The popularity of a film leads to sequels, reboots, spin-offs, and, sometimes, a kids' show based on the original film's characters. While some kids' shows based on popular movies are made purely in hopes of gaining a profit, a lot of them are surprisingly good, as the genuine effort to connect with younger audiences is evident. While there are inevitable references made to the original films, the premise of these kids' shows isn't simply familiar plots repackaged for a younger generation.

Instead, several of these shows choose to continue the story of their successful, inspired films, building upon the world and characters established in the movies. Many of the kids' shows wind up being animated series and have the perfect dose of nostalgia to strike a chord with older audiences accompanying those younger. Though some shows are more memorable than others, plenty of the best kids' series based on movies are undeniably great, and many can still be enjoyed by kids today.

10 The Land Before Time (2007-2008)

Based On The '80s Film And Takes Place Later In The Franchise

Premiering in 2007, Cartoon Network's The Land Before Time sought to recreate a show with similar heartfelt themes and character relationships as seen in the 1988 movie. Though the kids' show features many of the same characters seen in the original film, it takes place in between later films in the franchise, The Wisdom of Friends and Journey of the Brave. The series sees beloved characters like Littlefoot, Ducky, and Cera embark on a new adventure in the Great Valley with each episode.

The Land Before Time doesn't pack the same emotional punch as the '80s movie, and to audiences who grew up with the film, the series can't compare. However, it still acts as a great introduction for its target younger audience. The heart, charm, and valuable lessons learned are ideal for kids, and the animation style and strong sense of nostalgia are appealing to older viewers.

9 The Karate Kid (1989)

Daniel And Mr. Miyagi Set Out To Retrieve A Prized Shrine

When most people think of a TV show based on The Karate Kid, Cobra Kai is likely what comes to mind. However, before that, there was an animated series, also known as The Karate Kid, which ran for 13 episodes in 1989. The kids' show continued to explore the famous relationship between Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita). Morita returned to the series to narrate the beginning of episodes, setting up the exhilarating journey ahead for audiences.

Rather than each episode dealing with the pressure of karate tournaments, they saw Daniel and Mr. Miyagi on a never-ending quest for a powerful miniature shrine that's been stolen. In each episode, the two get one step closer to obtaining the shrine before they are stopped by various antagonists who are after the shrine themselves. Additionally, an Easter egg revolving around the kids' series can be seen in Cobra Kai season 3 in Chozen Toguchi's dojo.

8 The Little Mermaid (1992-1994)

Focuses On Ariel's Life Before Meeting Prince Eric

The critical and commercial success of The Little Mermaid has led to sequel and prequel films, a live-action adaptation, and a stage musical. Starting in 1992, The Little Mermaid was made into an animated TV series of the same name. The kids' show incorporated several parts of the original film, including the use of beloved songs like "Part of Your World" and "Under the Sea." Additionally, a few actors ed the series to reprise their roles.

Samuel E. Wright and Pat Carroll voice their iconic film characters Sebastian and Ursula, and Jodi Benson returned as Ariel. The Little Mermaid series acts as a prequel to the film and takes place after the prequel film, The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning. Ariel's bravery and sense of independence seen in the movie are as strong as ever in the show. However, differing from the movie, much of the series is centered around Ariel's relationship with her family and friends.

7 Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventures (1990-1991)

Keanu Reeves And Alex Winter Voice The Animated Versions Of Their Characters

Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure is considered one of the beloved Hanna-Barbera production company. In Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventures season 1, Reeves and Winter reprise their iconic roles, as does George Carlin.

The first season draws many comparisons to the movie, and with the original cast voicing their characters, the series was exciting and appeared promising. However, the second season, which would be Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventures' last, brought in a new cast to voice the titular protagonists. This change, in addition to a different theme song, resulted in the kids' show failing to connect with a large audience, and it was ultimately canceled.

6 Timon & Pumbaa (1995-1999)

The Endearing Duo Got Their Own Show

Walt Disney's The Lion King features a tragic death, a compelling antagonist, and catchy music. However, an unexpected part of the film that has stuck with audiences all these years is the ing duo of Timon (Nathan Lane) and Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella). The characters' humorous dynamic and antics throughout the film were fit for a series centered on the two, which came to fruition in 1995. In the aptly titled Timon & Pumbaa, Sabella returns as his movie character, while Lane voices Timon for ten episodes.

