10 Animated TV Shows Based On Movies You Probably Forgot (Or Didn’t Know) Existed

Introduction

Animated TV shows based on popular movies have been a staple of entertainment for decades. While some of these animated series have become classics, others have been forgotten with time. In this article, we'll take a trip down memory lane and explore 10 animated TV shows based on movies that you probably forgot existed. From the over-the-top antics of Ace Ventura to the kid-friendly adventures of James Bond Jr., these animated series brought beloved movie characters to the small screen in unexpected ways.

Ace Ventura in Ace Ventura: Pet Detected The Animated Series holding a snake

During the 1990s, there was a surge of animated adaptations of popular films, as movie studios realized the merchandising potential of their intellectual properties. This led to the creation of numerous short-lived animated series, some of which were based on iconic movies like The Mask, Dumb and Dumber, and Godzilla. While some of these series were well-received and featured compelling plots and strong writing, others failed to capture the charm of the original films and quickly faded into obscurity.

Godzilla holding a boat in Godzilla: The Series

In this article, we'll delve into the history of these forgotten animated series and explore the reasons behind their varying levels of success. Join us as we revisit these animated gems and uncover the nostalgia-inducing world of animated TV shows based on movies.

Bill and Ted smiling in Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventures (Animated series)

The Jim Carrey Movie Adaptations

The 1990s saw the release of three animated series based on Jim Carrey movies: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask, and Dumb and Dumber. These series attempted to bring the iconic characters from the big screen to television, with varying degrees of success. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, in particular, featured over-the-top humor and simplistic writing that failed to capture the charm of the original film. Despite running for three seasons, the animated series has largely been forgotten by popular culture.

On the other hand, The Mask: The Animated Series leaned heavily into the zanier aspects of the movie and maintained the spirit of the original. The series was able to explore more over-the-top plotlines than the film and introduce a host of new characters and antagonists, making it a more successful adaptation.

The Mask in The Mask Animated Series

Similarly, Dumb and Dumber was adapted into an animated series that aimed to capture the comedic essence of the film. However, the series struggled to resonate with audiences and quickly faded from memory.

Clerks: The Animated Series

Kid-Friendly Adaptations

Several animated series based on popular movies were tailored for a kid-friendly audience, with mixed results. For instance, James Bond Jr. featured the adventures of 007's nephew and his team as they fought against criminal organizations in a kid-friendly adaptation of the iconic spy franchise. Despite its intriguing premise, the series failed to capture the excitement of the original James Bond films and quickly disappeared from television screens.

The title screen for James Bond Jr

Another example is Godzilla: The Series, a sequel to the 1998 film version of Godzilla. The series followed the Humanitarian Environmental Analysis Team (HEAT) and the offspring of the original Godzilla as they faced new challenges. While the unique concept of the series was interesting, it ultimately failed to find a lasting audience and was canceled after just two seasons.

In contrast, Fast & Furious: Spy Racers put a spin on the long-running street racing film franchise, offering a fun and ridiculous animated series with strong voice acting and quality animation. The series managed to appeal to a younger audience while retaining the essence of the Fast & Furious films, making it a successful kid-friendly adaptation.

Fast and Furious Spy Racers Cast Shot