All 51 Video-Game Movies, Ranked

As a lifelong gamer and movie enthusiast, I must say that my top pick among these video-game adaptations is “Werewolves Within.” Now, I’ve watched my fair share of game-to-film flicks, and let me tell you, most of them are as exciting as watching paint dry (and I’ve seen a lot of that too!). But this one, oh boy, this one is different.

As a long-time fan of video games, I can confidently say that my gaming journey has been enriched by the diverse range of titles I’ve had the pleasure to explore. Recently, I’ve found myself revisiting some of my favorite classics from yesteryears while also diving into the latest releases. One such title that has piqued my interest is “Borderlands,” a game that was originally published in 2016 and has since been updated with new content.

Over the last few years, there’s been a noticeable improvement in video game adaptations to movies. Since the debut of the first movie based on a video game, “Super Mario Bros.” in 1993, there have been very few well-received films in this genre. However, things began to shift with the release of the live-action “Sonic the Hedgehog” by Sega and Paramount in 2020. It received a generally positive critical reception, and it also brought back Jim Carrey’s unique physical comedy style after a long break from comedic roles. Alicia Vikander’s “Tomb Raider,” which came out later, has gained a significant number of supporters. In 2021, “Werewolves Within” was a real gem. The video game-movie sector seems to be growing positively, and this is something we should celebrate! But the question remains: can 2024 continue the successful trend set by the adaptations in 2023, which included “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and “Gran Turismo”?

As a fan following the evolution, it’s clear that B-movie grade has traditionally been the limit for products like these. Instead of comparing video game movies to other films, Vulture chooses to evaluate them based on their own genre peers. To be fair, Street Fighter will likely pale in comparison to action classics such as Die Hard. However, when assessed alongside similar titles, its qualities become more noteworthy. And honestly, that’s a step in the right direction!

Below you’ll find the landing spot for Eli Roth’s Borderlands, as well as some theatrically released animated video-game adaptations, though international-only releases and films not directly based on games themselves, like the Pokémon anime movies, are still not counted. The original version of this list kept things strictly live-action, but how could a list of video-game anything keep blacklisting Mario, cartoon or not?

51. Postal (2007)

This film, titled “Postal“, initially presents two terrorists bickering about the number of virgins awaiting martyrs in heaven from their cockpit seat. Their disagreement escalates into a hijacking attempt, leading them to steer the plane towards the World Trade Center. The ensuing chaos is as bad and offensively crude as it gets, earning this movie the title of the worst video game adaptation ever made. It’s tough to appreciate your work, Uwe Boll.

50. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=bZ7Li5w2I-k

The main character, Prince Dastan, was portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal in the film “Sands of Time.” Furthermore, Ben Kingsley and Alfred Molina played characters named Nizam and Sheik Amar respectively. Having these three actors play Persian roles undeniably gives the movie a strong start. However, even the amusing scene where Gyllenhaal attempts to save the world with a time-manipulating dagger can’t compensate for the film struggling to catch up after a slow start.

49. Assassin’s Creed (2016)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=4haJD6W136c

In 2016, a period when film adaptations of video games aimed for too much complexity in a genre often lacking cinematic excellence, one must wonder how the skilled actors like Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Charlotte Rampling, Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, and Michael K. Williams were utilized so poorly. Director Justin Kurzel had previously created a captivating magic with Fassbender and Cotillard in ‘Macbeth’ the previous year, and it seems wiser to have stopped there.

48. Alone in the Dark (2005)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=Zcgl9YqTlPA

As a long-time fan of Boll’s films, I was eagerly anticipating the release of “Alone in the Dark,” which is the fifth movie on his list and promises to be even better than the rest. Having followed his career for many years, I have come to appreciate his unique style and knack for casting interesting characters. In this film, he truly outdid himself by securing Christian Slater for a role ten years before his “Mr. Robot” resurgence, and Tara Reid as an anthropologist and assistant museum curator.

47. Need for Speed (2014)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=e73J71RZRn8

Regardless of its star-studded cast featuring Aaron Paul, Imogen Poots, Rami Malek, Dominic Cooper, and Michael Keaton in an energetic role as an enigmatic, wealthy racing enthusiast, the film “Need for Speed” fails to live up to expectations, proving to be painfully dull. Spanning over two hours, the movie turns into an exhausting trial, with a significant amount of time devoted to scenes that don’t showcase the talent of its actors effectively. In essence, any film lasting more than 100 minutes within this genre is downright impolite, making “Need for Speed” not only a title but also a helpful runtime recommendation for video game adaptations.

