Gamers and film enthusiasts often engage in heated debates on various threads about the ‘best’ video game film adaptations. Assessing such adaptations can be challenging; some prioritize ‘faithfulness to the source material,’ while others appreciate films that offer a fresh perspective instead of feeling like a replayed cutscene. This article takes a different approach by analyzing the IMDb scores of both the film and its corresponding game, providing an objective assessment of their quality. Here are good video game movies according to the majority.
Best Video Game Adaptations
#1 The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
Although there were mixed opinions from critics, the general audience appears to be quite satisfied with this film. The Super Mario Bros. Movie has provided an enjoyable adventure, generating considerable excitement and controversy due to its cast. While it doesn’t faithfully recreate the Mushroom Kingdom, it maintains the appropriate tone while not taking itself too seriously. Overall, it offers a fun viewing experience.
#2 Gran Turismo (2023)
Gran Turismo can be seen as more than just a video game but a movie with a real-life narrative. The boundaries between the two blur, warranting its inclusion in this list. Neill Blomkamp has made noteworthy efforts to capture the essence of playing the game and the authenticity of GT’s competitions, locations, and mechanics.
Despite taking creative liberties, Gran Turismo follows the actual journey of Jann Mardenborough, portrayed by Archie Madekwe, who started as a dedicated gamer and transformed into a professional racing driver, fulfilling his aspirations.
#3 Werewolves Within (2021)
Werewolf, a game predating video games, has various iterations like Mafia or the more sophisticated Blood on the Clocktower. Its simple premise is universally appealing.
The concept also lends itself well to filmmaking. Viewers are drawn to the inherent suspense of not knowing who the villains are, but this movie adopts a comedic tone similar to Knives Out, preventing it from becoming overwhelming. Like an engaging game of Werewolf with friends, it exudes suspense while remaining an enjoyable night in.
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#4 Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
Sonic The Hedgehog, the movie adaptation, transforms Sonic from a game character with little back story into a prominent hero. It’s a highly entertaining family film.
After hiding his powers for ten years to avoid drawing attention, Sonic, the blue hedgehog with the ability to travel to other worlds, accidentally causes a power outage, forcing him to confront Dr. Robotnik (played by Jim Carrey), a mad scientist. With the help of Tom Wachowski (James Marsden), the town sheriff, Sonic faces this challenge head-on.
#5 Mortal Kombat (2021)
The ’90s saw the release of two Mortal Kombat movies, known for their campy yet entertaining martial arts escapades. In 2021, the cinematic Mortal Kombat universe was rebooted with a more serious tone, backed by impressive action and visual effects. While not a timeless masterpiece, Mortal Kombat offers a glimpse of hope for the future of video game adaptations.
#6 The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019)
The Angry Birds Movie 2, despite grossing less at the box office compared to its predecessor, has gained more love from fans. A pattern seems to emerge when looking at this movie and Puss in Boots 2. With exceptional voice performances from Pete Dinklage and a focus on being a standalone movie rather than just a cash-in on the Angry Birds franchise, it offers a great experience for kids with exciting action and a heartwarming core.
#7 BioShock (TBA)
Universal Studios began developing a BioShock film in 2008. However, budget issues and director Gore Verbinski’s insistence on an R-rating dashed hopes for the early attempts. Fast forward to 2022, the BioShock film has been resurrected by Netflix. This collaboration between Netflix, Take-Two, and Vertigo Entertainment aims to create a dystopian cinematic universe. Notably, Francis Lawrence, renowned for directing I Am Legend and three of The Hunger Games movies, will helm the project. The script will be penned by Michael Green, known for his work on Logan and Blade Runner 2049. With this fresh start, Netflix aspires to make BioShock a groundbreaking film series.
#8 Tomb Raider (2018)
Tomb Raider fans will surely recall the disastrous Angelina Jolie Tomb Raider film of 2001. Fortunately, the creators of this new film took the right lessons from it. Starring Alicia Vikander, it did not break box office records but provided a more faithful adaptation of Lara Croft and her story. For a time, it held the highest rating on Rotten Tomatoes among video game movies, and it helped restore confidence in adaptations of video games. This success also paved the way for other remarkable entries on this list.
#9 Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019)
We haven’t ranked Pokémon: Detective Pikachu in the first place simply because live-action Pikachu is the cutest thing we’ve ever seen. Well, maybe we have. Anyway, please don’t judge us. The truth is, this adaptation of the Pokémon-themed video game is genuinely impressive. It offers an enjoyable and unconventional experience, blending comedy, adventure, and family drama.
Everybody’s favorite lightning-powered furball, voiced by Ryan Reynolds of Deadpool fame, teams up with Tim Goodman, a grieving son portrayed by Justice Smith. Tim returns to Ryme City to investigate his father’s untimely demise.
#10 Lara Croft: Tomb Rider (2001)
Alicia Vikander’s Tomb Raider has proven to be an entertaining adventure film, but let’s take a moment to honor the original movie adaptation, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Angelina Jolie delivers a captivating performance in this classic early 2000s action flick, so, let’s give it some credit.
The initial big-screen journey of Tomb Raider revolves around adventurer Lara Croft’s race to acquire ancient artifacts before the Illuminati seize them.
Conclusion
If you have other favorites for the title of best video game adaptations, we’re ready to take a look at them. The above describes not only decent films, but also those films that are based on decent games. They may have different approaches to the story, but every title deserves the right to be here.
