10 Best Young Adult Film-to-TV Adaptations

Adaptations happen all the time. From books to film, film to TV, it never ends. Films still rake in the big bucks and are often considered top dog, but TV has been gaining ground on that title over the past few years.

TV shows can include several storylines, whereas a film can become too crowded if they include too many. Have you ever watched a film and wished it was a TV show because you wanted to see more of the characters? Well, sometimes it does happen and we do get to see our favourite characters week after week.

I have chosen a variety of young adult films that, I think, are entertaining and full of drama. If you're a teenager yourself and are going through high school, then some of these shows will be relatable for you. Even the supernatural ones, because they include normal and realistic storylines too. So, in no particular order, here is a list of young adult films that have been adapted into TV shows.

1. 'Teen Wolf'

In 1985, a film titled Teen Wolf was released. It was cheesy and had a light tone to it. The show on the other hand can be quite dark. When Jeff Davies started creating the TV show, he only sampled from the film, taking only the main storyline: a teenage werewolf in high school. There are many differences in the TV show and there are slight similarities.

They both dabble in comedy. The film has cheesy, cheap gags whereas the film has snappy one liners that are sure to make you laugh. The film is based in Beacon Town, with the show based in Beacon Hills.

"Yeah, it's called heartbreak. There are about two billion songs written about it." - Stiles Stalinski

Three characters feature in the movie and the show. They are Scott, Stiles, and the coach. Scott however, has a different last name in the show. He transforms from Howard to McCall.

The TV show has created its own lovable characters with the likes of Lydia, Derek, and Allison having graced the screen. It's a really enjoyable TV show, one that I am certainly glad they made.

2. 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer'

Buffy The Vampire Slayer was a huge hit, but before it was a TV show, it was a film. The film was released in 1992 with the show premiering in 1997. The show became hugely popular, with new generations still watching it today, years after the final episode aired.

The film didn't take itself seriously, whereas the show went more in depth with the characters and the history of the slayers. The show was more dramatised and serious. The show even spawned a spin-off. Buffy The Vampire Slayer has often been regarded as one of the greatest TV shows of all time. People just loved it!

3. 'Shadowhunters'

The film wasn't actually called Shadowhunters, it was called The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, which is the same title as the book it is based on. There are many differences between the film and the TV show, the main one being the cast. Shadowhunters had a whole new cast, as the movie actors decided not to participate in the show.

The show doesn't follow the storylines the same way as in the book or film, which is a shame because if you're a fan of the books and film, like me, it's hard to get used to the changes. However, the show has a strong following of fans and has been renewed for a third season.

The film which was released in 1999 starred Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles. The film is an absolute classic. Larry Miller, who played the father of Kat and Bianca in the film, also plays the dad in the TV show, which is its main appeal.

Like with every remake, they made some changes. Kat's full name is Katherine, not Katerina. Kat and Bianca are also new to the school whereas in the film they're already there and have been for a long time. They also took out the part where Patrick is payed to take out Kat, which is a huge part of the film.

If you're a fan of the film, it's hard to think of different actors playing these characters. However, with each episode only lasting 22 minutes, they kill some time when you've got nothing else to watch.

5. 'Ferris Bueller'

The film, titled Ferris Bueller's Day Off, became one of the highest grossing films in the year of its release. The film was also a huge success among audiences and critics alike. Four years after its release it was made into an American sitcom.

Matthew Broderick is the star of the film, but Charlie Schlatter takes over to play Ferris Bueller in the show. Jennifer Aniston also stars in the show as Ferris' pissy sister.

The TV show wasn't as popular as the film and was cancelled after one season. It's no surprise really. How can you live up to such a classic and iconic film? Why would you want to?

6. 'Clueless'

The show premiered in 1996, only a year after the films release and ran for three years, which isn't bad. The film follows Cher, who is the most popular girl in school, as she falls for her step-brother. The film is cheesy and predictable, but we love it!

There are many differences in the show. A main one being the main character who has a complete name change from Cher to Rachel. Cher is a much cooler name, in my opinion. The only thing they have in common is their hair colour. The late Brittany Murphy starred in both the film and the TV show but played different characters.

With all these changes, there is one thing that remained the same. Dionne and Murray are still together in the show and are played by the same people.

7. 'School Of Rock'

Rocker Dewey Finn poses as a teacher who turns his class into a band in both the film and the Nickelodeon show. However, the characters in the show have many more adventures because there is more time to delve deeper into their lives. With films there's only so much you can do with a running time averaging at 90 minutes.

The film was released in 2003 and the show premiered in 2016. Season two of the show finished airing in January this year and has been renewed for a season three, consisting of 20 episodes.

8. 'Scream': The TV Series

We all know and love the film franchise. Scream is a classic because it was credited with changing the horror genre in a time where it was considered dead. In 2015 we got to see the first episode of the TV show and it follows the storyline of the film, just with different characters. It works, but there are only so many killers you can have in one small town.

Everything is up in the air for season three at the moment. Maybe the show would have worked better if it was an anthology and had different characters and a new town with each season.

9. 'Fame'

Fame is a well-known media franchise; we've had films, musicals, an original song and a TV show. The film, which is an Academy Award winning sensation, was released in 1980. The music and score of the film was highly acclaimed as it was dynamic and had variety. They were happy songs that make you feel alive. The TV show started in 1982 and did really well as it ran for five years.

They both follow the same premise, but again the show explores a lot more because there was so much time to do so. The show was hugely popular, especially in the UK and it earned the cast several hit singles and concert tours.

We just couldn't get enough of this show so in 2008 they brought it back for a TV movie titled Bring Back... Fame. Some of the original cast from the TV show can be seen in this film too.

10. 'Friday Night Lights'

The film starring Connie Britton was released in 2004 and was ranked 37th on Entertainment Weekly's list for the best high school movies. Britton was brought back for the TV show in 2006, playing a different character.

The show, which had critical success, was hugely popular and gained a reasonable following. Not only was it nominated for several awards, but it won an Emmy award in 2007 and two more in 2011. It received praise for its casting and its realistic portrayal of America.

Final Thoughts

With TV shows that are based on films, you have to remember that change is inevitable. It's likely to happen because there's no point in making the same thing twice. If it's already been made and it's a hit then it doesn't need making again so they will change certain aspects to make it a little different.

These were all great as films and some of them worked as TV shows but some of them didn't but there was no harm in trying. If you're going to watch these shows after watching the film then remember, some bits will be different.

Have you got a personal favourite young adult movie to TV adaptation?