10 Adult Animated Series That Deserve A Movie

In May 2022, Bob’s Burgers joined the ranks of adult animated series that now have full-length movie adaptations. In addition,  several other series will follow suit over the next few years. Full-length feature films based on popular adult animation will be available on popular streaming services. Some will also debut in theaters. However, despite the increasing number of movies based on animated shows, a few fan favorites don’t have a feature film version in the works yet. Furthermore, some shows with a film adaptation deserve sequels and/or theatrical releases. These shows are equally deserving of their own movies, and audiences will hopefully see these projects get off the ground soon.

10. Archer Would Make A Great Animated Spy Movie

The FX Original Series, Archer, is a prime example of hilarious adult animation. The show has been around for twelve seasons, with the thirteenth season coming soon. The animated series has won two Primetime Emmy Awards and four Critics’ Choice Television Awards. However, the one thing the series doesn’t have is a full-length feature film adaptation. Nevertheless, with twelve seasons of material to draw from (and an entire cast of iconic characters),  Archer offers plenty to moviegoers, potentially. Currently, no film projects have been rumored or confirmed, but perhaps that will change in the future.

9. American Dad Deserves A Full-Length Feature Movie

In 2005, Seth MacFarlane directed a short film called American Dad: The New CIA. However, the long-running animated series is more than deserving of a full-length movie adaptation. American Dad has been on the air for an impressive eighteen seasons, with three more seasons planned. The sitcom-style show is definitely for adults and combines outrageous comedy with some occasionally heartwarming family moments. There are rumors of a potential upcoming movie, and fans of the show are definitely interested. However, there’s no official word of any such project as of now.

8. The Boondocks Might Make A Compelling Dramedy Film

The Boondocks was originally based on a comic strip, but creator Aaron McGruder adapted it into one of the most memorable animated series to grace Adult Swim’s late-night lineup. The series combines comedy and social commentary centered around the Freeman family. It remains a shining example of the best that adult animation has to offer. McGruder launched a Kickstarter campaign in 2013 aimed at funding a movie adaptation of the series. Unfortunately, the project never got off the ground. Longtime fans of the series would love to see this show brought to life on the big screen, especially in light of today’s social climate.

7. Space Ghost Coast To Coast Could Be A Zany Comedy Adventure

Adult Swim has seen no shortage of lovably bizarre animated series over the year, and Space Ghost Coast To Coast was among the most well-loved. Space Ghost, a Hanna-Barbera character from the 1960s, hosted the mock talk show. The adult animated show featured several characters from the original cartoon and live-action guests. The show ran for an impressive 108 episodes, and its unique format might make an excellent full-length comedy. There are no plans for a film adaptation right now, but anything is possible in the adult animation world.

6. Rick & Morty’s First Movie Needs A Sequel

Much to the delight of Rick & Morty fans, the smash-hit animated series now has a movie adaptation. However, the series is popular enough to deserve an entire film franchise. The first film stars Back To The Future’s own Christopher Lloyd, and fans would love to see him reprise his role as Rick. The Back To The Future film series partially inspired the show, so Lloyd was a perfect casting choice. Rumors of a sequel have surfaced, with production proposed for 2023. However, it remains to be seen if this project will really happen in the unpredictable world of filmmaking.

5. F Is For Family Would Make A Satisfying Family Comedy Film

Netflix’s raunchy and retro family comedy, F Is For Family, was a great addition to the adult animated series lineup when it premiered in 2015. Though the show was canceled after five seasons, it remains a popular pick among Netflix subscribers. The show’s star-studded voice actors include comedian Bill Burr, Justin Long, and Sam Rockwell. The cast alone is enough reason to give this show the movie adaptation treatment. However, the show’s 1970s family values combined with modern comedy would also translate wonderfully onto the big screen.

4. Disenchantment Would Make An Amusing Animated Epic

Matt Groening’s Disenchantment combines two very popular TV genres: fantasy and adult animation. The Simpsons creator continues his signature animation style in this series about a wayward princess and her misadventures. Matt Groening’s other two big hits, The Simpsons and Futurama, both have multiple film adaptations, and Disenchantment is equally deserving. Princess Bean’s kingdom is vast enough to lend itself well to a feature-length adventure. The hilarious banter between the princess and her merry band of misfit friends would keep audiences laughing for the duration of the movie.

3. Bojack Horseman Could Be A Relatable Full-Length Film

Netflix’s original adult animated series Bojack Horseman is definitely among the weirder shows that the streaming service has to offer. However, there’s something undeniably relatable about the equine misanthrope. The series was the first among Netflix’s adult animation lineup, and it stood the test of time for six seasons. The show is equal parts hilarious and depressing, and that emotional range would lend itself well to a full-length feature film. There are rumors of an upcoming Apple TV+ movie loosely based on the series, but no firm details are confirmed yet. Fans will have to wait a little longer to see if Bojack will indeed get a movie adaptation.

2. Big Mouth Could Be A Scandalous Comedy Movie

Even with the surging popularity of the Human Resources spin-off, Big Mouth is still a well-loved Netflix animated series. The critically acclaimed series centers around a group of kids who are just beginning to enter the world of puberty. Zany Hormone Monsters help them along, but their struggles remind viewers of all the highs and lows of that phase of life. The highly original concept and deeply relatable characters could make a great adult animated movie, but no such project exists as of yet. Anything is possible from Netflix, so fans may get their full-length feature wish granted in the future.

1. Ugly Americans Could Be An Animated Office Space

The “reluctant office worker” genre is always popular among adults, who easily relate to the main characters’ struggles. However, in Comedy Central’s Ugly Americans, social worker Mark Lily faces much bigger problems than the average office worker. Mark Lily lives in an alternate-universe version of New York City, where his clients are monsters, zombies, and other horror genre creatures. The show has a failed video game adaptation, but no one has yet attempted to turn this unique series into a full-length film. The film received mixed reviews from critics, but its cult following just might be enough to guarantee the success of a movie adaptation.