Some stories are simply too big for the big screen. Movies can deliver an unforgettable experience in a matter of a few hours, but certain narratives beg for a longer runtime to flourish.
These are the 10 movies that actually needed to be a TV show, and we are still hoping that one day they make that leap to the small screen.
10. The Princess Diaries (2001)
Based on Meg Cabot’s beloved book series, ‘The Princess Diaries’ has far more material than what the two films explored. The movies are a cherished classic, but it was the books that shaped our childhoods.
A series that can dive deeper into Mia Thermopolis’s journey would be a dream come true for fans of the books. And there is plenty of opportunity to make that possible.
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9. The Incredibles (2004)
Imagine a long-running sitcom with the characters of ‘The Incredibles’ in today’s television scene. Superhero franchises are a staple for the industry at this point, but a refreshing take like that will quite literally dominate the TV.
The format would be perfect for ‘The Incredibles’. With so many plot points and beloved characters, every week it would be another new adventure for the viewers.
8. The Truman Show (1998)
A movie about a character whose entire life has been secretly broadcast as a reality show seems destined to be a TV show. Moreover, the themes of the movie feel more relevant now than ever.
A longer format can expand far beyond the movie’s central story to explore the ethics of entertainment, media manipulation, and the obsession with reality TV. With room for many new characters and satirical commentary, a show like that can have endless possibilities.
7. Mulholland Drive (2001)
Interestingly, ‘Mulholland Drive’ was supposed to be a television series first, before it eventually became one of the most celebrated films of the 21st century. But its surrealist premise is more suited for an episodic format.
Each mystery, character, and plotline can be an entire season-long arc itself. We would have loved to see where the story could have gone if the director had been given a longer runtime.
6. Inception (2010)
Christopher Nolan’s ‘Inception’ is one of the most influential sci-fi movies ever made. Its themes of dreams and manipulation are groundbreaking, but the movie only scratches the surface of its ambitious scope.
A television adaptation can allow for a deeper exploration of the rules of dream technology and the psychology and countless possibilities behind it. ‘Inception’ possesses the kind of limitless narrative that is needed in a hit TV show.
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5. Oppenheimer (2023)
It seems like Christopher Nolan really prefers the movie formula, but who knows what he can achieve with a longer runtime? The biopic ‘Oppenheimer’ is filled with so much information that throughout its run time of 3 hours, there is hardly any time to breathe.
The epic saga that Nolan brought to the big screens seems much more suited to a longer form where every character and every piece of history is explored with greater detail and depth.
4. Lawrence Of Arabia (1962)
Few films deserve the label “epic” as much as ‘Lawrence of Arabia’. Even at nearly four hours long, the movie only captured a portion of the life of T.E. Lawrence and the vast history surrounding him.
A television adaptation would have the freedom to fully explore both his life and the complex power struggle in the Middle East. With a sweeping scope and a fascinating historical background, ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ possesses all the ingredients of a prestige historical drama.
3. Killers Of The Flower Moon (2023)
Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ is already a monumental achievement. To pack a huge story like that in one single movie is impressive, but a deeper examination of the material would be far more appreciated.
A longer format could deeply examine the Osage Nation, their culture, and the devastating impact of the crimes committed against them. Once again, the movie is backed by a vast historical foundation and countless perspectives, making it perfect for a television adaptation.
2. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Based on Stieg Larsson’s acclaimed ‘Millennium’ series, ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ has proved its potential twice. Both the books and movie adaptations have hooked us. However, a novel with so much detail and character development cannot be accommodated in the movie format.
A television series would be far more suited to Lisbeth Salander’s and Mikael Blomkvist’s journey. Moreover, the gripping and tense nature of the books only begs for a format that can keep us on the edge of our seats for a long time.
1. The Count Of Monte Cristo (2002)
Widely regarded as one of the most enormous yet intricate novels ever, Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo deserves a television adaptation. Moreover, it is a classic tale of betrayal, revenge, and redemption, a genre that will forever stay compelling.
The beloved 2002 film adaptation only offers a sneak peek at the vast journey of Edmond Dantès. A television adaptation can only do justice to such a massive narrative. If executed well, a TV show of ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ can be the next biggest hit today.
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