lasted seven seasonsbut it was far from the last show based on the 1984 film. Just a few years later, in 1997, Extreme Ghostbusters debuted as a show centered around college students taking on the responsibility of former Ghostbusters.
4
Men in Black: The Series (1997-2001)
Agent J and Agent K team up in an alternate timeline
Premiering on Kids' WB just a few months after the 1997 release of the film it is based on, Men in Black: The Series placed its main characters in an alternate timeline after the original film. Based on the comic book series of the same name Men in Black: The Series delivered standalone episodes for four seasons until the end of 2001. There are some references to the original film in the series, which allows older audiences to connect with the series as well.
Yet, Men in Black: The Series largely stands on its own and can be seen as something new for younger audiences. Agent K and Agent J (voiced by Gregg Berger and Keith Diamond, respectively) have slightly different characterizations compared to the characters played by Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith. However, their growth and unlikely partnership are equally engaging to watch in Men in Black: The Series.
3
Beetlejuice (1989-1991)
Beetlejuice and Lydia team up for exciting adventures
Unlike the original film, the titular character of Beetle juice the series is much more adorable. Although he is still irritating and selfish at times, there is a well-meaning heart beating inside the ghostly figure. Beetle juiceThe series ran for four seasons and follows the eponymous character and Lydia Deetz as they travel between the mortal world and Neither. This relationship between the two characters is another difference between the series and the film, as the former portrays them as a friendly and unlikely pair.
While the film's raw, dark elements are largely absent from the seriesthere's still an appreciated portion of macabre tomfoolery. Furthermore, the music for the series is arranged by the legendary Danny Elfman, just like in the film. These elements combined make Beetle juice a fun series for longtime fans and kids alike.
2
The Masquerade: Animated Series (1995-1997)
Beloved cartoon antics are translated into a children's show
Many of Jim Carrey's best characters are animated and outrageous in the best ways, making them easy to mold into characters on a children's TV show. One such character is Stanley Ipkiss, seen in the 1994 film The mask. The children's series, The Mask: Animated Series, has Rob Paulsen voicing the iconic character who transforms into a cartoon superhero when using an old mask. The show follows many of the film's plot points, only increasing the mask's abilities and removing characters like Tina Carlyle.
After the debut of The Masquerade: Animated Seriesa series of comics, Adventures of the Maskwas released. While the series does not show that the character Stanley is as adult or violent as other iterationsthere are still enough perks intact to appeal to more than just kids. Plus another series based on Carrey's films Ace Ventura: Pet Detectivehad a crossover episode with The Masquerade: Animated SeriesS.
1
Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1995)
An influential series inspired by live-action Batman films
Although there were several Batman films and TV series, both animated and live-action, before Batman: The Animated Series, The films that most inspired the show were those by director Tim Burton. The iconic style of Burton's films is replicated throughout the children's program, as is the series' music, which is intended to emulate that of Danny Elfman in the live-action films.
These aspects Batman: The Animated Series has helped garner praise over the years, with many critics citing it as one of the best and most influential animated series, especially in the superhero genre. The program is not only technically sound, but also the mature themes and tone established throughout the show had a huge impact on the rest of the show. Batman franchise. While remaining faithful to its source material, the show was able to bring familiar components to life, including Batman: The Animated Series'representation of villains.