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Barbie is the most recent retro toy to make the leap to the big screen, but she’s far from the only one. Many classic toys have had films of their own. Although some of these were little more than marketing ploys, others were genuinely good movies. They may not have Barbie‘s killer costumes, but they have plenty of other enjoyable aspects to offer. Many of these films possess heartwarming stories and eye-catching animation that captivate to this day. Whether cartoonishly fun or surprisingly deep, these are some of the best movies adapted from retro toys.
1) Mars Attacks!
It might come as a surprise to some that this goofy ’90s gem is based on a trading card game. Guided by the directorial vision of Tim Burton, Mars Attacks! was destined for greatness, or at least unforgettable weirdness. While few would argue that Mars Attacks! is a perfect film, it remains a memorable one. Jack Nicholson and Michael J. Fox are only a couple of the stars to turn in hammy but delightful performances. Combined with the grotesque CGI martians themselves (brought to life by Industrial Lights and Magic), Mars Attacks! is a weird and wonderful journey the trading card game could only imagine.
2) The Care Bears Movie
Not every toy movie is as lighthearted and fluffy as the toys upon which it’s based. The Care Bears Movie is one such example. The subject matter is heavy: a rescue mission staged by the titular bears to save two orphans from a haunted theme park. Although the film’s animation looks dated by today’s standards, its soundtrack has held up magnificently. “Care A Lot,” the opening musical number by Carole King is a more complex track than we expect from kids’ movies, and it’s better for it. Fans of the fluffy, huggable toys upon which the film was based will likely not be disappointed.
3) Trolls
DreamWorks pulled off a surprising win with Trolls. Unlike some other retro toys, Trolls dolls lacked the same elaborate lore, so making a movie demanded extra effort. The result, however, is a fun and funny experience for parents and kids alike. Music is in many ways the soul of the film. Original songs performed by the film’s leads (Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake) capture a surprising range of emotions and never feel cheap. The story of the Trolls trying to win their freedom from the evil Bergens is pleasantly predictable and worth watching. It’s not a deep movie, but it’s a sweet one that most kids will gobble up.
4) Transformers: The Movie (1986)
Cars and robots have always been popular toys, so cars that turn into robots were a recipe for success. From toys to comics and movies to video games, Transformers can be found throughout the entertainment industry. However, the franchise’s first foray into cinema wasn’t a blockbuster live-action film. Instead, it was a modestly animated ’80s cartoon. At the time of its release, The Transformers: The Movie shocked filmgoers by depicting the deaths of some of the franchise’s most popular characters, including Optimus Prime. Over the years, an appreciation for the movie’s heavier, more emotional plot has replaced the initial backlash, making it a fan favorite.
5) Transformers (2007)
Michael Bay films are often teased for being big-budget but soulless action films, characterized by an endless string of explosions and heroic moments. Transformers doesn’t stray far from that tradition, but somehow that’s to the film’s credit. Shia LaBeouf plays Sam Witwicky, a boy who inadvertently buys the Autobot Bumblebee while shopping for his first car. This mistake catapults Sam and his classmate Mikaela (Megan Fox) into a mission to save the world from the Decepticons. The Hasbro toys are given a multi-million-dollar glow-up here thanks to lavish CGI, but they retain the personalities that first made them popular.
6) The LEGO Batman Movie
Using the success of The LEGO Movie as a springboard, The LEGO Batman Movie leaped into theaters and audiences’ hearts. The film’s refreshing take on the Dark Knight makes it extremely enjoyable. Watching the billionaire vigilante microwaving his dinner alone in an empty mansion is just one unique glimpse into Batman’s life. Robin, Alfred, and the Joker all reveal different aspects of Batman’s character, showing off emotional angles that even the live-action films miss. Numerous heroes and villains from the Batman franchise have had toys over the years, and the film serves as an homage to even the most obscure of them (Condiment King, anyone?).
7) The LEGO Movie
LEGO has a legion of fans, annual building competitions, and even its own theme park. It was inevitable that it would eventually have a film of its own. The LEGO Movie tells the story of Emmet, an ordinary construction worker who becomes the hapless head of the resistance against the evil Lord Business. It’s hard to know what to praise first. Spectacular animation, genuine themes of friendship and finding oneself, and an infectious theme song rule the day. The film also features shoutouts to many of LEGO’s most popular sets. All in all, the same creativity and wonder shown by the toys flourish in the film.
9) Toy Story
Some of the most famous characters from Toy Story didn’t become actual toys until after the film was released, but that’s not so for many others. Retro toys like Mr. Potato Head, Magic 8-Ball, and Etch-a-Sketch all play vital roles in the film and were based on some of the most popular toys of their generation. Everything about Toy Story demolished the competition when it first appeared, and the film remains as beautifully made and heartwarming today. Tom Hanks’ Woody and Tim Allen’s Buzz remain extraordinary performances, and a generation of children wouldn’t be the same without these films, cementing Toy Story‘s place as one of the greats.