46. Warcraft (2016)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=2Rxoz13Bthc

Regrettably, the film “Warcraft” strived diligently and aimed high in terms of audience satisfaction, yet fell short in delivering a truly engaging experience. Despite the dedication of director Duncan Jones, substantial investments, and impressive visual effects, the outcome was more of an indifferent response rather than a resounding success.

45. Dead Trigger (2017)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=izyn-jBgTF0

Dead Trigger doesn’t disappoint in terms of meeting expectations for a low-budget video game adaptation. It’s not terrible, but it lacks the boldness needed to stand out on this list. Despite featuring Dolph Lundgren, who looks fantastic, this zombie film about a team of soldiers attempting to retrieve a potential cure from a post-apocalyptic quarantine zone feels rather ordinary. However, it didn’t squander a top-tier cast or overspend extravagantly, nor did it intentionally offend, so it manages to avoid being the worst here!

44. Wing Commander (1999)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=iR26_xbXIQ4

The poster for “Wing Commander” is packed with essential information: It’s hinted that chaos will erupt at the universe’s edge, as suggested by the logline. The main cast includes Matthew Lillard, Saffron Burrows, Freddie Prinze Jr., and Tcheky Karyo, which was quite a draw in 1999.

43. Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=ObHbkrh8qZM

The original movie, titled “Annihilation,” overloads the audience with too many elements, making it difficult to follow the storyline, especially in a film centered around impressive fights. Despite Robin Shou reprising his role as Liu Kang, the absence of Christopher Lambert as Rayden is felt, though no disrespect is meant towards James Remar who took over the part. Brian Thompson delivers an intense performance as Shao-Kahn, yet the introduction of numerous unmemorable characters from the game like Jade, Sindel, and Reptile weighs heavily on the movie. Ultimately, “Annihilation” is forgettable rather than exceptionally good or bad.

42. Borderlands (2024)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=lU_NKNZljoQ

The film Borderlands, featuring Kevin Hart as the straight man, requires a multitude of characters to fill the void of larger-than-life personalities. Unfortunately, in director Eli Roth’s colorful action-comedy, nearly every character cranks up their most irritating traits to maximum volume. We encounter an annoying robot sidekick, a mouthy child that’s equally grating, a bothersome bus driver, and even a character portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis who seems excessively neurodivergent-coded. Borderlands barely manages to provide amusing, mindless entertainment, as it is an utter mess. However, this movie boasts a significant advantage: the captivating presence of Cate Blanchett, one of the most magnetic stars in existence. Dress her in a feathered orange wig, place her on a garbage planet, and let her deliver subpar dialogue. Despite our preference for Cate Blanchett not having to battle as much as she does in Borderlands, her mesmerizing charm remains unchanged in this film, just as it is in any other role. Therefore, the enchanting Cate Blanchett prevents this video-game adaptation from being at the bottom of the list, but let it be a testament to the unfortunate state of Borderlands that it requires the full might of Blanchett to barely scrape into this lowly position.

41. Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li (2009)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=EctFEyCMDL0

In the original “Street Fighter,” the character Chun-Li is present, and it’s terrific that if any side character was to receive a standalone film, they chose a female character! Neal McDonough delivers an excellent performance as a villain, transferring his final consciousness into his infant daughter, while Michael Clarke Duncan lends his deep voice to several scenes as the henchman Balrog. However, seeing Robin Shou in a supporting role seems like a step down after watching him lead the legendary “Mortal Kombat” movie. The main reason to watch “Legend of Chun-Li,” however, is Chris Klein. Once a prominent figure in Hollywood, Klein embodies his character, cocksure and somewhat unsavory Interpol agent Charlie Nash, with such conviction that it feels like he’s thinking, “If this is my final role, they will certainly remember me!” Such determination in a sequel to a video-game movie, released 15 years after its original cheesy iteration, is truly commendable.

40. Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=0VH9WCFV6XQ

It appears you’re discussing the film adaptation of “Five Nights at Freddy’s”. To put it simply, the movie might have been more engaging if it had started earlier in the storyline, rather than reaching its climax so close to the end credits. One would think that the popular video game series, which revolves around a different theme, would offer more excitement than watching a man grieve over the kidnapping of his younger brother during their childhoods, and then re-live those traumatic events in nightmarish flashbacks. However, this film’s plot doesn’t seem to explain the game series’ popularity.

39. Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=SRRN6MvCdeg

In a nutshell, the afterlife resembles a continuous battle reminiscent of “Resident Evil: The Raid,” where individuals are attempting to escape from a tower swarming with hostile entities. Despite Ali Larter’s remarkable performance and her captivating fight scene, it falls short of surpassing the title of the least enjoyable “Resident Evil” movie. The disappointing aspect lies in the absence of Michelle Rodriguez. I choose to pass on this one.

38. Hitman (2007)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=ECvtE3JURTg

The paradoxical flaw in the film Hitman lies in its key asset: Timothy Olyphant, famously known for his charisma, plays a cold-blooded assassin so convincingly that his character seems to fade into the background. Despite being the main character, he appears almost absent. The action sequences are entertaining, and Olga Kurylenko delivers a strong performance as a woman seeking freedom from captivity, but overall, the movie lacks depth. Olyphant’s characteristic stride, which was so captivating as U.S. Marshall Raylan Givens, seems out of place here, making an otherwise lighthearted genre strive excessively for gravitas.

37. Uncharted (2022)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=eHp3MbsCbMg

Simple and costly action-adventure movies like “Uncharted,” which often feature prominent actors (in this case, Mark Wahlberg and Tom Holland), prioritize broad appeal over uniqueness. Sadly, the film fails to surpass these low expectations. Holland is adorable, while Wahlberg’s sarcastic charm is omnipresent. However, if there were more of Tati Gabrielle dispatching enemies and Antonio Banderas exuding charisma, it would likely be more engaging! Regrettably, it turns out to be just a standard video-game adaptation.

36. Silent Hill: Revelation (2012)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=9b4iOhWswYM

A group of individuals responsible for decision-making at a film studio concluded that a sequel titled Revelation, six years after the initial release of Silent Hill, was essential. Remarkably, they stayed dedicated to this project. Noteworthy actors such as Sean Bean, Radha Mitchell, Carrie-Anne Moss, Malcolm McDowell, and Kit Harington (who was already popular on Game of Thrones) were part of the cast. While Revelation has its merits, like the gruesome dance of the Bubble Head nurses and enhanced visual effects, it’s primarily for fans who share a fascination with Pyramid Head engaging in a boss battle, decapitating something using a chef’s knife the size of a car.

35. Hitman: Agent 47 (2015)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=alQlJDRnQkE

47, the character in question, surpasses the film “Hitman” in many aspects, but lacks significant depth beyond that. Rupert Friend delivers a stronger performance than Timothy Olyphant as the main character, a point we reluctantly acknowledge. The action scenes are more polished, yet the overall experience is forgettable save for Zachary Quinto’s portrayal of the smug, genetically enhanced antagonist.

34. Resident Evil: Retribution (2012)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=hoyMT-7wEqs

In comparison to “Afterlife”, “Retribution” contains a greater amount of Michelle Rodriguez, which means it ranks higher on our list. Notably, Rodriguez plays both the final adversary and a hippie character who drives a Prius and cautions Alice against using assault weapons due to her activism for gun control. It’s an experience that needs to be witnessed to be fully appreciated.

33. Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=G4bhBabn-wU

Once again, it’s Angelina Jolie to the rescue! Just like any typical sequel, ‘Cradle of Life’ expanded on the original story by incorporating more stunts, action sequences, and exotic locations. However, what truly kept this series afloat was the presence of Jolie, who transformed into an action star during her career and seemed genuinely enthusiastic in portraying Lara Croft. Gerard Butler accompanies her as Lara’s attractive companion, but ‘Tomb Raider’ is essentially a platform for hearing Jolie adopt a British accent and watch her fire hand cannons. A decent choice for the mid-tier movies.

32. Monster Hunter (2020)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=3od-kQMTZ9M

Milla Jovovich has been the most dedicated actor when it comes to video game movies, especially with her long-running “Resident Evil” series. However, while “Monster Hunter” shows promise with its impressive monsters and cool weapons, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of her best “Res” performances. Jovovich delivers her usual badass persona, and it’s exciting to see Tony Jaa in this film, but there’s not enough action for him. This is disappointing given that Jovovich is one of the top action stars of the 21st century and Tony Jaa is a rare high-profile appearance. Additionally, Ron Perlman makes an appearance, but not enough to satisfy. The movie has potential, but it seems to have missed the mark by not making better use of its talented cast in a way that would be more enjoyable for audiences. In other words, it’s not bad, but it could have been so much more.

