10 Classic Movies You Might Overlooked Had TV Show Reimaginings

1.Beetlejuice (1988)

Remade into the TV show Beetlejuice (1989-1991).

Unveiling shortly after the iconic Beetlejuice film by Tim Burton, the animated series delves into the whimsical adventures of Beetlejuice and a 12-year-old Lydia. Although Burton played an executive role, the show took a different direction, emphasizing a more jovial tone with Winona Ryder's Lydia now accompanying Beetlejuice. Despite not matching the original's charm, the series spanned four seasons, featuring contributions from Burton and Danny Elfman.

Lydia, Beetlejuice, and Otho in a montage. - Adapted into the TV show Beetlejuice (1989-1991). - Beetlejuice (1988)

Beetlejuice is a classic Tim Burton film that became an instant hit upon its release in 1988. The dark comedy follows the story of a recently deceased couple, Adam and Barbara Maitland, who enlist the help of a mischievous ghost named Beetlejuice to rid their home of the new living inhabitants. The film's unique blend of humor, horror, and fantasy, along with its memorable characters and visual style, made it a beloved cult classic.

Following the success of the film, a TV show adaptation titled Beetlejuice was released in 1989. The animated series continued the adventures of Beetlejuice and a 12-year-old girl named Lydia Deetz, who becomes his friend and accomplice in the Netherworld. While the show had a different tone from the film, focusing more on comedy and lighthearted adventures, it still captured the spirit of the original concept.

The Beetlejuice TV show, which spanned four seasons, featured the voice talents of Stephen Ouimette as Beetlejuice and Alyson Court as Lydia. Despite not matching the dark charm of the film, the series had its own unique appeal and garnered a dedicated fanbase. It also featured contributions from Tim Burton and Danny Elfman, who were executive producers on the show.

Overall, the Beetlejuice TV show served as a fun continuation of the Beetlejuice universe, offering a different take on the beloved characters and their misadventures in the Netherworld.

2.Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)

Recreated as the TV show Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1986).

The essence of Californian teen revelry portrayed in Fast Times at Ridgemont High initially seemed like a standalone success. Following the movie's acclaim, a brief TV series emerged with a fresh cast embodying the original characters. Serving as a blend of reboot and sequel, the show's tenure was short-lived, lasting only a single season. Notably, the series introduced an early career performance by Patrick Dempsey as Mike Damone.

Sean Penn and Nicolas Cage in Fast Times at Ridgemont High - Adapted into the TV show Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1986). - Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)

Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a coming-of-age comedy-drama film released in 1982. Directed by Amy Heckerling and written by Cameron Crowe, the film follows a group of high school students at Ridgemont High as they navigate the trials and tribulations of teenage life. With its relatable characters, memorable moments, and iconic soundtrack, the film became a cult classic and a defining portrayal of teenage life in the 1980s.

In 1986, a TV series adaptation of Fast Times at Ridgemont High was created, aiming to capture the essence of the film in a serialized format. The show featured a new cast of actors who portrayed the familiar characters from the film, including Sean Penn's iconic role as Jeff Spicoli. However, the series took a different approach, blending elements of a reboot and a sequel.

The Fast Times at Ridgemont High TV series lasted only one season, but it introduced early career performances by actors such as Patrick Dempsey, who played the character of Mike Damone. While the show did not achieve the same level of success as the film, it still offered fans a chance to revisit the beloved characters and immerse themselves in the world of Ridgemont High once again.

Despite its short-lived run, the Fast Times at Ridgemont High TV series remains a noteworthy reimagining of the film, providing a fresh perspective on the lives of the characters and expanding the universe established in the original movie.

3.Clueless (1995)

Reimagined as the TV show Clueless (1996-1999).

Continuing the legacy of the beloved high school rom-com, the Clueless TV series reunited original stars Stacy Dash, Donald Fashion, and Wallace Shaw for a three-season sitcom. While some characters underwent recasting, the show managed to sustain its charm, with a few movie actors making guest appearances. Impressively, the series endured for three seasons, highlighting its transition from a movie concept to a successful television production.

Alicia Silverstone as Cher gives a speech in Clueless. - Adapted into the TV show Clueless (1996-1999). - Clueless (1995)

Clueless, released in 1995, is a teen comedy film written and directed by Amy Heckerling. The film follows the life of Cher Horowitz, a popular and fashion-obsessed high school student in Beverly Hills. With its witty dialogue, iconic fashion moments, and memorable characters, Clueless became a cultural phenomenon and a defining portrayal of teenage life in the 1990s.

Following the success of the film, a TV series adaptation titled Clueless was created in 1996. The show reunited some of the original film's cast, including Alicia Silverstone as Cher, Stacey Dash as Dionne, and Donald Faison as Murray. However, other characters were recast, with Rachel Blanchard taking on the role of Cher's best friend, Dionne.

