10 Best TV Movies Based On A Show

After a few acclaimed TV shows have ended their run, their stories have continued in the form of a TV movie. Considering the popularity of some TV shows, a sequel series or film makes sense as audiences are eager for more content regarding their favorite characters. Most of the time, sequel films aren’t entirely necessary and are put out with the simple purpose of fulfilling fans’ needs. In the case of Mr. Monk’s Last Case, the character returned to TV screens, streaming on Peacock, as current events inspired an exploration as to how the detective with multiple phobias would live during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the other hand, some sequel films were made to wrap up open-ended storylines. Films inspired by Breaking Bad and ALF answered some lingering questions regarding Jesse Pinkman and ALF’s fate. Though they’re not always needed, these TV films based on TV shows are still largely enjoyed by fans of the original series as they hark back to the greatest qualities of their inspired TV shows and provide an appreciated update on fan-favorite characters.

10 Fistful Of Vengeance (2022)

Takes Place After Wu Assassins Season 1

After Wu Assassins season 1 premiered in 2019, there was no news on whether there would be a follow-up season. Luckily for fans, a follow-up film was released in 2022, continuing the story of the series’ characters. Fistful of Vengeance saw the return of Iko Uwais, Lewis Tan, Lawrence Kao, and JuJu Chan as their Wu Assassins characters and follows the group’s journey to Thailand where they seek revenge on the person responsible for killing Tommy’s (Kao) sister.

Though Fistful of Vengeance was made as a standalone film, there are a few glaring missteps that are difficult to ignore. Admittedly, the flaws in Fistful of Vengeance‘s script are distracting and risk turning away unfamiliar audiences. Still, fans of the original series can find joy in reuniting with beloved characters one more time. Additionally, Uwais is as much of a star in Fistful of Vengeance as he is in Wu Assassins, especially during the film’s swift fight sequences.

9 L.A. Law: The Movie (2002)

Takes Place Eight Years After The Series Finale

L.A. Law is a legal drama that aired on NBC from the mid-’80s to the mid-’90s. Steven Bochco, known for developing several crime dramas like NYPD Blue and Hill Street Blues, was behind L.A. Law. The series is set around a fictional law firm and features performances from actors who’d go on to have big careers, such as Kathy Bates, Don Cheadle, Lucy Liu, and Steve Buscemi. L.A. Law remained an acclaimed series during its run, earning numerous awards and nominations.

In 2002, a made-for-TV film was released and caught up with some of the series’ characters eight years after its finale. The film shows that Leland McKenzie and Michael Kuzak are retired, but the latter is pulled back into work to help out a former client. Unlike other films based on TV shows, L.A. Law: The Movie is missing some important characters, but it still manages to entertain.

8 Doctor Who: The Movie (1996)

The Film Was Meant To Revive The TV Show

Following Doctor Who‘s suspension in 1989, Doctor Who: The Movie was released as an attempt to revive the series and set up a potential American-produced Doctor Who show. Paul McGann stars in the film as the Eighth Doctor. The film didn’t reach the level of success that its creators had hoped for, and many critics considered Doctor Who: The Movie to be a dismal look into the future of Doctor Who.

Though Doctor Who: The Movie never fully delivers a compelling story, the film is still entertaining and enjoyable for hardcore fans and newcomers alike. Additionally, McGann, despite only playing the titular protagonist on TV for a short amount of time, gives a memorable performance as the charming Doctor. McGann isn’t on TV for long, but his version of the character has the most content produced in terms of short stories, audio series, and novels.

7 Project ALF (1996)

Continues The Story Of ALF After Its Cliffhanger Ending

After airing for four years, the beloved sitcom ALF ended on a cliffhanger. The series, which revolves around the titular alien who crashes onto Earth into the garage of the Tanner family, aired its final episode titled “Consider Me Gone” in 1990. The episode sets up an intriguing plot in which ALF is captured by the Alien Task Force right as he’s about to leave Earth and return to his friends. Ending with a “To Be Continued…” message, fans of the sitcom had to wait years to learn what happened next.

In 1996, Project ALF was released and answered all the lingering questions. The film aired on ABC and picks up right where the final episode left off. Though a majority of the original cast does not return, Paul Fusco, the voice and puppeteer for ALF in the sitcom, is back for the film and is as delightful as ever. There are some obvious lost qualities of the series as it was most endearing to see ALF interacting with the Tanners, but the humor and characterization of ALF are just the same.

