Some of television's greatest successes earned themselves feature-length spin-offs, or vice versa. Steve Martin's Parenthood got an award-winning television series with a star-studded ensemble cast. Charlie's Angels earned several adaptations. Find out what else has made its way onto the big screen...
Downton Abbey
The hit television series, Downton Abbey, was on the air from 2010 to 2015. The British period drama was so critically acclaimed that fans couldn't get enough of the story of the Crawley family. It was a dramatic look at the different levels of British social hierarchy.
A 2019 Spin-Off
Producers decided to bring Downton Abbey to the big screen after the series had been over for about four years. The story depicts the King and Queen visiting the Crawley family in 1927, continuing the plot of the series. There's also a murderous subplot that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Breaking Bad
We first met Walter White and Jesse Pinkman on the small screen until its series finale in 2013. There was a spin-off television show called Better Call Saul that focused on the small-town smarmy lawyer, Saul Goodman. But Breaking Bad wouldn't be the last of the beloved drug dealers.
El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie
Aaron Paul returns as Jesse Pinkman in the series' sequel film and epilogue story. The plot follows Jesse as he hopes to start a new life beyond Walter White's meth business, but he wants to make amends with his past first. This task proves to be a lot more dangerous than he thinks...
Charlie's Angels
The original Charlie's Angels series aired in the 1970s and was a smash hit among viewers of all ages. It follows three spies who work under a mysterious "Charlie" figure, and he calls them, predictably, his "angels." It's a show filled with action, crime, and romance. Something for everyone!
A Badass Plot Twist
In 2019, Charlie's Angels got yet another revamp. Starring Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska, the plot of this iteration of Charlie's Angels watches like a continuation of the television series. These actresses play a new generation of angels working for the Townsend Agency.
The X-Files
The X-Files characters Mulder and Scully have won over investigative hearts for years. It follows the career of two FBI agents with a tinge of supernatural drama. It has had two big-screen adaptations since its airing in the early 2000s.
The X-Files: Fight the Future
This spin-off movie follows the same characters, Mulder and Scully, as they work outside of their typical cases in the X-files. They're tasked with solving a bombing and the coverup of evidence. It ultimately leads them to information regarding alien colonizations. It's got the best elements of the television show wrapped up nicely into one cinematic adventure.
1960's Mission: Impossible
Before Tom Cruise took on the lead role of Ethan Hunt, the 1960s spy movie starred Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner. It ran from 1966 to 1973, and each episode began with the lead characters receiving their mission from a voice recording device that would self-destruct after concluding its message. It was pretty high-action for a program during the flower power era.
Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible
Ethan Hunt is one of Tom Cruise's most memorable roles. He works as a spy on the Impossible Missions Force and he leads an ensemble team through a mission to diffuse an impending global disaster. As with any typical Cruise movie, there's just as much romance as there is action.
The Simpsons
The Simpsons is the longest-running sitcom on television, and it doesn't show any signs of slowing down. Everyone has seen at least one episode of this one, and the seemingly aimless plot follows Homer Simpson and his family's antics in their hometown of Springfield. The spin-off film has been the only one for the series so far, but it made it all the way to theaters.
The Simpsons Movie
The Simpsons Movie hit theaters in 2007, and the storyline follows Grandpa's prophetic vision about the entire town being swallowed up by an environmental monster called "EPA," which no one but Marge takes seriously. The whole movie is laced with ecological undertones and warnings about taking care of our environment, or else our society will fall apart like Springfield's. Of course, the over-the-top adult and gross-out humor is prevalent throughout the whole movie.
Traffik
Traffik was an indie British series that documented drug trafficking in the UK. There are three overlapping storylines throughout the show, which gives the characters depth. The Afghan and Pakistani growers, German dealers, and British users are all expertly connected to each other in ways that none of them ever expect.
Traffic
Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones star in the 2004 remake of Traffik. In this case, the producers decided to switch the spelling to Traffic. It came out in 2000, and the leading stars are actually married in real life.
Mr. Bean
Rowan Atkinson created a sitcom about his beloved alter ego, Mr. Bean, that ran in 1990. It had just a 15-episode run, and the plot focuses on "a child in a grown man's body," and the blunders he faces trying to get through a normal day. Atkinson was inspired by physical comedy from the silent film era.
Mr. Bean & Mr. Bean's Holiday
Atkinson's character got two big spin-off films. Bean in 1997 and Mr. Bean's Holiday in 2007. Both follow the narrative of the show and watch as a well-meaning Mr. Bean stumbles through his job and fails to impress his bosses. He then somehow ends up pretending to be an art critic.
Star Trek
The Star Trek timeline is pretty hard to keep up with. The original show starred William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy and ran from 1966 to 1969. Since then, there have been several other series in the franchise that details the adventures of Captain Kirk and Officer Spock.
A Famous Cast
For one of the more modern takes on Star Trek in theaters, Chris Pine plays Captain Kirk and Zachary Quinto plays Spock. Critics seemed to like the pair and the plot because there has never been a shortage of Star Trek spin-offs.
