TOP 5 TV-to-FILM ADAPTATIONS
This one’s pretty self-explanatory. Let’s say we jump right in:
5. JACKASS.
I suppose this is a bit of a cheat since the movie is really just one long episode of the show but isn’t that what all adaptations are. I can’t help loving these movies. They crack me up.
4. MISSION IMPOSSIBLE.
A lot of people like the third one the best but I’m a fan of DePalma’s original adaptation. It has the most twists and turns, the best action and looks great on screen. Definite step up from the original show.
3. STAR TREK (2009).
While there have been other good Star Trek films, the re-imagining in 2009 showed everything this cult show had to offer on a Star Wars sized level.
2. SERENITY.
My love of this show is no secret. I think the movie took a great show and made it better by cutting the episodic nature of the show and delivering one big fact sucker punch of action in a tight, well made film.
1. THE FUGITIVE.
Am I the only one who misses this Harrison Ford? While Serenity is probably my favorite film on this list, I think The Fugitive is by far the best adaptation of a show ever made. It sucks you in from the second it starts and never lets up. It also features classic Harrison Ford and the performance of a lifetime from Tommy Lee Jones. What’s not to like?
THE LIST 
April 13, 2011 at 7:18 am
Yea, I miss that Harrison Ford. Heck, I just miss Harrison Ford in general.
Not a big fan of Mission: Impossible, it’s an okay film. Serenity is really good.
I really like Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, because it’s based off one of y favorite shows.
But, also, Star Trek (2009) over Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn?!?!?! I don’t even like Star Trek, but that movie was awesome. Way better than the new one.
April 13, 2011 at 7:56 am
I felt the same, but for this generation the new Star Trek really did give the series a rebirth to new generations that may not have understood what the deal with the older series was, especially now that there are so many different films in the Star Trek universe to explore. I’m partial to Khaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan, just because it’s one of my favorite movies ever.
April 13, 2011 at 7:54 am
It’s no surprise we have similar taste, or that I did my own top ten of this a year ago. I guess we both deserve awards for being the smartest bloggers with the best taste ever award.
I liked your addition of The Fugitive. It was one I missed.
http://www.moviemobsters.com/2010/03/11/top-ten-adaptations-of-tv-to-film/
April 13, 2011 at 10:26 am
Great list. I always thought the 2009 STAR TREK should get more props — it had VERY big shoes to fill (how can you not think of Nemoy when someone says “Spock”?) and filled ’em well.
I’ve found the first M:I to be incredibly polarizing. Having never seen the show, I thought it was fine. I saw it with my father, who was a big fan of the show, and he was LIVID. Apparently, a number of the characters in the film were main characters of the series (played by different actors) who behave (spoiler?) extraordinarily out of character for the film. In short, my pop felt like the movie pooped on his childhood.
And yes, I miss Harrison, too.
April 13, 2011 at 1:01 pm
You are not the only one missing Harrison Ford! I must have seen The Fugitive 10 times but it’s such a great movie, I would still watch if it was on TV today.
April 13, 2011 at 3:45 pm
“I didn’t kill my wife.”, to which Tommy responds,”I don’t care.”
Man the fugitive is a good flick. Hard to argue with this list, but I personally did like MI 3 better. MI 4 should be worthwhile, it has Simon Pegg!
April 14, 2011 at 11:02 am
Just watched Serenity again the other day. That feeling I had in my gut the first time I witnessed the video message left on the planet was unnerving. Great tracking shot at the beginning of the film as well. F*ck, I might just have to watch it again tonight.
Oh, and I loved Star Trek, despite not seeing any of the other films, nor the television shows. I’ve had obsessions about Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Harry Potter. A man has to try and limit himself, damnit.
April 15, 2011 at 1:01 pm
Whilst I don’t disagree with anything you say I would still have put Serenity top of my list. Good point on Harrison Ford, I’m looking forward to seeing what he does with Cowboys and Aliens.
A couple from leftfield for your list, both Japanese: Sky High and Initial D.