6 Burn Notice: The Fall Of Sam Axe (2011)

Tells Sam Axe’s Story Before Audiences Meet Him In Burn Notice Season 1

Due to various qualities of his character, such as his loyalty, wit, and his tendency to be the comic relief, Sam Axe is a fan-favorite from Burn Notice and is one of the best USA Network characters in general. Premiering between Burn Notice seasons 4 and 5, was the series’ spin-off film, Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe. Differing from other TV or streaming movies mentioned, The Fall of Sam Axe revolves around the titular character and details the events of his life before the pilot episode of Burn Notice.

There are even a few plot points in The Fall of Sam Axe that set up the storyline for the following season of Burn Notice. Bruce Campbell shines as his beloved character and is supported by actors like Kiele Sanchez, John Diehl, and Pedro Pascal. The Fall of Sam Axe isn’t as bold as it could have been, but for a TV action film, it gets the job done. The blend of fast-paced action and bits of humor in the film encapsulates what’s appealing about the character himself.

5 Prison Break: The Final Break (2009)

Premiered Between Seasons 4 And 5

Like most films based on TV shows, Prison Break: The Final Break isn’t entirely necessary, but it does provide some extra content for fans of the show, specifically those who are fond of Sara and Michael as characters. The Final Break acts as the conclusion to the series before the fifth season and the revival of the show. The film’s plot gives more information surrounding Michael’s death and how it further relates to Sara’s protection.

As the series reached its final seasons, acclaim for Prison Break started to die down. The spark from the beginning of the series wasn’t as bright anymore, but while The Final Break isn’t a vital part of the Prison Break franchise, it does return to said formula. The engaging action scenes, high-stakes, and character arcs (for as short as they are) are reminiscent of Prison Break season 1, and it’s reason enough to not entirely dismiss the film.

4 Psych: The Movie (2017)

Set Three Years After The Psych Finale

The final episode of Psych, “The Break-Up,” sees the adored duo of Shawn and Gus moving to San Francisco. Three years after these events is where Psych: The Movie picks up. James Roday and Dulé Hill return as the aforementioned pairing where they continue their crime-solving activities while moving forward in other areas of life. Roday and Hill’s on-screen chemistry became stronger as Psych continued and Psych: The Movie proved their synergy has yet to subside.

Psych: The Movie is just as lighthearted and fun as audiences would hope for and has just the right combination of callbacks and original content to establish a need for a sequel film. Psych creator Steve Franks acted as the director and co-writer of the film and helped launch the Psych film series. Psych 2: Lassie Come Home and Psych 3: This Is Gus were released on Peacock in 2020 and 2021 respectively.

3 Deadwood: The Movie (2019)

The Story Of Deadwood Continues Over A Decade Later

Deadwood was HBO’s absorbing Western series which ran for three seasons. Set in the 1800s, Deadwood‘s historical accuracy was notable as the series chronicled the growth of its titular town. Despite being deemed one of the best Westerns in recent years and earning high levels of praise for its writing and performances, Deadwood was canceled. For years, conversations were had about a potential Deadwood film, and in 2019 it was finally released.

The film, aptly named Deadwood: The Movie, is a continuation of the series and had many original stars return as their characters, including Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, and Paula Malcomson. At times, Deadwood: The Movie doesn’t feel justified, as certain moments appear to be a revision of season 3. Still, Deadwood: The Movie redeems itself with the cast’s performances and a healthy amount of fan service.

2 El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie (2019)

Continues Jesse Pinkman’s Story After The Breaking Bad Finale

Serving as an epilogue to the acclaimed series Breaking Bad, El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie sees Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) moments after the finale “Felina.” In El Camino, Jesse is attempting to move on with his life. The film adds more context about the beloved character and ties up some loose ends from Breaking Bad‘s last episode. Though there was no denying Paul’s star power throughout the hit series, the actor truly got a chance to shine in El Camino.

Jesse’s ending in El Camino is satisfying and while his fate could be assumed in Breaking Bad‘s ending, the focus on the character provided by the film made it that more special. A variety of flashbacks are used throughout the film, showing Jesse with some significant Breaking Bad characters. The emotional weight of the events prior to the film is front and center, with Paul deftly capturing it all in his performance.

1 Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie (2023)

Adrian Returns To Work 12 Years Later

Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub), the star of the eponymous USA Network series, quickly became an iconic TV character. Adrian is a detective and, despite his numerous phobias, he surpasses the expectations others have set for him and is often far more observant than his colleagues. Monk is undoubtedly Shalhoub’s best role and his most memorable, so it was only a matter of time before the character made a return.

Premiering on Peacock, Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie catches up with Adrian and other original Monk characters 12 years after the series’ final episode. Mr. Monk’s Last Case takes place during the COVID-19 pandemic and sees Monk return to his detective work to help his stepdaughter. Mr. Monk’s Last Case was a hit with audiences and utilized the best parts of nostalgia while adding enough new material to produce a potential Monk 2.