Top 10 Movies That Could Have Been TV Shows

#10: Divergent (2014)

This franchise mightve started off promising, but it quickly went sideways. Divergent seemed like it was always in the shadow of The Hunger Games. Shailene Woodley and company give this futuristic adventure some fun moments, but the story feels cobbled together from a denser book. With sequels like Allegiant, the filmmakers tried to build on the first while being constrained by a traditional runtime. The series couldve used a major streaming service and some more time to properly expand everything. In one movie, they cant quite develop Triss story, her romance, and the larger world all at once.

#9: Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

In what might be a modern classic, Killers of the Flower Moon unveils a tragic American story. Martin Scorsese mightve been able to go deeper with a miniseries. He also couldve taken a closer look into the Osage people, letting the character Molly have added moments to shine. Its an impressive feat that the director jam packs the story with so much nuance. He has over three hours, but you could easily see him double that with more tense scenes of violence. Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, and Robert De Niro give incredible work that would have carried a few more hours. As with any historical subject, you could go much further into Oklahoma politics or the FBI investigation.

#8: Gone with the Wind (1939)

Margaret Mitchells book received an epic treatment back in 1939. Winning Best Picture, this Hollywood film earned praise and scrutiny for depicting 1860s America. A miniseries might give filmmakers a chance to tackle other nuances. Black characters could be given further examination, while the complicated subject matter could use some more perspectives. Scarlett OHara has multiple husbands, with every marriage earning its own potential episode. Along with her many relationships, the heroine endures notable aspects of the Civil War. There could be more battle scenes or historical events to depict with additional time. While modern audiences might not love another adaptation, this work does make you wonder what a series could achieve.

#7: Titanic (1997)

As one of the most infamous events of the early 20th century, the voyage of the Titanic demanded countless studies and depictions. James Camerons version takes the plot to new heights as the central romance out over real history. A miniseries would let filmmakers take an in-depth look at the construction, voyage, and sinking of the ocean liner. The movie also only gives you a glimpse of the rescue efforts. Considering the impact it had on society, the aftermath could receive its own episode. The number of films, documentaries, and books on the subject would easily fill out the runtime. Camerons extraordinary vision would be interesting on a bigger scale and with ample time to spend with intriguing characters.

#6: Pulp Fiction (1994)

There are aspects of Quentin Tarantinos masterpiece that would fit right into a miniseries. First off, the competing timelines and stories almost feel like modern TV. The larger format would give him an opportunity to write even more dialogue with great characters. Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield could hang even longer, or we could see Butchs fight and eventual escape. The funny and inventive script is already awesome, but theres also a chance to learn other things about this darkly-comedic world. With an extended cut of The Hateful Eight on Netflix, theres a chance that there couldve been a bigger Pulp Fiction. Theres always lots of potential with one of Hollywoods best writers/directors at the helm.

#5: Boogie Nights (1997)

Paul Thomas Andersons second film is an entire world unto itself. Examining two decades of excess, the ensemble feels like a fully realized snapshot of the 1970s and 1980s. Mark Wahlbergs hero has a memorable journey from a star to a tragic figure. He isnt the only one either, with many other performers stealing the spotlight. A longer cut could provide even more entertainment and a closer look at their work. Many awesome montages help you through the story, but more time could let Anderson delve into each person as their own separate arc. A miniseries could help celebrate and promote an already-classic lineup and riveting plot.

#4: Mulholland Drive (2001)

Originally set to be a TV show, David Lynch repurposed the idea for Mulholland Drive into a movie. The filmmakers knack for surrealism feels like the perfect way to tackle Hollywood. Theres whole sections of this film that could be their own arcs, with scenes like the diner or the cowboy meeting inspiring speculation. We dont need more explanation, but wed love to see where the director couldve taken us. The central dynamic between an aspiring actress and an amnesiac also hooks viewers. With all the mysteries surrounding it, this narrative mightve benefited from becoming more episodic. As it stands, its clearly one of the artists strongest and most acclaimed works.

#3: Conclave (2024)

As something of an airport novel, this source material could be considered dramatic and a little sensational. It also features the endlessly fascinating world of Vatican politics. The inner world of the voting process and potential for drama could make for a fun miniseries. You dont have to grasp at straws to imagine each episodes cliffhanger, with there being ample opportunity for twists. The ensemble is a fantastic mix of known and lesser-known talent. In the event of a show, Conclave could really milk the intrigue with all of the exciting performers. You can also see the potential in giving more time to the eventual winner. Needless to say, were excited about other chances for backstabbing and last-minute surprises for the cardinals.

#2: Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Among the best epics of all time, Lawrence of Arabia feels like several films rolled into one. You could argue that its halfway to a miniseries with its length and detail. The life of T.E. Lawrence could inspire any number of movies or shows, with many complexities to engage with and question. Theres also the incredibly difficult subject matter involving the Middle Eastern power struggle. David Lean fills out the desert with both history and engaging battle scenes. With added focus and less time constraints, there could be a chance for a deeper plunge into the geopolitical struggle. The masterpiece could easily inspire an even longer cut, with more landscapes and three-dimensional characters to ponder.

#1: Oppenheimer (2023)

Christopher Nolans biopic about the famed and controversial physicist is wall-to-wall information. He doesnt waste a second without giving you information about the man, his mission, or the broader context of the atomic bomb. The tight editing keeps the narrative tightly wound, but a miniseries mightve given him more chances to explain. There are so many characters to introduce throughout this movie that you almost cant comprehend them in one viewing. The fantastic storytelling is great on its own, but a show might help confused viewers. You barely have time to breathe for three hours of extensive scientific research and history. Nolan seems to prefer film as a medium, but theres no telling what he might get up to with a longer runtime.

Did we forget another movie worthy of an expanded cut? Let us know in the comments below.