Live-action takes of cartoons seem to be a major category in Hollywood, with people impatiently waiting for certain live-action films, like Avatar: The Last Airbender. Since there is a large ’90s cartoon fanbase, it might be time to amp up the nostalgia by taking some of these characters to the big screen with live actors and CGI.
There is a variety of ’90s cartoons that are definitely worth re-visiting. However, perhaps, not all of them can be seen as movies. So, here are some of the ’90s cartoons that deserve live-action movies.
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7 Daria
MTV Networks
Daria is a spinoff of the MTV series Beavis and Butt-head. With Daria Morgendorffer first appearing in Beavis and Butt-head, the character is highly intellectual, but pessimistic, and constantly criticizes popular culture and social classes. The show exaggerates high school life and thus, is an interesting watch filled with irony and comedy. Having a Daria live-action would be the cherry on top, as it would take a hilarious outlook on the popular trend. The excitement in relation to the Daria spin-off, Jodie is one example of how this particular series has a huge influence on a large viewership.
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6 The Powerpuff Girls
Warner Bros. Television Distribution
This Cartoon Network series has been an all-time favorite among a large audience for decades. A new live-action series of The Powerpuff Girls was being developed by the CW with Dove Cameron, Yana Perrault and Chole Bennett taking the lead roles of Bubbles, Blossom and Buttercup. However, the leaked script did not receive positive feedback from the fans. Yet again, CW seems to be adamant in continuing the reboot, as it seems to be still alive. Perhaps a better alternative would be to have a live-action movie that sticks to the trio being powerful kids, as per the original show. This would invoke nostalgia and might do justice to the classic characters.
5 The Magic School Bus
Scholastic Productions & 9 Story Media Group
There was news in 2020 that Universal Pictures and Scholastic Entertainment have partnered to bring this ’90s cartoon into a live-action film with Elizabeth Banks taking on the role of Ms. Frizzle. This particular series is a huge franchise that has a book series as well. The Magic School Bus, as suggested by the title, includes a school bus that allows the teacher, Ms. Frizzle, to take her students on bizarre adventures. The explorations are not limited to locations as we see the group traveling across time and learning about science and its wonders throughout. Interestingly, a live-action version of this cartoon would be absolutely remarkable, as it would be a fantasy film that explores a variety of times and places. Additionally, since the kids in the cartoon come from different backgrounds, we might be able to expect a diverse cast.
4 Ed, Edd n Eddy
Ed, Edd n Eddy follows three pre-teen outcasts who have very similar names. What makes the show absolutely hilarious is their contrasting personalities, as well as their inability to succeed in their attempts to steal money from the other kids. The trio of Ed, Edd and Eddy are a bit similar to the infamous Three Stooges, as they always end up humiliating themselves. This Cartoon Network series is also the last cartoon to use cel animation, which requires so much effort. Having such a comedy trip come to life would not only be a nod to a historical landmark in the cartoon genre, but it would also be a thrilling and laughter-filled ride for the viewers.
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3 Dexter’s Laboratory
Cartoon Network
Dexter’s Laboratory is all about a boy genius named Dexter, who keeps making crazy inventions back-and-forth in each episode. His secret laboratory is his lair where all the ingenious creations take place. However, none of these inventions ends up meeting his goals, as his overexcitement and carelessness often destroy them. We also get to see Dexter’s hyperactive, but quite vibrant and cheerful sister, Dee Dee, who seems to be the only one in the family that is aware of Dexter’s secret lab. A live-action film of Dexter’s Laboratory would be hectic, and involve all sorts of experiments and havoc. The film would, of course, require a good layout and an intense amount of CGI as the series’ main layout is the very complex lab. Either way, having this boy genius come to life would definitely hype up a huge fanbase.
2 The Wild Thornberrys
The Wild Thornberrys is an exciting cartoon that was shown on Nickelodeon. The series follows a very peculiar family, with very different personas, that documents the wildlife for their show called “Thornberrys”, while living in a caravan. The protagonist of the series is Eliza Thornberry, voiced by Lacey Chabert, the younger daughter, who has a gift that allows her to talk to animals. She has a pet chimpanzee, voiced by Tom Kane, named Darwin, who is more humane than her little brother, Donnie, a feral boy adopted by the Thornberry family. The 2002 The Whild Thornberrys Movie was a spectacular animated film that included a story where Eliza lost her gift. A live-action version of this series would definitely be a fun film that would take place in the jungle. It is also probable that such a film would illustrate how to lead a greener life as the Thornberrys led a life that is rooted in nature, and free from urban polluters, like plastic. It would be an ideal message for the issue of climate change.
1 Courage the Cowardly Dog
This ’90s animated series is a horror comedy that streamed on Cartoon Network. Courage the Cowardly Dog consisted of 52 episodes, and focuses on a family that lives in the middle of nowhere, in a place called Nowhere. Courage, voiced by Marty Grabstein, is a tiny dog, and the title is a reference to his juxtaposing characteristics. Even though Courage is always scared and quite cowardly, he ends up rescuing Muriel, voiced by the recently departed Thea White, and also (inadvertently), her husband, Eustace, who constantly bullies Courage. This cartoon would be perfect for a live-action film, not only because it is loved by almost every ’90s kid, but it has the perfect amount of creepiness and comedy to give the viewer a good laugh, while giving them goosebumps at the same time. Of course, an animated Courage would be required, as Courage is no ordinary dog. He is quite smart, lively, and also speaks. A live-action Courage would mean a dog that constantly says “the things I do for love”, while breaking the fourth wall.