The Clueless TV series continued the story of the film, with Cher and her friends navigating the ups and downs of high school life. The show maintained the same lighthearted and comedic tone as the film, capturing the essence of the original concept. It also featured guest appearances from some of the movie actors, further connecting the TV series to its cinematic predecessor.

Impressively, the Clueless TV series lasted for three seasons, showcasing its successful transition from a movie concept to a beloved television production. The show continued to entertain audiences with its humorous and relatable portrayal of teenage life, solidifying its place as a worthy reimagining of the original film.

4.Westworld (1973)

Transformed into the TV show Westworld (2016-2022).

HBO's Westworld, renowned for its intricate timelines, drew inspiration from the classic 1973 sci-fi film of the same name. While the movie revolves around visitors escaping malfunctioning robots in an amusement park, the series delves deeper into the androids' uprising, weaving a complex narrative on artificial intelligence. Notable characters like Dolores, Bernard, Maeve, and the enigmatic Man in Black were uniquely crafted for the show.

Evan Rachel Wood as Dolores riding a horse in the frontier in Westworld - Adapted into the TV show Westworld (2016-2022). - Westworld (1973)

Westworld, released in 1973 and directed by Michael Crichton, is a sci-fi film set in a futuristic amusement park where lifelike robots, known as "hosts," cater to the desires of visitors. However, when the robots malfunction and begin attacking the guests, chaos ensues. The film explores themes of artificial intelligence, morality, and the consequences of playing god.

In 2016, HBO adapted Westworld into a TV series of the same name. The show expanded on the concepts introduced in the film, delving deeper into the world of the park and the lives of the hosts. It introduced new characters, such as Dolores Abernathy (played by Evan Rachel Wood), Bernard Lowe (played by Jeffrey Wright), and Maeve Millay (played by Thandie Newton), who became central to the show's complex narrative.

The Westworld TV series became known for its intricate storytelling, non-linear narrative structure, and thought-provoking exploration of themes. It delved into the nature of consciousness, free will, and the ethical implications of creating artificial beings. The show also introduced the enigmatic Man in Black, portrayed by Ed Harris, who became a captivating and mysterious character throughout the series.

With its stellar cast, stunning visuals, and compelling storytelling, the Westworld TV series garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. It continued to push the boundaries of what a TV show could achieve, further expanding on the concepts introduced in the original film. The series concluded in 2022 after successfully captivating audiences for six seasons.

Overall, the Westworld TV series stands as a remarkable reimagining of the 1973 film, offering a deeper exploration of its thought-provoking themes and captivating audiences with its intricate storytelling and compelling characters.

5.Conan The Barbarian (1982)

Reinterpreted as the TV show Conan the Adventurer (1997-1998).

In the late 90s, a remake of the iconic Arnold Schwarzenegger action film Conan the Barbarian graced the screens but failed to captivate audiences. Ralf Moeller stepped into Schwarzenegger's shoes as Conan, albeit falling short of the original's charisma. Despite its cancellation after a single season, the show paved the way for Jason Mamoa's portrayal in the 2011 film, showcasing a more formidable successor. Interestingly, Mamoa's rise to fame burgeoned with his role in Game of Thrones.

Arnold Schwarzenegger ready for battle with a sword in Conan the Barbarian. - Adapted into the TV show Conan the Adventurer (1997-1998). - Conan The Barbarian (1982)

Conan the Barbarian, released in 1982 and directed by John Milius, is an epic fantasy film based on the stories by Robert E. Howard. The film follows the adventures of Conan, a powerful warrior seeking revenge against the sorcerer Thulsa Doom. With its iconic portrayal of Conan by Arnold Schwarzenegger, the film became a cult classic and established the character as a pop culture icon.

In 1997, a TV series adaptation titled Conan the Adventurer was created, featuring Ralf Moeller as Conan. The show aimed to capture the same epic fantasy elements as the film but fell short of replicating Schwarzenegger's charisma and the film's intense action sequences. Despite its cancellation after a single season, the show paved the way for Jason Momoa's portrayal of Conan in the 2011 film.

Interestingly, Jason Momoa's rise to fame with his role in Game of Thrones helped solidify his casting as Conan in the 2011 film. Momoa's portrayal showcased a more formidable and nuanced interpretation of the character, drawing inspiration from the original film and the TV series. While the TV series may not have achieved the same level of success as the film or Momoa's later portrayal, it still holds significance in the Conan franchise's history.

Overall, the Conan the Adventurer TV series stands as a notable reimagining of the Conan the Barbarian film, offering a fresh take on the character and paving the way for future adaptations.