From the comics page to the silver screen
by grendelkhan | created - 22 Apr 2013 | updated - 23 Aug 2016 | PublicThese are film and tv adaptations of comic strips and comic books. The sole criteria is that it had to appear in the comic page first. It's by no means a complete list. I have tried to use debuts or notable adaptations. With respect to film and tv based on manga, due to the anime boom, there are dozens of OVAs, tv series, and films. I have stuck with notable ones or those that have had influence in the West. I haven't seen enough to give the field justice. The same is true with European comics. I have included notable examples and those based on highly regarded series. I have tried to include as many others from around the world but I'm sure I have missed plenty. Comments are only my opinion; your mileage may vary.
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1. Ally Sloper (1898)
2 min | Short, Comedy
Man dresses up as a woman, and the film is reversed.
Director: George Albert Smith
Very early film featuring the star of the UK proto-comics.
Early short film featuring the little stinkers. There were several others and they would pop up in later cartoons, including a tv series in the late 80s.
3. Pranks of Buster Brown and His Dog Tige (1904)
Comedy, Short
Scene I of the Buster Brown Series. The opening scene shows Bridget asleep at the kitchen-table, and Buster enters on tip-toe. After tying her apron over her head and to the back of the ... See full summary »
Director: Edwin S. Porter
Votes: 55
One of several Buster Brown shorts, based on RF Outcalt's seminal strip. Buster Brown would later be associated with Children's shoes.
4. Winsor McCay, the Famous Cartoonist of the N.Y. Herald and His Moving Comics (1911)
Not Rated | 7 min | Animation, Short, Comedy
Cartoon figures announce, via comic strip balloons, that they will move - and move they do, in a wildly exaggerated style.
Directors: Winsor McCay, J. Stuart Blackton | Stars: Winsor McCay, John Bunny, Maurice Costello, George McManus
Votes: 1,846
Not so much an adaptation as McCay bringing his drawings to life, within a film. It's a key moment in animation history, that used the comic strips as a launching point.
5. Mutt and Jeff Break Into Society (1911)
Short, Comedy
Mutt and Jeff decide to go to work. Automobile driving seems to appeal to their roving dispositions. Mutt and Jeff accordingly take automobile lessons. The former successfully passes the ... See full summary »
Star: Bud Duncan
First of several short live action films based on the comic duo. The series would eventually pioneer the technique of subtitles appearing simultaneously with the pictures, rather than cuts to dialogue cards. A series of animated shorts would follow, starting in 1916.
6. Ella Cinders (1926)
Passed | 75 min | Comedy, Romance
Ella Cinders, oppressed and abused by her stepmother and stepsisters, wins a contest for a film role in Hollywood. When the contest turns out to be fraudulent, she determines to stay and achieve Hollywood stardom the hard way.
Director: Alfred E. Green | Stars: Colleen Moore, Lloyd Hughes, Vera Lewis, Doris Baker
Votes: 1,082
Film version of the popular comic strip heroine.
7. Tillie the Toiler (1927)
70 min | Comedy, Drama
Tillie the Toiler is a 1927 silent film comedy produced by Cosmopolitan Productions and released through Metro Goldwyn Mayer studios. It is based on Russ Westover's popular comic strip ... See full summary »
Director: Hobart Henley | Stars: Marion Davies, Matt Moore, Harry Crocker, George Fawcett
Votes: 496
Early film based on the comic strip. There was another about 20 years later. The strip's popularity was based around the latest fashions, but the theme fell out of favor after WWII and the strip came to an end.
8. Harold Teen (1928)
Passed | 80 min | Comedy, Family, Romance
Farmboy Harold moves to the city and there attends high school. Soon he is very popular, his spirited nature causing much excitement on the campus. He joins a fraternity, goes out for football, and directs his class theatrical effort.
Director: Mervyn LeRoy | Stars: Arthur Lake, Mary Brian, Lucien Littlefield, Jack Duffy
Votes: 26
Silent film, based on the popular teen strip, one of the first to focus on a teenaged character. A musical would follow in the 30s. The strip died with its creator in 1959. Star Arthur Lake would later play Dagwood in the film and tv series based on Blondie.
9. Skippy (1931)
Passed | 85 min | Comedy, Drama, Family
Skippy, the mischievous son of a wealthy doctor, meets Sooky in poverty-ridden Shantytown, and together they try to save Sooky's pet from a cruel dogcatcher.
Director: Norman Taurog | Stars: Jackie Cooper, Robert Coogan, Mitzi Green, Jackie Searl
Votes: 995
This strip was a bit of an ancestor to Calvin and Hobbes, in terms of imagination, and was highly regarded. Wonder if the film does it justice?
10. Little Orphan Annie (1932)
70 min | Comedy, Drama, Family
Daddy Warbucks has to go on a long trip, leaving Annie alone. While wandering the street, Sandy leads Annie to discover Mickey, who is crying. Mickey's grandmother recently died, and he is ... See full summary »
Director: John S. Robertson | Stars: Mitzi Green, Buster Phelps, May Robson, Matt Moore
Votes: 101
Long before the sun would come out tomorrow was this adaptation of Harold Gray's strip. Haven't seen it, but Gray's seemingly innocent strip also bore some fairly nasty sentiments from the ultra-conservative cartoonist. The adaptations usually stuck to the adventure parts, though.
11. Popeye the Sailor (1933)
Passed | 7 min | Animation, Short, Comedy
Popeye begins his movie career by singing his theme song, demonstrating his strength at a carnival, dancing the hula with Betty Boop, pummeling Bluto, eating his spinach, and saving Olive Oyl from certain doom on the railroad tracks.
Directors: Dave Fleischer, Seymour Kneitel | Stars: William Costello, William Pennell, Bonnie Poe, Mae Questel
Votes: 1,906
Popeye jumped from the pages of Thimble Theater to the movie screen, launching a series of theatrical cartoons and, later, tv cartoon series. The early cartoons are great, with lots of wordplay and inventive gags, though they soon became formulaic.
12. Tailspin Tommy (1934)
Approved | 248 min | Action, Drama, Crime
A young mechanic gets a job with a small airline, which he helps win a mail contract. A rival airline plots to destroy it in order to get the contracts for itself.
Director: Lew Landers | Stars: Maurice Murphy, Noah Beery Jr., Patricia Farr, Walter Miller
Votes: 71
There were at least a couple of films/serials based on this aviation hero.
13. Palooka (1934)
Unrated | 86 min | Comedy, Family, Music
Knobby discovers young hunk Palooka and trains him to fight the reigning champ, also drunken sot, Al McSwatt.
Director: Benjamin Stoloff | Stars: Jimmy Durante, Lupe Velez, Stuart Erwin, Marjorie Rambeau
Votes: 413
First of several films featuring Ham Fisher's boxing champ.
14. Flash Gordon (1936)
Passed | 245 min | Action, Adventure, Family
Flash Gordon, Dale Arden and Dr. Alexis Zarkov visit the planet Mongo to thwart the evil schemes of Emperor Ming the Merciless, who has set his planet on a collision course with Earth.
