The 10 Best Video Game Movies of All Time 2023

Following the most recent film adaptation of Mortal Kombat (which opened to mixed reviews) and upcoming live-action versions of games like Uncharted, The Last of Us and The Ghost of Tsushima expected ​over the next few years , we compiled a (completely subjective) list of the 10 best video game adaptations of all time.

There are a lot of terrible video game adaptations (Doom anyone?), and while movies can be very subjective, these movies rank highest on the list of video game movies ( or our favorite video game movies out there. So, fire up your favorite console and grab your controller because we’re in for a bumpy ride!

1. Wreck-It-Ralph (2012)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vf4r5q8-aWo

Okay, our first movie on this list isn’t technically based on a video game, but Disney’s Wreck-It-Ralph was a hit. An animated film about fictional video game characters also set in a video game, this movie is one of the best video game adaptations out there – filled with The great character backstory, fun side quests, and final boss fight knock it out of the park.

Wreck-It-Ralph is unique in that its main character, Ralph (John C. Reilly), is actually the “bad guy” in his own game (Fix-It-Felix). Throughout the film, we see that Ralph is not satisfied with always being the bad guy, wanting something more, which is almost an implicit commentary on Donkey Kong’s initial villainy against Mario, making it at least based on a video game.

Besides all this excitement, the animation is impeccable and the film is so filled with emotion that you will immediately want to watch it again.

2. Resident Evil series (2002-2017)

Perhaps the most beloved video game-to-film adaptation franchise today, with arguably the most complete story, the Resident Evil series (we can’t pick just one) stars Mila Jovovich plays Alice, one of the coolest action heroes of the past two decades. The films were largely directed by Jovovich’s husband Paul W.S. Anderson (director of the original Mortal Kombat film) and became the highest-grossing film series based on a video game franchise.

Resident Evil features six adrenaline-pumping action/horror films based on the futuristic zombie video game of the same name, and it has everything. Throughout the films, Alice faces artificial intelligence, corrupt corporations, zombie hordes, widespread viruses, nuclear weapons, etc. Although this may not be to most people’s taste. people, but no video game list could be truly complete without mentioning the Resident Evil series.

More recently, it was announced that a reboot of the franchise, titled Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, would be released this November, effectively bringing an end to Paul’s epic franchise. WS Anderson and in turn Alice.

3. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

Another video game movie not based on pre-existing video game techniques, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart and Karen Gillan – Truly an explosive movie. A sleeper hit, the film actually started a new franchise based on the original Robin Williams classic that takes place in an actual video game.

Although the film starts out Breakfast Club-style, it takes a surprising turn when the four main characters are transported to the Jumanji video game. Once in the game, the movie becomes an epic adventure quest with dense forests, terrifying enemies and many emotional discoveries. This is truly a wonderful time that will make you want to explore these places for yourself… At least until you walk out the door.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is a fun ride with a more or less enjoyable sequel (Jumanji: The Next Level) to hold you over until the third movie comes out.

4. Detective Pikachu (2019)

Pokemon is one of the most beloved children/teen franchises today, and although the Detective Pikachu video game is a recent addition, it is just as beloved as the rest of the series story. So imagine everyone’s pure joy when the film adaptation of Detective Pikachu was announced.

While fan reaction and reviews were mixed (though mostly positive), Detective Pikachu brought the world of Pokemon to life in a way that had never been done before: live-action. Well, live-action as a talking mouse with electric powers can… The amazing CGI, tense Poke battles, and fun atmosphere of the movie make it a must-see for with fans of the video games and film series alike. A sequel is even in the works!

If all that doesn’t convince you, remember that Ryan Reynolds voices Pikachu, while essentially trying to be Sherlock Holmes the whole time… Yeah, it’s a lot of fun.

5. Mortal Kombat Legends: The Scorpion’s Revenge (2020)

Released last year during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge is a live-action animated martial arts film for adults that focuses on the Mortal Kombat character Scorpion as he seeks revenge on his enemies. massacred his family and clan.

If the fact that this movie is a direct-to-video movie or that it’s animated makes you feel uncomfortable, don’t listen to that feeling. Scorpion’s Revenge is an ultra-violent story made specifically for a more mature audience who grew up with the Mortal Kombat games and are still fans to this day. Characters like Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade all contribute to the story, as does fan favorite Sub-Zero.

