Top 10 Cartoons That Deserve Their Own Live Action Movie

#10: “The Magic School Bus” (1994-97)

Also in:

Top 10 Disney Channel Villains (Live-Action)

This show proved that cartoons with an educational agenda didn’t have to be boring or pander to their audience. The premise involves a group of students and their unorthodox but awesome teacher Ms Frizzle- aka The Friz- as they explore the various wonders of life, science, nature, history and more all via a school bus with oddly appropriate shape-shifting qualities. With so many issues facing new generations of children, a colorful, light-hearted but well-meaning flick about human beings or what’s beyond the stars would be quite refreshing. Since the show was littered with celebrity cameos, it’s only fair to throw in a few of our own suggestions for the potential live action adaptation; Amy Poehler as The Friz, anyone?

#9: “Johnny Bravo” (1997-2004)

Also in:

Top 10 Johnny & Moira Moments On Schitt's Creek

While the muscle-bound oaf who was always trying to score with the ladies never failed to bring the laughs on the small screen during his heyday, a live action adaptation would prove to be much more of a challenge. Play it too safe, and it’s a boring flick. Push it too far and Johnny comes across as vile and lecherous, and that’s the last thing anyone wants! As long as Mr Bravo has a huge heart, gets into all kinds of mischief, and may or may not find that special somebody, you’ll have the makings of a stellar comedy. Assuming he can pull off that hair, why not put Dwayne Johnson in the lead, or roll the dice completely on Nicolas Cage?

Since it seems like half the cast of the “Star Trek” franchise lent their voices to this ‘90s animated heavyweight, there’s no reason a transition to the big screen can’t be done easily. Following the adventures of a group of living gargoyles that awaken from their stony slumber when the sun sets, the animated series features a lot of good source material for a dark fantasy adventure in modern New York. Just make sure you focus on practical effects over CGI, which will give dignity and depth to each of the winged warriors, and for the love of everything, make sure that Keith David returns to voice Goliath! Then find a role for David Tennant, keep Michael Bay far far away from the director's chair and you’ll be golden.

#7: “The Powerpuff Girls” (1998-2005)

Also in:

Top 10 Cutest Disney Couples (Live-Action)

Sugar, spice and everything nice - stick to these very basic guidelines and you have three of animation’s most revered superheroines. With young girls nowadays having very little in terms of superhero-like role models- aside from Black Widow or Wonder Woman- these three have served as the pinnacle of what it means to be good, while also overcoming tasks that a lot of children face, all the while kicking the crap out of giant monsters on the small screen. A big screen live action adaptation would have to capture their innocence, balance it out with fighting crime, and not go down the dreaded studio route of making them teenagers - or 40 year olds playing teenagers! ‘Cause that would be a disaster.

This eighties classic was the definition of gloriously cheesy TV fare, as it featured humanoid alien jungle cats battling an ancient mummified demon-priest. Their leader is a sword-wielding lion-like creature with flowing red hair dressed in tight blue. You just can’t beat that. A more recent TV adaptation showed that, despite the ludicrous premise, it could still be grounded with great characters and awesome fight scenes. A live action version would have to breathe life into the world of Third Earth, establish Lion-O as an undeniable badass and make sure Mumm-Ra is the stuff of nightmares. Oh, and maybe think about making Snarf a mute.

#5: “Teen Titans” (2003-06)

Also in:

Top 10 Reasons Why Teen Titans Go Is Hated

With studio output being quite superhero-centric in the early 21st century, a lot of unlikely properties are being dusted off and given a spot in the limelight. While DC is focused on the collection of characters in and related to the Justice League, this animated show about a group of sidekicks and lesser-known characters in that universe has proven to be a powerhouse. Teenage plights, an incredible set of villains, a well-developed romance and numerous opportunities for Batman cameos, this could be the franchise that finally gives the DC Universe a foothold in the box office - that is, so long as they get Robin right!

#4: “Captain Planet and the Planeteers” (1990-96)

Also in:

Top 10 William Shatner’s Captain Kirk Fight Moves

It may be cheesy, yes, but at least it’s environmentally friendly cheese, right? Say hello to the eco-system defenders here to save the world from evil and pollution! While its moral message was very blatant and ham-fisted, a live action version could offer some depth to each of the Planeteers and find a more subtle way of getting its meaning across, especially when tackling heavier subjects like AIDS and gang violence. The Planeteers even encounter Hitler and a Yeti (albeit separately) among their adventures. There’s definitely a lot of silliness to sift through, but in the right hands, it could be a fun flick that could raise awareness about real-world issues.

#3: “Gravity Falls” (2012-16)

Also in:

Top 10 Adult Jokes in Gravity Falls You Missed

There is so much paranormal zaniness in this series that if a film were ever commissioned, the studio would be hard pressed to choose a single narrative. You have gnomes that puke rainbows, a time-travelling tape measure and the hilarious world-ending Bill Cipher. What made the show so compelling and what would thus be the most essential ingredient of any possible future movie are spot-on portrayals of its three main protagonists. The dynamic relationship between twins Dipper and Mabel is a must, while their ever grouchy Grunkle Stan will have to be both a badass as well as an obnoxious pensioner. Considering J.K. Simmons lent his voice to the show, the movie should ideally let him run amok as the owner of Mystery Shack or perhaps another interesting character.

#2: “Kim Possible” (2002-07)

Also in:

Top 10 Best Family Guy Live Action Sequences

If Disney has time between Marvel films and Star Wars movies in the next 30 years, maybe the company could be convinced to bring the exploits of a feisty cheerleader who moonlights as a crime-fighter to the big screen. Having to deal with the prospects of womanhood, which is often shown to be scarier than dealing with supervillains, Kim’s the kind of girl that can take out a room full of killers with ease while also fretting about her social outcast of a sidekick, Ron Stoppable. As long as they nail their chemistry, which wouldn’t work without Kim’s wit and Ron’s dorky charm, then filmmakers will have the makings of a standout heroine. We also hope they try and fit in that catchy theme song! Before we reveal our number one pick, here are a few honourable mentions. “Beast Wars: Transformers” (1996-99) “Dexter’s Laboratory” (1996-99; 2001-03) “Danny Phantom” (2004-07)

#1: “Samurai Jack” (2001-04)

Also in:

Top 10 Times Samurai Jack Went Beast Mode

While the show’s unique art style and narrative are best expressed through its animation, the tale of the wandering samurai and his quest to return to the past is a story just begging for a live action adaptation. The dystopian future, the various alien races, Jack’s training and teachings, not to mention the ever-present threat of the demon Aku; there is so much to love about the series that the potential screenplay writers and filmmakers would be spoiled with choices on what to include in a film. As long as the characters remain authentic, the fighting is both beautiful and visceral, and they do the Scotsman justice, Samurai Jack has the potential to become a cinematic hero’s journey like no other.