Movies

Live-Action Movies That Should Be Remade in Animation

BBG News

It’s quite intriguing that Disney frequently transforms their traditional animated features into live-action adaptations, bringing such enormous monetary success. One might ponder, why isn’t there an attempt to flip this trend and create animated versions of live-action stories instead?

It might seem absurd, but it did when Disney planned to create a “live-action” film based on The Lion King, without any human characters. However, this seemingly ludicrous idea generated a staggering $1.65 billion at the global box office. Following its success, Disney even produced a prequel, which added another $700 million to their earnings.

It’s debatable whether any of these movies need to be remade in animated format, as there’s generally little reason to revisit a movie that was successful initially, especially when considering financial motivations (as Yogurt wisely put it, the pursuit of more money). However, if production companies insist on remaking content, it seems unusual that they only ever opt for one direction – turning live-action films into animation. This transformation could serve not only as a revenue opportunity but also provide a platform for talented artists to innovate and breathe new life into beloved classics.

This leads us to my list of fantastic movies I believe could be beautifully adapted into animated films. It’s worth noting that I’ve omitted any franchises that have already produced substantial animated content previously. The Matrix appears to be an ideal candidate for an animated film, which is why they created The Animatrix in 2003. Similarly, Star Wars, Tron, Blade Runner, and The Lord of the Rings also seem fitting for such a transformation.

It hasn’t happened for the titles below. At least not yet.

Live-Action Movies Would Make Great Animated Films

Goldfinger (1964)

Every few years, the James Bond series encounters a predicament regarding its lead actor’s age and the need for a fresh approach. Should they introduce a new actor as if he’s always been 007? Or should they reboot all supporting characters? Perhaps they might opt for a prequel to set the stage anew. An animated James Bond, similar to Bart Simpson or Bugs Bunny, could maintain an eternal youth. This format would allow for a Cold War-era setting that has long been desired by many Bond enthusiasts. For instance, classic films like ‘Goldfinger’, ‘From Russia With Love’, and ‘Thunderball’ could be reimagined in animation. The adaptations could stay truer to Ian Fleming’s novels, incorporate new ideas, and explore endless creative possibilities.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

A film as revolutionary and daring as Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” should not be re-made in live-action format. Instead, a reimagined animated version of “2001” could offer a fresh take on the original story while preserving its integrity. With innovative designs for the spacecraft and stations, an animated adaptation would breathe new life into the source material without tampering with the timeless classic. Moreover, envision the stunning visuals of an updated stargate sequence using today’s advanced animation techniques!

Alien (1979)

Frankly, it’s surprising that there hasn’t been an animated Alien series given the extensive history of this popular franchise. There have been movies, TV shows in development, numerous comic books, video games, and even a line of toys with a somewhat cartoonish appearance dating back to the early 90s. It’s rumored that there were also unproduced animated commercials for these toys, leading to tales of an abandoned project called Operation: Aliens. However, it seems these stories are largely built on misinterpreted footage from the cartoon ads. Yet, the concept of an adult-oriented Operation: Aliens animated film now seems like a highly appealing prospect.

Ran (1985)

Primarily, animation serves as a platform for compelling visual narratives, making films that utilize color in a captivating manner potential options for animated adaptations. For instance, when considering movies with striking color usage, the classic Akira Kurosawa film “Ran,” his breathtaking interpretation of “King Lear,” stands out. Given its roots in Shakespeare, one could argue that “Ran” is somewhat of a remake itself. Therefore, why not reimagine the same story, featuring a powerful father attempting to pass on his kingdom to his sons, through an animator known for their unique style? The result could be something truly extraordinary.

Brazil (1985)

In Terry Gilliam’s movie, “Brazil,” we find an extravaganza of visual creativity. The story revolves around a worker in a grim future society who finds respite from his monotonous existence through captivating dreams. The film’s peculiar set design is a significant draw; however, it seems that the two contrasting realms portrayed – the mundane and the fantastical – present ample room for a stunningly animated remake.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

The fight scenes in “Crouching Tiger” seem as if they were originally designed for animation, giving the impression that animating them would be a seamless continuation, potentially taking the film’s visual appeal in action sequences to new heights and solidifying its status as one of the most visually stunning action movies ever made. (The movie is adapted from a serialized Chinese novel of the 1940s.)

