He-Man has found his way back to the big screen which made us think about what other cartoon characters have successfully made the transition to live-action. So, the Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Live-Action Cartoon Adaptations.
As per usual, each writer ranks their top 15 releases in the category. Those lists are then weighted on a reverse point system. After all the points are tallied up, the entries with the most total points make up the Bitesize Top Five.
5. HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
Ron Howard's How the Grinch Stole Christmas not only expands on the source material, but it wonderfully captures the spirit of the story in a live-action format. What this adaptation does so well is that it adds emotional depth to the Grinch (Jim Carrey), making him not just a villain like he is in the animated special, but a fleshed-out character with layers, while also enhancing the world of Whoville. Don’t get me wrong, it can certainly feel a bit campy and over-the-top at times, but it's filled with a lot of heart and charm. Not only does the Grinch's heart grow three sizes by the end of the film, but so does mine every time I rewatch it. From the amazing prosthetics to Jim Carrey's zany performance, How the Grinch Stole Christmas truly captures the same Christmas magic that made the animated special so beloved. This version is a must watch every holiday season. - Paige
4. SCOOBY-DOO
Scooby-Doo may have been derided amongst critics, at just 32% on Rotten Tomatoes, but its success at the box office and cult appreciation show that it continues to resonate with audiences. The first live-action movie with these beloved characters, writer James Gunn and director Raja Gosnell produced a fun, zany, almost parodic approach to Mystery Incorporated and their adventures. Whilst not renowned for its CGI, the distinct costuming and characterisations are undeniably fun and memorable. Who can forget Daphne’s (Sarah Michelle Gellar) pink boots, or Linda Cardellini’s endearingly nerdy Velma? The casting is fantastic overall, particularly Matthew Lillard as clearly the best incarnation of Shaggy. It looks and feels so of the early 2000s, and obviously, the nostalgia has a part to play in how endearing I find this film, but it is still a charmingly ridiculous, fun, and entertaining adaptation. - Katie
3. CRUELLA
In the midst of the Covid day-and-date releases, there were a ton of live-action Disney releases that left a lot to be desired. But towards the end of that weird time was a surprise led by one of the most talented actresses of modern time (had we truly realized Emma Stone’s greatness at that point?). Cruella was a shot in the arm to those live-action adaptations with its great costume design, catchy use of music, and exciting performances from Stone, Emma Thompson, and an ensemble of colorful “that guy/chick” actors. When the likes of Paul Walter Hauser show up as simply a character actor to help round out the cast, you know you’re in for a ride. The story is fresh, the pacing is upbeat, and the visuals wrap it all up in a vibrant bow. Cruella is by far one of the best live-action adaptations around, especially for Disney. - Amarú
2. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (1990)
I remember my father telling me a story about hearing the concept for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles prior to the release of this film and thinking it would be a terrible failure. He claimed later it was one of the two worst takes of his life, which was further bolstered by his son’s incredible love for the IP. I wasn’t aware of the comics and wasn’t born into the cartoon, so my entry was the video games before getting the cinematic experience. But, what Steve Barron and Jim Henson were able to accomplish with bringing realism to mutated reptiles in New York City was astonishing. Beyond the coolness factor of seeing these characters reimagined into live-action, there are emotional depths scoured with the turtles and their relationship to Splinter (Kevin Clash), April’s (Judith Hoag) connection to her father’s antique store, and Raphael’s (Josh Pais) disconnectedness to his family regarding their choice to live in the shadows. It was the highest-grossing independent film prior to The Blair Witch Project, and spawned two sequels, constant reboots, and many reiterations that continue the legacy’s impact that was cemented with this movie. - Robert
1. HOOK
Despite what Rotten Tomatoes says (37%?!?), Steven Spielberg’s Hook is a stone-cold classic. The star-studded cast, extravagant production design, and exuberant spectacle turn the oft-told story of Peter Pan (Robin Williams) into something more than just another reimagining. While it obviously spoke to 10-year-old me in 1991, it oddly speaks to me even more today as a 45-year-old adult whose inner child is constantly trying to break away from the harsh realities of being grown. With an ample dose of Amblin vibes, Hook is a sentimental and heartfelt adventure that avoids being too cloying or sappy while more than delivering on the family-friendly action front. With all due respect to Mr. Spielberg, who “[doesn't] like Hook very much," an entire generation has one counter-argument: Bangarang! - Quentin
HONORABLE MENTIONS
BUMBLEBEE
THE JUNGLE BOOK
THE FLINTSTONES
OFFICE SPACE
SPEED RACER