These Classic Toys Should Totally Get Their Own Movies

I saw the Barbie movie this weekend and it was absolutely amazing. It was hilarious and heartwarming with a perfect amount of satire to explore themes of equality, growing up, and mental health to name a few. I didn’t expect it to hit so close to home and even found myself with tears rolling down my face. My favorite part was when actress America Ferrara delivers an incredible monologue about what life is like as a woman that had the whole audience cheering. I don’t want to spoil it, but if you know you know!

My book club gals and I dressed up in all the glitter and bright colors to celebrate and of course, we had to get pictures in the Barbie box! I was "Artist Barbie." I know that may seem childish, but in my opinion, this movie wasn’t made for the kiddos. It was made for those of us who grew up playing with Barbies at a different time.  Barbie inspired us to imagine a reality different from the norm. One where we could be anyone we wanted.

After seeing the movie, it got me thinking about what other popular toys would make for great films. I don’t know that Easy Bake Ovens would have the same meaningful impact, but there are so many other iconic toys that shaped our childhoods.

Get our free mobile app

1. Polly Pocket

Now I don’t mean the second wave of this toy that was bigger and had rubbery outfits you could change Polly in and out of. I’m talking about the tiny little make-up compact-sized houses or beauty shops with Pollys less than an inch tall. I am imagining so many fun adventures! Like Honey I Shrunk the Kid on steroids or when Alice drinks from the bottle in Wonderland. This commercial is like a time machine back to my childhood!

2. He-Man

There have been talks of a live-action Netflix series with He-Man and the Masters of the Universe characters, but last I read it was no longer going to happen. What a bummer! Luckily, if you are a He-Man fan, local filmmaker, Daniel Benedict, actually produced a great short film several years ago about Castle Grayskull which has been a huge hit in the He-Man community. Be sure to follow him and his production company Red Serial Films for his new creations!

3. Hot Wheels

I’m thinking something like the Cars franchise taken to another level! There are SO many really cool tracks from the 90s and even now that could inspire action-packed race scenes. Now, should the cars have drivers or be able to talk and feel like Lightning McQueen and Mater?

4. Rainbow Brite

Rainbow Brite used the power of the rainbow to make you happy! There was an animated series back in the 80s where she rescued a dark and gray world by bringing the color back. This is when she met her horse, Starlite, and the little sprite, Twink. You could play with her array of dolls and friends, and there were also activity books, clothes, bedding, home decor, jewelry, bikes, kitchen sets, you name it! I know there has to be another dreary world out there for Rainbow Brite to save!

5. Furby

OK, this one would probably end up being a horror film if you ask me! I BEGGED for one of these critters for Christmas one year, and of course, Santa delivered, but once the new wore off, these furry little alien robots became super annoying! I remember mine talking in the middle of the night. Waking me up with its gibberish language and weird noises! But what happens when you take the batteries out, and it takes on a life of its own? mwah ha ha... Find out in Furby's Revenge! JK, but that is kind of what I imagine a Furby movie being like.

What do you think? Would these make good modernized movies like Greta Gerwig's Barbie?  There are lots of other iconic toys that would make the list, for sure. What would you add?