Minority Report (2002)

The futuristic worlds created by Philip K. Dick, notably seen in films like “A Scanner Darkly” and television shows such as “Blade Runner: Black Lotus”, have captivated audiences. Among these, the universe of “Minority Report” with its sophisticated technology, psychic abilities, and a police force pursuing “precrimes” appears ripe for an animated feature or even a more adaptable ongoing animated TV series. Given that the film’s ending precludes a sequel, an animated remake seems like a compelling alternative approach.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

In a world as whimsical and extraordinary as that of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, filled with squid monsters and spectral pirates, animation seems like a fitting choice. The unconventional escapades of Captain Jack Sparrow just add to its appeal. Recently, Disney has been brainstorming various methods to expand this franchise, ranging from projects featuring Johnny Depp to those centering around a new crew of female pirates. Given Disney’s dominance in feature animation, it seems logical to blend these elements and create an animated ‘Pirates’ movie that is both opulent and exhilarating. It actually makes perfect sense.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

As a cinephile, I must admit that Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind skillfully delved into the intricate labyrinth of its protagonist’s fading memories, considering the film’s modest $20 million budget. If reimagined as an animated feature, it could certainly traverse even deeper into this memory realm. Notably, both the visionary director Michel Gondry and the insightful writer Charlie Kaufman have dabbled in animation before. Thus, given their shared history with this project, they could potentially revisit and expand upon their masterpiece should they choose to do so.

Sin City (2005)

Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller, the original comic-book artist, brought the gritty, comic-book world of “Sin City” to life on the big screen. While the live-action movies were highly stylized, an animated adaptation could take this visual style to its full potential. It could revisit some of the classic “Sin City” tales or adapt the comics that the films didn’t have a chance to cover.

Avatar (2009)

Some people may contend that since Avatar features a vast array of motion-captured characters inhabiting a digitally crafted universe, it essentially falls under the category of an animated movie. This makes the idea of creating a fully-animated version of Avatar even more intriguing. While digital animation is certainly the popular choice, considering that the “live-action” versions of Avatar are already rich in this style, a hand-drawn adaptation could be exceptionally unique and captivating.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

As a passionate cinephile, I’ve always been captivated by Wes Anderson’s cinematic universe. Whether he dabbles in live-action or animation, his distinctive symmetrical and vibrant aesthetic is unmistakable. His sets are so intricately crafted that they seem to be otherworldly stages, where real characters (or animated puppets) become the actors. I’ve often wondered what a more conventional animated project from him would look like – perhaps a cartoon adaptation of his magnum opus, The Grand Budapest Hotel. That film cleverly used varying aspect ratios to denote each scene’s time period or narrative context. Employing diverse animation styles or techniques could achieve a similar effect, possibly even enhancing it.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

So far, the “Mad Max” series has predominantly been confined to live-action films, with a few extra comics and video games. However, given its strikingly imaginative visuals and over-the-top designs, an animated version seems like an obvious choice. Wouldn’t it be exciting to watch an animated Immortan Joe or Mad Max defying physics as he soars through the Wasteland in his Interceptor? Believe it or not, these are genuine questions!

Dune (2021)

The tale of “Dune” is remarkably distinct, yet it has been transformed in such diverse ways. Contemplate the distinctive visual styles of the David Lynch and Denis Villeneuve movies; now envision an accomplished animator infusing their unique artistic touch to this narrative. Despite my deep affection for Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” films, I eagerly anticipate another (animated) interpretation of Frank Herbert’s novel. It seems only a matter of time before such an adaptation comes to fruition.

’90s Movies We Can’t Believe Got Remakes

Flatliners (1990/2017)

As a cinephile, I’ve always had a soft spot for “Flatliners,” the chilling thriller about medical daredevils who play with death by stopping their hearts and bringing them back to life in search of the unknown. In 1990, this movie grossed over $60 million at the box office, which is equivalent to approximately $125 million today. That’s not too shabby, but have you ever come across someone who was absolutely smitten with “Flatliners” and eagerly awaited a fresh take on it? I haven’t either. There aren’t any “Flatliners” conventions out there where fans dress up as their favorite characters and pretend to shock each other with defibrillator paddles, right? The truth is, the success of “Flatliners” in 1990 was largely due to its release a few months after “Pretty Woman,” which catapulted Julia Roberts into superstardom. In fact, when a remake of “Flatliners” hit theaters in 2017 without Roberts’ star power, it failed to impress audiences. (I’d still love to attend a FlatCon if one ever materializes!)

Total Recall (1990/2012)

When you remove Paul Verhoeven from a movie, not much changes, since he was instrumental to the success of films like Total Recall. This science fiction classic from the past still resonates today. However, the recent remake fails to capture the original’s essence, with Colin Farrell taking over Arnold Schwarzenegger’s role as Douglas Quaid, a man with amnesia living in a dystopian future who uncovers his possible identity as a secret agent. Although Farrell is a skilled actor, he struggles in traditional leading roles. Regrettably, his version of Total Recall has already been overshadowed by time, almost as if our memories of the original have been replaced by false ones.

Point Break (1991/2015)

Refashioning the film “Point Break” without its original cast or creators appears to overlook what truly captivated audiences about the movie in the first place. It wasn’t about the surfing or skydiving; it was the intriguing dynamics between the characters portrayed by Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze that drew viewers in. Unfortunately, Edgar Ramirez and Luke Bracey were not as compelling replacements. As expected, the 2015 version of “Point Break” earned less at the U.S. box office than the original did in 1991, even when accounting for inflation. However, if one seeks authenticity, they must be prepared to pay a premium.

