Four of My Favorite Movies Based on Classic TV Series

As much time as I spend watching old movies and nearly as old television series, I probably shouldn't be surprised when I receive ads for hearing aids and retirement homes. However, while most of those movies and shows were before my time, I will be the first to argue many are better than what you can see at theaters and on TV today.

In fact, Hollywood seems to agree with me, both because of the numerous movie remakes and films based on classic television series. While the latter is a bit hit or miss, with some of those movies being not-so-great, there are a few that do work. Here are four I personally enjoyed.

Just a note: The Simpsons Movie would have made this list too, if the show wasn't still on the air.

Sgt. Bilko (1996)

I haven't seen more than a few episodes of The Phil Silvers Show but did see enough to get the gist of that series, which ran from 1955-1959, and while there are those who disagree, this movie version of Silvers' military character, Sgt. Ernest Bilko, is one of my favorites.

Is it perfect? No. However, it does a great job showcasing Steve Martin's comedic talents while also surrounding him with a talented cast that includes Dan Aykroyd and the late, great, Phil Hartman (RIP). I've seen it countless times and it never fails to make me laugh.

The Addams Family (1991)

I have tried to give the more-recent animated movies a chance, but they just don't do it for me. This Addams Family adaptation, however, is one I think is a classic, taking full advantage of a great ensemble cast and a fun story that provides comedy, suspense and quite a bit of mystery.

Even the movie's sequel isn't terrible, though it does fall well short of the magic from this film, and watching both back-to-back is a great way to spend an evening.

Mission: Impossible (1996)

One of these days I will choose to accept the mission of finally getting around to watching the numerous sequels in what has become a movie franchise. This original film though is one that I enjoyed so much, I can still replay scenes in my head despite not seeing it for several years.

I would even go as far as to argue this movie might have re-invented the action film genre. At minimum, there are quite a few elements future movies did borrow, even if some were done as spoofs.

Wild Wild West (1999)

OK, I know this one is at least as controversial as my Sgt. Bilko pick and possibly even more. The film wasn't a box office success and was panned by critics but, while admittedly a bit on the goofy side, I still liked it.

Part of it, admittedly, might just be nostalgia. Of all the classic shows these movies were based on, I probably saw more episodes of this 1960s series than any of them because my grandfather used to watch it when I was hanging out with him as a kid. At the same time though, I thought Will Smith, Kevin Kline, Kenneth Branagh and Salma Hayek did the best they could with what were some questionable filmmaker choices, and I'll still take the time to watch it if I come across it on one of my movie channels.

_______________________________________________________________

Here are some similar entries:

My Four Favorite Christmas Movie Santa Clauses

My Three Favorite Thanksgiving Movies

Three Games from My Childhood That Could Have Been Good Movies

Fright Night Versus The Lost Boys, Which is the Better 80s Vampire Movie?