15 Best Movies Based on Toys

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Some of the biggest big screen stories started on the living room floor with dolls, action figures, and board games. These films turned brands you can hold in your hand into adventures you can watch with a bucket of popcorn. From iconic dolls and colorful bricks to classic party games, here are the most notable toy based movies that made a mark at the theater.

‘Barbie’ (2023)

Greta Gerwig directed ‘Barbie’ with Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling leading the cast. The film was produced with Mattel Films and Warner Bros and introduces multiple versions of the famous doll alongside Ken. It combines a modern setting with references to the brand’s long history. The production features elaborate practical sets inspired by classic dollhouse design.

‘The Lego Movie’ (2014)

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller directed ‘The Lego Movie’ using a mix of computer animation that mimics stop motion. Chris Pratt and Elizabeth Banks voice the leads with Will Arnett and Alison Brie in key roles. The film weaves licensed characters with original figures from the brick system. It launched a series that included ‘The Lego Batman Movie’ and ‘The Lego Ninjago Movie’.

‘Transformers’ (2007)

Michael Bay directed ‘Transformers’ based on the Hasbro and Takara Tomy action figure line. Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox star alongside large scale visual effects that brought Autobots and Decepticons to life. The production used practical vehicles and motion based rigs combined with digital animation. It opened a long running series of sequels and prequels.

‘Clue’ (1985)

‘Clue’ adapts the classic whodunit board game created by Anthony E. Pratt. Jonathan Lynn directed with Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, and Eileen Brennan among the ensemble. The film famously shipped to theaters with multiple different endings. Home releases later included all endings in one presentation.

‘Battleship’ (2012)

Peter Berg directed ‘Battleship’ using the Hasbro naval combat board game as its starting point. Taylor Kitsch, Rihanna, and Liam Neeson appear in a global naval action story. Production involved real Navy ships and location shooting around Hawaii. The screenplay includes grid coordinate callouts as a nod to the original game.

‘My Little Pony: The Movie’ (2017)

‘My Little Pony: The Movie’ expands the long running Hasbro toy and animation franchise. The voice cast features Tara Strong, Ashleigh Ball, and Emily Blunt in a story about a threatened kingdom. The animation extends the television style with higher detail and effects. Lionsgate handled distribution with a wide family release.

‘Trolls’ (2016)

DreamWorks Animation based ‘Trolls’ on the well known troll dolls created in the twentieth century. Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake voice the leads in a music driven tale about happiness and harmony. The production features an original soundtrack that reached global charts. The success led to additional films and a television series.

‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’ (2009)

Stephen Sommers directed ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’ from the Hasbro military action figure brand. Channing Tatum, Marlon Wayans, and Sienna Miller headline an international team adventure. The film showcases specialized suits, high tech vehicles, and a hidden base. It set up a follow up entry ‘G.I. Joe: Retaliation’.

‘Raggedy Ann & Andy: A Musical Adventure!’ (1977)

This animated feature draws from the classic Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy dolls created by Johnny Gruelle. Richard Williams directed with songs by Joe Raposo and voice work that includes Didi Conn. The film uses fluid hand drawn animation with painterly backgrounds. It remains one of the earliest doll based theatrical features.

‘Bratz’ (2007)

‘Bratz’ adapts the fashion doll line from MGA Entertainment into a high school set story. Nathalia Ramos, Skyler Shaye, Logan Browning, and Janel Parrish star as the core group. The production includes original music and coordinated fashion design tied to the brand. Lionsgate released the film to a wide audience.

‘Playmobil: The Movie’ (2019)

‘Playmobil: The Movie’ brings the German figure line to the screen with animation and a live action framing story. Anya Taylor Joy appears on screen and also voices a character alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Jim Gaffigan. The film builds themed worlds that mirror the brand’s sets such as knights and secret agents. It was directed by Lino DiSalvo, a veteran of feature animation.

‘Masters of the Universe’ (1987)

Based on Mattel’s He Man toy line, ‘Masters of the Universe’ stars Dolph Lundgren and Frank Langella. The story brings characters from Eternia into a present day setting. Cannon Films produced with extensive practical costumes and makeup for Skeletor and allies. The movie introduced live action versions of many figures from the line.

‘Ouija’ (2014)

‘Ouija’ uses the spirit board sold by Hasbro as the core device in a supernatural thriller. Stiles White directed with Olivia Cooke leading the cast. The film was produced by Platinum Dunes and Blumhouse and filmed in Southern California. A prequel titled ‘Ouija: Origin of Evil’ followed with a new cast and timeline.

‘Max Steel’ (2016)

‘Max Steel’ adapts the Mattel action figure into a live action science fiction story. Ben Winchell plays Max with Andy Garcia and Maria Bello in supporting roles. The plot introduces an alien energy companion and government interest in Max’s powers. Open Road Films handled distribution in North America.

‘UglyDolls’ (2019)

‘UglyDolls’ is based on the plush toy line created by David Horvath and Sun Min Kim. Kelly Clarkson, Janelle Monáe, and Nick Jonas lead the voice cast in a musical about acceptance. The film features original songs recorded by the performers. STX released the movie along with a broad marketing tie in to the toy brand.

Share your favorite toy based movies in the comments and tell us which ones we should add next.

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