31. Mortal Kombat (2021)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=NYH2sLid0Zc

As a longtime fan of the Mortal Kombat franchise, I have to admit that I was quite disappointed with the latest reboot. Coming from someone who grew up playing the original games in the ’90s and watching the first movie back then, I feel like this new film could have been so much more.

30. House of the Dead (2007)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=htx3igt0ksk

Once more, Uwe Boll delivers! Let’s be clear: House of the Dead is a less-than-stellar film, but it deserves recognition for its unwavering commitment to its video game origins. There’s an armament preparation phase where any ordinary person stranded on an island overrun with the undead transforms into a tactical weapons specialist, which then transitions into a frenzied sequence that includes genuine game footage integrated into the movie. This aspect sheds light on the cast as well; Jürgen Prochnow is the most familiar face among the actors.

29. Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=qUXVOfdGE4o

In 2001, the release of “Spirits Within” showcased a revolutionary animation style that felt ahead of its time. However, while the graphics were stunning for their era, they struggle to hold up today. This gives the full-length movie an unusual feel, resembling a long string of video game cutscenes pieced together. While this isn’t necessarily negative, it does make the film appear to be primarily aimed at dedicated “Final Fantasy” fans who crave extended sequences of their favorite characters performing cool actions for nearly two hours. It’s an entertaining action-fantasy movie, but the talented cast often gets overshadowed by the emotionless, static expressions on the CGI faces. This is particularly noticeable when considering Alec Baldwin’s voice emanates from a face reminiscent of Ben Affleck. Ultimately, at times, you can’t help but question why you’re watching a movie instead of playing the game itself. Despite its ambition in its day, the final product lacks depth.

28. DOA: Dead or Alive (2006)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=SHQFZV_dgsU

The film “DOA” earns numerous accolades for its pleasant and engaging portrayal in the realm of video game movies. It shares elements with the classic “Bloodsport,” featuring combatants gathering secretly for a competition to gain recognition and wealth, while also incorporating a revenge narrative. Unlike “Bloodsport” or “Mortal Kombat,” however, deaths are minimal. Many video-game adaptations strive to boast the highest body count, but “DOA” is more akin to an intermittently comical martial-arts action-comedy, where humor is intentional only some of the time and endearingly poor in other instances. The acting spans from uninspired to exaggerated caricature, yet it boasts Devon Aoki as a formidable martial artist facing off against Eric Roberts as a cunning villain. In summary, it’s an enjoyable watch.

27. Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=nzF3yoF7N_E

In this “Resident Evil” film series, Alice is known for wearing an unusual pair of pants with a gap on one leg between her knee and thigh. This is more acceptable than the newcomer Jill Valentine appearing in a revealing tube top during the zombie-fighting action. The second “Resident Evil” movie, titled “Apocalypse,” enhances the first by giving Alice more opportunities to fight. However, it lags behind due to the absence of Michelle Rodriguez, who should consistently appear in an action franchise if she has been a part of it once (as seen in the “Fast” series). Since these “Resident Evil” movies start to blend together after a while, Rodriguez’s presence becomes a significant factor in differentiating them.

26. Rampage (2018)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=-43MBOJnVks

In simpler terms, “Rampage” doesn’t quite match up to Dwayne Johnson’s best video game adaptation (“Doom” takes that crown) and it’s not the standout video game movie of 2018 either. However, it manages to secure a spot in the top third of the list, which isn’t bad! The film features a large alligator, wolf, and albino gorilla, Johnson making big man jokes, a sizable Joe Manganiello, and the charming Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who could destroy them all with his charisma if it were concentrated in a warhead. As Vulture’s Emily Yoshida put it, “Rampage” is more like SyFy than Sci-Fi, just one shark away from Sharknado. Until we get the perfect video game movie (like “Annihilation”), these SyFy adaptations provide a fun, entertaining distraction – as long as they don’t take themselves too seriously, which “Rampage” does not. It might not be interesting enough to make the top ten, but it’s still enjoyable enough to avoid the video game movie hall of shame.

25. Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=hfby7XwoBl0

Kudos to you, Resident Evil team! After 14 long years of developing the story for Project Alice, Milla Jovovich has finally concluded this epic saga, and that’s worth a round of applause, considering six chapters and over a billion dollars in worldwide box office revenue on a combined budget under $300 million! The Last Chapter might seem repetitive due to numerous Resident Evil movies preceding it, but the ultimate payoff makes up for it. There is the final showdown between Alice and the wicked Dr. Isaacs. Ali Larter delivers her best performance yet. We learn the true background of Alice. The Red Queen becomes a double agent for our heroes, and there’s finally an explanation for the T-Virus. Even the cryogenically frozen elites meet their end. Great job wrapping things up, Team Evil!

24. Max Payne (2008)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=GklHaGfncJI

In 2008, two films – “Max Payne” and “The Spirit” – attempted to cash in on the popular, gritty, black-and-white comic book style that made “Sin City” a hit. While “The Spirit” relied on Gabriel Macht’s performance for its appeal, “Max Payne” benefited from Mark Wahlberg’s star power, giving it an edge in the action movie market. Set in New York City, “Max Payne” follows a cop whose family is murdered by assassins. Partnering with a vengeful woman played by Mila Kunis, who seeks justice for her slain sister (welcome back, Olga Kurylenko!), Wahlberg takes on the mob, an evil corporation, and police corruption to save the day. In a dramatic turn of events, Wahlberg injects himself with a powerful street drug to combat hypothermia, leading to a video game-like superhuman rampage – all presented in stunning black and white!

23. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=TnGl01FkMMo

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22. BloodRayne (2006)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=bSMS9IwtD3Y

As a longtime fan of action films and video games, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and skepticism upon hearing that Uwe Boll is back with another film adaptation, this time for the game “BloodRayne.” Having grown up in the 90s and early 2000s, I vividly remember the hype surrounding his previous films, which were often based on video games. With a cast featuring genre legends such as Kristanna Loken, Michael Madsen, Ben Kingsley, Billy Zane, and Michelle Rodriguez, it’s hard not to be intrigued.

21. The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=RSKQ-lVsMdg

In the realm of animated movies, I found “Angry Birds 2” to be a continuation of its predecessor, but with a twist of the unexpected quirkiness it introduced earlier. For instance, the ongoing joke about Josh Gad’s character and his peculiar, somewhat homoerotic fascinations towards other characters is a delightful carryover. He pines for the daddy eagle in the first movie and the king pig in this one, despite the latter attempting to devour every bird baby on his island last time.

20. The Angry Birds Movie (2016)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=QRmKa7vvct4

As a parent who grew up playing Angry Birds, I was initially excited to see how the game would translate into a movie. However, after watching it, I found the film to be quite disturbing despite its flippant humor. The idea of an island of green pigs stealing and eating the babies of flightless birds is something that I never expected from a kids’ movie. Despite the irony that seems to cater to adults, it’s hard to shake off the underlying horror of the situation. It was a strange experience watching such a light-hearted movie with such a dark premise. As a parent, I can appreciate the silly humor and the creativity of turning an addictive mobile game into a feature film, but I can’t help but question whether it was appropriate for young audiences. Overall, Angry Birds was entertaining enough, but its dark undertones made it difficult to fully enjoy.

19. Silent Hill (2006)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=WWMGZe6iucw

As a movie enthusiast and die-hard fan of horror films, let me tell you that I found the 2006 adaptation of ‘Silent Hill’ genuinely terrifying! The film, despite not having an extravagant budget, showcased some truly spine-chilling moments that left me trembling.

18. Double Dragon (1994)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=9escFiqUJ0U

As someone who grew up in the 80s and 90s, I can attest to the charm of those early video-game adaptations that were made during a time when studios still had faith in their potential. Back then, they’d invest enough money to give them a cool, kitschy vibe without turning them into the elaborate spectacles we see today (looking at you, Assassin’s Creed and Warcraft). To be honest, most of these movies were critically panned, but the best ones knew how to entertain their audience despite it all.

17. Resident Evil (2002)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=PWUT4CXWcwQ

Paul W.S. Anderson’s initial contribution to the prolonged Resident Evil film series is less action-packed than its subsequent installments. The protagonist, Alice, uncovers her role as a combat-ready weapon only halfway through the film, resulting in extended scenes where she expresses fear while her associates battle against the Umbrella Corporation’s subterranean bio-testing facility, known as the Hive. Despite fewer martial arts sequences featuring Milla Jovovich, it compensates with Michelle Rodriguez’s (the undisputed monarch of this genre) delivering a series of snarky lines while handling a large firearm. Compared to the rest of the franchise, which adheres more closely to the gameplay’s boss-to-boss structure, the first Resident Evil offers a slightly more complex narrative. It could be considered a thinking person’s video-game movie!

