11 Best Movies & TV Shows Like Gilligan’s Island

In my gaming world, I’d say something like: “Back in the 60s, I used to tune into CBS for a show called ‘Gilligan’s Island‘, created by the legendary Sherwood Schwartz, who was also behind classics like ‘The Brady Bunch’. In this series, I found myself as Willy Gilligan, the bumbling first mate of the S.S. Minnow, sailing alongside our irritable captain, Jonas “Skipper” Grumby.

One stormy day, we hit a rough patch, and our ship, along with Gilligan, Skipper, and the rest of the passengers – including a millionaire, his wife, a movie star, a professor, and Mary Anne – found ourselves marooned on an uncharted island in the heart of the ocean.

Every week on the island, the cast would try to escape, only to be foiled in their plans, most often because of Gilligan’s incompetence. This is a point of debate among fans – why they didn’t get rid of Gilligan sooner. It got even more frustrating as the island was supposedly deserted, yet guest stars like Don Rickles would show up for an episode and manage to leave by the end, making Gilligan’s mistakes all the more glaring. In truth, the show had a campy and sometimes cartoonish feel from the start – for instance, the professor could create radios from coconuts but not a boat.

Hey there fellow gamer! If you’re still hooked on that iconic series like I am, decades after its initial airing, then I’ve got some more treats for you! Here are a few other shows and movies that either carry the same vibe, or continue the spirit of Gilligan’s adventures. Let’s dive in together and keep the good times rolling!

The New Adventures of Gilligan

Approximately ten years following the final episode of “Gilligan’s Island,” where, as you may recall, they were still stranded on the island, ABC produced a two-season Saturday morning cartoon series titled “The New Exploits of Gilligan” between 1974 and 1975. This animated series was created by Filmation Associates, known at the time for popular shows like “Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids” and “Star Trek: The Animated Series,” as well as future projects such as “Masters of the Universe.

Remarkably, all actors from the original live-action “Gilligan’s Island” lent their voices to their animated versions, with the exceptions of Tina Louise and Dawn Wells who played Ginger and Mary-Anne respectively. Instead, they were voiced by Jane Edwards, a different voice actress credited under two names – Jane Ebbs for one character and her married name for the other. Due to likeness rights, Ginger’s signature red hair was changed to blonde, much like Egon in the “The Real Ghostbusters” cartoon.

Previously stated, they’re all still stranded on the island. Since the original live-action series was quite exaggerated and comical, the shift to animation didn’t significantly alter the storyline or scripts. The main distinction lies in Gilligan having a talking, anthropomorphic monkey companion named Snubby – a character type that was popular back then, similar to “Scooby-Doo” and to some extent “Jabberjaw.

Gilligan’s Planet

In the years following the enduring charm of “Gilligan’s Island,” CBS created the animated series “Gilligan’s Planet” which aired for two seasons from 1982 to 1983. Instead of being stranded on a deserted Earth island as in the original, this time our castaways find themselves on an alien planet in space, as suggested by the show’s title. The plot revolves around the professor constructing a wooden rocket ship to escape their island predicament. Unfortunately, much like the unfortunate S.S. Minnow before it, the wooden rocket also crash-lands onto the named planet.

Following this, the series largely remains the same, but with an increased focus on extraterrestrial elements and minimal plot progression. “Gilligan’s Island,” whether in its live-action format or earlier animated version, occasionally incorporated sci-fi elements, like the Harlem Globetrotters battling against robots. However, “Gilligan’s Planet” introduces a new character, a small green alien sidekick named Bumper, replacing the monkey Snubby as the traditional cartoon mascot.

In contrast to the prior animation, Dawn Wells, who played Mary-Anne, came back to voice her character this time. Interestingly, since Tina Louise declined to reprise Ginger again, it was Dawn who voiced Ginger instead. The rest of the cast also returned, but it’s worth noting that Alan Hale Jr., who portrayed The Skipper, last appeared in “Gilligan’s Planet” as he passed away in 1990. An interesting tidbit: Paul Dini, well-known for his work on “Batman: The Animated Series,” contributed to the script for “Gilligan’s Planet.

Lost in Space

Much like “Gilligan’s Island,” the science fiction series “Lost in Space” (airing from 1965-1968) chronicles the journey of the Robinson family, a nod to “The Swiss Family Robinson.” Their spaceship veers off course into the unknown cosmos. Accompanying them are their loyal robot and the pilot, Don West (played by Mark Goddard), as well as the cunning stowaway, Dr. Smith (Jonathan Harris). Similar to Gilligan, it’s Dr. Smith who causes the ship’s initial misfortune, leaving viewers questioning why they continue to keep him alive. There was a 1998 film adaptation and a 2018 revival on Netflix inspired by the original show.

