8 Best Animated TV Series That Brought Beloved Movies Back to Life on the Small Screen

Feature films, especially cult classics, rarely receive worthy sequels. Sometimes, however, creators find an unexpected twist: they transform a beloved story into an animated series.

Animation allows for a broader universe, deeper character development, and provides what the movie lacks: more adventure, humor, and unexpected twists.

1. 'The Mask', 1995-1997

IMDb Score: 6.9/10

Technically, the 1994 movie The Mask is based on the comic book series of the same name, which had been running since 1989.

However, the movie significantly altered the tone of the source material by removing almost all the violence and emphasizing Jim Carrey's comedic talent.

The following year, an animated series was released that closely followed the film's plot, with a few minor inconsistencies. In the series, Stanley Ipkiss dons the mask, which gives him powers and changes his personality.

2. 'Ace Ventura: Pet Detective', 1995-2000

IMDb Score: 5.6/10

Ace Ventura premiered at the same time as The Mask, and an animated series featuring another Jim Carrey character appeared a year later. Similar to the movie, the main character searches for various animals while constantly grimacing and flirting with girls.

Interestingly, in the second season finale, the animated Ace Ventura met Stanley from The Mask – a crossover between the two franchises featuring characters originally portrayed by the same actor.

3. 'Rambo', 1986

IMDb Score: 6.3/10

Adventure comedies and teen sci-fi weren't the only genres turned into animated series. Even dark, violent action movies made their way to the small screen, becoming entertainment for children.

The animated series appeared after the second movie, in which the main character transformed from a controversial soldier with PTSD into a tough guy who single-handedly defeats an army of enemies.

In the animated series, John Rambo receives missions from Colonel Samuel Trautman and sets out with his friends on another adventure.

4. 'Back To The Future', 1991-1993

IMDb Score: 6.4/10

The Back to the Future trilogy is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of science fiction comedy. After the trilogy concluded, the creators repeatedly stated that there would be no sequels or remakes – and they have held true to their word.

However, there was a sequel, in which Christopher Lloyd, who played Emmett Brown, starred. The animated series follows Doc's family, either Doc and his wife or his young children.

In each episode, the characters travel via time machine or the train from the third movie to a different historical period to correct the past or future.

5. 'The Mummy: The Animated Series', 2001-2003

IMDb Score: 6.3/10

The 1999 adventure comedy The Mummy made Brendan Fraser famous and launched a new franchise. After two movies, an animated spinoff aired on television.

The animated series follows the same O'Connell family but shifts the focus to their son, Alex. After he puts on a magical bracelet, an evil mummy begins to pursue him. The entire family then embarks on a journey to break the curse.

6. 'The Real Ghostbusters', 1986-1991

IMDb Score: 7.6/10

The first Ghostbusters film hit screens in 1984, introducing audiences to a quartet of charming characters who save New York City from ghosts. Although it took five years for a sequel to appear on the big screen, the heroes quickly returned to television.

The animated series The Real Ghostbusters continued the movie's plot. In each episode, the characters encounter a new supernatural creature, sometimes dangerous and sometimes merely disturbing people's lives.

The characters and their personalities remain the same (though they are voiced by different actors), with more emphasis placed on the charming Slimer.

7. 'Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventures', 1990-1991

IMDb Score: 6.4/10

The 1989 movie Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure made Keanu Reeves famous and introduced viewers to two silly men with the ability to travel through time.

The animated series, released a year later, continued the story. Almost every episode followed the same premise: Bill and Ted did something stupid, and now they had to travel back in time to fix it.

One of the first season's main strengths was that the original actors voiced their characters themselves.

8. 'Beetlejuice', 1989-1991

IMDb Score: 7.3/10

Beetlejuice, Tim Burton's second movie, was a defining moment in his career. From that point forward, the director became known for his love of gothic themes and dark humor.

Soon after the film's release, an animated series was launched under Burton's direction and instantly became a favorite among fans. The plot drew heavily from the original film but took on a more positive tone.

Beetlejuice, who had previously tried to drive the Deetz family out of their home, now befriends their daughter, Lydia. In each episode, the characters get into trouble or embark on their own adventures.