The Addams Family
The macabre 1964 sitcom The Addams Family won over fans with its off-color sense of humor and deep character development. The Addams family themselves are a staple among Halloween tropes. Wednesday's character in particular has spanned decades of reprisals.
Even an Animated Spin-Off
The Addams Family has had several spin-offs, even an animated one. Because the story of Morticia and Gomez and Wednesday is so timeless, creatives have been able to take it in several directions. Some of them are even extra kid-friendly.
Firefly
Firefly was a space-themed Western show that didn't make it past one season. However, fans were really dedicated to the ensemble cast and their stories. Creators decided to tie up loose ends in a film named Serenity in 2005 and then finally call it quits.
Saturday Night Live
So many classic SNL skits have gotten spin-off films. Michael Meyers brought Wayne's World to the big screen, but we can't forget that John Belushi did it first with The Blues Brothers. Though there have been several films, those are by far the most memorable.
South Park
The off-color Comedy Central show has been pretty longrunning, and a thorn in most parents' sides. Kids have a hard time understanding that not all cartoons are meant for them. South Park hit the big screen in 1999 with a film called South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut.
21 Jump Street
The version of 21 Jump Street you probably know and love stars Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill as two undercover cops trying to bust a drug ring in a high school. However, Johnny Depp actually did it first. 21 Jump Street was one of those shows that had nearly every famous actor on it before they made it big, and Depp owes a lot of his career to the cop show.
Da Ali G Show
Created by Sacha Baron Cohen, a man of many hats, this British sitcom features the actor wearing several personalities. You'll recognize most of them thanks to the three spin-off movies that came from this: Borat, Brüno, and Ali G Indahouse.
Twin Peaks
Kyle McLaughlin's beloved Agent Cooper is the driving force behind Twin Peaks. David Lynch's eerie drama series captivated viewers for two seasons despite the twists and turns in the murder mystery plot. Since then, the show has gotten both a spin-off film called Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, an homage to an integral line from season one, and a reboot series set in the present day.
The Twilight Zone
This classic anthological horror show has been on the air for decades, and it got a revamp for the big screen in 1983. You've surely seen an episode or two, and the sci-fi Hollywood version of the show was co-directed by none other than Steven Spielberg. That guarantees a creepy watch.
The Fugitive
The 1960s hit television series was a hit among crime and drama fans. In 1993, Harrison Ford took on the lead role in the Blockbuster version. He plays the role of, well, the fugitive. You get it.
Monty Python's Flying Circus
The comedy troupe Monty Python has been a household name for decades thanks to their film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. There have been numerous other films from the group, such as Monty Python's Flying Circus. It paved the way for all of their other big-screen creations.
The Thick of It
The Thick of It started out as a political comedy series on BBC. It hit the big screen in 2009 with high profile names like Peter Capaldi and James Gandolfini playing integral roles. It's been a BBC favorite for years.
Sex and the City
Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha captured every single girl's heart in the 1990s, teaching the do's and don't of dating in New York City. The show earned two spin-off movies and both pick up where the show ended. Carrie and Big's wedding is the main plot of the first film, but whether or not they make it to the altar is a spoiler not to be given away...
Police Squad!
The original Police Squad! series was canceled after just six episodes. However, the show, led by Leslie Nielsen, paved th way for the popular Naked Gun movies that hit big screens in the 80s and 90s. People love a good buddy cop comedy.
Pennies from Heaven
Pennies from Heaven was another short-lived BBC musical draama. It only got one season, but the Hollywood version of the show starred Steve Martin. It was even nominated for an Oscar.
Miami Vice
This was the ultimate show for a 1980s audience. A smooth cop show that takes place in the heat of summer in a ritzy Florida location? What else could you want? the 2006 film adaptation stars Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx, an incredible duo.
Crayon Shin-chan
Crayon Shin-chan has been one of Japan's most popular animes for years. The series has gotten over 20 movie adaptations since its inception. It's a more playful approach to anime unlike the acclaimed Studio Ghibli films.
Doctor Who
The series Doctor Who kicked off in the 1960s and has been on air through BBC ever since. It has had a revolving door of cast members, replacing the lead every few seasons. The movie spin-offs are called Dr. Who and the Daleks and Daleks - Invasion Earth 2150 AD.
The Muppet Show
Everyone loves The Muppets. Jim Henson's beloved characters have been on tv for decades. The movies that inspired some of our favorite stories include The Muppet Christmas Carol in 1992 and The Muppets in 2011.
Veronica Mars
Kristen Bell starred in the teen detective show Veronica Mars in the early 2000s. She made it to the big screen in 2014 with a new storyline that detailed Mars' life nine years after the show's end. Mars now lives in New York City and but is pulled back to California after being drawn into a murder mystery.
The Jetsons and The Flinstones
The famous Hanna-Barbera shows captured Saturday mornings for generations. In 1987, the two worlds of The Flinstones and The Jetsons collided for a cinematic release. The Jetsons Meet the Flinstones went over relatively well for audiences.
SCTV
SCTV, short for Second City Television, was a Canadian comedy sketch show that was given its own spin-off in 1983 called Strange Brew. It was written and directed by the knee-slapping duo Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas.