Unlike the “Gilligan’s Island” series, where the characters are stranded on an island, the Robinson family in “Lost in Space” travels through different planets in space. However, they too find themselves trapped in a sense, their spaceship serving as their only home. Instead of hoping for rescue from an island, they are searching for Earth but have little chance of finding it. The show shares a similar light-hearted ’60s vibe with “Gilligan’s Island,” although initially, “Lost in Space” had a more serious tone before becoming increasingly campy. Similar to the first season of “Lost in Space,” which was originally filmed in black and white, the early seasons of “Gilligan’s Island” were also initially filmed in black and white and later colorized for syndication.

Swiss Family Robinson

The movie “Swiss Family Robinson,” released by Disney in 1960 and highly regarded critically, is a live-action adaptation of Johann David Wyss’s novel published in 1812. Notably, this story served as an inspiration for the surname “Robinson” in the sci-fi series “Lost in Space.”

In a nutshell, the movie and novel share a common plot about the Robinson family, who were Swiss and attempting to flee war on a ship. Unfortunately, their journey was disrupted by pirates, leading to a shipwreck on an uninhabited tropical island. Post-shipwreck, they faced numerous challenges in surviving, eventually constructing their renowned treehouse that later inspired a Disneyland attraction in 1962. Visitors could walk through a replica of this treehouse. The attraction was closed in the ’90s but resurrected in 2023. Despite some discrepancies, the film generally followed the book’s storyline, with the most significant change being the omission of one of the Robinson sons from the narrative.

The resemblance between “Gilligan’s Island” and the “Swiss Family Robinson” movie is undeniable, featuring a common theme of survival after a shipwreck, with both groups stranded on an island and collaborating to make the best out of their situation. While Gilligan and his crew may not have built treehouses like the Robinsons, they did construct shelters from resources found on the island, albeit perhaps not as visually stunning.

Robinson Crusoe

The 1997 movie titled “Robinson Crusoe” is loosely based on the 1719 novel by Daniel Defoe, sharing the same name. This novel served as inspiration for “The Swiss Family Robinson,” which later influenced “Lost in Space.” The narrative revolves around the main character, who finds himself shipwrecked on a tropical island and endeavors to find a means of escape.

Several film versions of this novel exist, with the earliest debuting in 1902. However, let’s discuss the 1997 adaptation featuring Pierce Brosnan. To be honest, it’s noteworthy due to his frequent shirtlessness throughout the movie. Admittedly, he delivers a decent performance too.

In many tales of survival, themes such as crafting improvised shelters, clothing, and tools from island resources, searching for food, and enduring the elements were first prominently showcased in “Robinson Crusoe.” Later, these themes would be echoed in various ways on “Gilligan’s Island.” However, it is important to note that both works feature problematic depictions of indigenous people, with portrayals ranging from violent or submissive. Regrettably, this issue persists in “Gilligan’s Island,” much like in the original book. This is another similarity between the two stories.

Cast Away

Similar to the novel “Robinson Crusoe,” the 2000 movie “Cast Away” tells the story of a man named Tom Hanks who becomes marooned on a secluded island, though his only companion is Wilson, a volleyball adorned with a bloodied face. Notably, this film was helmed by the talented director Robert Zemeckis, marking their reunion since “Forrest Gump,” which was released six years earlier.

The storyline revolves around Chuck Noland, a FedEx employee portrayed by Tom Hanks, who finds himself stranded on an island after a harrowing plane crash incident. To endure, he utilizes FedEx packages. After four long years, Hanks’ commitment to the role was widely admired, although some felt his weight loss process might have been excessively extreme.

Similar to “Gilligan’s Island” and other stranded-on-an-island tales like “Cast Away,” survival becomes a matter of resourcefulness, creativity, and adaptation in the harsh island environment. The series also incorporates humor, such as the quirky conversations between Chuck and Wilson, which are amusing in their own right. However, the emotional depth is truly evident when Wilson is lost while Hanks’ character manages to escape, leaving the audience deeply moved by the poignant performance. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the portrayal of native cultures is sensitively handled, avoiding any insensitive or stereotypical representations.

Triangle of Sadness

Triangle of Sadness” is a sharp satire from 2022 that starts on a luxury yacht filled with models, social media influencers, weapons manufacturers, and, naturally, the overworked crew, led by an intoxicated Communist captain (Woody Harrelson). When pirates attack and sink the ship (reminiscent of “Swiss Family Robinson”), survivors find themselves stranded on a deserted island. The social structure changes: one of the lower-ranking crew members, Abigail (Dolly de Leon) — who was at the bottom of the social ladder on the yacht — becomes indispensable due to her survival skills being the only ones among them.

