List of films based on toys

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R This article lists feature length animated and live action theatrical, television and direct-to-video films based on toys, tabletop games and trading cards. Many of these films are based on dolls and action figures made by American toy companies Hasbro and Mattel. [1]

Contents

History of films based on toys

Prior to 1977, toys were released together with films as merchandising tie-ins. Films that were suitably toyetic spawned numerous licensed properties, often marketed heavily to children. Beginning in the late 1970s, this approach was flipped as films began to appear that were based on popular toys. In 1977, Raggedy Ann & Andy: A Musical Adventure debuted as the first theatrical motion picture in which a consumer toy was the star. [2] During the 1980s, action figures got their own films, such as Masters of the Universe ( The Secret of the Sword ) and Transformers ( The Transformers: The Movie ), as did dolls, such as Pound Puppies ( Pound Puppies and the Legend of Big Paw ) and My Little Pony ( My Little Pony: The Movie ). Also in the 1980s, the greeting card companies American Greetings and Hallmark Cards created popular characters that were made into toys, on which films were later based, such as The Care Bears ( The Care Bears Movie ), Rainbow Brite ( Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer ), and Strawberry Shortcake ( Strawberry Shortcake: The Sweet Dreams Movie ).

A resurgence of live action film adaptions of toy properties began in 2007 with the release of Transformers , the first film in what would become the Transformers film franchise. The first film in the G.I. Joe film franchise, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra , was released two years later. In 2008, Hasbro entered into a deal with Universal Pictures to make at least 4 films based on its brands and products. In 2012, the poor performance of the first film from this partnership, Battleship , caused other projects in development to be shelved or sold off to other studios. [3] The success of The Lego Movie in 2014 showed that even intellectual properties without an existing narrative, or even familiar characters, could be profitable and its success renewed the interest of toy companies and film studios in producing toy-related projects stuck in development hell. [4] [5]

On 3 November 2017, Hasbro Studios entered into a five-year production and distribution deal with Paramount Pictures to develop additional productions based on Hasbro brands. [6] In 2021, Mattel Films announced a development of 13 films in production based on Mattel toys and games, such as Hot Wheels, Magic 8 Ball, Masters of the Universe, Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots, Polly Pocket, View-Master, American Girl and Uno, as well as an original intellectual property in Christmas Balloon. [7] After being in development for over a decade, a live-action film adaptation of Barbie was announced by Warner Bros. Pictures with actress Margot Robbie cast as Barbie and Greta Gerwig directing. [7] [8] [9] Released on 21 July 2023, Barbie was the first live-action Barbie film after numerous computer-animated films and specials. [10] The film received critical acclaim and grossed more than $1 billion in worldwide box office sales, becoming the second highest-grossing film of 2023, the highest-grossing film of all time solely directed by a woman and from Warner Bros. in their centennial anniversary and the 25th highest-grossing film of all-time.

Live-action films based on toys

Film TitleYearSource ToyManufacturerRelease Type
Samantha: An American Girl Holiday 2004 American Girl Mattel Television film
Felicity: An American Girl Adventure 2005Television film
Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front 2006Television film
Kit Kittredge: An American Girl 2008Theatrical release
An American Girl: Chrissa Stands Strong 2009Direct-to-video
An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars 2012Direct-to-video
An American Girl: Saige Paints the Sky 2013Direct-to-video
An American Girl: Isabelle Dances Into the Spotlight 2014Direct-to-video
An American Girl: Grace Stirs Up Success 2015Direct-to-video
An American Girl: Lea to the Rescue 2016Direct-to-video
Battleship 2012 Battleship Hasbro Theatrical release
Bratz: The Movie 2007 Bratz MGA Entertainment Theatrical release
Barbie 2023 Barbie Mattel Theatrical release
Clue 1985 Cluedo Waddingtons/Parker Brothers Theatrical release
Dungeons & Dragons 2000 Dungeons & Dragons TSR/Wizards of the Coast Theatrical release
Dungeons & Dragons: Wrath of the Dragon God 2005Television film
Dungeons & Dragons: The Book of Vile Darkness 2012Direct-to-video
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves 2023Theatrical release
Jem and the Holograms 2015 Jem and the Holograms Hasbro Theatrical release
The Garbage Pail Kids Movie 1987 Garbage Pail Kids Topps Theatrical release
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra 2009 G.I. Joe Hasbro Theatrical release
G.I. Joe: Retaliation 2013 Hasbro Theatrical release
Snake Eyes 2021 Hasbro Theatrical release
The Hugga Bunch 1985 The Hugga Bunch Hallmark Cards/Kenner Television film
Mars Attacks! 1996 Mars Attacks Topps Theatrical release
Masters of the Universe 1987 Masters of the Universe Mattel Theatrical release
Monster High: The Movie 2022 Monster High Mattel Television film
Monster High 2 2023
My Pet Monster 1986 My Pet Monster American Greetings Direct-to-video
Ouija 2014 Ouija Hasbro Theatrical release
Ouija: Origin of Evil 2016Theatrical release
Robosapien: Rebooted 2013 Robosapien WowWee Theatrical release
Transformers 2007 Transformers Hasbro/Tomy Theatrical release
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen 2009Theatrical release
Transformers: Dark of the Moon 2011Theatrical release
Transformers: Age of Extinction 2014Theatrical release
Transformers: The Last Knight 2017Theatrical release
Bumblebee 2018Theatrical release
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts 2023Theatrical release

