1. The Great (2020-2023)
The Great takes a humorous alternate history approach to young Catherine the Great's story in Russia, deviating from the typical historical biopic. By condensing its quirky charm into a movie, it could have broken free from audience expectations and focused on its dynamic stars.
Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult Catherine and Peter in a snowy field in The Great
2. Halo (2022-)
With its cinematic visuals and rich sci-fi lore, Halo's potential as a movie franchise is clear. Despite disappointing fans in its TV adaptation, a movie could have leveraged the game's universe and visuals for a more engaging experience.
Master Chief covered in purple alien blood in the Halo TV show.
3. Prison Break (2005-2017)
Prison Break's thrilling first season could have stood alone as a captivating movie. By streamlining the narrative and cutting extraneous characters, the adrenaline-fueled drama could have made a greater impact on the big screen.
Michael peering around a corner in Prison Break
4. Avenue 5 (2020-2022)
Avenue 5's sci-fi political satire could have maintained focus and amplified its drama as a movie. By avoiding the drift of a TV series, a movie adaptation could have explored the captain's true identity twist more effectively.
Ryan from Avenue 5, arms outstretched, looking frustrated
5. Lupin (2021-)
Lupin's charming heist drama, sustained over multiple seasons, could have been even more thrilling as a movie. Focusing on the main plot and stylish heist scenes in a movie format might have heightened its suspense and entertainment value.
Lupin-Season-3-Trailer
6. The Bletchley Circle (2012-2014)
The Bletchley Circle's unique mystery premise could have shone brighter in a focused movie. By delving into one case with more action, the British codebreakers' post-war crime-solving could have been a cinematic standout.
The women of Bletchley Circle against a brick wall
7. Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
Obi-Wan Kenobi's Star Wars storyline could have been condensed into a movie, focusing on the clear arc of rescuing Princess Leia. Transitioning to a movie format for the first season could have avoided pacing issues and provided a more refined experience.
Ewan McGregor hugging young Princess Leia in the Obi-Wan Kenobi season 1 finale.
8. Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (2016-2017)
The eccentric detective's methods in Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency could have been elevated in a movie, allowing for a more satisfying culmination of interconnected cases. Transitioning to a movie format could have intensified the narrative's impact.
Dirk Gently preview with Elijah Wood
9. Space Force (2020-2022)
Space Force's satirical take on American politics could have made a bigger impact as a focused movie. By centering on a singular mission, a movie adaptation might have better captured the dynamic storytelling potential of the show.
From L to R: John Malkovich as Dr. Adrian Mallory, Steve Carell as General Mark R. Naird, Jimmy O. Yang as Dr. Chan Kaifang, Tawny Newsome as Captain Angela Ali, Ben Schwartz as F. Tony Scarapiducci, Diana Silvers as Erin Naird, and Spencer House as Duncan Tabner looking up at the monitor in the Space Force finale
