The 10 Best Movies Based on Public Domain Characters

Certain fictional characters have managed to stand the test of time because they do not belong to just one studio or company. While the rules of copyright mean that Lucasfilm has complete control over Luke Skywalker from the Star Wars franchise and no one other than Warner Brothers can make a Batman movie, there are many fairy tales, myths, and classic heroes who can be brought to life by any creator who wants to take a new stab at the material.Characters that belong to the public domain are exciting because each generation interprets them differently. Young filmmakers with progressive views might be inspired to take a more modern approach to the material; sometimes, creators even put these characters in farcical situations that make fun of their lasting legacies while introducing them to new audiences. These are the best movies based on public-domain characters, cementing their reputations as enduring icons of pop culture.