Film Threat archive logo

THE BEST AND WORST TV SHOWS MADE INTO MOVIES

By Film Threat Staff | August 13, 2002

The 5 Best TV Shows Made Into Movies

1. “The Untouchables”
The script by David Mamet deserves much of the credit, but the casting is phenomenal also. Sean Connery and Kevin Costner make the perfect team and Robert De Niro’s plucked hairline makes his Capone a pleasure to watch. Like the show, the film pays close attention to detail and isn’t afraid to show the good guys doing whatever it takes.

2. “The Fugitive”
This is exactly what a big screen version should be…BIG! Terrific action sequences and great locations. Ford’s updated Richard Kimble does exactly what he should and Tommy Lee Jones is dead-on as the cop who has to do his job, but knows something is “hinkey.” Just like the show, the movie keeps us on the edge of our seat and rooting for the good guy, while we can’t wait to see the bad guy.

3. “Mission Impossible”
This was a pretty easy transition to make. Because of the nature of the IMF, they only had to have one character from the show in the movie. In every episode Phelps is warned that he or his operatives may be “disavowed” and it finally happens on the big screen. I admit that making Phelps the bad guy was complete bullshit, but the action, soundtrack and early death of Emelio Estevez more than made up for it.

4. “The Brady Bunch Movie”
Anyone who wants to make a movie out of a campy TV comedy needs to watch this film. It retains everything we loved about the show, Mike’s perm, Greg’s dumb songs, The Brady 6, Davy Jones and a hot Marcia. Set against the reality of bad neighbors and h***y teenagers, it all adds up to laughs.

5. “Dragnet”
I know I am in the minority, but I dig this movie. Hanks delivers what is probably his best comedic performance and Aykroyd’s Joe Friday is awesome. This movie pays homage to the original show and makes fun of it at the same time. That’s not easy to do. How can you not love lines like, “Surf’s up, beach bum, but not for you. You’re going downtown.”

Get the 10 Worst TV Shows made into Movies in part three of THE BEST AND WORST TV SHOWS MADE INTO MOVIES>>>

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Join our Film Threat Newsletter

Newsletter Icon