Animated films based on toys

Film TitleYearSource ToyManufacturerRelease Type
Action Man: Robot Atak 2004 Action Man Palitoy/Hasbro Direct-to-Video
Action Man: X Missions - The Movie2005Direct-to-Video
Action Man: The Gangrene Code2006Direct-to-Video (Mexico Only)
Barbie and the Rockers: Out of this World 1987 Barbie Mattel Television Film
Barbie and the Sensations: Rockin' Back to Earth 1987Television Film
Barbie in the Nutcracker 2001Direct-to-Video
Barbie as Rapunzel 2002Direct-to-Video
Barbie of Swan Lake 2003Direct-to-Video
Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper 2004Direct-to-Video
Barbie: Fairytopia 2005Direct-to-Video
Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus 2005Direct-to-Video
Barbie Fairytopia: Mermaidia 2006Direct-to-Video
The Barbie Diaries 2006Direct-to-Video
Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses 2006Direct-to-Video
Barbie Fairytopia: Magic of the Rainbow 2007Direct-to-Video
Barbie as the Island Princess 2007Direct-to-Video
Barbie: Mariposa 2008Direct-to-Video
Barbie and the Diamond Castle 2008Direct-to-Video
Barbie in a Christmas Carol 2008Direct-to-Video
Barbie: Thumbelina 2009Direct-to-Video
Barbie and the Three Musketeers 2009Direct-to-Video
Barbie in A Mermaid Tale 2010Direct-to-Video
Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale 2010Direct-to-Video
Barbie: A Fairy Secret 2011Direct-to-Video
Barbie: Princess Charm School 2011Direct-to-Video
Barbie: A Perfect Christmas 2011Direct-to-Video
Barbie in A Mermaid Tale 2 2012Direct-to-Video
Barbie: The Princess & the Popstar 2012Direct-to-Video
Barbie in the Pink Shoes 2013Direct-to-Video
Barbie: Mariposa & the Fairy Princess 2013Direct-to-Video
Barbie & Her Sisters in A Pony Tale 2013Direct-to-Video
Barbie: The Pearl Princess 2014Direct-to-Video
Barbie and the Secret Door 2014Direct-to-Video
Barbie in Princess Power 2015Direct-to-Video
Barbie in Rock 'N Royals 2015Direct-to-Video
Barbie & Her Sisters in The Great Puppy Adventure 2015Direct-to-Video
Barbie: Spy Squad 2016Direct-to-Video
Barbie: Star Light Adventure 2016Direct-to-Video
Barbie & Her Sisters in A Puppy Chase 2016Direct-to-Video
Barbie: Video Game Hero 2017Direct-to-Video
Barbie: Dolphin Magic 2017Television Film
Barbie: Princess Adventure 2020Television Film
Barbie & Chelsea: The Lost Birthday 2021Television Film
Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams 2021Television Film
Barbie: Mermaid Power 2022Television Film
Barbie: Epic Road Trip 2022Netflix Interactive Special
Barbie: Skipper and the Big Babysitting Adventure 2023Television Film
Bayala: A Magical Adventure 2019Bayala Schleich
Bionicle: Mask Of Light 2003 Bionicle Lego Group Direct-to-Video
Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui 2004Direct-to-Video
Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows 2005Direct-to-Video
Bionicle: The Legend Reborn 2009Direct-to-Video
BraveStarr: The Movie 1988, 2004BraveStarr Mattel Direct-to-Video
Bratz: Starrin' & Stylin' 2004 Bratz MGA Entertainment Direct-to-Video
Bratz: Rock Angelz2005Direct-to-Video
Bratz: Genie Magic2006Direct-to-Video
Bratz: Passion 4 Fashion Diamondz 2006Direct-to-Video
Bratz: Fashion Pixiez 2007Direct-to-Video
Bratz: Girlz Really Rock2008Direct-to-Video
Bratz: Pampered Petz 2010Direct-to-Video
Bratz: Desert Jewelz - Genie Magic 22012Direct-to-Video
Bratz Go to Paris: The Movie2013Direct-to-Video
Bratz Babyz: The Movie 2006 Bratz Babyz Direct-to-Video
Bratz Super-Babyz 2007Direct-to-Video
Bratz Babyz Save Christmas2008Direct-to-Video
Bratz Kidz: Sleep-Over Adventure2007 Bratz Kidz Direct-to-Video
Bratz Kidz: Fairy Talez2008Direct-to-Video
Cabbage Patch Kids: First Christmas 1984 Cabbage Patch Kids Coleco/Hasbro/Mattel/Toys "R" Us/Play Along/Jakks Pacific/Wicked Cool Toys TV Special
Cabbage Pack Kids: The New Kid 1995Direct-to-Video
Cabbage Patch Kids: The Clubhouse1996Direct-to-Video
Cabbage Patch Kids: The Screen Test1997Direct-to-Video
