From the live-action The Flintstones to 2001's Josie and the Pussycats, it is evident that a transition from an animated series to a live-action film can be done and can be done exceptionally. When a series is well done and has a dedicated fan base, a movie version is all but pretty much guaranteed.
However, a lot of the time, live-action film adaptions of animated source material can be just as if not more compelling. Whether it be a straightforward replication or a campy send-up of the animated source, live-action film versions can be highly enjoyable and fun. Some animated series are highly deserving of their own live-action film versions that might be as good as the original.
Daria (1997 - 2002)
Many fans of this MTV animated series have wished for a Daria live-action film. Fans have clamored for the casting of the titular Daria to be played by Parks and Recreation star and all-around indie darling Aubrey Plaza. It almost seems like the role of Daria was tailor-made for the sarcastic, deadpan Plaza.
Also, this series would have the easiest transition to live-action because Daria's storylines revolve around relatable and down-to-earth plotlines. The show simply follows the brainy protagonist through her home and school life, making a live-action movie extremely easy and affordable while also staying true to the show.
Bob's Burgers (2011 -)
The Belcher family would be an easy segue to a live-action movie and it would be interesting to see the Belcher family dynamic played out by live-action actors. The Belchers get involved in far less outlandish situations than the Simpsons family or Family Guy's the Griffins but are still no less interesting thanks to each Bob's Burgers' character's distinct personality.
The life of struggling mom and pop business owners with zany children sounds like a highly relatable movie premise that would be elevated by the show's trademark quirky and clever humor.
Futurama (1999 - 2013)
The misadventures of the Planet Express interplanetary delivery service would be an incredible live-action movie. With kooky crustacean Dr. Zoidberg, tough cookie Leela, airheaded Fry, obnoxious robot Bender, ditzy Amy, stickler Hermes, and the ancient Professor, a live-action Futurama movie would have no lack of intriguing characters. Further, the different planets the gang travel to would make for visually dynamic settings.
Showing the world in the 31st century would allow the live-action movie to embrace and elaborate on the distant future as presented by the series. Likewise, it would be interesting to see how the different creatures of the series would translate to live-action by either CGI, stop motion, models, puppets, or creature effects and makeup.
Johnny Bravo (1997 - 2004)
The '50s aesthetic of this series would make for an easy on the eyes cross-over to live-action. The bright colors and art design synonymous with '50s American culture could result in an interesting fusion when mixed with the design of the 2020s.
This would be much like how the series melded James Dean-esque fifties America iconography with the style and pop culture references of the go-go 90s and early 2000s. Too, Johnny's emulation of rockabilly style is super fitting for the nostalgia-heavy present where youths turn to emulation of past fashion trends and cultural references to display individuality.
Ed, Edd, and Eddy (1999 - 2009)
The exploits and schemes of the three troublemaking Eds would be a funny live-action movie akin to coming of age films like The Sandlot and The Goonies. Each of the neighborhood kids of Ed, Edd, and Eddy are fully fleshed out individuals. The strong characterization of the roles in the series would result in relatable characters that the audience can both empathize with and laugh at.
Also, the distinct art design of the show could be integrated into the production design and look of the live-action film version. It helps that the plot lines of the series were pretty timeless, never dating itself with of-the-moment references, which would result in a movie version that could apply to all ages and generations. Don't all kids just want a jawbreaker at the end of the day?
Samurai Jack (2001 - 2017)
The strong art direction of this show would result in a high-quality production design if made into live-action feature film version. With several samurai movies to be influenced by, the film version of this series has a deep well of inspiration to draw from.
A Samurai Jack movie would be made in the same tradition as the classic 1973 Japanese film Lady Snowblood. The minimal dialogue and the violence of the series are easily recognizable in traditional Japanese samurai classics, which would make this film version a welcome entry into the genre.
The Powerpuff Girls (1998 - 2005)
Between three elementary school-aged crime-fighting superheroes and a fleet of kooky villains including a genius evil monkey, a live-action film version of this classic Cartoon Network series would be super cool and highly unique. Craig McCracken's strong creative voice and the tongue-in-cheek humor he infused in The Powerpuff Girls could be appealing to those who grew up with the series as well as young families in a live-action version.
All of the series's characters brought something to the show and that could be easily replicated in the film version. Further, the show's girl-power message is just as timely now if not more than when the show aired, making a film version societally relevant. As The Powerpuff Girls was influenced by a number of movie references, including the girls' house inspired by the house in Mon Oncle, it would be full circle for the series to become a movie itself.
Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends (2004 - 2009)
This Cartoon Network series would be a great movie to utilize puppets for the imaginary friends characters similar to the usage of puppets in Labyrinth or the Muppet movies. As the series concerns a foster home for discarded imaginary friends, there would be a plethora of puppets in use. The full use of fantastical creatures would immerse the viewer in this whimsical foster home for imaginary friends.
For a series that has such an intense focus on imagination and creativity, the film version could follow in the footsteps of films that have a similar reliance on imagination like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Also, the sincerity and heartfelt tone of the series would be an embraced change of pace from the more sarcastic family movies of late.
Sailor Moon (1992 - 1997)
The aesthetic that a live-action movie of this classic series would entail is reason enough for this show to be made into a live-action movie. Using the dazzling skylines and landscapes of Tokyo, the setting would be enchanting to fans of the anime series. Likewise, the series's costumes would look fantastic when created for a live-action version.
It would also be interesting to see how the series's distinct art design would be replicated in a live-action version. On top of it, the high-energy action/fight scenes of the show would make for an exciting full-length film.
The Jetsons (1962 -1963)
The midcentury futuristic look of the series would lend itself to awesome set design and costumes that would embrace the space-age aesthetic. The future setting of the series would allow for fantastic world-building to immerse the audience in the bubblegum future presented in The Jetsons.
The characterization of the Jetson family could be updated to be more modern while still retaining the kitschy and carefree tone of the series. To take it further, a live-action movie version of this classic Hanna-Barbera show could be like the 1995 Brady Bunch Movie and poke fun at its source material.