Cartoons Made into Live Action Films

Flash Gordon (1980): Star of a fantasy / sci-fi comic strip that began in the 1930's and later became a film serial. The 1980 movie version starring Sam Jones in the title role was a box office bomb but the music soundtrack by the rock group Queen is now considered a classic.

Popeye (1980): Popeye started out as a character in a comic strip called Thimble Theatre in 1929. He quickly grew in popularity and was adapted to the big screen in a series of animated shorts produced by Paramount Pictures from 1933 to 1957. Comedian and TV star Robin Williams made his movie debut playing Popeye in the 1980 film version.

Dick Tracy (1990): Dick Tracy was a popular comic strip created during the 1930's. He later became popular on radio and in a series of live action B-movies. Warren Beatty adapted a big screen live action version of Dick Tracy in 1990 co-starring Madonna, Dustin Hoffman and Al Pacino.

The Addams Family (1991): A comic strip created by Charles Addams during the 1930's. In 1964 the Addams Family became a popular live action TV series. A successful movie version was made in 1991 starring Raul Julia, Angelica Huston and Christina Ricci.

Dennis The Menace (1993): The Dennis The Menace comic strip first appeared in newspapers in 1951. A successful live action TV series followed in 1959. A film version starring Walter Matthau as next door neighbour Mr. Wilson was made in 1993.

The Phantom (1996):  Another popular comic strip from the 30's. Billy Zane starred in the unsuccessful 1996 film version.

Mr. Magoo (1997): Originally started as a series of animated shorts during the 50's and later appeared in books and newspapers and on TV. Leslie Nielsen starred in the live action film version. Considered one of the most politically incorrect cartoon characters of all time.

Garfield (2004): Garfield has always been a commercial goldmine and the 2004 movie starring Bill Murray as the voice of the CGI rendered cat was no exception.

The Spirit (2008): Created by legendary comic artist Will Eisner in 1940, the Spirit got the big screen treatment in 2008. The film was directed by another comic artist Frank Miller.

Marmaduke (2010): This comic strip first appeared in 1954. A movie version with Owen Wilson as the voice of Marmaduke was made in 2010.