Cabbage Patch Kids: Saturday Night1998Direct-to-Video
Cabbage Patch Kids: Vernon's Christmas1999Direct-to-Video
Candy Land: The Great Lollipop Adventure 2005 Candy Land Milton Bradley/Hasbro Direct-to-Video
The Care Bears Movie 1985 Care Bears American Greetings/Kenner
Care Bears Movie II: A New Generation 1986
The Care Bears Adventure in Wonderland 1987
Care Bears Nutcracker Suite 1988Television Film
Care Bears: Journey to Joke-a-lot 2004Direct-to-Video
The Care Bears' Big Wish Movie 2005Direct-to-Video
Care Bears: Oopsy Does It! 2007
Care Bears: Share Bear Shines 2010Direct-to-Video
Care Bears: The Giving Festival 2010Direct-to-Video
Care Bears to the Rescue Movie2010
Care Bears: A Belly Badge for Wonderheart2013Direct-to-Video
Enchantimals: Finding Home2017 Enchantimals Mattel
Ever After High: Spring Unsprung2015 Ever After High Netflix Exclusive
G.I. Joe: The Movie 1987 G.I. Joe Hasbro Direct-to-Video
G.I. Joe: Spy Troops 2003Direct-to-Video
G.I. Joe: Valor vs. Venom 2004Direct-to-Video
G.I. Joe: Ninja Battles 2004Direct-to-Video
Gobots: Battle of the Rock Lords 1986 Gobots Tonka/Hasbro
Hero Factory: Rise of the Rookies2010 Hero Factory Lego Group Video release of Hero Factory episodes as a single film.
Hero Factory: Savage Planet2011
The Special Magic of Herself the Elf 1983 Herself the Elf American Greetings/Mattel Television Film
Holly Hobbie and Friends: Surprise Party 2005 Holly Hobbie Tomy/Knickerbocker Toys/American Greetings Direct-to-Video
Holly Hobbie and Friends: Christmas Wishes 2006Direct-to-Video
Holly Hobbie and Friends: Secret Adventures2007Direct-to-Video
Holly Hobbie and Friends: Best Friends Forever2007Direct-to-Video
Holly Hobbie and Friends: Fabulous Fashion Show2008Direct-to-Video
Holly Hobbie and Friends: Marvelous Makeover2009Direct-to-Video
Hot Wheels World Race 2003 Hot Wheels Mattel Direct-to-Video
Hot Wheels AcceleRacers: Ignition2005Direct-to-Video
Hot Wheels AcceleRacers: Speed of Silence2005Direct-to-Video
Hot Wheels AcceleRacers: Breaking Point2005Direct-to-Video
Hot Wheels AcceleRacers: The Ultimate Race2005Direct-to-Video
Team Hot Wheels: The Origin of Awesome!2014
Team Hot Wheels: The Skills to Thrill!2014
Team Hot Wheels: Build the Epic Race!2014
Team Hot Wheels: Search for the 5th Driver!2014
Lego: The Adventures of Clutch Powers 2010 Lego Lego Group Direct-to-Video
Lego Batman: The Movie - DC Super Heroes Unite 2013Direct-to-Video
The Lego Movie 2014Theatrical Release
Lego Friends: Girlz 4 Life 2015Direct-to-Video
Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League 2015Direct-to-Video
Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League: Attack of the Legion of Doom 2015Direct-to-Video
Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League: Cosmic Clash 2016Direct-to-Video
Lego Scooby-Doo! Haunted Hollywood 2016Direct-to-Video
Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League: Gotham City Breakout 2016Direct-to-Video
Lego Scooby-Doo! Blowout Beach Bash 2017Direct-to-Video
Lego DC Super Hero Girls: Brain Drain 2017Direct-to-Video
The Lego Batman Movie 2017Theatrical Release
The Lego Ninjago Movie 2017Theatrical Release
Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: The Flash 2018Direct-to-Video
Lego DC Super Hero Girls: Super-Villain High 2018Direct-to-Video
Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Aquaman – Rage of Atlantis 2018Direct-to-Video
The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part 2019Theatrical Release
Lego DC Batman: Family Matters 2019Direct-to-Video
Lego DC Shazam! Magic and Monsters 2020Direct-to-Video
Piece by Piece 2024
Lionel Lionelville Destination: Adventure2009 Lionel Trains Lionel Direct-to-Video
The Secret of the Sword 1985 Masters of the Universe Mattel
Max Steel: Endangered Species 2004 Max Steel Direct-to-Video
Max Steel: Forces of Nature 2005Direct-to-Video
Max Steel: Countdown 2006Direct-to-Video
Max Steel: Dark Rival 2007Direct-to-Video
Max Steel: Bio Crisis2008Direct-to-Video
