With the release of The Smurfs 2 in theaters, it's obvious that Hollywood can't help but turn cartoons into live-action movies. The film is part of a long list of movies that started out as toons but were given the Pinocchio treatment and brought to life. And why not? They've been doing it for decades. The earlier adaptations used a lot of special effects and prosthetics to bring animation to real life, while the movies of the new millennium explored CGI technology. (I personally like the way special effects looked more tangible.) Some have been huge blockbuster hits while others have been movies only kids would enjoy. Regardless, these movies have found their way into our movie collections and into are hearts, whether for their fast-paced action scenes or their reminiscent influence on our childhood. Here we list the top 10 cartoons turned into live-action movies. Beware, after seeing this list nostalgia will come rushing in!

10. The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle
Reviving a cartoon from decades earlier, the movie picked up 35 years after Rocky and Bullwinkles’ show ended. The duo is brought to life with CGI, but it’s their fan Karen (played by Piper Perabo) who saves the day. Although the heroes are funny and sweet, it’s the villains who steal the spotlight. Played by Robert De Niro, Jason Alexander, and Rene Russo, they give the cartoon characters new life.

9. George of the Jungle
“George, George, George of the jungle, strong as he can be!” Brendan Fraser brings the jungle man to life. His innocent attitudes and optimistic views are so loveable and understandable by all kids. He is hilarious when he moves to the big city from the jungle and his animal friends are even funnier.

8. Popeye
Popeye, Olive Oyl, and Bruno in this live-action movie of the classic cartoon are almost too perfect. Robin Williams kills it as the tough, spinach-eating sailor. He’s got that unmistakable laugh down perfectly and Shelley Duvall is fantastic as Popeye’s love interest and damsel in distress.

7. Casper
Casper the Friendly Ghost is so likeable. His ghost uncles are rude and mean, but somehow he turned out to be friendly, kind and big-hearted. You almost feel bad for him because he gets treated so wrongly by them, but then he makes a new friend when humans move into their house. Casper bonds with Kat over both being outcasts. It shows you that you can make friends in the most unlikely places and never be alone. Seeing this movie as a kid made us all want to be friends with a ghost and be kind to one another.

6. Scooby Doo
This may have been one of the best castings for a kid’s movie. All the actors play out their characters exactly as they were in the cartoon, about a group of teenagers and their dog solving mysteries. Also, the chemistry between Freddie Prinze, Jr. and wife Sarah Michelle Gellar is undeniable.

5. Alvin and the Chipmunks
Jason Lee plays Dave who finds a trio of talking chipmunks and takes them in as family. They are bold, nerdy, and sweet. The chipmunks are the cutest little talking rodents and appeal to everyone, kids and grown-ups alike. With great songs and heart-warming scenes, this movie should be seen by all kids.

4. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
If you were a kid of the 90s, chances are you watched this movie more times than you can remember. The memorable group of crime-fighting turtles inspired laughter and amazement. The dynamic between the group mutated humanoid turtles made this movie so beloved by kids. Besides being turtles, they acted just like teens-- they skateboarded, scarfed down pizza, and goofed with each other. Also, did you know Corey Feldman voiced Donatello?

3. The Flintstones
Yabba-dabba-doo! It’s your favorite prehistoric family. John Goodman excellently plays America’s most famous caveman. Rosie O'Donnell plays Betty Rubble-- this was in the early 90s when Rosie was in just about every comedy. Big names like Halle Barry and Elizabeth Taylor were also in the picture. Like the original cartoon, the film uses the same caveman puns that made The Flintstones so hilarious. Not only that, but the special affects of all the animals and dinosaurs (especially Dino) really bring the cartoon to life, it was no CGI.

2. Space Jam
Who doesn’t love The Looney Tunes. Bugs, Daffy and the rest of the gang are iconic and the epitome of American cartoons. To pair them with one of America’s greatest athletes only makes sense. It’s not clear whether it’s the trademark Looney Tunes slapstick comedy or the ability it has to take you back to your childhood that makes this one a favorite for the entire family.

1. Transformers
The Transformers franchise has been unstoppable. It’s cultivated a strong following from both kids and adults alike. In between the larger-than-life actions scenes, the hilarious characters, and the fast-paced plots, these movies have been loved by many. Although the next Transformers, scheduled for release in 2014, won’t star Shia LaBeouf nor Megan Fox, it will feature big names like Mark Wahlberg and Stanley Tucci. Already, fans are anxiously awaiting more details for the next sequel.

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