Directors: Frederick Stephani, Ray Taylor | Stars: Buster Crabbe, Jean Rogers, Charles Middleton, Priscilla Lawson
Votes: 2,657
Lavish movie serial from Universal that had a feature budget to do justice to the Alex Raymond strip. Buster Crabbe stars as Flash, with Jean Rogers as Dale and Charles Middleton as Ming. It looks low rent today but it was fantastic in its day. It would go on to inspire Star Wars. The serial is fairly faithful to the first few years of the strip, even in the costumes.
15. Ace Drummond (1936)
Approved | 255 min | Action, Adventure, Family
This 13 chapter serial is based on the comic strip character Ace Drummond created by Eddie Rickenbacker. Ace is a 'G-Man of the sky' working out of Washington D.C. He is sent to Mongolia to... See full summary »
Directors: Ford Beebe, Clifford Smith | Stars: John 'Dusty' King, Jean Rogers, Noah Beery Jr., Guy Bates Post
Votes: 422
An early aviation hero, turned movie serial.
16. Dick Tracy (1937)
Approved | 70 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
A master criminal called The Spider puts the famous detective's brother under a hypnotic spell and turns him against Dick.
Directors: Alan James, Ray Taylor | Stars: Ralph Byrd, Kay Hughes, Smiley Burnette, Lee Van Atta
Votes: 652
Outstanding Republic serial, based on the comic strip, by Chester Gould. Ralph Byrd captures Tracy well and the serial has more mystery, suspense, and action than you can shake a wrist-radio at. Footage would later be recycled for the Republic serial Fighting Devil Dogs and some stunts were swiped for Indiana Jones.
17. Radio Patrol (1937)
Passed | 242 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
A young radio cop and a beautiful girl try to stop an international criminal gang from getting their hands on the formula for a new bulletproof steel.
Directors: Ford Beebe, Clifford Smith | Stars: Grant Withers, Adrian Morris, Kay Hughes, Mickey Rentschler
Votes: 63
Serial based on the police strip. The strip was popular for a time, though died off in the post-WWII years. It featured a stereotyped Irish police detective pair. It was never as successful as Dick Tracy.
18. Tim Tyler's Luck (1937)
Approved | 212 min | Mystery
Kind-hearted boy with sturdy character visits Africa to search for his missing father and finds adventures against hard-core criminals and wild animals.
Directors: Ford Beebe, Wyndham Gittens | Stars: Frankie Thomas, Frances Robinson, Jack Mulhall, Al Shean
Votes: 274
Noted adventure film, based on the comic strip.
19. Secret Agent X-9 (1937)
Approved | 294 min | Adventure
A secret agent goes after the gang that stole the crown jewels of a European monarchy.
Directors: Ford Beebe, Clifford Smith | Stars: Scott Kolk, Jean Rogers, David Oliver, Monte Blue
Votes: 113
One of two films, based on the Alex Raymond strip. Dashiell Hammet wrote the strips, while Raymond handled the art chores. There was another film in 1945.
20. Blondie (1938)
Passed | 70 min | Comedy, Family
Dagwood loses his job on the eve of his and Blondie's fifth wedding anniversary.
Director: Frank R. Strayer | Stars: Penny Singleton, Arthur Lake, Larry Simms, Daisy
Votes: 871
The first in the long running series of Blondie and Dagwood films, starring Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake. Lighthearted fun and fairly faithful to the characters, at the time the films were produced.
21. Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars (1938)
Approved | 299 min | Action, Adventure, Family
When a deadly Nitron ray strikes Earth, Flash Gordon and his friends travel to Mars to battle Ming the Merciless and his new ally Queen Azura.
Directors: Ford Beebe, Robert F. Hill, Frederick Stephani | Stars: Buster Crabbe, Jean Rogers, Charles Middleton, Frank Shannon
Votes: 1,051
Second serial with Flash Gordon. The story is even more exciting than the first serial.
22. Red Barry (1938)
Passed | 256 min | Drama
A famous detective sets out to discover who stole $2 million in bonds.
Directors: Ford Beebe, Alan James | Stars: Buster Crabbe, Frances Robinson, Edna Sedgewick, Cyril Delevanti
Votes: 113
Movie serial based on the police detective strip, King Feature Syndicate's answer to Dick Track (along with Secret Agent X-9). Actor Donald Barry would go on to be known as Red Barry after this. There was also a pro wrestler known as Wild Red Barry. The strip was dark and violent, inspired by the Warner Bros. gangster movies.
23. Mandrake, the Magician (1939)
Approved | 215 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
Mandrake and his assistant Lothar are working the cruise lines and make the acquaintance of Professor Houston who has developed a radium energy machine, which is much coveted by a masked Crime Lord known as "The Wasp".
Directors: Norman Deming, Sam Nelson | Stars: Warren Hull, Doris Weston, Al Kikume, Rex Downing
Votes: 214
Movie serial based on the polpular Lee Falk strip. Not nearly as good as The Phantom, a few years later. Mandrake's success in the comics spawned dozens of magician heroes, such as Zatara, Ibis, Sargon the Sorceror, and more; but, none held a candle to Mandrake.
24. Buck Rogers (1939)
Approved | 237 min | Adventure, Family, Sci-Fi
A 20th Century pilot named Buck Rogers and his young friend Buddy Wade awake from 500 years in suspended animation to find that the world has been taken over by the outlaw army of Killer Kane.
Directors: Ford Beebe, Saul A. Goodkind | Stars: Buster Crabbe, Constance Moore, Jackie Moran, Jack Mulhall
Votes: 996
Buster Crabbe brings the comic hero to life in this exciting serial. A scene would later be used by George Lucas for the opening moments of THX 1138. Buck was one of the better strips, in terms of merchandising, which included a Daisy pistol, rocket skates, and a Buck uniform.
25. Terry and the Pirates (1940)
Passed | 300 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
Dr. Herbert Lee (John Paul Jones), an archaeologist seeking to decipher ancient Mara inscriptions, is aided by his son, Terry (William Tracy), and Terry's pal, Pat Ryan (Jeff York), and ... See full summary »
Director: James W. Horne | Stars: William Tracy, Jeff York, Joyce Bryant, Allen Jung
Votes: 167
Movie serial based on the Milton Caniff classic. Haven't seen this one, but the comic strip defined adventure in the 30s and 40s. Caniff, along with Hal Foster and Alex Raymond, would be the primary influence upon a generation of comic book artists.
26. Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe (1940)
Approved | 195 min | Action, Adventure, Family
Flash Gordon, Dale Arden and Dr. Zarkov return to the planet Mongo for an antidote to the Purple Death, which wreaking destruction on Earth. However, Ming the Merciless has other plans for them.
Directors: Ford Beebe, Ray Taylor | Stars: Buster Crabbe, Carol Hughes, Charles Middleton, Anne Gwynne
Votes: 1,497
Once again, Flash does battle with Ming, while helping Queen Fria of Friggia. This one had the deepest impact on George Lucas, right down to the episode opening title crawls.
27. King of the Royal Mounted (1940)
Approved | 211 min | Adventure, Drama, Western
Canadian Tom Merritt has discovered a substance, Compound X, that will cure infantile paralysis, which he extracts from a mine at Caribou, Canada. A country at war with Canada (unnamed ... See full summary »
Directors: John English, William Witney | Stars: Allan Lane, Robert Strange, Robert Kellard, Lita Conway
Votes: 114
Better known of two films/serials, based on the Mountie strip.