Max Steel vs. The Mutant Menance2009Direct-to-Video
Max Steel vs. The Toxic Legion2010Direct-to-Video
Dragons: Fire And Ice 2004 Mega Bloks Mega Brands Direct-to-Video
Dragons II: The Metal Ages2005Television Film
Bakusō Kyōdai Let's & Go!! WGP: Bousou Mini 4WD Daitsuiseki 1997 Mini4WD Tamiya
Monster High: New Ghoul @ School 2010 Monster High Mattel Television Special
Monster High: Fright On! 2011Television Film
Monster High: Why Do Ghouls Fall in Love? 2012Television Film
Monster High: Ghouls Rule 2012Television Film
Monster High: Escape from Skull Shores 2013Television Film
Monster High: Friday Night Frights 2013Television Film
Monster High: 13 Wishes 2013Television Film
Monster High: Scaris: City of Frights 2013Television Film
Monster High: Frights, Camera, Action! 2014Television Film
Monster High: Freaky Fusion 2014Television Film
Monster High: Haunted 2015Television Film
Monster High: Boo York, Boo York 2015Television Film
Monster High: Great Scarrier Reef 2016Television Film
Welcome to Monster High 2016Television Film
Monster High: Electrified 2017Television Film
Monster High: Happy Howlidays, Ghouls 2017Television Film
My Little Pony: The Movie 1986 My Little Pony Hasbro
My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas 2005Direct-to-Video
My Little Pony: The Princess Promenade 2006Direct-to-Video
My Little Pony Crystal Princess: The Runaway Rainbow 2006Direct-to-Video
My Little Pony: A Very Pony Place 2007Direct-to-Video
My Little Pony: Twinkle Wish Adventure 2009Direct-to-Video
My Little Pony: Equestria Girls 2013
My Little Pony: Equestria Girls -Rainbow Rocks 2014
My Little Pony: Equestria Girls - Friendship Games 2015
My Little Pony: Equestria Girls - Legend of Everfree 2016
My Little Pony: The Movie 2017
My Little Pony: A New Generation 2021Netflix Exclusive
My Scene: Jammin' in Jamaica 2004 My Scene Mattel Direct-to-Video
My Scene: Masquerade Madness2004Direct-to-Video
My Scene Goes to Hollywood 2005Direct-to-Video
Playmobil: The Secret of Pirate Island2009 Playmobil Brandstätter Group Direct-to-Video
Playmobil: The Movie 2019
Polly Pocket: Lunar Eclipse 2004 Polly Pocket Bluebird Toys/Mattel Direct-to-Video
Polly Pocket 2: Cool at the Pocket Plaza 2005Direct-to-Video
PollyWorld 2006Direct-to-Video
The Pound Puppies 1985 Pound Puppies Tonka/Hasbro Television Film
Pound Puppies and the Legend of Big Paw 1988
The Secret of the Sword 1985 Princess of Power Mattel
Raggedy Ann & Andy: A Musical Adventure 1977 Raggedy Ann Hasbro
Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer 1985 Rainbow Brite Hallmark Cards/Mattel
Rescue Heroes: The Movie 2003 Rescue Heroes Fisher-Price Direct-to-Video
Robotix: The Movie 1987 Robotix Milton Bradley/Hasbro Televised Shorts compiled into a 'film'
Shopkins: Chef Club2016 Shopkins Moose Toys Direct-to-Video
Shopkins: World Vacation2017Direct-to-Video
Shopkins: Wild2018Direct-to-Video
Star Fairies 1985Star Fairies Tonka/Hasbro Television Film
Strawberry Shortcake: The Sweet Dreams Movie 2006 Strawberry Shortcake American Greetings/Kenner/Playmates Toys/Hasbro
Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Blossom Festival 2007Theatrical Release
Strawberry Shortcake: Let's Dance 2007Theatrical Release
Strawberry Shortcake: Rockaberry Roll 2008Theatrical Release
The Strawberry Shortcake Movie: Sky's the Limit 2009Direct-to-Video
Strawberry Shortcake: The Glimmerberry Ball Movie2010Direct-to-Video
Tonka Tough Truck Adventures: The Biggest Show on Wheels2004 Tonka Trucks Tonka/Hasbro Direct-to-Video
The Transformers: The Movie 1986 Transformers Hasbro/Tomy
Beast Wars II: Lio Convoy's Close Call! 1998
Transformers Prime Beast Hunters: Predacons Rising 2013Television Film
Transformers One 2024
Trolls 2016 Troll Doll Dam Things/DreamWorks Animation Theatrical Release
Trolls World Tour 2020Theatrical Release
Trolls Band Together 2023Theatrical Release
Ugly Dolls 2019 Uglydoll Pretty Ugly/STX Entertainment
Quest for Zhu 2011 ZhuZhu Pets Cepia LLCDirect-to-Video


