15 Movies That Should Have Been TV Shows

You know a movie is good when you wish there were more of it. Maybe it was an epic fantasy in an extraordinary world, a sci-fi epic with endless story potential, or simply a comedy that had you laughing long after the credits rolled. Whatever the reason, many films left us longing for deeper exploration and further adventures. Here are 15 movies that could have benefited greatly from a TV adaptation, giving them the time and space to develop their stories fully.

Dune

Frank Herbert’s "Dune" has seen various adaptations, from David Lynch’s 1984 film to Denis Villeneuve’s recent epics. Yet despite its cinematic history, the complex narrative and rich world of Arrakis could flourish in a multi-season TV format rather than a 2-hour movie. Warner Bros. could have capitalized on this by turning "Dune" into an HBO series that sat comfortably in the post-"Game of Thrones" landscape, weaving together its themes of politics, religion, and power over several years.

Marvel’s Eternals

After the phenomenal success of "Avengers: Endgame," Marvel’s "Eternals" received mixed reviews, and understandably so. The movie introduced ten complex characters with a story stretching back millennia, but cramming it into a single film left many feeling disconnected. In contrast, a TV series could explore each character’s backstory and their ties to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, unraveling the plot over multiple episodes rather than in a rushed two-and-a-half hours.

Killers of the Flower Moon

Martin Scorsese’s "Killers of the Flower Moon" clocked in at three and a half hours, making it a hefty watch. This sprawling story about the Osage murders could have benefited from a miniseries format that allows for a deeper narrative exploration. A six-hour series could incorporate subplots and character arcs without the constraints of a traditional film, appealing to both casual viewers and die-hard Scorsese fans alike.

The Dark Tower

Stephen King’s "The Dark Tower" series is an epic blend of genres, from Western to fantasy to sci-fi. A film adaptation that tried to condense its eight novels into a single movie failed to capture the essence of King’s work. A multi-season series could provide the breathing room to delve into its richly-woven narratives, giving fans the depth and character development they crave.

World War Z

Max Brooks’ "World War Z" offers a wealth of storytelling potential that was sorely underutilized in its film adaptation with Brad Pitt. The book chronicles a global zombie apocalypse through a series of first-person accounts, providing a unique structure that could easily translate into a gripping television series. Given the success of zombie-centric shows like "The Walking Dead," a "World War Z" TV adaptation could find a significant audience.

The Many Saints of Newark

A prequel to "The Sopranos," "The Many Saints of Newark" tried to revisit the beloved franchise, but a film couldn’t encapsulate the complexities of its characters and settings. As a TV series, there was ample opportunity to explore the underworld of organized crime leading up to Tony Soprano’s rise, repeatedly immersing viewers in the intricate dynamics that made the original series a landmark.

The Batman

Though "The Batman" was praised for its dark, gritty take on Gotham City, much of the story felt rushed within its nearly three-hour runtime. Transforming it into a series would allow for in-depth exploration of Gotham’s crime underbelly, an expanded role for Bruce Wayne aside from his vigilante persona, and even a deeper dive into villain backstories. A well-crafted series could engage viewers over multiple seasons while enhancing the Characters and their intricacies.

Horizon: An American Saga

Kevin Costner’s "Horizon: An American Saga" is another film that may have fared better on the small screen. With the modern Western genre enjoying resurgence through shows like "Yellowstone," this multi-part narrative could take advantage of television’s iterative storytelling to develop characters and plot lines more comprehensively than a single film ever could.

Eragon

Christopher Paolini’s "Inheritance Cycle" launched with "Eragon," but the film adaptation failed to ignite audience interest. Given Paolini’s wealth of source material and the series’ youthful appeal, a TV show could have brought these tales of dragon riders and fantastical quests to life, captivating a new generation of viewers seeking adventure and magic.

Serenity

Longtime fans of Joss Whedon’s "Firefly" were treated to "Serenity," but the film fell flat at the box office. The deeply loyal fanbase craved more adventures with Captain Malcolm Reynolds and his crew—something a TV revival could satiate. Expanding this universe into a series would allow Whedon’s vision to continue unfolding, promising new stories and deeper character dynamics.

Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood

Most Quentin Tarantino films lend themselves to longer explorations, and "Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood" is no exception. The charming chemistry between Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth would have made for a delightful series, allowing deeper dives into their Hollywood escapades, or even walking through late ‘60s counterculture events, providing endless material for storytelling.

Kingdom of Heaven

Ridley Scott’s "Kingdom of Heaven" was transformed from a subpar theatrical release into a well-received director’s cut. Imagining this film as a series gives ample room for character development, richer subplots, and the type of epic battle scenes that are captivating on the small screen.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

The latest "Dungeons & Dragons" movie fell in line with its predecessors by not quite capturing the spirit of the beloved game. However, the franchise’s expansive lore and myriad campaigns offer an endless well of material that could be easily adapted into a dynamic TV series to reignite interest among fans and new viewers alike.

Sahara

Clive Cussler’s Dirk Pitt character showcased globe-trotting adventure in "Sahara," but the film didn’t resonate with audiences. A TV series could revive interest in Dirk Pitt’s character, capitalizing on the popularity of action-oriented narratives while giving readers and viewers alike the engaging plots and thrilling escapades they desire.

Warcraft

The world of "World of Warcraft" is a rich tapestry of narratives, heroes, and mythos that couldn’t be sufficiently conveyed in a single film. Capitalizing on the multiplayer game’s deep lore, a TV series could delve into character arcs and storylines, reminiscent of the success "Game of Thrones" found in adapting epic fantasy for television.

These films showcase how powerful long-form storytelling can be, and highlight missed opportunities for significant stories to flourish on the small screen. Each could transform into a compelling series, enriching their narratives and engaging audiences over extended runs.