Top 25 Cartoon and Comic Movies

Not only are we bombarded by sequels and remakes in films, we also have the pleasure of being annoyed every time Hollywood announces they're bringing to life one of our favorite comic books/graphic novels and cartoons. Why annoyed? Because most have turned out to be disasters but there were some decent adaptations which helps you reconnect with your childhood. Some of these comics I've haven't read but the films were pretty easy to follow. I would like to share with you my top 25 films which were based on a cartoon or comic book. Enjoy.


25. G.I Joe: Rise of the Cobra (2009)

Based on the G.I Joe cartoon series and comics.
A fun film to watch as the graphics and special effects were off the hook. The acting was sub-par, plot very predictable but the action sequences made up for it. Good popcorn film.




24. Men in Black (1997)

Based on the Men in black comic book series by Lowell Cunningham.
I really loved this movie until I watched its sequel. It ruined the whole experience for me but as a kid and a fan you will find this adaptation quite suitable and entertaining. Look out for Men in Black III later this year in a theater near you. I wont be wasting my money though.


23. Superman (1978)

Based on the DC Superman comic book series.
*hums superman theme song* The Superman franchise for most parts have been mediocre but I still appreciate this Christopher Reeves classic. A simple plot but it was still fun to watch with Reeves commanding the helm as our caped crusader.



22. Dennis the Menace (1993)

Based on the cartoon series and comic strip by Hank Ketcham.
"Hey Mr Wilson". Dennis (Mason Gamble) was just as adorable as this movie. This childhood comic and cartoon series was brought to life mixed with a smooth blend of fun and laughter.



21. Blade (1998)

Based on the Marvel graphic novel by David S. Goyer.
Half man, half vampire vs vampires. Blade is an enjoyable, fast paced thriller which features Wesley Snipes as an action hero who combats vampires for the greater good.



20. The Flintstones (1994)

Based on the popular cartoon series.
Yabba dabba doooo. I think this was a decent adaptation of the cartoon. All the actors played their characters pretty well and well, I was left with a smile on my face.



19. The Crow (1994)

Based on the graphic novel by James O'Barr.
Haven't seen this movie in a while but back then it was pretty awesome. A pulsating and engaging revenge fantasy in which Brandon Lee shines in his role. Good adaptation of the famous graphic novel.



18. How the Grinch stole Christmas (2000)

Based on the cartoon special.
The Grinch is primarily known as a cold character who eventually got soft in the end. Jim Carrey's portrayal was very impressive. Carrey gave us that cold character, mixed with humor and made it quite enjoyable.



17. Spiderman 2 (2004)

Based on Marvel's Spiderman comic books.
Definitely an improvement to the original film. It's funnier, more action and more entertaining than its predecessor. In my opinion the best of the trilogy and a cool adaptation to the comic. The remake should be epic as well.



16. Road to Perdition (2002)

Based on the graphic novel from Max Allan Collins.
A solid adaptation of the novel. Tom Hanks and Paul Newman stepped up to the plate and delivered. Enjoyable and well directed. Max Collins would be proud.




15. Thor (2011)

Based on the Marvel comic book Thor.
The Demi-God finally came to the big screen. The mighty Thor didn't disappoint either. Chris Hemsworth was solid in his role. The film had a balance of humor, action and drama which was very soothing.



14. Marvel's the Avengers (2012)

Based on the Marvel comic book series.
Just like Thor, it didnt disappoint. Our heroes assembled and with great action sequences and humor, 'The Avengers' was entertaining and continues to rip apart the box office. 



13. Batman (1989)

Based on the DC Batman comic book series.
Even though I think Heath Ledger is the best Joker, Jack Nicholson is just as impressive in his role as the Joker. Tim Burton's 'Batman' was fun to watch. The eerie and grim visual style of Tim Burton suited the film well. In my book, it is a true classic.



12. X2: Xmen United (2003)

Based on Marvel's Xmen comic book series.
The original Xmen film was decent but this was definitely a big improvement. Solid acting and pure entertainment. X2 is everything you expect from a sequel and a comic book adaptation. The mutants were awesome.



11. Death Note (2006)

Based on the Death Note manga and anime series.
A simple story for most parts but then it just got better and better. Good acting, an engaging plot and also that character called 'Ryuk' was quite entertaining. Plus that little twist at the end made things very interesting. This film is worth it.




10. Kick Ass (2010)

Based on the graphic novel by Mark Millar.
Profane, loud, humor and violent, Kick Ass is just pure unadulterated fun. Definitely one of the most exciting and refreshing comic book adaptation we've ever seen.



9. V For Vendetta (2006)

Based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore.
Man, if you liked Kick Ass, you will definitely like 'V for Vendetta'. Natalie Portman and Hugo Weaving shined in this fun action thriller which includes a strong story line and script. Impressive film.



8. Red (2010)

Based on Warren Ellis DC graphic novel.
A spy thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This cast was definitely not too old for this; Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich and Morgan Freeman delivered. Visually beautifully, this film is great fun. Combining Bruce Willis with John Malcovich and Morgan Freeman is an awesome concept.




7. 300 (2007)

Based on the comic series by Frank Miller.
What I admire the most about '300' was how the action sequences blended in perfectly with its visuals. The visuals flowed beautifully, it did not look fake at any point. The special effects are thrilling and very entertaining battles. The Spartans rule.


6. The Mask (1994)

Based on the Dark Horse comic series.
It was a pleasure to watch Jim Carrey transform himself whenever he put on that mask. He commanded the mask character and the visual effects of this film was just as equally amazing. Energetic fun and definitely a great adaptation to the comic.


5. Sin City (2005)

Based on the graphic novel by Frank Miller.
In Sin City, Robert Rodriguez made a cynical film about murder, betrayal and cannibalism that happens to be very beautiful to look at. With breathless editing and high-contrast black and white images lit up by flashes of color, the hyper-stylized look of  Sin City does an good job at approaching the visuals of the comic book. Sin City is the one of the most accurate adaptation ever done of a comic book.




4. Watchmen (2009)

Based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore.
It's really nice to watch a superhero film and it has you guessing the whole duration of it. Well that is if you haven't read the comic but that was the case with me when I watched 'Watchmen'. Not your typical superhero flick and only a few will appreciate it. It's engaging, accompanied with action and gore with a very strong plot and good acting. The soundtrack was awesome also. This superhero movie was different and well done.



3 . Xmen: First Class (2011)

Based on the Marvel comic series.
After a close call with franchise death, the X-Men film series has bounced back to life with its fifth installment, rescued by a very strong cast and unadulterated action. Even though it's a bit sad that a "prequel" had to save this franchise, this film was highly entertaining, fast paced with great special effects. The best film of the series.


2. Scott Pilgrim vs The World (2010)

Based on the comic book series by Brian Lee O'Malley.
One word - AWESOME. Being a fan of the comics when I was young, this movie adaptation is the epitome of awesomeness. This film is ridiculously entertaining, it is flawless and how they were able to integrate humor with those superhero stunts and gamer references was no less than beautiful.

1

The Dark Knight (2008)

Based on the Marvel comic book series.
What can I say, The Dark Knight was too impressive of an adaptation to not be my number one. This movie literally blew me away. Brilliant acting with an engaging and riveting plot. Not your cliched superhero flick, Dark Knight became more of a crime epic but never left its superhero concept. Brilliant sequel.