28. Adventures of Red Ryder (1940)
Approved | 205 min | Western
Chapter One MURDER ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL - Mesquite banker Calvin Drake (Harry Worth) plans to profit from the Santa Fe Railroad's acquisition of right-of-way by gaining control of the land... See full summary »
Directors: John English, William Witney | Stars: Don 'Red' Barry, Noah Beery, Tommy Cook, Maude Allen
Votes: 161
Ralphie's favorite range-riding hero came to life in this feature and would go on to star in a string of westerns and a tv series. Young Robert Blake appeared in several later Red Ryder films, as Little Beaver.
29. Superman: The Mad Scientist (1941)
G | 10 min | Animation, Short, Action
The Man of Steel fights a mad scientist who is destroying Metropolis with an energy cannon.
Directors: Dave Fleischer, Steve Muffati | Stars: Bud Collyer, Joan Alexander, Jackson Beck, Jack Mercer
Votes: 3,501
Theatrical cartoon series produced by the Fleischer Bros. These were things of beauty, with the theatrical cell ratio giving a fluidity to the action. Superman was not yet all-powerful, so he has to struggle with many of his super feats. No villains carry over from the comics, but the ones presented are very much in keeping with the four-color works. Bud Collier would provide the voice, as well as on radio.
30. Reg'lar Fellers (1941)
Passed | 60 min | Adventure, Comedy, Crime
Based on the comic strip by Gene Byrnes, the "Reg'lar Fellers", and one girl-feller, tinker with building a land/water machine, form a kid-band and go on the radio, celebrate a birthday, ... See full summary »
Director: Arthur Dreifuss | Stars: Billy Lee, Carl 'Alfalfa' Switzer, Buddy Boles, Janet Dempsey
Votes: 83
This strip was hugely popular in the years between Word Wars, but would die out a few years after the end of WWII. The strip is considered a classic in its depiction of its child protagonists and would influence things like the Our Gang shorts and other "kid gang" properties, especially Jack Kirby's early work (along with the Dead End Kids). This film version came during the later years of the strips popularity.
31. Adventures of Captain Marvel (1941)
Passed | 216 min | Action, Adventure, Family
To protect a magic talisman from being used for evil, a teenage boy named Billy Batson is given the power to become an adult superhero, Captain Marvel, with a single magic word: "Shazam!"
Directors: John English, William Witney | Stars: Tom Tyler, Frank Coghlan Jr., William 'Billy' Benedict, Louise Currie
Votes: 1,522
Probably the single greatest action serial ever created. The Big Red Cheese is ably portrayed by Tom Tyler, with Frank Coughlin as Billy Batson. The character is tweaked a bit and played straight, with a standard masked serial villain. However, the Egyptian hooks make it intrgiuing and it features some of the best stunt fighting in the serial age. The Egyptian elements would later appear in the comic, in Jerry Ordway's Power of Shazam.
32. Spy Smasher (1942)
Passed | 215 min | Action, Adventure, Family
Alan Armstrong, aka Spy Smasher, battles a Nazi villain known as The Mask, who heads a gang of saboteurs determined to spread destruction across America.
Director: William Witney | Stars: Kane Richmond, Marguerite Chapman, Sam Flint, Hans Schumm
Votes: 414
Second only to the Adventures of Captain Marvel for thrills. Lucas and Spielberg stole the fight around the flying wing from this serial. Based on the popular Fawcett Comics character, who at one point (in the comics) was brainwashed into committing sabotage, leading to battles with Captain Marvel.
33. Private Snuffy Smith (1942)
Approved | 67 min | Comedy, Romance, War
Snuffy Smith, moonshining hillbilly, grows tired of dodging revenue agents, headed by Cooper, and decides to take the army up on their offer of free clothes, food and $21.00 a month. Once ... See full summary »
Director: Edward F. Cline | Stars: Bud Duncan, Edgar Kennedy, Sarah Padden, J. Farrell MacDonald
Votes: 180
The hillbilly character comes to life in this comedy. Snuffy debuted as a secondary character in Barney Google, but would soon get equal billing and surplant the horse racing enthusiast.
34. Don Winslow of the Navy (1942)
Passed | 237 min | Action, Adventure, War
US naval officer Don Winslow is given command of the islands near Pearl Harbor. He discovers that there is a ring of saboteurs and enemy agents who are trying to destroy ships carrying ... See full summary »
Directors: Ford Beebe, Ray Taylor | Stars: Don Terry, Walter Sande, John Litel, Wade Boteler
Votes: 120
Serial version of the popular comic strip. Our hero is an agent for Naval intelligence, fighting wartime saboteurs. It did well enough to spawn a sequel, Don Winslow of the Coast Guard. I guess if they had continued making films, he would have hit all of the branches of the armed forces. I would have held out for Don Winslow of the USO!
35. The Phantom (1943)
Passed | 299 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
The Phantom's clan has ruled the jungle tribes for centuries. He battles Dr. Bremmer who plans to build an airfield and gets greedy when Professor Davidson and his niece Diana arrive to search for the treasure of the lost city of Zoloz.
Director: B. Reeves Eason | Stars: Tom Tyler, Jeanne Bates, Ernie Adams, John Bagni
Votes: 471
Adaptation of the popular comic strip and one of Columbia's best serials. Tom Tyler stars as the Ghost Who Walks, in a relatively faithful and fairly exciting story. It competes well with the Weismuller Tarzans. The Phantom predated the costumed heroes of comic books and was swiped by everyone under the sun. A sequel was developed, but the rights were pulled, so they morphed it into Captain Africa. I doubt it fooled anyone.
36. The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943)
Not Rated | 163 min | Drama, Romance, War
From the Boer War through World War II, a soldier rises through the ranks in the British military.
Directors: Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger | Stars: Roger Livesey, Deborah Kerr, Anton Walbrook, James McKechnie
Votes: 16,337
Interesting film based on the satirical Colonel Blimp cartoons, which had a decidedly anti-war slant. The film has an original story, about a young officer who believes in duty and honor, but sees that the rest of the world thinks differently. It is a rather dark comedy and probably wouldn't appeal to many, especially those on the right.
37. The Adventures of Smilin' Jack (1943)
Approved | 265 min | Action, Adventure, War
Just before World War II, the Chinese and American governments mount a joint operation to prevent the Germans and Japanese from taking over the strategic island of Mandon.
Directors: Lewis D. Collins, Ray Taylor | Stars: Tom Brown, Rose Hobart, Edgar Barrier, Marjorie Lord
Votes: 368
Movie serial based on the newspaper aviation hero, who bore a bit of a resemblance to Clark Cable.
38. Batman (1943)
Approved | 260 min | Action, Crime, Family
The very first serial to adapt the comic book character of the Batman. In it, the Batman is a secret U.S. government agent, attempting to defeat the schemes of Japanese agent Dr. Daka operating in Los Angeles at the height of World War II.
Director: Lambert Hillyer | Stars: Lewis Wilson, Douglas Croft, J. Carrol Naish, Shirley Patterson
Votes: 2,471
Batman beat Superman to the live action screen, though Supes got there first in animated form. This Columbia serial features Batman and Robin vs a Japanese saboteur, with plenty of wartime stereotypes. Lewis Wilson makes for a decent Bruce Wayne, and is ok as Batman. There is a cave, but the Batmobile is a standard sedan, with a white top! It's a decent story, but 15 chapters was a bit too long for the plot. Wilson gets to do some undercover work and actually does some decent character acting.
