15 Must-Watch Video Game Movies You'll Love

Lets be honest video game movies get a bit of a bad rap these days and it’s easy to understand why.

Whenever a new Sonic 3 hits the market (we’re not giving away any secrets here, but we think that movie is awesome), it seems like there are numerous subpar, money-grabbing adaptations that follow, created with little effort and no genuine passion (for more insight on this, check out our Minecraft review).

However, I’ve always been an optimist and believe that no one intentionally creates poor art or a lackluster adaptation. With that perspective in mind, I delved into my collection of films inspired by video games to identify the 15 finest video game movies ever produced.

Sure thing!

While none of these movie titles are likely to appear on our list of top films (except perhaps Sonic 3 at some point), each film has an appeal that goes beyond the common video game adaptation pitfalls. So, if you’re ready, let’s dive in… just like Mario!

Best video game movies of all time

15. Pokemon The Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back

Release date: November 6, 1999
Director: Kunihiko Yuyama
Cast: Veronica Taylor, Rachael Lillis, Eric Stuart
How long is it? 1 hour 36 minutes

The scenario revolves around a recently developed mighty Pokemon by Giovanni, the head of Team Rocket, who has ordered its creation. Now, it falls on Ash and his companions to persuade this Pokemon that humans and their Pokemon counterparts can peacefully cohabit.

Is Mewtwo Strikes Back considered a great movie by most people? Not really. However, it was the first movie to make me shed tears in the theater, and that’s saying something. Despite my sometimes awkward affection for Ash Ketchum and Pikachu, I must admit that I enjoy the Pokemon battles portrayed in this film, especially since they are brief. Mewtwo turned out to be a fascinating and surprisingly compassionate antagonist. To set the record straight, the main reason I appreciate this movie so much is because of the amazing Donphan appearance at the beginning.

14. Tomb Raider

Release date: March 16, 2018
Director: Roar Uthaug
Cast: Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Walton Goggins
How long is it? 1 hour 58 minutes

Lara Croft embarks on a dangerous expedition, aiming to find her father’s last known place – a legendary tomb hidden within a mythical island.

Our Thoughts: The nostalgic feelings about Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider films didn’t prevent us from appreciating Alicia Vikander’s debut. It seems to have been designed with the rugged, action-packed style of contemporary Survivor trilogy in mind. However, it has some heavy moments, but overall, it’s a robust and frequently thrilling adventure for the iconic video game character.

13. Mortal Kombat

Release date: August 18, 1995
Director: Paul Anderson
Cast: Linden Ashby, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Robin Shou
How long is it? 1 hour 41 minutes

The story centers around: Lord Rayden selects three skilled fighters – Sonya Blade, Liu Kang, and Johnny Cage – to engage in Mortal Kombat, a cross-dimensional battle where they must confront Shang Tsung’s adversaries and defend the Earth.

What we think: MORTAL KOMBAAAAAT!

12. Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie

Release date: August 6, 1994
Director: Gisaburō Sugii
Cast: Kojiro Shimizu, Kenji Haga, Miki Fujitani
How long is it? 1 hour 42 minutes

The plot revolves around M. Bison, head of the criminal organization Shadowlaw, who captures skilled fighters for brainwashing, aiming to build his own army. Meanwhile, Ryu journeys across Asia to hone his fighting abilities. When Bison sets his sights on Ryu, he reaches out to Ken, his rival. It’s now up to Interpol agent Chun-li and Guile to locate Ryu and thwart Shadowlaw from gaining global dominance.

Our Thought: Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie stands out as both an undervalued and overlooked video game film, yet it’s more than that – it serves as a gateway to anime. This is one of the finest adaptations you can find, striking a balance between showcasing the game’s unique, stunning visuals and providing an engaging narrative. Zankuu-kyaku! (That’s Hadouken in English!)

