The Best Film Adaptations Of Video Games

The dark ages of movies based on video games are behind us. Don’t get me wrong, I miss Max Payne (2001) and Hitman (2000), but we have come a long way from that. Especially, convincing Hollywood directors and screenwriters that video games don’t need to be treated as juvenile entertainment, it’s a rich source material. Hint: Minecraft Movie.

Many early attempts to transfer video game atmosphere to the big screen were corroded by underfunding or overly produced segments. Remember Doom (2005), let’s just say it was poorly executed and leave it at that, shall we?

Thanks to the computing power and graphic processing, we now have films that do just to heart, style, and storytelling of some of the best video games.

Right then, as self-declared connoisseurs of both cinema and console culture, I have sifted through the digital dust to present the absolute best films (old and new) based on video games – ranked not just in terms of its IMDB ratings but also the cultural impact they have had, in terms of the entertainment value, and of course, the narrative swagger. Yes, graphics, too. Here we go!

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A Minecraft Movie (2025)

Directed by Jared Hess, the title makes it obvious that the film is based on the popular video game Minecraft featuring Jason Momoa, Jack Black, and Sebastian Hansen. While the film adaptation has been in talks since 2014, with several directors getting replaced on the project, producers, and plenty of story drafts, A Minecraft Movie has finally hit the big screen so far grossing $313 million worldwide in its opening weekend.

The film adaptation is rooted in the game’s universal appeal and tries to mimic the same kind of pixels as the actual game – iconic low-res, blocky aesthetics. With IMDB rating of 6/10, the film is a blocky action that is entertaining in the same way as The Lego Movie since the game does not have a built-in story. Full creative freedom there!

Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019)

Who wasn’t obsessed with the game when it came out (yeah, even the nerdiest video game nerds loved it) and the movie, a little more than we should as adults. But here’s the deal: the film is unexpectedly witty, way more self-aware for a film for kids (plus when you want to cater to a large audience) making it genuinely entertaining than the first one.

The visuals are appealing so thanks to Sony Pictures Animation! Can’t wait for the next part set for a release in 2027. IMDb rating: 6.4/10

Mortal Kombat (2021)

Mortal Kombat until its 2021 adaptation honestly struggled to please the audience. It bled its way Simon McQuoid envisioned it a little differently leading to the revival of the game, too, actually.  The 2021 film is darker and bloodier than its predecessors and thankfully more action-packed.  In contrast to the earlier attempts, the world building is far more polished in the film than of course its 90’s counterpart. (Can’t blame them really!) IMDb Rating: 6.1/10

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Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019)

If the frenzy of the Pokémon game wasn’t enough, the hilariously funny film with Ryan Reynolds as Pikachu was perfectly genius. The film captured the essence of the Pokémon universe building on buddy comedy and action. The CGI Pikachu is fluffy and alive. While IMDb rating is decent for the film, 6.5/10, I am always gonna pick the 1998 animated film for rewatch- a state-of-the-art of course!

Silent Hill (2006)

When many films were diluting the storylines or the visuals of the video games they were based on, Silent Hill that came out in 2006 did the opposite. It leaned into the atmosphere, the horror, the darkness of the video game without diluting the psychological horror. The makers understood the assignment.

Although not a regular popcorn flick that is fast-paced, Silent Hill is one of the slow-burners that heavily builds the setting to get you that realistic feel and sound effects, but the narrative has a few flaws. To be fair, if anyone wants to take notes on building visual mood, this film is must on the masterclass list.

Fun Fact: The fan-made film Silent Hill Requiem (2017) has a 7.9 IMDb rating. Although not endorsed by the makers of the 2006 film or connected to the official sequel Silent Hill: Revelation 2012, its worth checking out if you’re a hardcore fan of the game.

Sonic, The Hedgehog 3 (2024)

Sonic, The Hedgehog (2024) post its first trailer launch and had to do a lot of rework before the film hit the theatres. But the second sequel, third of the franchise, delivered as per expectations. It has great visuals, thrilling sequences, a lot of Robotnik and Sonic moments, and blends humour with action perfectly well. IMDb rating: 6.9/10

Tomb Raider (2018)

What Angelina Jolie couldn’t do for Tomb Raider as Lara Croft, Alicia Vikander did—get the ratings up for the film. From 5.8 to 6.3 IMDb rating. While the film couldn’t reach the Indiana Jones kind of success, its still a solid, fun, action-adventure film worth the watch. Who’ll say no to Angelina Jolie film, be real!

The practical film location meant an extra effort on the teams part, but the CGI isn’t groundbreaking. The films totally avoid looking like the video game stylistically.

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The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

A departure from the live-action film from the 90s, The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), delivers on high-energy entertainment, has plenty of humour, and fast-paced sequences to grab your attention. The blend of 3D animation makes the world of Super Mario feel realistic, vibrant, and rightly taps into our imagination. IMDb Rating: 7.0

Uncharted (2022)

Following the treasure hunt setting of the video game, the film has great entertainment value and narrative swagger. It is light, more accessible to audiences as Tom Holland plays Nathan Drake and really pays on that action sequence. While you’d expect a little more on-screen chemistry between Sully (Mark Wahlberg) and Nathan Drake, the film doesn’t utilise that fully. IMDb Rating: 6.3/10

World of Warcraft: Shadowlands (2019)

Not sure how to classify the film, the film has fans divided. While the visuals are absolutely stunning set in fantasy world, when it comes the story is one for the die-hard players of the game. Newcomers wouldn’t understand exactly why it is the way it is. IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

Exceptions

Arcane (2021)

One of the best adaptations of a video game, the Netflix series is based on League of Legends League of Legends by Riot Games. The series heavily refers to the source material, is emotionally complex, and rich in visuals enough to make it sound on its own. IMDb Rating: 9.0/10 

The Last Of Us (2023- )

Based on a video game called Naughty Dog, the popular HBO series is a masterclass in cinematic storytelling and without a doubt is one the best video game adaptation that faithfully presents the video game narrative. Mad respect! IMDb Rating: 8.7/10 

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Honourable Mention

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

Yes, the film came first in 1979, a post-apocalyptic film which since has shaped many games and their aesthetics including Fallout, Rage, Borderlands. In 2015, we got a video game version of the film Mad Max 2015, so while Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024) is completely based on the films, and not the video games, it deserves a spot on the list as an honourable mention for the villains, the warfare, the machinery and the narrative arc! IMDb Rating: 7.5/10