39. Captain America (1944)
Passed | 244 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Superhero Captain America battles the evil forces of the archvillain called The Scarab, who poisons his enemies and steals a secret device capable of destroying buildings by sound vibrations.
Directors: Elmer Clifton, John English | Stars: Dick Purcell, Lorna Gray, Lionel Atwill, Charles Trowbridge
Votes: 1,102
Republic serial based on the Timely (later Marvel) Comics character. However, the character is completely different from the original, apart from costume, which only has stripes on the front of the shirt. There is some belief amongst serial fans that the script was originally meant for Fawcett Comics' Mr. Scarlet, but either the deal fell through (as happened with Superman) or they cancelled it after Mr. Scarlet lost his feature at Fawcett. Mr. Scarlet was a crusading district attorney who donned a costume and carried a pistol to fight crime, which is the premise of this Captain America. The villain is a standard masked serial villain, not the Red Skull or any other character from Timely. It has excellent action, though Dick Purcell makes for a rather pudgy super-soldier. It's a good serial, just not a good Captain America.
40. Brenda Starr, Reporter (1945)
Approved | 243 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
Chapter 1 finds Daily Flash newspaper reporter Brenda Starr (Joan Woodbury), and her photographer, Chuck Allen (Syd Saylor), assigned to cover a fire in an old house where they discover the... See full summary »
Director: Wallace Fox | Stars: Joan Woodbury, Kane Richmond, Ernie Adams, William 'Billy' Benedict
Votes: 91
First attempt at bring the comics character to life; though not the last. None were particularly successful.
41. Bringing Up Father (1946)
Passed | 65 min | Action, Comedy
Maggie and her snooty society friends fool Jiggs and his buddies down at Dinty's tavern into not only signing a petition to close the bar, but they also trick them into taking the "temperaance" pledge to forsake all alcohol.
Director: Edward F. Cline | Stars: Joe Yule, Renie Riano, Tim Ryan, June Harrison
Votes: 46
Adaptations of the popular George McManus strip of the same name. The strip followed the adventures of the nouveau riche couple Maggie and Jiggs. Maggie is a social climber but Jiggs is happier to spend time in his favorite tavern and live out the same life he always had. The film presents a typical storyline, where Maggie's goals of society acceptance clash with Jiggs' desire to have a drink with friends. There was a whole series of Maggie and Jiggs films.
42. Hop Harrigan America's Ace of the Airways (1946)
Approved | Action, Adventure, Drama
Hop Harrigan (William Bakewell) and his pal "Tank" Tinker (Sumner Getchell) operate a small airport and flying service, and are hired by J. Westly Arnold (Emmett Vogan) to fly an eccentric ... See full summary »
Director: Derwin Abrahams | Stars: William Bakewell, Jennifer Holt, Robert 'Buzz' Henry, Sumner Getchell
Votes: 89
A serial adaptation of an All-American Comics back-up feature. Fairly standard fare. The character was one of a long line of aviation heroes, but didn't survive the war years.
43. The Crab with the Golden Claws (1947)
60 min | Animation, Adventure
In pursuit of mysterious boxes of crab, Tintin will meet the one who will become his inseparable friend: Captain Haddock.
Director: Claude Misonne | Stars: A. Charles, R. Chrus, R. Darvère, E. David
Votes: 154
First film adaptation of Tintin.
44. Brick Bradford (1947)
Approved | 257 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
An adventurer travels to the moon to stop a madman from getting hold of the Interceptor Ray, a weapon that could destroy Earth.
Directors: Spencer Gordon Bennet, Thomas Carr | Stars: Kane Richmond, Rick Vallin, Linda Leighton, Pierre Watkin
Votes: 95
Another serial based on a comic strip. This time, it was the time-travelling Brick Bradford, one of the rivals of Flash Gordon. The serial couldn't match the scope of the strip.
45. The Vigilante: Fighting Hero of the West (1947)
Approved | 285 min | Drama, Mystery
The Vigilante, a masked government agent, is assigned to investigate the case of the "100 Tears of Blood", a cursed string of rare blood red pearls sought by a gang led by the unknown X-1 that may have been smuggled into the country.
Director: Wallace Fox | Stars: Ralph Byrd, Ramsay Ames, Lyle Talbot, George Offerman Jr.
Votes: 128
Ralph Byrd (Dick Tracy) stars as the DC modern western hero. Most of the elements are there, though the serial is an odd mix of a singing cowboy and mystery man.
46. Superman (1948)
Approved | 244 min | Sci-Fi
Superman comes to Earth as a child and grows up to be his home's first superhero with his first major challenge being to oppose The Spider Lady.
Directors: Spencer Gordon Bennet, Thomas Carr | Stars: Kirk Alyn, Noel Neill, Tommy Bond, Carol Forman
Votes: 1,217
The Columbia movie serial, starring Kirk Alyn and Noel Neil. The villain, the Spider Lady (played by a very sexy Carol Forman) is fairly standard for the movie serials and had no comic basis. The serial is notable for using animated footage of Superman flying. The actors do a decent job and the cliffhangers are exciting enough to spawn a sequel.
47. Congo Bill (1948)
Approved | 270 min | Action, Adventure, Mystery
A girl is about to inherit a fortune, but she is missing in Africa. Only then, family charges Congo Bill, an adventurer, to find her, and bring her back to civilization. He follows a legend about some White Queen, but his path is full of difficulties, by an inhospitable jungle, and the man who will lose the fortune if the girl is found alive.
Directors: Spencer Gordon Bennet, Thomas Carr | Stars: Don McGuire, Cleo Moore, Jack Ingram, I. Stanford Jolley
Votes: 113
Serial version of the DC Comics character, a backup feature in Action Comics. Congo Bill covers fairly standard jungle tales and he is a poor man's Jungle Jim or Allan Quatermain. In the comics, he would later transform into a gorilla, called Congorilla!
48. Jungle Jim (1948)
Passed | 71 min | Adventure, Family
Lady scientist, Hilary Parker is searching for a rare drug to help combat polio. Opportunist Bruce Edwards joins the quest but is actually after gold and buried treasure.
Director: William Berke | Stars: Johnny Weissmuller, Virginia Grey, George Reeves, Lita Baron
Votes: 811
First in a series of films and then a television series, starring Johnny Weismuller as Alex Raymond's jungle hero. Jungle Jim was King Feature's answer to Tarzan, though nowhere near as popular.
49. The Adventures of Jane (1949)
Not Rated | 60 min | Comedy
Jane is given a bracelet by an elderly admirer. He is in league with Cleaver, a suave crook, and the two plan to use Jane and the bracelet to smuggle diamonds into England.
Directors: Edward G. Whiting, Alfred J. Goulding | Stars: Christabel Leighton-Porter, Stanelli, Michael Hogarth, Ian Colin
Votes: 109
Lighthearted British film, based on the popular newspaper comic. Jane is a beautiful young woman with a habit of losing her clothes. It was enormously popular during the war years, in the UK, leading to this movie adaptation and a sequel. It looks rather sexist now, but it is done without malice.
