20 Video Game Movies to Keep You Entertained

20 Video Game Movies to Keep You Entertained

Like millions of others, including you most likely, I’m an avid video game player. Some of my favorite titles include Apex Legends, Minecraft, and God of War.

While being a great source of entertainment in its own right, the gaming industry has also proven to be a goldmine of material for the movie industry. Recognizing the built-in fanbase, many major studios have opted to adapt popular video games into live-action films over the years.

Whether as a treat to loyal gamers hungry to see their favorite characters on the big screen or as a smart marketing strategy, only they know.

In this article, I’ll be discussing 20 of these video game-based movies ranging from attempts like Super Mario Bros and Mortal Kombat to more modern successes like Tomb Raider and Pokemon Detective Pikachu.

I’m fascinated by the hits and misses of bringing interactive virtual worlds to life through film. So let’s jump in and explore some of the most notable video game movies made to keep audiences entertained!

1. Mortal Kombat (2021)

The 2021 Mortal Kombat reboot delivers a satisfying “fatality” for fans of the legendary fighting game franchise.

Directed by Simon McQuoid, the film meticulously recreates iconic characters like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Liu Kang, complete with their signature moves and gruesome fatalities rendered in stunning CGI.

While the narrative introduces a new fighter, Cole Young (Lewis Tan), and borrows elements from various games, it ultimately serves as a love letter to the source material, respecting the established lore while offering a fresh perspective.

This 2021 release is not the first Mortal Kombat-based film but the second following the 1995 edition.

2. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)

Angelina Jolie embodies the spirit of the video game heroine Lara Croft in this 2001 action-adventure film directed by Simon West.

While serving as a loose adaptation of the game series, the film focuses on Lara’s origin story and her quest for the mythical Amulet of Ra.

Jolie delivers a captivating performance as the fiercely determined archaeologist, navigating booby-trapped tombs and thrilling action sequences.

Despite deviating from the game’s established narrative, the film captures the essence of Lara’s adventurous spirit and her passion for uncovering ancient secrets.

Although purists might criticize the liberties taken, “Tomb Raider” undeniably launched Lara Croft into pop culture stardom, cementing her status as a video game icon and paving the way for future adaptations.

There have been several other movies about Lara Croft that have followed including Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life (2003) and Tomb Raider (2018).

3. Resident Evil (2002)

Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the 2002 “Resident Evil” adaptation effectively translates the chilling atmosphere and grotesque monsters of the popular horror video game series onto the big screen.

Milla Jovovich leads a special ops team into a nightmarish underground facility overrun by mutated creatures and a deadly virus.

The film remains faithful to the game’s core elements, offering claustrophobic tension, jump scares, and adrenaline-pumping action sequences.

While some hardcore fans might find the plot liberties taken debatable, the film undeniably captures the essence of the game’s survival horror themes, corporate conspiracy narrative, and the fight against a terrifying biological threat.

The success of “Resident Evil” demonstrated the commercial viability and critical potential of video game adaptations, paving the way for a successful franchise based on the game.

4. Warcraft (2016)

For fans of the expansive “Warcraft” real-time strategy game series, the 2016 film adaptation offered a visually stunning, if imperfect, translation of the beloved universe to the big screen.

Set against the backdrop of a brewing inter-dimensional conflict, the film thrusts viewers into the heart of Azeroth, where orcs fleeing a dying world collide with the human kingdom they threaten.

While some creative liberties were taken to condense the game’s vast lore, the film retained the essence of its epic battles, diverse characters, and captivating fantasy setting.

Though not without its detractors, the film resonated with many fans for its faithful portrayal of the orcish characters and the overall world-building. However, some hardcore followers felt the human characters were underdeveloped and the plot rushed, leading to debates about its adherence to the game’s lore.

5. Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019)

The 2019 live-action adaptation of “Pokémon: Detective Pikachu” deftly blended elements from the popular spin-off video game series with a detective noir aesthetic, creating a unique and engaging cinematic experience for both fans and newcomers.

This family-friendly film follows Tim Goodman, a young man who teams up with a witty and wise-cracking Pikachu to unravel the disappearance of his detective father.

Ryan Reynolds’ voice performance as Pikachu is undeniably charming, stealing the show with his sarcastic humor and heartwarming moments.

While simplifying the complex world of Pokémon for a broader audience, the film still manages to capture the essence of the franchise’s core values of friendship, teamwork, and the power of believing in Pokémon.

6. Werewolves Within (2021)

Inspired by the popular social deduction party game, “Werewolves Within” (2021) translates the chilling whodunit experience to the big screen.

Set in a snowbound ski lodge during a blizzard, a group of strangers must uncover the werewolf hiding among them before it’s too late.

The film cleverly leverages the social dynamics and deduction elements of the game, creating a suspenseful atmosphere as accusations fly and paranoia builds.

Based on the game by Ubisoft with the same title, “Werewolves Within” captures the essence of social deduction games like the one it’s inspired by, offering a unique and interactive cinematic experience.

