Cartoons That Should Be Made Into Live-Action Movies

It feels pointless to even mention how obsessed Hollywood is with remakes right now. They’re constantly revisiting old classics, Disney favorites, horror films, and even movies from other countries. It’s just remake after remake.

Remakes rarely succeed, but when they do, they usually offer a creative twist on the original story while still honoring what made it special. Cartoons seem particularly well-suited for live-action adaptations, offering a nostalgic experience through a new and different artistic approach.

I’ve always been fascinated by how some cartoon adaptations actually work on the big screen. There was a real wave of them in the nineties that I have fond memories of! Things like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie – it wasn’t perfect, but it was so much fun. And The Flintstones was just brilliantly cast and wonderfully over-the-top! Then there was Casper, which was a perfect spooky-sweet adventure for the whole family. They weren’t masterpieces, by any means, but they were all so charming and well-made, and I still enjoy them as a fan today.

I was so excited when Josie and the Pussycat came out! It was such a clever and funny update to the original cartoon, really capturing the spirit of girl power at the turn of the millennium. And even though Scooby-Doo (2002) wasn’t a huge hit with critics, I thought it was a really fun, delightfully cheesy adaptation. Looking back now, it’s definitely a bit dated, but it still brings back great memories – the cast was perfect!

In 2007, Michael Bay adapted the popular 1980s cartoon and toy line Transformers into a blockbuster action movie, launching a whole series of films and spin-offs. That same year also saw a live-action remake of Alvin and the Chipmunks, which proved popular with families and led to several lighthearted sequels (often jokingly called “squeakquels”).

Not all attempts to bring beloved cartoons and shows to the big screen have worked out well, and some are best left in the past. The 2010 film Yogi Bear was a particularly weak adaptation, lacking any real cleverness. Similarly, Underdog (2007), The Last Airbender (2010), and Jem and the Holograms (2015) all failed to live up to the spirit of the originals, leaving fans frustrated and let down.

Even though many attempts at turning cartoons into live-action movies have failed, recent years have seen some successes. Examples include the surprisingly good Dora and the Lost City of Gold and the touching Pokémon Detective Pikachu, both released in 2019. While Pokémon Detective Pikachu started as a video game spinoff, it’s the closest fans of the Pokémon cartoon have gotten to seeing their favorite characters in a live-action film.

As a huge movie fan, I’ve been noticing all these cartoons getting the live-action treatment – we’ve got Voltron coming up, a new Masters of the Universe movie, and even Jim Carrey is going to be in a Jetsons film! It really got me thinking about which other classic cartoons would make awesome live-action movies, so I put together a list of my favorites.

Awesome Cartoons That Deserve Live-Action Movie Adaptations

The Powerpuff Girls

I’m honestly relieved The CW’s live-action Powerpuff Girls series was canceled. From what we heard, it completely missed the point of the original Cartoon Network show – a clever blend of anime, comics, and classic animation – and seemed determined to be dark, cynical, and overly trendy. (Bubbles as an alcoholic? Really?) However, a live-action Powerpuff Girls movie could actually work if it honored the heart and legacy of the original. Not every adaptation needs to be gritty and edgy. The upcoming Superman movie in 2025 seems to be embracing a more sincere approach, and that’s a good thing!

Samurai Jack

Many consider Samurai Jack to be one of the best animated series ever made, thanks to its mature themes and emotionally complex stories. The show, an epic tale of a noble samurai tragically thrown into the future by a powerful demon, would lend itself well to a darker, live-action remake—though it’s already practically flawless as an animated series. Given the current popularity of dystopian stories, a Samurai Jack adaptation could offer a unique take on the genre. (Hollywood, please don’t cast Tom Cruise in the lead this time!)

Daria

Even though Daria first aired on MTV in the late 90s and early 2000s, the show still resonates with audiences today because it perfectly captures the craziness of high school. Daria, the famously sarcastic and deadpan teen, remains a beloved cartoon character for many different generations. The show’s setting, quirky characters, and relatable everyday situations would fit well into a teen comedy like Ghost World or Booksmart. Fans have often hoped for a live-action version, but it hasn’t happened yet – which, fittingly, Daria herself would probably expect.

Danny Phantom

Despite the success of Butch Hartman’s popular show The Fairly OddParents, many fans, myself included, believe his series Danny Phantom was actually stronger. Danny Phantom, which aired from 2004 to 2007, has continued to gain a dedicated following over the years, proving its lasting appeal. The show brilliantly mixes the relatable struggles of teenage life with exciting supernatural adventures. It follows a high school student who gains ghost powers after an accident, balancing everyday problems with saving the world. With its blend of self-contained episodes and a larger, ongoing story, Danny Phantom would be perfect for a modern, live-action remake.

