15 Movies That Could’ve Been Perfect as TV Shows
Some movies tell stories so rich they feel like they could stretch beyond a two-hour runtime. Certain films have worlds, characters, or premises that beg for the deeper exploration a TV series can offer.
This list dives into 15 movies that could’ve thrived as TV shows, counting down from the 15th spot to the top pick. Each film has a spark that could fuel multiple seasons of compelling drama. Here’s the rundown.
15. The Nice Guys (2016)
‘The Nice Guys’ follows a mismatched detective duo in 1970s LA solving a wild case. Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe’s chemistry crackles in this action-comedy.
A TV show could lean into their banter for episodic mysteries. Think a retro buddy-cop vibe with room for more quirky cases.
14. Dredd (2012)
‘Dredd’ delivers gritty sci-fi action with Karl Urban as a futuristic judge in a dystopian city. Its lean plot leaves you wanting more.
A series could explore Mega-City One’s chaos through weekly cases. The dark tone and world-building scream serialized drama.
13. The Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
‘The Edge of Tomorrow’ stars Tom Cruise in a time-loop battle against aliens. Its clever premise wraps up neatly but feels expandable.
A TV show could follow new soldiers in similar loops. Each season could reset with fresh stakes and deeper lore.
12. Clue (1985)
‘Clue’ is a zany murder mystery based on the board game, with Tim Curry leading a wild cast. Its manic energy and multiple endings are pure fun.
A series could craft new mansion mysteries each season. The ensemble’s wit would shine in weekly whodunits.
11. Superbad (2007)
‘Superbad’ tracks two teens on a chaotic quest for a party. Jonah Hill and Michael Cera’s awkward charm drives the coming-of-age comedy.
A TV show could follow their high school misadventures across seasons. Think ‘Freaks and Geeks’ with a raunchier edge.
10. Galaxy Quest (1999)
‘Galaxy Quest’ spoofs sci-fi with actors mistaken for real space heroes. Tim Allen and Sigourney Weaver keep the laughs coming.
A series could follow their ongoing cosmic missions. The campy tone and team dynamic would fit a comedic ‘Star Trek’ vibe.
9. The Raid (2012)
‘The Raid’ is a relentless action flick about a cop fighting through a gang-run building. Its brutal fights and lean story leave room for more.
A TV show could explore the city’s corruption through gritty missions. Each season could tackle a new stronghold.
8. Knives Out (2019)
‘Knives Out’ is a sharp whodunit with Daniel Craig as a detective solving a family murder. Its twisty plot and cast beg for more cases.
A series could follow Benoit Blanc tackling new mysteries. Think ‘Columbo’ with a modern, witty spin.
7. District 9 (2009)
‘District 9’ blends sci-fi and social commentary with aliens stranded in South Africa. Sharlto Copley’s transformation drives the mockumentary-style tale.
A TV show could dive deeper into the alien-human tensions. Seasons could track the fallout and resistance movements.
6. The Truman Show (1998)
‘The Truman Show’ stars Jim Carrey as a man unaware his life’s a TV set. Its creepy premise resolves but leaves big questions.
A series could explore the show’s creators or new subjects. The concept could fuel seasons of psychological drama.
5. Gattaca (1997)
‘Gattaca’ is a sci-fi drama about a man defying a genetically tiered society. Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman shine in this sleek thriller.
A TV show could expand the world’s class struggles. Each season could follow new rebels challenging the system.
4. Looper (2012)
‘Looper’ mixes time travel and crime with Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a hitman hunting his future self. Its dense world wraps up fast.
A series could explore more time-loop contracts and paradoxes. The noir vibe would suit gritty, episodic storytelling.
3. Children of Men (2006)
‘Children of Men’ depicts a dystopian world where humans can’t reproduce. Clive Owen leads a tense, visually stunning survival tale.
A TV show could track the resistance over years. The rich setting could fuel seasons of hope and despair.
2. Inception (2010)
‘Inception’ follows Leonardo DiCaprio’s thief infiltrating dreams to steal secrets. Its layered world and rules beg for deeper dives.
A series could follow new heists in dreamscapes. Each season could twist reality further with fresh dream tech.
1. Drive (2011)
‘Drive’ stars Ryan Gosling as a quiet stuntman moonlighting as a getaway driver. Its moody vibe and sparse story scream untapped potential.
A TV show could explore his criminal world through episodic jobs. The neon aesthetic would make every episode a visual feast.
Which movie do you think would make the best TV show, or did I skip a perfect pick? Drop your ideas in the comments!