Many video game franchises have a massive fan base, so it is not surprising that a large selection of movies has been created from the world’s best-loved video games. However, producing a video game movie that can compete with the movie rankings is notoriously hard.
Until recently, it has been difficult to find decent movies based on video games. But here are 10 top video game movies that leave all others in the shade. These are the video game movies that all gamers need to watch.
1. Detective Pikachu
As a beloved video game with a huge fanbase, Detective Pikachu needed to be a great movie to meet the fans’ expectations. The film was a big success when it was released in 2019, helped by Ryan Reynold’s brilliant and comic performance as Pikachu. Filled with famous stars, including Bill Nighy and Rita Ora, Detective Pikachu is a must-see movie for all video game fans.
2. Tomb Raider
Tomb Raider was a very popular video game and movie franchise in the 2000s, so the 2018 movie remake had a lot of expectations to live up to. Alicia Vikander replaced Angelina Jolie as the newly restyled Lara Croft and has undoubtedly made a name for herself in this darker remake. The plot of the movie closely followed the 2013 video game and was considered by many fans as a more realistic and refreshing movie.
3. Mortal Kombat
Fans of the Mortal Kombat video game franchise waited eagerly for the 2021 release of the Mortal Kombat movie. This movie came with high expectations as the 1995 version was a huge success and is still a favorite with many fans. Mortal Kombat may have been a slight disappointment for some serious fans, but it is still a very watchable movie. The fight scenes are the definite highlight and are filled with plenty of blood and gore, much to the fans’ appreciation.
4. Silent Hill
The horror movie Silent Hill is a good video game adaptation with some fantastic highlights. It follows the storyline of the popular video game, but a few slight flaws with the script takes the edge off a great movie. All horror gaming fans need to watch this movie for the mega graphics it offers. Overall, this is a highly watchable horror film featuring plenty of scares and frights to keep all Silent Hill fans happy.
5. Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog has a massive fan base, so the release of the 2019 movie came with much anticipation. Early on, fans complained about the appearance of Sonic, resulting in an unprecedented redesign of the character. But once released, the movie was a great success breaking box office records. The performance of Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik is a huge highlight, ensuring this fun, adventure-filled movie is one of the best video game movies made.
6. Warcraft
World of Warcraft from the Warcraft franchise is currently one of the most played video games, so it comes with a huge fan base. This made the 2016 Warcraft movie greatly anticipated, labeled as the video game movie to top all others. Based on the original game, Warcraft: Orcs and Humans, this fantasy film features many well-known characters, though the storyline does come with some differences that might disappoint some loyal gamers. Overall, Warcraft is a great movie that is the clever result of some experienced producers.
7. Resident Evil
The Resident Evil franchise features multiple movies. While the original film was great, the following movies have not been able to live up to this standard. Though, the franchise has been successful in making Milla Jovovich a star based on her performances as Alice. The first Resident Evil movie, released in 2001, definitely comes with the suspense every horror film needs and enough action to make it thoroughly enjoyable.
8. Assassin’s Creed
Assassin’s Creed was released in 2016 as one of the first successful video game movies and is a must-see for all video game fans. The choreography makes this film very watchable, while Michael Fassbender’s acting is a highlight. Like most video game movies, there are some weaker moments, but the unique storyline and great acting will win the audience over.
9. Uncharted
Eventually released in 2022, after many delays, Uncharted was hotly anticipated as the new best action-adventure movie. With great performances from Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg, there is a lot to like about this film, which largely follows the script of the video game. Critics might think there is too much CGI, but generally, this is a very watchable Indiana Jones-style movie with some brilliant scenes. There could be a sequel being planned, highlighting the future expectations for this terrific franchise.
10. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
The 2009 movie Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time was released at a time when many other video game movies had disappointed. Thankfully this action-adventure movie was a great improvement, making this an exciting film to be enjoyed by all the family. Overall, a very well-made film with decent action scenes and a storyline that follows the video game but can easily be watched by non-gamers too.