Barbie hit theaters this weekend with all the force of an H-bomb, signifying that audiences will flock to theaters for a familiar IP so long as the results offer quality entertainment — and Ryan Gosling.
That said, after watching Barbie, I figured cinemagoers might be in the mood for more toy-based films and decided to compile a list of the five best movies based on toy properties. Take a gander at the entries below and let us know your favorite toy-based films in the comments.
Transformers (2007)
No, this list isn’t ranked in any particular order, but if it were, Michael Bay’s Transformers would rank at the top, at least for me. The colossal, incredibly entertaining, action-packed feature is a fine example of a big, loud, dumb summer blockbuster with incredible special FX, winning performances from Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox, and fantastic set pieces.
Based on the Hasbro toy line, this thrilling piece of escapism launched a massive franchise that continues (for better or worse) to this day, though subsequent entries failed to top Bay’s explosive first chapter.
Toy Story 3 (2010)
Toy Story is a cheat since it’s not technically based on a toy line. Still, the franchise does feature plenty of familiar toys, including Mr. Potato Head, Slinky Dog, and those little army soldiers that everyone had at the bottom of their toy chests.
The third entry in the popular series also featured Barbie and Ken (perfectly voiced by Michael Keaton) and explored the curious dynamic between the famous figurine and her male accessory in hilarious fashion. This aspect, along with Michael Arndt’s witty screenplay and a plethora of beautiful Pixar animation, makes Toy Story 3 the best of the franchise, even as it takes a dark turn down the existential avenue in its third act.
The LEGO Movie (2014)
Likewise, the LEGO brand never quite took off following the surprise success of 2014’s The LEGO Movie. No matter, this witty, Chris Pratt-led comedy deftly combines Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s eccentric, sugar-infused brand of zany comedy with a heartfelt story designed around our love for the titular building blocks.
Sight gags and a surprisingly sturdy dose of visually enthralling action abound, which is almost enough to compel one to drop $100 on a LEGO Batman toy set. Almost.
Mars Attacks! (1996)
Tim Burton’s Mars Attacks! isn’t exactly based on a toy line but rather a 1960s card series created by Len Brown — close enough as it avoids us having to recommend an awful G.I. Joe movie instead. While this 1996 special effects extravaganza flopped at the box office in the wake of Independence Day, it deserves more recognition as a star-studded, bloated (by design) send-up of disaster/monster films from the 50s.
Look for Jack Nicholson in a dual role as the President of the United States and a slimeball casino owner, and marvel at Burton’s refusal to give a damn about any of the film’s characters. By the time Glenn Close’s First Lady gets squashed by a chandelier, you’ll be too busy laughing at the absurdity to lament the lack of an actual screenplay.
Masters of the Universe (1987)
How weird is it that we’ve only gotten one interpretation of He-Man on the big screen? Aside from that awful Netflix series, you would think someone in Hollywood could wring something worthwhile out of Mattel’s popular 80s toy line/cartoon. Alas, fans of the hero from Eternia can at least turn to Masters of the Universe, the campy but very entertaining 1987 flick starring a post-Rocky IV Dolph Lundgren in the title role and Frank Langella as his arch nemesis Skeletor.
Not all of it works, mind you. The production design and special effects were already dated when it was released, but a handful of solid performances, a couple of cool set pieces, and Bill Conti’s energetic score make this one worth a watch.
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