While video game movies might be the next big genre, considering the slew of release dates based around console games, there's another genre that has been turning out great films for many years and that's those set around toys and board games.
Whether the brand itself has a great set of characters that belong in films or a film is directly inspired by real-world toys that can be bought right now, this genre has been quietly killing it for a long time now and there's a list of successes to prove it. From murder mysteries to animated family adventures, some of these are films are cult classics and some are huge, ongoing franchises.
Bumblebee (2018)
Bumblebee is of course based upon the Transformers toys. While the character himself is incredibly popular, there was no real reason to bring out this film, apart from it being a sort of redemptive project that could prove that the brand really could work on the big screen.
Previously, there had been a whole host of various Transformers films which seemed to diminish in quality as they went along. However, Bumblebee got so much right and is perhaps one of the best in the genre, in terms of directly adapting toys into cinema.
Toy Story (1995 - 2019)
It is difficult to argue against the fact that the Toy Story franchise is a beloved classic and has completely changed animation as we know it. As Pixar's first major project, it completely reinvented the industry and has created four successful films, along with plenty of spin-offs.
Throughout these movies, there's plenty of toys that are inspired by real products or are directly put onto the big screen. In a bit of a reversal of order, fans can now buy a Woody the cowboy and his space ranger friend, Buzz Lightyear, among other toys from the films. The series has won numerous accolades and is fairly considered one of the best franchises of all time.
The Lego Movie (2014 - 2019)
It's fair to say that many were skeptical about a Lego Movie, considering there have been plenty of animated features based on the brand before that were mainly aimed at kids. But audiences were thrilled and surprised by what Warner Bros. actually produced.
Witty, irreverent, surprisingly emotional and with a great twist at the end, the first film spawned both spin-offs and sequels, most of which were equally well regarded. And while the sequel may have some flaws, it is still an excellent piece of filmmaking, with a fantastic cast and a great set of characters.
Ouija: Origin Of Evil (2016)
The original Ouija based on the Hasbro brand wasn't exactly well-received. A middle of the road horror flick, it left a lot to be desired and many fans weren't sure about a sequel being developed, considering some of the flaws of the first.
But Ouija: Origin Of Evil somehow flipped the script completely and was a genuinely terrifying and well thought out film, that delivered scares and emotional moments equally. It was a roaring success and perhaps one of Hasbro's best attempts at a live-action adaptation.
Small Soldiers (1998)
Small Soldiers was an Amblin production with a stellar cast and surprisingly strong visuals. Clearly inspired by toys like Action Man and G.I. Joe, these toys came to life and set out on a military mission, one which thrilled audiences.
At the time, it wasn't overly well received and seen more like a standard family film, but over time, it has grown into a bit of a cult classic. Maybe this is out of nostalgia, or maybe due to some of the great elements brought into the film, including the fantastic stop motion animation, but this is a very enjoyable movie for kids and adults alike.
Clue (1985)
Everybody knows the game Clue or Cluedo, depending on where in the world it's being sold. There's even another film based on the game in development, to be directed by Jason Bateman and starring himself, alongside Ryan Reynolds.
But the classic Clue film certainly shouldn't be forgotten. A murder mystery that felt like it enhanced the board game in many ways, Clue is an absolute delight, combining great comedy, alongside some of the tropes of the genre in an effective way.
The Lego Batman Movie (2017)
While The Lego Movie has previously been mentioned, it would be criminal not to mention its dark knight spin-off, The Lego Batman Movie. In many regards, this is one of the best iterations of Batman ever put to screen.
It's absolutely hilarious and actually breaks down the relationship between the Joker and Batman in a surprisingly relatable way. It's meta and fourth-wall-breaking and probably appeals equally to fans of the character and kids who just want to watch more of the caped crusader.
Trolls (2016)
Some parents may be sick of these colorful creatures on their screens, but Trolls was not only a surprise hit, it managed to deliver in terms of quality. Its sequel, Trolls World Tour, matched this quality and perhaps even surpassed it!
If cute characters and crazy visuals weren't enough, a number of hard to forget songs and a stellar cast managed to really seal the deal for many families. It's a lot of fun and is an easy watch that kids and adults can enjoy together.
Mars Attacks (1996)
An earlier film in the career of Tim Burton, Mars Attacks was actually based on a tabletop card game. It was made more famous by the wacky film, however, which combined Burton's trademark dark humor alongside some ridiculous visuals.
The result is a cult classic that has aged terribly, which has somehow only increased its charm. The horrible Martians themselves have gone down in history as being simply iconic and there's a number of truly memorable scenes that are still just as unbelievable.
Ted (2012)
There's probably not a sequel on the way in the near future and Ted 2 wasn't as well-received as the original, but Ted itself was a shocking hit on many levels. Not only did it surpass expectations financially, but it was also a moving and crazy film that was equal parts moving and hilarious.
There's a lot of toys that this film was inspired by, but the naughty bear was likely a reinvention of the Build A Bear that the world has become so familiar with. However, many people wouldn't expect their fluffy friend to be drinking and partying in the same way.