Hollywood and movie executives are always looking for new science fiction and fantasy concepts and lore that they could adapt into a cinematic setting. However, it may well be that some of the best ideas out there can actually be found within kids' TV shows.
Whether they are super spies, shape-shifting teenagers, wizards and witches, or trapped within an apocalyptic landscape, these narratives could certainly work with a big budget on the big screen. Kids really are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding fun and exciting shows to check out and adults are quickly learning that some of their favorite genres are best represented in this format.
Ben 10 (2005-2008)
It's clear that Ben 10 boasts some fantastic episodes where the animation shines and the voice cast absolutely encapsulates their characters. But what really works about this sci-fi show is the premise. Ben has a watch that allows him to transform into 10 different aliens from throughout the universe.
Each alien has a different set of skills, which Ben must utilize to fight against the forces of darkness. With his Grandpa Max and his sister Gwen by his side, Ben continues to hone his craft, coming to realize that the watch's capabilities are limitless. There's a whole cinematic franchise here waiting to be unleashed.
Kim Possible (2002-2007)
Disney's Kim Possible might have also had its own live-action feature-length adaptation which didn't quite capture the spirit of the original, but the animated TV show is still one of the best and most popular that Disney has ever produced. The idea behind the series is a simple one.
It follows a teenage girl and her best friend who takes part in espionage missions across the world. A Mission Impossible for kids in many ways, it combines the sci-fi and spy genres to create a unique blend that sees Possible fighting against master villains, dangerous robots, and her evil parallel.
American Dragon (2005-2007)
American Dragon might be a show only remembered by a certain generation, but the idea behind the series really demonstrated that a fantastical lore could be built around the simplest of ideas. Jake Long is part of a family that has the generational power to turn into a dragon.
It's a power that can be found all across the world, with multiple families treasuring this same gift. There are of course ancient forces of darkness that wish to utilize these powers for their own gain and not to mention dragon hunters that take great joy in cutting down these dangerous beasts. It feels as if it's been adapted from a fantasy novel.
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug And Cat Noir (2015-)
Miraculous is an international phenomenon that has somehow become a huge part of modern popular culture. Despite being a kids TV show it has also appealed to both teenagers and adults alike; partially because of the superhero theatrics and partly because of the romance story.
It's a comic book show through and through, but one without any source material to be based upon. The journey of the magical jewel-wielding Ladybug and Cat Noir is an exciting one, as they fight against the akumas that turn regular people into supervillains at the behest of their arch-nemesis.
Power Rangers (1993-)
The Power Rangers have a long and rich history and is still primed for a cinematic universe despite one failed attempt already. Each run of episodes contains a slightly different genre or idea which is linked to the overall ethos of the superhero, sci-fi show.
The series combines plenty of elements, therefore, from the wild alien armor that the heroes wear, to the size-changing villains and the massive zords the Rangers use in battle. From mystical warriors to SPD agents and even pirates, Power Rangers keeps reinventing itself in a way few other franchises can, showing the strength of its concept.
Over The Garden Wall (2014)
Over The Garden Wall was just a miniseries that wasn't meant to be anything more than a creative outlet for its writers and artists, that might have appealed to some kids. The strength of this fantasy world has resulted in a cult fan following unlike anything seen before.
It's resulted in plenty of spin-off material but the strengths of this show are perhaps its characters, and the world they inhabit. Based on two siblings lost out in a mysterious realm, they have to travel through a fantastical forest full of magic, to find their way back home.
Adventure Time (2010-2018)
In regards to cult followings, Adventure Time is up there with one of the biggest fan bases ever; the amazing fantasy series appeals to all ages! The show follows Finn and his dog and brother Jake in the Land of Ooo, a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by a range of strange characters.
Magic, wizards, kings, princesses, and all manner of oddities roam these lands and in each episode, this heroic duo embarks on an adventure to solve a major problem (which they have often created in the first place). It's full of heart but the Land of Ooo itself is perhaps one of the best kingdoms in all of kids TV.
Wizards Of Waverly Place (2007-2012)
Wizards Of Waverly Place see a regular family imbued with the magical powers that actually pass through each generation. The three siblings have a few years to learn and study how to hone their craft before a duel of fate and a dangerous contest will decide which one gets to keep their powers.
It's an intriguing premise and one that's packed with both comedy and conflict. While these characters and show itself continue to evolve between the pilot and the finale (alongside the eventual film) the concept itself remains the same, with this unique wizarding world opening up a lot of possibilities.
Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia (2016-2018)
Netflix's Trollhunters is an incredibly ambitious show with brilliant animation and strong voice acting. At its core though is an exciting adventure that sees a range of deep human and troll characters try to protect their beloved land of Arcadia from the forces of darkness.
With an amulet granting its user great power, they also take on the responsibility of protecting the human and troll world beneath their feet. It's an interesting idea from the mind of Guillermo Del Toro and one that certainly has live-action potential.
The Sparticle Mystery (2011-2015)
The Sparticle Mystery is a little-known British show which was set in a post-apocalyptic world. The show saw all of the adults in the world disappear, thanks to a science experiment that went horribly wrong. Society has descended into chaos as these kids try to survive.
A group of children actually go on the hunt for the adults and their parents, embarking on the mission and trying to discover the secret as to why they disappeared in the first place. It's an idea that should definitely be in line for a revival, thanks to its complex storytelling.