Bad Lieutenant (1992/2009)

As a supporter, I’d rephrase it like this: Unlike most films on this list, which were either remakes or sequels of successful movies, Bad Lieutenant was initially a cult favorite, not a box-office hit. Released in 1992, it only grossed $2.0 million in theaters. However, in an unexpected twist, 17 years later, it transformed into a Nicholas Cage and Werner Herzog collaboration. Remarkably, this version outperformed the original, earning over $10 million during its theater run. Critics generally appreciated it as well. It’s fascinating to consider that a film depicting Harvey Keitel in various states of undress while under the influence of cocaine could spawn a franchise.

The Lion King (1994/2019)

Occasionally, there can be an argument for a remake when the backdrop, costumes, or props appear outdated; a fresh film can swap outdated elements with contemporary references and aesthetics. However, The Lion King was set in a timeless African savannah, leaving little room for modernization. Despite this, Disney still released a “live-action” version in 2019, filled with CGI animals and boasting an impressive voice cast consisting of Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, John Oliver, Billy Eichner, and Beyoncé. While it may not have been the most creatively sound decision, it proved to be financially wise; the movie raked in over $1.6 billion globally. In Hollywood, remaking a movie that doesn’t necessitate an update is the real cycle of life. (First-person perspective: I sometimes find myself questioning the need for a remake when the original is timeless. Yet, even with The Lion King set in a savannah untouched by time, Disney managed to create a modernized version in 2019, complete with computer-generated animals and an impressive voice cast. Although it may not have been the most creative choice, it proved to be financially successful, grossing over $1.6 billion worldwide. In Hollywood, remaking a movie that doesn’t require an update is the true cycle of life.)

Mortal Kombat (1995/2021)

In this situation, what surprises me more is not the release of a new Mortal Kombat movie, but rather the longevity of the Mortal Kombat game series. Who would have thought that a video game involving characters tearing each other’s spines apart could endure for 25 years? I never would have imagined this, and I was regularly feeding quarters into the Mortal Kombat machine at the Loews Freehold Metroplex every week. The contemporary version swapped out the artificial sets and early computer graphics for a more realistic, gory appearance and an authentic R rating.

Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers: The Movie (1995/2017)

As someone who grew up missing out on the initial television debut of the Power Rangers back in the ’90s, I initially wrote them off as just another fleeting trend on syndicated kids’ TV. However, to my surprise, this franchise has proven to be remarkably resilient, evolving into numerous spinoffs and adaptations over time. Fast forward 20 years from the disappointing box office performance of Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie, and the Power Rangers were back on the big screen with A-list actors like Bryan Cranston and stunning visual effects. Although the 2017 movie didn’t quite set the world alight, sparking a full-blown film franchise, there’s talk of yet another reboot in the works.

Sudden Death (1995/2020)

Among all the action films that resembled “Die Hard” and were produced in Hollywood during the 1990s, I wouldn’t have anticipated that Jean-Claude Van Damme’s “Sudden Death” would be remade in the 2020s. It wasn’t a poor movie; it was quite successful within the “Die Hard in a _____” genre of its time, featuring JCVD as a fire marshal trying to prevent terrorists from exploding a bomb during the Stanley Cup Finals (in one notable fight scene, he squares off against the Pittsburgh Penguins’ mascot). In 2020, Michael Jai White released his own adaptation, “Welcome to Sudden Death,” with the same narrative shifted to a major basketball game. Who will be cast in the version set at the World Series in 2045?

Funny Games (1997/2007)

Viewers may not have eagerly anticipated another installment of this somber thriller featuring two psychopathic children who take a family hostage; however, director Michael Haneke evidently felt compelled to do so. He remade his original film nearly scene-by-scene ten years later, casting an English-speaking ensemble led by Naomi Watts and Tim Roth this time around. Was it essential? Not necessarily. But if you are a fan of profoundly grim films and dislike reading subtitles, it might as well be your “Citizen Kane.

The Mummy (1999/2017)

In 1999, “The Mummy” was actually a remake of an earlier Universal Monsters film. Therefore, the concept of another remake in 2017 wasn’t entirely far-fetched. However, the main issue was that Universal Studios set a billion-dollar target for this movie and intended to create a whole cinematic universe based on it, unveiling a new lineup of interconnected monster movies including “Frankenstein,” “The Invisible Man,” and others. Unfortunately, Tom Cruise’s “The Mummy” flopped at the box office, and Universal’s proposed shared universe, dubbed the “Dark Universe,” met an untimely end quicker than Dracula attempting to tan in the sun. On the other hand, the original Brendan Fraser version of “The Mummy” has since grown into a cult classic. In fact, there’s now a growing market for “Mummy” bumper stickers.

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2025-03-20 20:25

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