Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
There are som real blockbusters on the list!
There are som real blockbusters on the list!
Television laid the foundation
Early TV series established storytelling techniques and character depth that set the stage for successful film adaptations.
What worked in weekly episodes became the blueprint for cinematic storytelling.
Built-in audiences create momentum
Long-running shows developed loyal fan bases over time.
When adapted into films, these projects arrived with a ready-made audience and emotional investment, fueling instant interest and box office appeal.
From episodic to epic
Television concepts often grew far beyond their original format. With bigger budgets and broader scope, film adaptations transformed small-screen stories into global cinematic events.
Mission: Impossible (1996)
Originally a 1960s spy series, Mission: Impossible was reimagined as a high-octane action franchise starring Tom Cruise.
The movie updated the premise for a new generation and launched one of Hollywood’s most successful film series.
21 Jump Street (2012)
The 1980s crime drama got a comedic twist in this big-screen reboot starring Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum (pictured).
Unlike the original, the film leaned into satire, becoming a surprise critical and commercial hit.
Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)
After the original 1960s series gained cult status, Star Trek returned with a feature-length film that reignited the franchise.
It marked the beginning of a cinematic legacy that’s still going strong, blending philosophical sci-fi with high-stakes space drama.
The Fugitive (1993)
Based on the 1960s series, this thriller starred Harrison Ford (pictured= as a doctor on the run after being wrongly convicted of murdering his wife.
With Tommy Lee Jones as the relentless U.S. Marshal, the film became a critical and box-office smash.
Charlie’s Angels (2000)
The stylish spy series from the ’70s got a fun, flashy update with Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu.
With high-energy stunts and tongue-in-cheek humor, the film brought a new generation into the Angels’ world.
Addams Family (1991)
Inspired by the original 1960s sitcom (and earlier cartoons), this dark comedy introduced a new generation to the macabre Addams clan.
With pitch-perfect casting and a gothic sensibility, it spawned sequels and a fresh wave of fandom.
And since then, the Netflix-series, Wednesday, has provided a new take on the lore.
Get Smart (2008)
A modern take on the 1960s spy spoof, this film starred Steve Carell (pictured) and Anne Hathaway.
It updated the Cold War antics with 21st-century tech and action while still honoring the goofy charm of the original series.
Iron Man (2008)
Before Robert Downey Jr. became the face of Iron Man (and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, some would argue) there was Iron Man: The Animated Series.
It aired in the mid 1990’s, but the character Iron Man first appeared in comics as early as 1963.