Courage the Cowardy Dog

The recent success of the indie horror film Good Boy shows people enjoy spooky stories involving dogs—as long as the dog is okay! With that in mind, Cartoon Network’s Courage the Cowardly Dog—a famously strange and surprisingly touching cartoon—could make a great live-action adaptation. The key would be to maintain the show’s unsettling, otherworldly atmosphere and, importantly, use a real dog instead of relying on special effects.

Gargoyles

While a live-action Kim Possible movie didn’t quite hit the mark, let’s talk about Gargoyles. This ’90s Disney cartoon, about medieval gargoyles brought back to life in modern New York by a greedy billionaire, is a hidden gem. Unlike lighter shows like DuckTales (which is great!), Gargoyles was known for its darker themes, well-developed characters, and complex stories—more like a serious DC superhero series. The show’s themes of found family, fighting prejudice, the battle between good and evil, and concerns about corporate power and technology feel especially relevant today. With today’s CGI and makeup technology, a talented filmmaker could truly bring Goliath and the other gargoyles to life, and the show’s unique blend of futuristic and fantasy elements could offer something new to the superhero movie genre.

The Wild Thornberrys

While The Wild Thornberrys wasn’t quite as popular as Rugrats, it was still a heartwarming and adventurous show. The series followed a family of wildlife filmmakers and their daughter who had the amazing ability to talk to animals. The 2002 Wild Thornberrys Movie proved the concept works well on the big screen, and I think it’s time for a new, live-action version that emphasizes the importance of protecting our planet.

Batman Beyond

Given the many different Batman films we’ve seen—from big, tech-focused adventures to dark, detective stories—it’s surprising a live-action movie based on Batman Beyond hasn’t happened yet, especially since it was first proposed in the early 2000s. This series, set in the future and featuring a rebellious teen as the new Batman mentored by an older Bruce Wayne, offers a fresh and sometimes even grimmer take on the Dark Knight. With its cool, futuristic style, focus on younger audiences, and dedicated fanbase, it begs the question: DC, why haven’t you made this movie?

Hey Arnold!

Honestly, Hey Arnold! is already great, but a movie based on the show could be a really sweet and nostalgic comedy about growing up. It could take place in the show’s city of Hillwood, or even be bigger in scope like The Jungle Movie – the important thing is that the characters feel real and their friendships stay strong. I think keeping it set in the 90s and aiming for a vibe similar to The Sandlot would be perfect, because millennials are really longing for those warm, family-friendly movies we grew up with.

The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy

Shows like Wednesday and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina have shown there’s a real appetite for spooky, but not too scary, stories for all ages. A live-action movie based on Cartoon Network’s The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy could be a great fit. The cartoon centers on two kids who unexpectedly become best friends with the Grim Reaper. It’s a wild premise that, with a touch of warmth, could make a really funny movie, similar to Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.

South Park

We don’t often see truly edgy comedies focused on kids, and for good reason. But when done well, like in the 2019 film Good Boys, that combination of innocent growing-up moments with, well, typical kid mischief can be hilarious. Considering the established characters, detailed world, and potential for both realistic and outrageous stories, the long-running series South Park seems ripe for an R-rated live-action movie. I think it would work best if the characters were slightly older, maybe middle schoolers, and the humor focused more on dark comedy than purely shocking gags.

Forgotten Animated Disney Movies That Deserve Another Look

1. The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

While many didn’t clamor for a follow-up to the 1977 Disney film The Rescuers, The Rescuers Down Under (1990) surprisingly surpasses the original. This adventure focuses on a pair of mouse rescue agents who travel to the Australian Outback to save a kidnapped boy from a ruthless poacher. The film boasts impressive aerial sequences, a beautifully realized Australian wilderness, and vibrant animation. Though sandwiched between Disney classics The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, it remains a fondly remembered favorite for those who grew up watching VHS tapes in the 1990s.

2. Onward (2020)

Pixar’s 2020 film, Onward, unfortunately suffered because of its release timing. It came out right as movie theaters were closing due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which severely hurt its chances in theaters. While it did well for those watching at home, many people were understandably focused on current events and didn’t see it. It’s a shame that, even now, Onward is often overlooked when people talk about the best recent Pixar films. It’s a genuinely touching and magical adventure with beautiful animation, charming characters, and a moving story about loss and moving forward.