11. Silent Hill

Release date: April 21, 2006
Director: Christophe Gans
Cast: Radha Mitchell, Sean Bean, Laurie Holden
How long is it? 2 hours 6 minutes

What’s the story: Faced with the challenge of curing her daughter’s sleepwalking, Rose embarks on a journey to the eerie town of Silent Hill. Following a car accident, she regains consciousness in a fog-shrouded landscape inhabited by terrifying creatures. As events unfold, she gradually uncovers the haunting secrets that lie within the dreams of this troubled town.

Our Opinion: This video game adaptation movie is often overlooked but deserves more recognition. Director Christophe Gans creates an unsettling ambiance with a unique, stylish touch, the CGI effects are impressive, and the ending is downright chilling.

10. Mortal Kombat

Release date: April 8, 2021
Director: Simon McQuoid
Cast: Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson
How long is it? 1 hour 50 minutes

Cole Young, a mixed martial arts combatant bearing a cryptic dragon tattoo, clashes with fate as he’s enlisted to shield Earthrealm from Sub-Zero and the malevolent forces of Outworld, under the command of Shang Tsung.

Our Thought: Mortal Kombat is an impressive tribute to its fans, featuring sloppy, powerful uppercuts leading to flawless victories, fatalities and brutality aplenty, and a likeable cast of legendary characters. However, we’re hoping that the actual tournament will be included in the sequel.

9. Tetris

Release date: March 31, 2023
Director: Jon S. Baird
Cast: Taron Egerton, Nikita Efremov, Sofia Lebedeva
How long is it? 1 hour 58 minutes

The story portrayed in Tetris is based on the real-life experiences of Henk Rogers, a video game entrepreneur who becomes captivated by this game and endeavors to acquire its rights from Nintendo. His journey leads him to the Soviet Union, where he collaborates with inventor Alexey Pajitnov to make the game available worldwide.

Our Perspective: Tetris offers an engaging and captivating experience that’s hard to look away from, even though it may not alter the world as significantly as its block-moving mechanics suggest. However, you can expect to enjoy a fun time, keeping your eyes glued to the screen.

8. Detective Pikachu

Release date: May 10, 2019
Director: Rob Letterman
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Justice Smith, Kathryn Newton
How long is it? 1 hour 44 minutes

The story revolves around Tim Goodman, whose father, a police detective in Ryme City, appears to have been murdered. However, Tim believes his father is still alive. He joins forces with an old partner, who surprisingly turns out to be a witty Pikachu that only Tim can communicate with, to locate him.

Our Thought: Detective Pikachu offers a refreshing change from previous Pokémon films, delivering an amusing, engaging, and fan-pleasing journey filled with adventure.

7. The Super Mario Bros Movie

Release date: April 5, 2023
Director: Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic
Cast: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black
How long is it? 1 hour 32 minutes

In a nutshell: Brothers Mario and Luigi, hailing from Brooklyn and plumbers by trade, get drawn into colorful pipes leading them to various realms. Unfortunately, Luigi falls into the clutches of Bowser, whereas Mario lands in the Mushroom Kingdom. Here, he forms alliances with Princess Peach and Captain Todd to rescue the galaxy.

From a fan’s perspective: I can’t help but feel that The Super Mario Bros Movie is as close to perfection as an adaptation can get when it comes to capturing the essence of the game. There are numerous subtle and overt references to the timeless iconography of this multi-generational franchise, and while it moves at a breakneck pace, the fun never stops!

6. Resident Evil

Release date: March 15, 2002
Director: Paul W. S. Anderson
Cast: Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Eric Mabius
How long is it? 1 hour 40 minutes

The story revolves around Alice joining forces with soldiers from the Umbrella Corporation, aiming to control the T-virus within a hidden lab known as “the hive.” This subterranean facility used to house researchers, but they were transformed into cannibalistic monsters after being infected by the virus.

Our Thought: In 2002, Paul W.S. Anderson significantly altered the Resident Evil series with a bloody, laser-cutting, exhilarating B-movie that’s become a cornerstone of the genre. Despite its cheesy elements and dated writing, it served as the blueprint for every video game movie made after the millennium, whether they turned out well or not.

5. Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Release date: April 8, 2022
Director: Jeff Fowler
Cast: James Marsden, Ben Schwartz, Tika Sumpter, Idris Elba
How long is it? 2 hours 2 minutes

As I’ve found my home in Green Hills, I’m more determined than ever to show everyone I’m a real hero. But that challenge comes knocking when Robotnik’s back, this time with a new ally, Knuckles, on a quest for an emerald capable of wiping out entire civilizations. With Tails by my side, we’re off on a world-spanning adventure to track down the emerald before it ends up in the wrong hands. Let’s hope we can save the day!>

Our Thought: Following the fan criticism it initially faced, the first Sonic film turned out to be a delightful surprise, and the second one raises the bar in all aspects – the humor is funnier, the action is more creative, and it fully – and cleverly – incorporates the games. It also earns bonus points for its eagerly anticipated post-credits scene.

4. Gran Turismo

Release date: August 25, 2023
Director: Neill Blomkamp
Cast: David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Archie Madekwe
How long is it? 2 hours 14 minutes

As a gaming enthusiast, I found myself immersed in the captivating tale of Gran Turismo, which revolves around my own dream – one that many deemed impossible. The story follows me, Jann Mardenborough, a gamer with an uncanny knack for racing virtually. My exceptional skills on the digital tracks caught the eye of the GT Academy, where I battled it out to secure a place in Team Nissan.

From my perspective: Just like Superman convinced viewers he could take flight, Gran Turismo will persuade you it’s possible to drive like a pro. This video game movie carries the legacy of the lackluster adaptations from the past but manages to convey the thrill and enjoyment of its origin, triumphing over subpar writing with an exhilarating, action-packed cinematic adventure on the big screen.

3. Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Release date: December 20, 2024
Director: Jeff Fowler
Cast: Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, Keanu Reeves
How long is it? 1 hour 50 minutes

Main Topic: After Eggman’s downfall, Team Sonic resumes their peaceful existence in Green Hills. However, when a formidable hedgehog named Shadow breaks free from a GUN prison, Sonic and his companions find themselves joining forces with an unexpected ally to prevent further chaos.

Our opinion: Sonic 3 stands out as the finest in the Sonic series, offering a thrilling mix of intense action and hilarious humor. The final battle between Sonic and Shadow was exceptional, resembling what could be a real-life Dragon Ball Z film (thanks to Dragon Ball Evolution). We must acknowledge Jim Carrey for his outstanding performance as both Eggman and his even more eccentric grandpa character.

2. Werewolves Within

Release date: June 25, 2021
Director: Josh Ruben
Cast: Sam Richardson, Milana Vayntrub, George Basil
How long is it? 1hour 37 minutes

The story revolves around Finn Wheeler, who’s the latest forest ranger at Beaverfield. This small town is in turmoil due to proposals to build a pipeline that would run through the wilderness, causing division among residents. One stormy night, an unusual incident occurs where some local inhabitants find themselves trapped inside the town inn. As they face mysterious and gruesome attacks, suspicion grows among them that there might be someone, hidden somewhere, who is secretly a werewolf.

Despite having a relatively obscure name, the film Werewolves Within is truly impressive. It resembles a comedic mystery in the style of Shaun of the Dead, and its humor extends not only to the dialogue but also to the overall direction. If you enjoy films like Knives Out or Glass Onion, this movie would make an excellent companion – maybe even watching them all together!

1. Tron: Legacy

Release date: December 17, 2010
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Cast: Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde
How long is it? 2 hours 5 minutes

The story revolves around Sam, a character who is the son of the late video game creator, Kevin Flynn. He ventures into “the grid”, a perilous virtual universe filled with disc battles and light cycle competitions. In this world, he encounters a power-hungry replica of his father, who aims to conquer the real world.

Our opinion: Tron: Legacy is often underestimated as one of the outstanding films of the 2010s, despite not being a direct adaptation from a video game (the original movie had an arcade tie-in, making it relevant). The imagination and effort poured into this production are breathtaking; it’s a cutting-edge masterpiece boasting the finest score of the 21st century, courtesy of the legendary duo Daft Punk.

2025-04-03 18:50

15 Must-Watch Video Game Movies You’ll Love