If you’re a fan of the Mortal Kombat games or if you’re disappointed with the live-action adaptations, you should definitely check out Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge. It’s a high-octane revenge film that pays homage and tribute to both the franchise and the martial arts that inspired it.

6. Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

Everyone knows Sega’s beloved super-speedy blue hedgehog, so much so that they actually released a live-action adaptation in theaters last year (you know, before COVID made us all close the door). Initial responses to the Sonic trailer were extremely negative (his character design looked like something from Cats), but as fans rallied, Paramount listened.

When Sonic looked normal again, the movie was released and people really loved it. Sure, die-hard fans wanted something different (maybe more Tails and Knuckles), but general audiences loved the action-adventure comedy. Ben Schwartz (Parks and Recreation) voiced Sonic and was an instant hit, while Jim Carrey (How the Grinch Stole Christmas) portrayed villain Dr. Robotnik, and (to the delight of everyone) did so in true Jim Carrey style.

Sonic the Hedgehog ended up becoming one of the highest-grossing films of last year and has since been a hit with both kids and adults (a sequel has already been green-lit), making it a hit. of the better video game movies out there.

7. Tomb Raider (2018)

Admittedly, Angelina Jolie’s Lara Croft Tomb Raider is arguably the more iconic (The Cradle of Life is also quite enjoyable), but the most recent and modernized take on the infamous Tomb Raider certainly deserves more in the this list.

Alicia Vikander (Jason Bourne) stars as Lara Croft in this adventure story about a young woman searching for her father, trying to become the action hero we know her to be. The film is stylish, sleek, and has enough action, suspense, dark organizations, and supernatural wonders to keep you invested until the credits roll.

Plus, Walton Goggins (The Shield) is the villain, and that’s more than enough to keep you interested. While the film is admittedly a mess, a sequel has been in development since the film’s release, promising more new and exciting adventures from Lara Croft.

8. Silent Hill (2006)

Based on the video game of the same name, Silent Hill is a classic and while it may not be as beloved as the original, it still has great appeal. The film is described as “a haunting, atmospheric thriller that slowly creeps up on you and won’t let go.”

Even though the game itself is much scarier, Silent Hill still does a great job of immersing the audience in its world. Between the breathtaking visuals, the disturbing-yet-melancholic score, and the incredibly well-done creature designs, there’s a lot to love about the film, even if it’s not on par with the game.

Another thing I love about Silent Hill is that it doesn’t do cheap scares. Instead, it’s patient and thoughtful about the horror atmosphere it delivers. With a very bad sequel (Silent Hill: Revelation) released in 2010, one can hope that one day an even better film adaptation of the beloved video game series could take the horror world by storm.

9. Warcraft (2016)

World of Warcraft is one of the most popular massively multiplayer online role-playing games today. Since 2004, WoW has captivated gamers and fantasy enthusiasts to fully immerse themselves in the amazing world of Azeroth, not to mention other games. It’s a staple of popular culture at this time.

Warcraft – based on the video game series – is a story about the war between humans and orcs. The film’s visuals are stunning, bringing the world of Warcraft to life in an unprecedented way.

Performances by Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton (Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol), Ben Foster (Hell or High Water), Dominic Cooper (Preacher), Clancy Brown (The Shawshank Redemption) and Glenn Close (Hillbilly Elegy) raised the bar. quality of this underrated film. While there probably won’t be a sequel anytime soon (that’s what happens when your movie bombs at the box office), Warcraft is essentially just a two-hour commercial for the Warcraft games, so let’s Finish customizing your WoW character and move on. out there.

10. Ready Player One (2018)

Last on our list is another movie about a video game that isn’t actually based on a game (although it is based on a book). Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One is a fascinating look at our culture of instant consumption and our obsession with taking things from the past and reusing them over and over again…

Ready Player One is an homage to overall American pop culture that has taken the globe by storm, making us wonder if perhaps origin stories are the way to go after all. . The film itself plays like a video game, as the characters progress through each “level” (including the hotel from The Shining), culminating in a truly impressive final battle sequence will have you searching for every pop culture Easter egg. you can find (Honestly, the Iron Giant references make the whole movie worthwhile).

Ready Player One serves as an interesting critique of video game culture and pop culture in general. Ernest Cline, the author of the original novel, recently released a sequel to his first novel called (you guessed it) Ready Player Two, leaving fans of the first film wondering if Spielberg would could direct another adaptation of this pop culture-obsessed universe.

Categories: Entertainment
Source: Tekmonk Bio