See also

References

  1. ↑ Peterson, Jeffrey (2012-05-17). "From toys to the big screen". Deseret News. Archived from the original on July 11, 2013. Retrieved 2013-07-11.
  2. ↑ Heitmueller, Karl (2007-06-26). "'Transformers' Roots Can Be Traced To Care Bears, My Little Pony, In Rewind". MTV . Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved 2013-07-11.
  3. ↑ Brodesser-Akner, Claude (2012-02-06). "What Hollywood Can Learn From the End of Universal's Ill-Fated Hasbro Deal". Vulture. Retrieved 2014-02-11.
  4. ↑ French, Alex (2017-07-27). "How to Make a Movie Out of Anything — Even a Mindless Phone Game". The New York Times. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
  5. ↑ Miller, Daniel (2014-02-11). "Other toy makers are looking to build on success of 'The Lego Movie'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2014-02-11.
  6. ↑ Lang, Brent (November 3, 2017). "Paramount, Hasbro Sign Five-Year Distribution, Production Pact". Variety. Retrieved November 6, 2017.
  7. 1 2 Barnes, Brooks (July 9, 2021). "It's Hollywood Barbie's Moment (and She's Bringing Her Friends)". New York Times. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  8. ↑ Fleming, Michael; Graser, Marc (September 23, 2009). "Barbie's a Living Doll at Universal with Big Screen Plans". Variety. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  9. ↑ Creswell, Julie (December 13, 2018). "Mattel's Revival Plan: Bet on Barbie, the Movie". New York Times. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  10. ↑ Rubin, Rebecca (25 April 2023). "Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling Bring Plastic, Fantastic 'Barbie' to CinemaCon". Variety . Archived from the original on April 25, 2023. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
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