In “Gilligan’s Island,” commentary through character interactions played a role, but what set it apart was its optimistic portrayal of humanity compared to other shows. Although Gilligan and the Skipper were working-class characters, contrasting with the millionaires, the professor, or the movie star, they all collaborated in resolving issues, demonstrating unity amidst their differences.

In “Triangle of Sadness,” class disparities serve as the central theme, driving the story’s tension. The movie suggests that oppressive systems tend to persist, as Abigail – initially a low-ranking crew member – gains dominance over others on the island due to her survival skills. Ironically, she then uses this newfound power in much the same manner as she was previously used and exploited on the yacht.

Lost

If you enjoy the TV show “Gilligan’s Island,” it’s quite likely that you’ll appreciate “Lost” as well. That’s because “Lost” can be seen as a modern, more intense version of “Gilligan’s Island.” Characters from diverse backgrounds find themselves stranded on an island, just like in the original series. They must unite and adapt to survive, and they also face some peculiar sci-fi situations, similar to those odd robot basketball players in “Gilligan’s Island.

Lost” revolves around a gripping mystery about a plane wreck on a puzzling island where survivors find themselves after a flight to Australia. In the beginning, they scavenge for essentials and build shelters, reminiscent of Robinson Crusoe’s experiences. However, the pilot episode introduces an intriguing twist with the appearance of a polar bear. As the story unfolds, enigmas such as a hatch that governs global destiny, time travel, a menacing Smoke Monster, and even island deities representing good and evil emerge. Furthermore, numerous flashbacks for the characters reveal previously unseen connections between them.

In the heart of this series lies a secondary plot: the characters manage to flee the island initially, yet find themselves persuaded to return for multiple reasons. This mirrors the 1979 TV film “The Castaways on Gilligan’s Island,” where Gilligan and his crew also depart their island, only to find they are unhappy with life off the island, ultimately deciding to transform the island into a resort home once more.

Survivor

First airing in 2000, the reality competition series “Survivor” sees a group of competitors transported to an island where they compete against each other until one remains, earning a $1 million prize at the finale. Originally inspired by a Swedish show called “Expedition Robinson,” both titles pay homage to the novels “Robinson Crusoe” and “Swiss Family Robinson.” Although its popularity has waned over time, “Survivor” endures and is currently in its 48th season.

In the game, contestants start out divided into groups, or “tribes,” which collaborate on tasks like gathering food, constructing shelters, and surviving in an island setting. They also participate in competitions. However, since there’s only one winner per season, teamwork is always short-lived. This results in contestants voting each other off the island unless they win a previous challenge, which gives them temporary protection. This dynamic often leads to betrayals, power plays, and a lot of excitement.

If you’re a fan of “Gilligan’s Island,” then this show is right up your alley. Just like “Survivor,” it features diverse individuals from various backgrounds stranded on a tropical island, facing obstacles together while also arguing and quarrelling. Each season introduces vibrant, quirky characters to keep things interesting and humorous.

The Real Gilligan’s Island

Discussing reality television, it’s worth noting that a show was inspired by “Gilligan’s Island,” and this production, titled “The Real Gilligan’s Island,” ran for two seasons on TBS from 2004 to 2005. Strikingly similar to “Survivor,” this program mirrored many aspects. Contestants were stranded on an island, competing against each other in challenges reminiscent of “Survivor” until a sole winner remained.

One point to consider is that “The Real Gilligan’s Island” auditioned individuals who matched the personas of the characters from the original show. For example, the millionaire pair were genuine millionaires, the captains were actual ship captains, the actresses were aspiring in the role of Ginger, and the real-life counterparts to Gilligan were genuinely inept individuals.

The initial idea behind that concept had a lot of potential, but it fell short of realizing that promise, leaving many viewers feeling let down. Instead of being a carbon copy of “Survivor,” it could have been more like “The Real World” and explored the real-life experiences of these characters on the island, who were essentially the same cast as in the original show. Unfortunately, numerous attempts to revive “Gilligan’s Island” haven’t taken flight, making “The Real Gilligan’s Island” the latest official show in the series. If you’re a completist, you might want to check it out.

Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla

The 1952 movie “Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla” clearly explains its plot: It revolves around Sammy Petrillo and Duke Mitchell, portraying fictionalized versions of themselves, who wind up on an island and seek aid from the sinister Dr. Zabor (played by Bela Lugosi). In this story, Dr. Zabor turns Duke into the title character, the Brooklyn Gorilla, at one point. The pair were attempting to mimic Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin, respectively, but the real duo weren’t too pleased when they discovered Petrillo and Mitchell’s imitation act.

Despite being a movie, it follows a group of clumsy characters stranded on an imaginary tropical island, reminiscent of Gilligan’s situation. If you find the humorously absurd scenarios from “Gilligan’s Island” appealing and can endure its over-the-top, comedic style, then you’re likely to enjoy the silliness in this film as well.

2025-03-10 23:31