The film received positive reviews for its clever premise, strong performances, and ability to translate the social deduction genre to the big screen, making it a must-watch for fans of games like Werewolves Within and Among Us.

7. Tetris (2023)

Tetris (2023) brings the classic block-dropping video game to the big screen. Based on the wildly popular puzzle game (Tetris) created in 1984, the sci-fi film follows Henk Rogers’ journey to secure the rights for Tetris in the late 1980s as the Soviet Union was collapsing.

Stars Taron Egerton and Nikita Efremov portray the real-life figures who were instrumental in licensing Tetris out of Russia during this tumultuous era. Directed by Jon S. Baird, this movie dramatizes the fascinating true story behind how Tetris became a global phenomenon.

While taking creative liberties, it captures the competitive spirit and innovation driving the early days of the video game industry.

8. Tron (1982)

Darth-Wiki-Man, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

For a groundbreaking and influential cinematic experience, venture into the digital realm with “Tron” (1982).

Jeff Bridges portrays Flynn, a computer hacker framed and thrust into the enigmatic world of Tron, a virtual program where gladiatorial games pit digitized warriors against each other in a fight for survival.

Unlike most of the movies on this list, this movie instead inspired the coin-based arcade video game. “Tron” was a pioneer in computer-generated imagery (CGI), pushing the boundaries of visual effects with its iconic light cycles, wireframe landscapes, and neon-drenched aesthetic.

Its influence on video games and science fiction cinema is undeniable, shaping the visual style of the digital world and inspiring countless titles.

9. Ready Player One (2018)

“Ready Player One” (2018), is a cinematic adaptation of Ernest Cline’s acclaimed novel.

Set in a dystopian future where people escape their harsh reality through the immersive virtual world of OASIS, Wade Watts, a young gamer, embarks on a thrilling quest to find the hidden easter eggs left by the game’s creator, promising ownership of the entire OASIS.

The film’s greatest strength lies in its meticulous recreation of iconic characters, levels, and references from various gaming eras, serving as a nostalgic playground for gamers packed with easter eggs and references.

While some purists might argue that certain liberties were taken with the source material, the film’s overall spirit of adventure, nostalgia, and community resonated with audiences and critics alike.

10. Monster Hunter (2020)

Monster Hunter (2020) brings the popular Monster Hunter action role-playing game franchise by Capcom to life in this thrilling fantasy adventure film directed by Paul W.S. Anderson.

Milla Jovovich stars as Lieutenant Artemis, a soldier who is mysteriously transported along with her unit to a dangerous parallel world populated by gargantuan monsters and ferocious creatures.

There she meets and reluctantly teams up with a mysterious hunter known only as The Hunter to try and take down the vicious Rathalos dragon.

Using weaponry and strategies true to the games, they unite to navigate this hazardous new world teeming with iconic beasts like Diablos and Gore Magala while desperately searching for a way home.

Fans of the bestselling gaming franchise widely enjoyed the film’s faithfulness to Monster Hunter lore and its efforts to bring the expansive monster bestiary to life through detailed creature designs and epic confrontations.

11. Uncharted (2022)

Uncharted (2022) serves as an action-packed prequel to the popular PlayStation action-adventure video game series of the same name starring Tom Holland as a young Nathan Drake.

Drake teams up with seasoned treasure hunter Victor “Sully” Sullivan, played by Mark Wahlberg, as they set off on a globe-trotting expedition to find the long-lost fortune of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.

This lighthearted and upbeat adaptation captures the exciting Indiana Jones-esque spirit of the games despite taking creative liberties with the established backstories of the central characters.

While divisive among fans, the buddy-comedy tone and blockbuster set pieces left many excited and eager for more adventures within this cinematic version of Uncharted’s world, with a sequel already confirmed to be in development following the first film’s success.

12. Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

Sonic the Hedgehog (2020) marked the first major feature film adaptation bringing SEGA’s beloved video game mascot Sonic to life on the big screen through detailed CGI animation.

James Marsden stars as small-town sheriff Tom Wachowski who aids Sonic, voiced by Ben Schwartz, in evading capture from the government and defeating the nefarious evil genius Dr. Robotnik, played with eccentric glee by Jim Carrey.

While the story diverges from the classic side-scrolling console games, the film stays true to the spirit of the colorful characters many grew up with in the 1990s.

Ultimately succeeding as a lighthearted family-friendly comedy, Sonic the Hedgehog finally broke the supposed “video game movie curse” in a big way both critically and commercially, leading to an even more successful sequel titled Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in 2022.

13. Indie Game: The Movie (2012)

Delving into the heart of the independent video game development scene, “Indie Game: The Movie” (2012) offers a compelling documentary experience.

This film intimately follows the journeys of three passionate developers – Edmund McMillen (Super Meat Boy), Phil Fish (Fez), and Jonathan Blow (Braid) – as they navigate the exhilarating yet challenging world of indie game creation.

The narrative immerses viewers in the creative struggles and triumphs of these individuals, showcasing the dedication, perseverance, and artistic vision required to bring their unique game concepts to life.

