While they’re insanely popular, getting into video games isn’t as easy as it should be. Sure you can drop into a few rounds of BGMI or Valorant but sweaty lobbies and disjointed storytelling don’t make them ideal for newcomers to the hobby.
And that’s where video games based on movies come in. Chances are you’d have watched most of these—if not at least heard of them. The familiar setting, characters and stories make them an easier way to get into gaming rather than trying to wiki the events leading up to Yakuza 6: The Song of Life while playing it.
With that in mind, here’s a list of movie-based video games to check out. These include direct adaptations as well as stories from their universes.
Robocop Rogue City
Featuring an original story based on the first three movies, this first-person power fantasy wears its inspiration on its chromed sleeve. From Robocop’s iconic pistol to mimicking the films’ Detroit setting with eerie accuracy, it ends up being one of the more entertaining romps in recent memory.
John Wick Hex
I didn’t expect the Keanu Reeves action flick series to be good fodder for a strategy game set in the same universe but it works surprisingly well. You’ll be put in the suit of Baba Yaga himself in this prequel to the movies as you plot your way across a map strewn with foes deliberating between using guns, fists, or cover as you orchestrate choreographed mayhem.
The Mummy Demastered
While the Tom Cruise reboot of the Mummy series was an absolute dumpster fire, the resulting tie-in game is actually pretty good. Taking place at the same time as the events of the movie, it has you using shotguns, flamethrowers, and supernatural artefacts to turn the tide against an assortment of undead, giant insects and ancient Egyptian Gods.
Golden Eye 007
Even as the James Bond movie franchise battles a period of uncertainty after the departure of Daniel Craig, Golden Eye 007 remains one of the better direct video game adaptations around nearly 30 years later. Putting you in the shoes of Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond as you traipse across the globe with an assortment of weapons at your disposal, it’s a faithful take on a classic movie.
Mad Max
Despite the success of Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), the game didn’t have many takers at launch. To the point where series creator George Miller claimed it didn’t meet his expectations. In hindsight, however, Mad Max is a cult classic post-apocalyptic adventure with memorable over the top vehicular combat that we don’t see enough of from other games.
The Thing: Remastered
Originally released in 2002, this sequel to the classic 1982 horror film has been updated for modern PCs and consoles last month. While it’s not a full-on proper remake, it retains the oppressive atmosphere and fun shooting of the original that makes it well worth checking out.
Alien Isolation
Alien Isolation is a tense adventure set in the volatile Sevastopol space station 15 years after the events of the first Alien movie. Along the way you’ll outsmart lethal Xenomorphs, Androids, and human foes alike as you investigate the disappearance of series protagonist Ellen Ripley.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition
Originally released in 2010 to promote the movie, it was pulled from digital store shelves four years later only to resurface as Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition in 2021. The music and art are timeless as is the straightforward gameplay of pummeling through the series’ league of evil exes as Scott Pilgrim, Ramona Flowers, Knives Chau, Stephen Stills, Kim Pine or Wallace Wells solo or with a friend.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
I’m cheating a bit with this one due to its rich comics history. Though its obvious what with Peter Parker resembling Tom Holland from the MCU movies as do Venom and Sandman from the Venom films and Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 3 (2007) respectively, the coolest thing about Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is its connection to the Spider-Verse which you can discover if you collect every Spider-Bot in the game.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Probably the best thing to happen to the [Indiana Jones franchise since Disney took over]. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is set between Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) and the Last Crusade (1989). As the titular archeologist you’ll don an assortment of disguises, swing across chasms and punch Nazis in the face as you solve one of the most ancient mysteries known to man.