50. Bruce Gentry (1949)
Approved | 246 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
Famed aviator Bruce Gentry is working with scientist Andrew Benson, setting out to uncover the origin of a deadly secret weapon---an electronically controlled flying disc which can be ... See full summary »
Directors: Spencer Gordon Bennet, Thomas Carr | Stars: Tom Neal, Judy Clark, Ralph Hodges, Forrest Taylor
Votes: 65
Columbia serial, based on the short-lived aviation strip. The strip was noted for artist Ray Bailey's technical skill, but it never caught on as well as strips like Skorchy Smith or Terry and the Pirates. The serial features one of the earliest depictions of a flying saucer in movies.
51. Batman and Robin (1949)
Approved | 263 min | Action, Adventure, Family
Second serial featuring the comic book character Batman. In it, Batman, together with his sidekick Robin, face off against the Wizard, a hooded villain with an electronic device that remotely controls vehicles.
Director: Spencer Gordon Bennet | Stars: Robert Lowery, Johnny Duncan, Jane Adams, Lyle Talbot
Votes: 2,105
Second outing for the dynamic duo, with Robert Lowery taking over the role. Again hampered by budget and imagination. One wishes that Republic had produced these to create livelier serials.
52. Dick Tracy (1950–1952)
30 min | Crime, Drama
Intrepid detective Dick Tracy tangles with a bizarre rogue's gallery of villains. But as always our stoic officer of the law, virtuous to a fault, proves himself up to the task of putting the criminals behind bars.
Stars: Ralph Byrd, Joe Devlin, William Woodson, Dick Elliott
Votes: 156
After a series of serials and B-movies came the tv series, again with Ralph Byrd. Decent, though not up to the movie standards.
53. Atom Man vs. Superman (1950)
Approved | 252 min | Family, Sci-Fi
Superman battles Lex Luthor who is using a teleportation device and a new identity as Atom Man in his criminal plans.
Director: Spencer Gordon Bennet | Stars: Kirk Alyn, Noel Neill, Lyle Talbot, Tommy Bond
Votes: 830
Second serial outing for Superman , pitting him against Lex Luthor. Despite the addition of a comic villain, the action is pretty run-of-the-mill. Lyle Talbot makes a good Luthor, though.
54. Gasoline Alley (1951)
Approved | 76 min | Comedy, Romance
The popular Frank O. King comic strip characters go from newspaper page to screen in this 1951 feature film from legendary comedy director Edward Bernds (of Three Stooges and Bowery Boys ... See full summary »
Director: Edward Bernds | Stars: Scotty Beckett, Jimmy Lydon, Susan Morrow, Don Beddoe
Votes: 156
One of two films based on the influential strip, featuring Walt and Skeezix. The strip was one of the first to feature characters who aged, which would influence Lynn Johnston's For Better or For Worse. The strip is the second oldest American comic strip, after Blondie.
55. Up Front (1951)
Approved | 92 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
Based on the famed World War II cartoons, lowbrow G.I.s Willie and Joe, on the Italian front, are good soldiers in combat, but meet the antics of gung-ho Captain Johnson and other military ... See full summary »
Director: Alexander Hall | Stars: David Wayne, Tom Ewell, Marina Berti, Jeffrey Lynn
Votes: 116
First of two movies based on Bill Mauldin's seminal GI cartoons. Mauldin was loved by the troops and hated by the brass. He would later go on to share root beers with Snoopy, on Veterans Day.
56. Superman and the Mole-Men (1951)
Passed | 58 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
When underground beings explore the surface world from a deep oil well and inadvertently cause a panic, only Superman can prevent a tragedy.
Director: Lee Sholem | Stars: George Reeves, Phyllis Coates, Jeff Corey, Walter Reed
Votes: 2,348
Theatrical pilot for the George Reeves tv series, with a deep oil well drilling project clashing with an underground race. Interesting element is that the mole-men aren't really portrayed as the villains.
57. Adventures of Superman (1952–1958)
TV-G | 30 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
The Man of Steel fights crime with help from his friends at the "Daily Planet."
Stars: George Reeves, Noel Neill, Jack Larson, John Hamilton
Votes: 4,452
George Reeves shines as Superman, while he departs from the comics a bit by presenting a Clark Kent who isn't a complete whimp. That portrayal would influence the revamp of the comics, in the mid-80s, where Clark is made an ex-football hero in high school and a hard charging investigative reporter. Phyllis Coates is Lois in Season 1, but Noel Neill returns for the rest of the series, portraying Lois as a career woman and perpetual snoop. Jack Larson makes for a fine, if a bit naive Jimmy Olsen.
58. Blackhawk: Fearless Champion of Freedom (1952)
Approved | 242 min | Action, Adventure, Family
Based on a successful comic book that began in 1941, the Blackhawks were seven flyers who banded together during WW II to fight the Nazis. After the war, they continued to fight evil where ... See full summary »
Directors: Spencer Gordon Bennet, Fred F. Sears | Stars: Kirk Alyn, Carol Forman, John Crawford, Michael Fox
Votes: 212
Columbia adaptation of the highly popular Quality Comics series, featuring a foreign legion of the air. Kirk Alyn stars as the leader, Blackhawk. Rather than fighting Nazis, the Blackhawks face Commies, in a so-so adventure. The serial is hurt by budget and lack of imagination, as the Blackhawks fly civilian aircraft, not fighter planes and most of the intrigue of the comics is absent. There were rumors of a Spielberg film in the 80s and early 90s, but they never went beyond script phase. It's a shame, as the Blackhawk concept would make for a great throwback film, ala Indiana Jones.
59. Terry and the Pirates (1952–1953)
30 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
Colonel Terry Lee travels to the orient in search of a gold mine left to him by his grandfather. While searching, he is a pilot employed by a "no questions asked" airline run by Chopstick ... See full summary »
Stars: John Baer, Jack Reitzen, Gloria Saunders, William Tracy
Votes: 86
Early tv series based on the popular adventure strip. There's no way early tv could ever do this justice.
60. Prince Valiant (1954)
Approved | 100 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
A young Viking prince strives to become a knight in King Arthur's Court and restore his exiled father to his rightful throne.
Director: Henry Hathaway | Stars: James Mason, Janet Leigh, Robert Wagner, Debra Paget
Votes: 2,945
Hal Foster's Prince Valiant is one of the most spectacular adventure comics in history. His work influenced whole generations of artists. This film, not so much. It's a pretty cookie-cutter medieval romance/adventure film, typical of the era, but without the spark of something like Ivanhoe. Robert Wagner is laughable as Val, starting with the ridiculous wig and ending with his wooden delivery. The other element that struck me was the overly large swords, which makes it look like a high school production. Definitely not on anyone's top ten list.
61. Blondie (1957– )
30 min | Comedy, Family
Arthur Lake had played Dagwood in a long series of "Blondie" movies. This show, retelling stories and situations familiar to readers of the comic strip, lasted one year.
Stars: Arthur Lake, Pamela Britton, Ann Barnes, Florenz Ames
Votes: 119
Tv version of the popular comic strip, picking up where the movie series left off. Penny Singleton is still the definitive Blondie.
62. The Sad Sack (1957)
Passed | 98 min | Comedy
A bumbling hero with a photographic memory winds up in Morocco as a private in the French Foreign Legion. He still hasn't adjusted after 18 months. Among other things, he's lost a tank.