3. Treasure Planet (2002)

Released in 2002, Treasure Planet is a unique animated film that reimagines Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island in a futuristic, intergalactic setting. While it didn’t do well in theaters—likely due to the growing popularity of CGI animation at the time—it has since gained a dedicated fanbase. People now appreciate its well-developed characters, stunning blend of storybook visuals and science fiction, and heartfelt story about finding your purpose. As one character says, it truly has the potential to be a classic.

4. Dinosaur (2000)

Disney’s Dinosaur, released at the start of the new millennium, was a visually innovative film that combined live-action with computer animation. The story follows a dinosaur and his adopted family as they search for a safe haven after a devastating meteor strike. Despite being the top-grossing animated movie of its year and earning mostly good reviews—even inspiring a Disney World ride—the film has largely been forgotten. It seems to have been overshadowed by Disney’s shift away from its successful Renaissance period of animation.

5. The Black Cauldron (1985)

Okay, so The Black Cauldron from 1985 is… a bit of a tricky one for Disney fans. It’s kind of infamous, actually – a lot of people say it nearly wrecked the studio! When it came out, it flopped big time, and critics thought it didn’t stay true to the original books and was just too dark and the characters weren’t developed enough. But honestly? Over the years, it’s gained this awesome cult following. I think it’s because it has a really unique, dark fantasy vibe, the animation is genuinely beautiful, and the villain is legitimately scary. It’s a flawed movie, sure, but it’s one I really enjoy.

6. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

Among Disney fans, Atlantis: The Lost Empire hasn’t been completely forgotten – especially those who’ve long hoped for a live-action adaptation. (It really seems like Disney is missing an opportunity!) However, it’s not widely known by the general public and rarely gets attention from the company itself. This is likely because it came out right after Disney’s hugely successful Renaissance period and was very different from the kinds of movies audiences expected at the time.

The film is a thrilling, action-packed adventure about a team of explorers searching for the lost city of Atlantis and a powerful, ancient secret. It features beautiful animation, a unique visual style inspired by Jules Verne, and memorable characters. While it’s not flawless, it’s a genuinely enjoyable movie.

7. Meet the Robinsons (2007)

Released in 2007 during a challenging period for Disney animation, Meet the Robinsons struggled to find an audience amidst strong competition from Pixar. It didn’t perform well in theaters and plans for a sequel were scrapped. However, over time, the film—about a young orphan inventor who travels to the future to alter his destiny—has gained a dedicated fanbase. People appreciate its surprisingly touching story, quirky characters, and unique, optimistic vision of the future.

8. Brother Bear (2003)

Disney’s Brother Bear, released in 2003, is a beautifully animated film that often gets overlooked. It came out around the same time as hugely popular movies like Lilo & Stitch, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles, which overshadowed it. However, Brother Bear tells a heartwarming story about family and forgiveness that appeals to everyone. It also boasts stunning animation of North American landscapes, a memorable soundtrack by Phil Collins, and excellent performances from Joaquin Phoenix and Jeremy Suarez.

9. A Bug’s Life (1998)

You know, as a big Pixar fan, I’ve always felt A Bug’s Life gets a little overlooked. It came after Toy Story in ’98, and while some of us consider it a classic, it often feels like people forget about it when they talk about Pixar’s greatest hits. The story is just so clever – it’s about this well-intentioned but awkward ant who tries to save his colony from a looming threat, and accidentally ends up with a group of misfit circus bugs. Honestly, it’s a really charming and colorful movie, full of funny characters, and it’s surprisingly insightful. It even tackles themes like capitalism and the importance of community in a way that still feels relevant today.

10. Bolt (2008)

Released in 2008, Bolt was a fairly well-received and modestly successful film, but today it’s largely forgotten. The movie tells the story of a dog actor on a popular TV show who genuinely believes he has superpowers. After running away from the set, he must find his way home and learn what’s real. Coming between Disney’s classic Renaissance period and the more recent successful era starting with Tangled (2010), and during Pixar’s peak, Bolt didn’t achieve the same critical acclaim or lasting popularity. However, it remains a sweet and enjoyable adventure with a talented voice cast and lively animation.

11. Frankenweenie (2012)

Despite coming out in 2012, Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie doesn’t often come up when people talk about fun, family-friendly Halloween movies, which is surprising given how much creative skill went into it. The film is a playful take on classic sci-fi horror and is based on a short Burton made for Disney back in 1984. It tells the story of a boy who brings his dog back to life, and things get crazy when his friends try to do the same. With beautiful black-and-white stop-motion animation and lovable characters, this overlooked Burton film is full of warmth, even with its spooky subject matter.

2025-10-22 19:30