For a very long time, Saturday morning was the time when most people, particularly children, would enjoy animation. Almost all of the major networks devoted a significant block of programming time to cartoon shows that were geared toward kids.
While some of these were original properties, it’s also true that there were a surprising number of kids’ TV shows that were actually based on movies that were, in no uncertain terms, not meant for younger viewers.
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1995-2000)- Not Streaming
Ace Ventura used to be widely regarded as one of Jim Carrey’s best movies, although now it is recognized as a deeply problematic comedy, for many reasons. Though the movie was very much geared toward adults—with much of the humor not suitable for children–the same cannot quite be said of its cartoon adaptation. While the animated series retains some of the slapstick that was a hallmark of the original movie, it didn’t feature the same actors. Nevertheless, it’s easy to see how Carrey's already cartoonish antics would translate relatively easily into the world of animation.
Back to the Future (1991-1992)- Not Streaming
There are few ‘80s movies quite as beloved as Back to the Future, and it remains an icon of that particular period of moviemaking. Given the penchant that many networks had for making use of a pre-existing property to create an animated series, it’s not surprising that, too, would receive the cartoon treatment. In this case, the animated series seems to take place in a time period after the original movies, with Marty and Doc traveling through time. It has a surprisingly detailed animation style, though it only lasted a couple of seasons.
Beetlejuice (1989-1991)- Not Streaming
At first glance, it might seem strange that a rather macabre movie like Beetlejuice would be turned into a television series, but in this case it actually seems to work on its own. In part, this is because Tim Burton, who directed the movie (it’s one of his best), also signed on as an executive producer for the show.
It’s also true that the animated series had a unique animation style and a talented voice cast that managed to recapture some of the magic of the movie while also managing to succeed on its own terms.
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventures (1990-1991)- Streaming on Roku
Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure is another iconic movie from the 1980s, and it’s also another that would see itself adapted into a cartoon show. As with the live-action version, the series focuses on a pair of slackers who have various encounters with historical figures. Given that it was, at first, produced by Hanna-Barbera, it has somewhat surprisingly high production values which, combined with the voice talents of Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, makes it a surprisingly entertaining series.
The Mask: Animated Series (1995-1997)- Not Streaming
Ace Ventura wasn’t the only one of Jim Carrey’s popular 1990s movies to receive the animated series treatment. The Mask was another kids’ cartoon show that was adapted from a movie that was decidedly not for children. Though it didn’t include the voice talents of Jim Carrey, the movie does nevertheless follow some of the same plot as its predecessor, with the character Stanley Ipkiss continuing to have madcap adventures with the mask that gives him great powers, and the serious captures the zany energy that was a hallmark of the movie.
Dumb and Dumber (1995-1996)- Not Streaming
Dumb and Dumber is another of Jim Carrey’s very funny movies, although it has also not aged well at all. Given its popularity at the time, though, it’s not very surprising that it would also be turned into a kids’ animated show. It was produced by Hanna-Barbera (arguably one of the most significant animation studios when it comes to Saturday morning cartoons). Though it captured some of the madcap humor of the original series–even if it didn’t feature the same cast–it only lasted for a little over a dozen episodes.
Fast & Furious Spy Racers (2019-2021)- Streaming on Netflix
It’s hard to imagine a more vital franchise than The Fast & The Furious, which continues to achieve astounding success. In some ways, it can be seen as one of the most iconic action movies of the 21st century. Given that the movies very much appeal to adults, it’s a little surprising that it would be adapted into a cartoon series, but it has proven very successful for Netflix.
It manages to capture the spirit of the original–with various missions conveyed in gorgeous animation–while also managing to be appealing to a younger audience.
James Bond Jr. (1991-1992)- Not Streaming
There is perhaps no spy as iconic as James Bond, who continues to exert a powerful hold on the public imagination. Even longtime fans of Bond, however, may not know that it also received the animated treatment in the early 1990s. Though the title character is the series’ main protagonist, he also has a number of friends who are related to other Bond characters. While there are quite a few gadgets–a typical Bond convention–this animated series is, unsurprisingly, far less violent than its live-action counterparts.
Men In Black: The Series (1997-2001)- Streaming on Philo, fuboTV, Plex, and Crackle
Men in Black is widely seen as one of the best science fiction movies of the 1990s, and there’s an undeniable chemistry between its leads, Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. Though neither of them appear in the animated series, the latter does still manage to have some of the appeal of the original series. Furthermore, since it takes place in an alternative timeline, it is able to stand on its own, to such an extent that it managed to run for four seasons.
Return To the Planet of the Apes (1975-1976)- Not Streaming
Planet of the Apes is arguably one of the best science fiction movies of all time, and it has engendered a very successful franchise. While the original movie was quite chilling, it also engendered an animated series entitled Return to the Planet of the Apes. As with most of the other entries, it focused on a group of astronauts who crash-land on the planet and who become ever more integral to the action. Unlike the original movie, however, this version depicts the apes as having a very advanced civilization, which is actually more true to the original novel.