Director: George Marshall | Stars: Jerry Lewis, Phyllis Kirk, David Wayne, Peter Lorre
Votes: 763
Jerry Lewis film, based on the strip and comic book by George Baker. Baker began the strip in the army magazine Yank, in 1942, then continuing it as a newspaper strip. When the strip was cancelled, he continued it as a comic book at Harvey, which lasted for years.
63. Les aventures de Tintin (1957– )
13 min | Animation, Adventure, Family
Tintin and his dog, Snowy, embark on wild adventures with the help of Thompson and Thomson, Captain Haddock, Professor Calculus, and others.
Stars: Paul Frees, Jacques Marin, Fernand Fabre, Yves Brainville
Votes: 847
After a series of movie adaptations came this early tv series.
64. Steve Canyon (1958–1959)
30 min | Adventure
Air Force pilot Steve Canyon, the commander of Big Thunder Air Force Base, travels from base to base as an all-around trouble-shooter, when he's not dealing with the the personal and military problems of his own everyday life.
Stars: Dean Fredericks, Jackson Beck, Paul Frees, Jerry Paris
Votes: 193
Tv series based on the other Milton Caniff classic, featuring Steve Canyon, pilot and troubleshooter. I haven't seen it, but have heard good things about it. Episodes have been released on dvd.
65. Gekkô kamen (1958– )
30 min | Adventure, Action, Mystery
Japan's first superhero TV show, in which a caped/masked avenger fights assorted evil in modern-day Tokyo.
Stars: Kôichi Ôse, Mike Danning
Votes: 28
This tv series debuted in the same year as the manga that spawned it. The series features a masked motorcylce-riding hero Gekko Kamen (Moonlight Mask), who fights evil wherever he finds it. It was in many ways the precursor to the even more popular Toei series Kamen Rider, in the 70s. The tv theme song became a pop hit.
66. Dennis the Menace (1959–1963)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Family
Television episodes built around the same sorts of incidents found in Hank Ketcham's long-running comic strip.
Stars: Herbert Anderson, Jay North, Gloria Henry, Billy Booth
Votes: 2,541
Hugely popular tv series based on everyone's favorite newspaper troublemaker. Jay North is terrific as Dennis and the rest of the cast is first rate. I loved watching reruns of this when I was a kid; good, clean, family fun that still holds up as a comedy. In the early strips, Dennis is a pretty rotten kid, who earned his epithet. In later years, he is just cute but annoying. There was a British Dennis who was a real little thug.
67. Li'l Abner (1959)
Approved | 114 min | Comedy, Musical, Family
As Sadie Hawkins Day approaches, Daisy Mae hopes to win the hand of Li'l Abner by catching him in the traditional race.
Director: Melvin Frank | Stars: Leslie Parrish, Stubby Kaye, Peter Palmer, Howard St. John
Votes: 1,490
Previously featured in a 1940 film that is less well known and admired. This version is a technicolor adaptation of the Broadway musical. Wild and lively, though it departs a bit from the strip.
68. Popeye the Sailor (1960–1962)
TV-G | 30 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
The continuing animated adventures of Olive Oyl, Wimpy, Swee'pea and Popeye.
Stars: Jack Mercer, Mae Questel, Jackson Beck
Votes: 13,889
One of several Popeye cartoon shows over the years, featuring new cartoons, while the theatrical cartoons appeared in syndication.
69. Dondi (1961)
Not Rated | 99 min | Comedy, Drama, Family
Six American GIs stationed in Italy befriend an orphaned boy, but the soldiers remain unaware that the lad has stowed away with them when they return to the U.S.
Director: Albert Zugsmith | Stars: David Janssen, Patti Page, Walter Winchell, Mickey Shaughnessy
Votes: 322
Film adaptation of the once-popular strip. The story focuses on war orphan Dondi, who is adopted and brought to America. The original strip mixed humor and drama, as early stories tugged at heart strings with the plot revolving around Dondi staying in the US. The film covers the same ground, though with more comedy than the strip. Not particularly well known today, but available via the Warner Archives.
70. The Phantom (1961 TV Movie)
24 min | Action
The Phantom, along with canine companion Devil, investigate wicked doings at the plantation of Mrs. Harris.
Director: Harold Daniels | Stars: Roger Creed, Paulette Goddard, Lon Chaney Jr., Reginald Denny
Votes: 103
Pilot for a tv series, based on the Phantom comic strip. Notable for the appearance of Lon Chaney Jr; but, otherwise, it's a fairly humdrum feature. A series did not follow.
71. The Dick Tracy Show (1961– )
23 min | Animation, Crime, Adventure
Cartoon series produced by UPA, in which Dick Tracy (voiced by the distinguished film and stage actor Everett Sloane) played more or less of an incidental role. Most of the crime fighting ... See full summary »
Stars: Jerry Hausner, Benny Rubin, Mel Blanc, Everett Sloane
Votes: 266
Cartoon series featuring the newspaper detective and his adversaries. Very stylized.
72. Astro Boy (1963–1965)
TV-Y7 | 30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
As long as trouble's brewing across the universe, the small but powerful robot, Astro Boy, will have adventures, assisted by his mentor, Dr. Elefun.
Stars: Billie Lou Watt, Mari Shimizu, Esperanzita Martínez, Ray Owens
Votes: 1,040
TV series, based on the groundbreaking manga Tetsuwan Atom, by Osamu Tezuka. Astroboy is a robot, created in the likeness of the inventor's late son, who fights evil robots. The manga series would influence generations of children in Japan and prove to be highly popular in the US.
73. Beetle Bailey (1963– )
6 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Beetle Bailey, Private who'd rather drop and nap than drop and do 20, is wise-cracking joker of most famous Army camp, Camp Swampy.
Stars: Allan Melvin, Howard Morris, June Foray, Steve Franken
Votes: 194
Beetle and Sarge got their own series, which was pretty lame, with rather lackluster animation.
74. Snuffy Smith and Barney Google (1961–1964)
6 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
There's feudin', fussin' and a whole lot of good ol' fashioned fun goin' on as those back woods rascals, Barney Google and Snuffy Smith, rustle up a rib-ticklin' tub of mountain mirth. ... See full summary »
Stars: Paul Frees, Penny Philips, Doodles Weaver
Votes: 63
Another cartoon series from King Features Syndicate. It wasn't any better than Beetle Bailey.
75. The Addams Family (1964–1966)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Family, Horror
The misadventures of a blissfully macabre but extremely loving family.
Stars: John Astin, Carolyn Jones, Jackie Coogan, Ted Cassidy
Votes: 21,775
Charles Addams darkly comic cartoons came to life in this series. Beautifully cast and full of fun, it would influence later versions far more than the cartoons.
76. Gigantor (1964)
TV-PG | 25 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
When terrorist groups, evil criminals and aliens become too strong even for Earth's over-stretched armed forces, the virtually-indestructible robot, Gigantor, is built to combat them.
Stars: Billie Lou Watt, Ray Owens, Peter Fernandez, Gilbert Mack
Votes: 251
Animated series, based on the popular manga Tetusjin-28. There was a seuquel series and further updates.