The kids' series has strong slapstick humor throughout and sees Timon and Pumbaa embark on adventures outside the Pride Lands. During their adventures, the duo often find themselves making friends and coming face-to-face with antagonists. Timon & Pumbaa also features special appearances by The Lion King characters like Simba and Rafiki.

5 The Real Ghostbusters (1986-1991)

Continues The Adventures Of The Film's Paranormal Team

The release of Ghostbusters in 1984 was a big deal, and it was only a matter of time before another movie or TV show was created to capture audiences similarly. Just a few years later, the kids' show The Real Ghostbusters premiered on ABC, which reunited audiences with the beloved team of paranormal investigators. While the characters' stories continued, the actors who played them in the live-action '80s film did not return. Instead, they were voiced by an exciting batch of new actors.

The comedy and monster elements of the movie are toned down in the show, but not so much as to lose what makes the story and characters celebrated in the first place. The excitement and interest in The Real Ghostbusters lasted for seven seasons, but it was far from the last show based on the 1984 film. Only a few years later in 1997, Extreme Ghostbusters premiered as a show centered on college students taking on the responsibility of the former Ghostbusters.

4 Men In Black: The Series (1997-2001)

Agent J And Agent K Team Up In An Alternate Timeline

Premiering on Kids' WB only a few months after the 1997 release of the film which it's based on, Men in Black: The Series placed its lead characters in an alternate timeline after the original movie. Based on the comic book series of the same name, Men in Black: The Series delivered standalone episodes for four seasons until its 2001 finale. There are a handful of references to the original film made in the series, which allows older audiences to connect with the show as well.

Yet, Men in Black: The Series holds up largely on its own and can be seen as something new for younger audiences. Agent K and Agent J (voiced by Gregg Berger and Keith Diamond, respectively) have slightly different characterizations compared to the characters played by Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith. However, their growth and unlikely partnership is just as engaging to follow along with in Men in Black: The Series.

3 Beetlejuice (1989-1991)

Beetlejuice And Lydia Team Up For Thrilling Adventures

Differing from the original film, the titular character in the Beetlejuice series is much more lovable. While he's still aggravating and selfish at times, there's a well-intended heart beating within the ghostly figure. Beetlejuice, the series, ran for four seasons and follows the eponymous character and Lydia Deetz as they travel back and forth between the mortal world and Neitherworld. This relationship between the two characters is another difference between the show and the movie, as the former portrays them as a friendly, unlikely pair.

While the crude and dark elements of the movie are largely absent from the series, there's still an appreciated serving of macabre silliness. Additionally, the series' music is arranged by the legendary Danny Elfman, just as it was in the movie. These elements combined make Beetlejuice an enjoyable series for longtime fans and children alike.

2 The Mask: Animated Series (1995-1997)

The Beloved Cartoonish Antics Are Translated Into A Kids' Show

Many of Jim Carrey's best characters are lively and outrageous in the best way, making them easy to mold into characters on a children's TV show. One of these characters is Stanley Ipkiss, seen in the 1994 film The Mask. The kids' series, The Mask: Animated Series, has Rob Paulsen voicing the iconic character who transforms into a cartoonish superhero when wearing an ancient mask. The show follows up many of the film's plot points, only adding to the mask's abilities and removing characters like Tina Carlyle.

Following the premiere of The Mask: Animated Series, a comic book series, Adventures of the Mask, was released. While the series doesn't show the Stanley character to be as adult or violent as other iterations do, there's still enough edge intact to appeal to more than just kids. Additionally, another series based on Carrey's movies, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, had a crossover episode with The Mask: Animated Series.

1 Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1995)

An Influential Series Inspired By Live-Action Batman Films

Though there were several Batman movies and TV series, both animated and live-action, before Batman: The Animated Series, the films that provided the most inspiration for the show were those by director Tim Burton. The iconic style in Burton's films is replicated throughout the kids' show, as is the series' music, which is meant to emulate that of Danny Elfman's for the live-action films.

These aspects of Batman: The Animated Series have helped it earn praise over the years, with many critics citing it as one of the best, most influential animated series, especially in the superhero genre. Not only is the show technically sound, but the mature themes and tone established throughout the show have had a great impact on the remainder of the Batman franchise. While remaining faithful to its source material, the show was able to breathe life into the familiar components, including Batman: The Animated Series' portrayal of villains.