Death Note
The popular dark anime, Death Note, captures the story of a boy named Light who discovers a notebook with the power to commit murder by writing a person's name in it. He gets power-hungry and has a crisis of morality. Netflix decided to give the show a spin-off film starring Nat Wolff and Willem Dafoe, and critics didn't love it.
Entourage
Despite the popularity of the tv series, Entourage, the movie version felt weirdly like a special edition episode rather than a stand-alone story. The series was on the air from 2004 to 2011 and kicked off the careers of several stars like Adrien Grenier.
Power Rangers
The Power Rangers got their first shot on the big-screen in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie. The bad guy was called Ivan Ooze this time around, but critics didn't necessarily love the over-done action. The 2017 film didn't do well, either.
Absolutely Fabulous
The BBC One sitcom Absolutely Fabulous is based on another sitcom, Modern Mother and Daughter. The story revolves around a snobby PR agent who moonlights as an alcoholic and attempts to stay young and hip. The film is pretty much just as chaotic.
The Wild Thornberrys
The Nickelodeon sitcom The Wild Thornberrys isn't exactly on the front of audience's minds ever, and the film is no exception. Despite a relatively boring plotline, the movie did earn an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. "Father and Daughter" lost to "Lose Yourself" by Eminem, though.
David Brent: Life on the Road
Ricky Gervais should have put his efforts into bringing The Office to the big screen (but the U.S. version, obviously). David Brent is still an unlikeable character, and the supporting cast isn't even featured in the film. It's like if there was a film just about Michael Scott, without Dwight, Jim, or Pam. Pass.
The Rugrats
The Rugrats are a Nickelodeon classic. The lovable, albeit annoying, characters are forever a part of every 90's kid's childhood. The big-screen adaptation was called Rugrats Go Wild, and did much better than The Wild Thornberrys, which debuted the same year.
Spongebob Squarepants
The Spongebob Squarepants Movie follows our beloved fry cook being passed up for a promotion, fighting off thugs, and saving all of Bikini Bottom from Plankton's wrath. Casual. There's even a David Hasselhoff feature.
The League of Gentlemen's Apocalypse
The 2005 film, The League of Gentlemen's Apocalypse, doesn't exactly hit every mark. However, it's funny, incredibly meta, and bizarre. Fans overall enjoyed this one.
The Penguins of Madagascar
A notable highlight from the Madagascar film series was the entourage of crime-fighting penguins. Skipper and friends were granted their own television spin-off. However, it has nothing to do with the films, so don't bother looking for their zoo pals.
Drake and Josh
Everyone's favorite stepbrothers, Drake and Josh, got two spin-off tv movies while they were in their prime. Drake and Josh Go Hollywood and Drake and Josh: Really Big Shrimp follow along with the storyline of the sitcom, including all of your favorite characters like Megan, Helen, and Crazy Steve.
Hannah Montana
The Hannah Montana movie was how Disney decided to wrap up the series. Miley goes back to her roots after a series of selfish behaviors as Hannah pulls her in too many different directions. She faces the choice: give up her life of fame, or forget where she came from and live as Hannah?
Teen Titans Go! To The Movies
In 2018, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies hit big screens the same year as Incredibles 2, so the competition was steep. It does earn the honor of being a great DC movie, though. It brought in a whole new set of fans - most older - and the show's ratings went way up.
The Inbetweeners
The British comedy sitcom got two big-screen adaptations. The outrageous college-esque humor won over audiences with its likable characters and empathetic plots. Old fans and new celebrated the successes of both films.
Shaun the Sheep
Shaun the Sheep started as an in-between program, with quick 5 minute sketches to fill space before or after tv programs. Fans took to the adorable sheep immediately, who would often cameo in the Wallace and Gromit movies. He eventually got his own movie where he explores the streets of London after escaping the farm.
Wallace and Gromit
Wallace and Gromit earned a spin-off about a were-rabbit. Weird plot, right? The original short films were so loveable that creators wanted to give the dynamic duo a full feature-length film.
Fuller House
The beloved 90s sitcom, Full House, let viewers grow up with the Tanner family. But what happened to the girls? DJ, Stephanie, and friend Kimmy got their own spin-off, Fuller House, in 2015. Nearly all the cast reprised their roles except for Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.
Christopher Robin
Christopher Robin is given his own storyline as an adult, and he's lost his childhood sense of whimsy. Pooh and friends still come to life as toys, and they need to remind him of his past. It's a tearjerker of a movie that all audiences will love.
Parenthood
The 1989 Steve Martin movie, Parenthood, starring an ensemble cast with Joaquin Phoenix and Keanu Reeves, earned a spinoff from NBC in the 2000s. Dax Shepard and Lauren Graham play two of the Braverman siblings, one of television's most beloved families.
Lion King 1 1/2
Lion King 1 1/2 was Disney's way of providing some more backstory to the side characters in The Lion King straight from the horse's - or, warthog's - mouth. Timon and Pumbaa narrate this movie, showing us what happened to them before they met Simba, and how things really went down in their paradise before Nala showed up.