77. Archie (1964 TV Movie)
43 min | Comedy
Sitcom about comic strip character "Archie "
Director: Gene Nelson | Stars: John Simpson, Roland Winters, William Schallert, Cheryl Holdridge
Votes: 63
Pilot for a potential tv series, based on the Riverdale gang. It didn't sell, so Archie Comics instead turned to animation.
78. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965 TV Movie)
TV-G | 25 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama
Depressed at the commercialism he sees around him, Charlie Brown tries to find a deeper meaning to Christmas.
Director: Bill Melendez | Stars: Ann Altieri, Chris Doran, Sally Dryer, Bill Melendez
Votes: 44,067
The special that would launch many more. The cartoon perfectly captures the look and spirit of the beloved strip, with a story created by Charles Schulz. The sentiment is honest and it has earned its place in television and Christmas history.
79. 8th Man (1965– )
30 min | Animation, Sci-Fi
After Special Agent Peter Brady of the Metropolitan Crime Prevention Bureau is fatally shot by criminals, Professor Genius transfers Brady's mind into his 8th robot creation, naming him 8th Man. One of the first anime ever produced.
Stars: Sandy Warshaw, Jack Metger, Jerry Berke, Bob Gaynor
Votes: 125
Animated series, based on the manga 8 Man, about an android hero. The was also a live action movie, which was followed by an OVA sequel, Eight Man After.
80. The New Adventures of Superman (1966–1970)
TV-Y7-FV | 30 min | Animation, Action, Sci-Fi
Superman protects Metropolis and the world from a variety of threats while working at the Daily Planet as Clark Kent.
Stars: Bud Collyer, Jackson Beck, Jack Grimes, Joan Alexander
Votes: 991
Filmation launched the first of their cartoon series, derived from the DC Comics characters. Bud Collier, voice of Supes on radio and in the Fleischer cartoons, would essay the character here. Fairly faithful to the Weisinger era of Superman, with more violence than would be allowed in later cartoons, like the Super Friends. Filmation would also produce at least one Superman cartoon for use on Sesame Street, in the early days.
81. Batman (1966–1968)
TV-G | 25 min | Action, Crime, Fantasy
The Caped Crusader and his young ward battle evildoers in Gotham City.
Stars: Adam West, Burt Ward, Alan Napier, Neil Hamilton
Votes: 26,100
Massively popular in its time, which helped elevate sales of the comics. Many modern comic fans would have you believe that the series nearly killed the character but the truth is far more complex. Batman had experienced years of silly stories, only to begin returning to its more serious roots when the tv series was launched. The series proved popular, so the comics started to adapt the campy tone, but it didn't last and the comics went back to serious, eventually losing any sense of humor in the 80s. The tv series is loads of fun, particularly any episode with the Penguin or Catwoman. the first season scripts are very funny and have some of the most solid stories, but things started to get shakey in the second season. Batgirl was added for the third, but the scripts were rarely up to previous standards. The series is also the poster child for the legal issues in reissuing old tv series on dvd.
82. Modesty Blaise (1966)
119 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
Stylish ex-con Modesty Blaise and her partner Willie Garvin are tasked by the British Secret Service with preventing her rival Gabriel from stealing diamonds that are to be delivered to her adoptive father, a Sheikh.
Director: Joseph Losey | Stars: Monica Vitti, Terence Stamp, Dirk Bogarde, Harry Andrews
Votes: 3,172
Campy adaptation of the British comic strip by Joseph Losey. Most of what made the strip great is jettisoned in favor of 60s camp and weirdness. The film has fans; but, not generally amongst the fans of the strip.
83. It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966 TV Movie)
TV-G | 25 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
The Peanuts gang celebrates Halloween while Linus waits for the Great Pumpkin.
Director: Bill Melendez | Stars: Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea, Sally Dryer, Cathy Steinberg
Votes: 21,985
Second of the Peanuts specials and second in quality only to the Christmas special. Here, Charlie Brown gets nothing but rocks, while Linus and Sally wait for the Great Pumpkin to rise out of the pumpkin patch and Snoopy tries to get across enemy lines, after being shot down by the Red Baron ("Curse you!"). Loads of fun.
84. Batman: The Movie (1966)
PG | 105 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
The Dynamic Duo faces four supervillains who plan to hold the world for ransom with the help of a secret invention that instantly dehydrates people.
Director: Leslie H. Martinson | Stars: Adam West, Burt Ward, Lee Meriwether, Cesar Romero
Votes: 35,771
Feature film produced between seasons 1 and 2 of the tv series. the film pits the dynamic duo against the 4 biggest baddies: Joker, Penguin, Riddler, and Catwoman (hee played by Lee Merriwether. The film is Batboat-loads of fun, especially the notorious "bomb scene." This was a childhood favorite and holds up pretty well as an action film, assuming you have a sense of humor about the whole thing. The film budget allowed for the creation of the Batboat, Batcopter, and Batcycle; which would all turn up again in the tv series. My only question was how flipping a switch on the way down the Batpoles changed them into costume? When I was young, I thought they stopped somewhere along the way down, at some kind of Bat-dressing room, changed, then jumped back on the poles to the bottom. Made as much sense as anything else.
85. Kriminal (1966)
98 min | Adventure, Crime, Thriller
A mastermind thief known as Kriminal narrowly escapes execution. He always manages to stay one step ahead of the law with each new crime he commits. Will Kriminal be able to pull of his ... See full summary »
Director: Umberto Lenzi | Stars: Glenn Saxson, Helga Liné, Andrea Bosic, Ivano Staccioli
Votes: 339
Adaptation of the fumetti negri, a more violent rival of Diabolik.
86. Saibôgu 009 (1966)
64 min | Animation, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Nine people from different countries are turned into super-powered cyborgs.
Director: Yûgo Serikawa | Stars: Hiroyuki Ôta, Judy Ongg, Arihiro Fujimura, Machiko Soga
Votes: 161
This popular manga has spawned several films and tv series.
87. Fantastic Four (1967–1968)
TV-Y7-FV | 30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Four costumed superheroes battle the world's most terrifying villains.
Stars: Paul Frees, Gerald Mohr, Jack DeLeon, Jo Ann Pflug
Votes: 1,628
This foray into other media for Marvel Comics came from Hanna-Barbera. The whole gang is here, and stories are adapted from the comics, but it doesn't quite have the same punch as Lee & Kirby. Alex Toth created some of the character models (mostly villains), which contributes to the more "DC" look of the cartoons, rather than resembling the Kirby designs. Kirby would get to correct this in the 70s. Not bad, but not much to distinguish it from the other H-B adventure cartoons of the 60s.
88. Speed Racer (1967–1968)
TV-Y7 | 30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Teenager Gô Mifune aspires to be the world's best race-car champion with the help of his friends, family and his father's high-tech race-car, the Mach 5.
Stars: Katsuji Mori, Peter Fernandez, Corinne Orr, Jack Grimes
Votes: 3,364
Debuting first as a manga series, titled Mach Gogogo, it quickly found itself adapted as an anime series for tv, which proved hugely popular. The series was exported to the US, where it became known as Speed Racer. The series follows the adventures of Speed, his family and friends, as he competes in dangerous races across the globe. Along the way he finds himself embroiled in criminal plots, espionage, revolutions and other drama. One of his rivals, Racer X, is secretly his long lost brother Rex, who is also a secret agent. the series was a favorite of the 60s and 70s, both for its exciting stories and rather fevered English dialogue. It would go on to spawn an American cartoon series and a Japanese revamp, plus a live-action film from the Wachowskis. The live action film took a drubbing at the box office, but is better than many critics would suggest, though not up to the Matrix standards. It's essentially B-movie adventure that just asks you to sit back and enjoy the ride.