We witness the emotional rollercoaster of development, from technical hurdles and financial constraints to the anxieties of critical reception. Ultimately, the film culminates in the bittersweet release of their creations, offering a poignant reflection on the impact of their artistic endeavors.

While not directly adapting any specific video game, “Indie Game: The Movie” transcends its focus on individual projects. It serves as a valuable window into the broader landscape of independent game development, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards inherent in this creative pursuit.

14. Silent Hill (2006)

Silent Hill (2006) adapted Konami’s groundbreaking 1999 psychological horror survival video game into a chillingly faithful film.

It follows Rose searching the mysteriously abandoned ghost town of Silent Hill for her missing daughter Sharon.

With ghastly creatures and hellish visuals straight from the disturbingly nightmarish games, it effectively emulated the series’ terrifyingly dark aesthetic and intricately built mythos.

Though not a major box office success initially, many passionate fans of the games still saw it as one of the most authentic and scary video game to film adaptations ever made in how it respected and brought the acclaimed source material to life.

15. Jumanji (1995)

Jumanji (1995) is a lighthearted family-friendly fantasy adventure comedy very loosely based on Chris Van Allsburg’s original 1981 picture book, not the later Jumanji video games drawn from the movie.

Led by the late great Robin Williams, the film follows two young kids who begin playing the mysterious magical board game Jumanji, causing chaotic jungle animals, dangers, and elements to break into the real world.

As an iconic film of the 1990s, this movie created the basis for the entire Jumanji franchise spanning later reboots, sequels, animated shows, and numerous video games seeking to recreate the world.

The recent Jumanji films include 2017’s Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and 2019’s Jumanji: The Next Level both starring Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart.

16. Rampage (2018)

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson throws down with giant, mutated monsters in “Rampage” (2018), a loose adaptation of the classic arcade game.

The film follows primatologist Davis Okoye (Johnson) as he tries to protect his genetically enhanced gorilla friend, George, from a nefarious corporation that unleashed other monstrous creatures upon the world.

While not a direct narrative retelling, the film captures the essence of the game’s giant monster battles and destruction, featuring iconic characters like George, Lizzie the crocodile, and Ralph the wolf.

Don’t let the names fool you, they are not cuddly!

17. Need For Speed (2014)

Gear up for a high-octane adrenaline rush in “Need for Speed” (2014), inspired by the popular racing video game series.

Aaron Paul stars as Tobey Marshall, a mechanic framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Seeking revenge, he enters a cross-country street race to confront his enemy.

Though not directly based on specific game storylines, the film incorporates elements like iconic cars, high-stakes races, and adrenaline-pumping chases reminiscent of the games.

However, the narrative focuses more on Tobey’s personal vendetta, deviating from the game’s focus on pure racing competition.

Despite mixed reviews from critics, action movie enthusiasts and car lovers appreciated the film’s impressive stunts, fast-paced racing sequences, and sleek visuals.

18. Assassin’s Creed (2016)

Michael Fassbender delves into the hidden world of the Assassins in “Assassin’s Creed” (2016), based on the Ubisoft franchise.

The film blends historical fiction with modern-day technology as Callum Lynch, a convicted criminal, relives the memories of his ancestor Aguilar de Nerha, an Assassin during the Spanish Inquisition.

While the film tries to capture the core elements of the games — historical settings, parkour acrobatics, and the conflict between Assassins and Templars — it received mixed reviews.

Some fans appreciated the faithfulness to certain aspects of the game’s lore, while others criticized deviations from the established narrative and characters.

Despite its mixed reception, “Assassin’s Creed” offers an intriguing blend of history, action, and science fiction, potentially appealing to fans of the games and those seeking a unique historical adventure.

19. The Super Mario Bros (2023)

The much-anticipated Super Mario Bros movie, released in 2023, thrusts everyone’s favorite Italian plumber into the spotlight with a fresh perspective.

Starring charismatic actors like Chris Pratt as Mario and Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, the film takes inspiration from the iconic video game franchise that has been entertaining gamers since the ’80s.

This animated adventure dives into the Mushroom Kingdom’s vibrant world, following Mario and Luigi on a quest to save Peach from the clutches of the nefarious King Koopa, played by Jack Black.

The film balances nostalgia with a contemporary touch, delighting fans with familiar characters and landscapes. While it offers a modern take on the beloved game, some liberties are taken with the lore, creating a unique cinematic experience.

20. FreeGuy (2021)

Free Guy (2021) is an original action comedy not based on any existing game. Ryan Reynolds stars as Guy, a non-playable character in a violent open-world video game who becomes self-aware.

Realizing he’s in a game, Guy tries to save his virtual city by forging his own heroic story as players and the game company try to stop him. This unique movie lovingly satirizes video game culture through a creative high-concept meta premise.

While challenges remain in balancing faithfulness to hardcore fans and accessibility to general audiences, the future looks bright for more video game IPs making the jump to film.

As both a lifelong gamer and movie buff, I’m excited to see what iconic titles end up on the big screen next and how they’ll compare to the long list of game-inspired movies that came before to keep us entertained over the years.