89. Asterix the Gaul (1967)
68 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Asterix, the most cunning warrior of a Gaulish village resisting Roman occupation, must save their magic potion-brewing druid Getafix when he is kidnapped by a Phonus Balonus.
Director: Ray Goossens | Stars: Roger Carel, Jacques Morel, Pierre Tornade, Jacques Jouanneau
Votes: 11,871
Animated debut of the tremendously popular Gallic warrior. It would spawn a sequal, which also adapted one of the bande desinee stories. Other Asterix properties would follow, though generally not as good as the early ones.
90. Johnny Sokko and His Flying Robot (1967–1968)
TV-PG | 30 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
A young boy aids in the fight against a mechanized terrorist organization as the sole controller of a prototype giant robot.
Stars: Mitsunobu Kaneko, Toshiyuki Tsuchiyama, Kôichi Chiba, Akio Itô
Votes: 583
Known as Giant Robo in Japan and based on the manga of the same name. Johnny aids international security organization Unicorn, in its battles with the Gargoyle Gang, an alien-led group, bent on conquering the Earth. Johnny controls the Giant Robot via a communicator, disguised as a watch. Lots of fun for fans of espionage action and kaiju battles.
91. The Space Giants (1966– )
30 min | Sci-Fi
Goldar and his family of robots are sent to earth to stop Rodak the conqueror, in his plans of destroy the earth aided by his giant kaijus and shapeshifting minions: the lugo-men.
Stars: Ranfan Ou, Ulf Ôtsuki, Harold Conway, Jacques Enghien
Votes: 203
Another Japanese series, Ambassador Magma, redubbed into English. This time, the robot is an alien who comes to protect the Earth.
92. Spider-Man (1967–1970)
TV-Y7 | 25 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Original cartoon series based on the web-slinging Marvel comic book character, Peter Parker, who, after being bit by a radioactive spider, assumes extraordinary powers.
Stars: Paul Soles, Peg Dixon, Paul Kligman, Bernard Cowan
Votes: 4,089
Gantray-Lowell was the studio behind the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. The animation was simpler than even Hanna-Barbera or Filmation, but it served its purpose and many of the villains were along for the ride. The theme song was a longtime comic fan favorite and was wonderfully covered in the 90s by the Ramones.
93. Les aventures de Michel Vaillant (1967)
26 min | Adventure, Romance, Sport
Michel Vaillant, the son of a car builder must learn the tricks of the trade while getting in love with Valérie - a young photographer who helps him- while he participate in races.
Stars: Henri Grandsire, Alain Leguellec, Tony Franklin, Yves Brainville
Votes: 36
Popular French tv series based on the equally popular bande desinee. The comics were noted for their accuracy and the tv series used footage from acutal races. It would spawn an animated series and an updated film in 2003.
94. The Aeronauts (1967–1970)
Action, Adventure
In the 1960s, two fighter pilots are assigned to Dijon air base, France.
Stars: Jacques Santi, Christian Marin, Valéry Inkijinoff, Roger Pigaut
Votes: 91
TV series, based on the popular bande desinee Tanguy et Laverdure, about a pair of pilots. A film version would be released in the new millenium.
95. Barbarella (1968)
Approved | 98 min | Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
In the 41st century, an astronaut partakes in sexy misadventures while seeking to stop an evil scientist who threatens to bring evil back into the galaxy.
Director: Roger Vadim | Stars: Jane Fonda, John Phillip Law, Anita Pallenberg, Milo O'Shea
Votes: 37,680
Roger Vadim directs wife Jane Fonda in this adaptation of the Jean-Claude Forest bande desinee. Things pretty much follow the comics, which were as campy as the film. Fonda plays it straight, which aids the comedy. the film is a bit too long, though. Costumes and sets are thoroughly psychedelic and the soundtrack is lively 60s pop. Loads of fun if you set your brain on neutral.
96. Aquaman (1967–1969)
TV-Y7 | 30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
The adventures of the aquatic superhero and his friends.
Stars: Diana Maddox, Pat Harrington Jr., Ted Knight, Gerald Mohr
Votes: 806
1st appearance of DC's King of Atlantis, also featuring Aqualad. Some of the villains made it over from the comics, but it lacked the appeal of Superman or Batman. The series was paired with Superman, later, and also featured individual cartoons with Green Lantern, Flash, Hawkman, and Atom, as well as the group combined as the Justice League. There were also Teen Titan cartoons, though minus Robin.
97. The Adventures of Batman (1968–1969)
60 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
The animated debut of Batman & Robin brings the Dynamic Duo to animated life in Filmation's cult classic take on The Dark Knight and The Boy Wonder, defending Gotham City from The Caped Crusader's Rogues Gallery, one crook at a time.
Stars: Bud Collyer, Bob Hastings, Jackson Beck, Jack Grimes
Votes: 1,595
Batman debuted in new cartoons from Filmation, with a model design that combined the Carmine Infantino revamp and the Adam West tv series. Ted Knight voiced most of the villains and Commissioner Gordon, while Olan Soule and Casey Kasem were the Dynamic Duo. They would continue to do so on Scooby Doo and the Super Friends. The series actually allowed the heroes to punch and kick the villains, though this led to an uproar from parental watchdog groups, eading to the neutering of cartoons and pretty much killing the adventure cartoon genre for many years. As with Superman, there were 2 or 3 Batman cartoons produced for early Sesame Street.
98. Danger: Diabolik (1968)
Not Rated | 105 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
A master thief and his sensual lover pull off heist after heist, all while an envious coalition of cops and gangsters is gunning for them.
Director: Mario Bava | Stars: John Phillip Law, Marisa Mell, Michel Piccoli, Adolfo Celi
Votes: 7,185
Mario Bava adapts the fumetti negri from Italy. John Phiilip Law is actually pretty good as the super-thief Diabolik, with Marissa Mel as Eva Kant. Terry Thomas turns up for some fun. Very eye catching visuals and a fun plot, with Thunderball's Adolofo Celli as the villain, Valmont.
99. The Archie Show (1968–1969)
TV-Y7 | 30 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
The comedic misadventures and music of Archie Andrews and his friends.
Stars: Howard Morris, Dal McKennon, John Erwin, Jane Webb
Votes: 368
First cartoon series to feature Archie and the gang from Riverdale. Filmation did a great job, mixing humorous cartoons with musical segments, launching the hit song, "Sugar, sugar." The success of the series would spawn sequels and lead to Hana-Barbera creating a rival series, Scooby Doo.
100. Satanik (1968)
Not Rated | 86 min | Crime, Sci-Fi, Thriller
A withered old hag turns into a beautiful young woman after drinking a youth formula.
Director: Piero Vivarelli | Stars: Magda Konopka, Julio Peña, Umberto Raho, Luigi Montini
Votes: 424
Yet another fumetti negri; still not as good as Diabolik.
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