16. In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale (2007)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=Q22A9aRrUIw

2007 saw an abundance of video-game adaptations on the big screen, none more extravagant than “A Dungeon Siege Tale,” a film that could only have been brought to life by Uwe Boll with a generous budget at his disposal. As the protagonist Farmer, I found myself in a quest to rescue my abducted wife and seek vengeance for the death of my son at the paws of a fierce race known as Krugs. Can’t get enough of this? It also boasts an all-star cast that any video-game movie enthusiast would die for: LeeLee Sobieski, John Rhys-Davies, Claire Forlani, Kristanna Loken, Matthew Lillard, Ray Liotta, and even Burt Reynolds. Watching it is like asking, “How is this possible?!” repeatedly, making it an entertaining ride for its sheer absurdity.

15. Ratchet & Clank (2016)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=bvWRilQ9lnI

The film adaptation of “Ratchet & Clank”, based on the popular game series, boasts renowned actors like Paul Giamatti and Sylvester Stallone as villains, but what truly shines about this movie is that it uses the same voice talents, James Arnold Taylor and David Kaye, who lend their voices to the titular characters in the games. This film aims to deliver more of something fans already cherish – their beloved voices! Moreover, “Ratchet & Clank” offers a light-hearted experience, similar to the fun times experienced with “Sonic”. The clever use of the Wilhelm Scream adds a delightful touch that makes you nod in appreciation at the skillful video game adaptation. The banter between the two main characters mirrors their dynamic from the games, and overall, it manages to hit all the right notes. Though sequels to video-game adaptations are often unnecessary, a follow-up to “Ratchet & Clank” could potentially be worth contemplating.

14. Tomb Raider (2018)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=8ndhidEmUbI

In a hypothetical scenario where video games are recognized in the Oscars, the recently released Tomb Raider starring Alicia Vikander would be a strong contender for Best Picture. With an impressive critical rating of over 50%, it’s a remarkable achievement within its genre, bolstered by Vikander’s recent Academy Award win. The movie is well-spent, providing the desired action sequences and CGI effects without appearing wasteful, as seen in films like Warcraft and Assassin’s Creed.

13. Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=2VVEAkYlA8o

Among the six Resident Evil films that currently exist, Extinction is arguably the most memorable due to the striking scene where Project Alice (played by Milla Jovovich) transforms a sky filled with zombie crows into an enormous, swirling ring of fire. The post-apocalyptic setting suits Jovovich well, and the scenes showcasing her enhanced telekinetic powers offer a refreshing change from the constant display of guns. (Rest assured, Extinction still has plenty of guns.) Additionally, Ali Larter leads a group of survivors traveling through the desolate remnants of America after the T-virus devastated the world. One aspect that stands out about the Resident Evil movies is their abundance of strong female characters. Even though Jovovich often wakes up without clothes at the start of each movie, director Paul W.S. Anderson never objectifies his female characters, and they are never in need of rescue by more capable males.

12. Far Cry (2008)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=Q2AgFecNaks

In a somewhat debatable viewpoint, I’d say that among Uwe Boll’s works in the video game genre, “Far Cry” stands out as his finest creation. The film is amusingly low-budget, much like any typical Boll production, but it seems to be mocking its own seriousness rather than taking it seriously. Til Schweiger portrays a cynical whale tour guide (who happens to have a secret military past) who unwillingly gets involved in dismantling an underground organization developing the ultimate super-soldier through genetic engineering. It’s worth noting that Boll’s best video game movie features a significant role for Udo Kier, who plays a mad scientist whispering all his lines menacingly. “Far Cry” is intentionally humorous, making it a unique addition to this genre that wholeheartedly accepts the absurdity of its subject matter and even exaggerates it further. Somehow, its unwatchable nature turns it into something you can’t help but watch again.

11. Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (2022)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=47r8FXYZWNU

To set the record straight: Sonic 2 isn’t a significant drop-off from the 2020 film; instead, it simply doesn’t surpass it. This follow-up is adorable, engaging, and incredibly endearing due to its focus on the significance of found family and the strength of friendships – a theme that even brought tears to our eyes! It also carries a subtle yet powerful message about embracing one’s uniqueness. Ben Schwartz remains delightful as Sonic, Idris Elba makes a fantastic entrance as Knuckles, and it’s wonderful to hear the veteran voice of Tails in his role, too. And yes, Jim Carrey delivers another outstanding performance! So while we appreciate this sequel and place it high on our list, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its precursor.

10. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=cnNBqNb3taw

The original Tomb Raider film may not have been exceptional, but it stands among a limited number of high-budget video game adaptations that managed to deliver (to some extent). Director Simon West, known for films like Con Air, The General’s Daughter, and The Expendables 2, has brought this movie to life as competently as those. While the film shares similar qualities with its counterparts, it excels in the captivating performances of Angelina Jolie and Daniel Craig prior to their concerns about appearing in a video game adaptation. It’s uncommon for female leads in such films to be impactful, yet Jolie successfully made an indelible impression – exuding all her distinctive Jolie charm – despite the oversized video game-esque breasts that accompanied her character.

9. Doom (2005)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=LljkKoPs1Gg

“Doom” embodies the classic video game movie genre, proudly displaying its gaming roots with a shift into first-person-shooter action. The story revolves around space marines who initially believe they’re investigating odd occurrences at a Mars research facility, but soon find themselves battling waves of genetically advanced monster-like adversaries, a common video game antagonist.

8. Street Fighter (1994)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=HsTKoGcFS78

The low-key, retro Street Fighter film didn’t strive for anything beyond its essence – essentially, it was a movie adaptation of a game centered around combat, culminating in a climactic fight between Jean-Claude Van Damme and Raul Julia, marking the latter’s last appearance on the big screen. Notable stars from the time period included Kylie Minogue and Damian Chapa. Often, video game movies falter when they aim for too much complexity, but Street Fighter found its niche as an exemplary Jean-Claude Van Damme martial arts film.

7. Gran Turismo (2023)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=GgKmhDaVo48

Phew! As a fan, I’m thrilled to say that the video-game-movie genre has finally added a heartwarming gem – “Turismo” – to its collection. Dads can cheer with joy as they recognize a B-list nod to the iconic Ford v Ferrari! Moms will find themselves smitten by the charming and accessible performance of David Harbour! For millennials, the return of Orlando Bloom in this movie might just bring back memories of that crush on Legolas and Will Turner. Turismo is like a perfectly cooked steak at your favorite diner – comforting and satisfying. It’s a movie you’ll find yourself returning to, even if it’s not quite two hours long. But don’t let the length fool you; it’s still a gripping tale that might even have you shedding a tear or two. Based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, who transformed from a sim racing enthusiast into a professional Nissan racer, Turismo seamlessly integrates gaming elements from the simulator into its narrative, making for an authentic sports movie that’ll get your fist pumping and maybe even tugging at your heartstrings. All in all, Turismo offers sincere performances, cool racing scenes, and is a fantastic watch – well done!

6. Detective Pikachu (2019)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=1roy4o4tqQM

Something about “Detective Pikachu” simply feels right. Perhaps it’s Ryan Reynolds’ spot-on portrayal of a tiny detective Pikachu, or maybe it’s Justice Smith’s heartfelt performance as his companion. Regardless, the unlikely combination of this whodunit adventure creates a delightful journey that mostly avoids the jadedness typically found in big-budget adaptations of video games. It’s not uncommon for video game blockbusters to fall flat because they often feel empty and inflated. However, the appealing cast, which includes Ken Watanabe as well, makes a compelling argument for live-action Pokémon in our world.

5. Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=szby7ZHLnkA

It appears that “Sonic the Hedgehog” is a film that strikes a perfect balance of various appealing elements. It offers just the right dose of contemporary humor, a healthy dose of whimsy, a generous helping of emotion, an abundance of Jim Carrey’s over-the-top antics, and nearly constant appearances by James Marsden. Despite initial concerns following the controversy over the first trailer where Sonic looked like a small human boy under a witch’s curse, this beloved Sega character transformed into an enjoyable family adventure. The film boasts impressive visuals (thanks to the revised CGI), is funnier than expected, features a cast that wholeheartedly accepts the film’s absurdity, and surprisingly delivers a touching story about friendship and found families. In terms of turning pre-existing intellectual properties into films, “Sonic” makes a compelling argument for more game-to-screen adaptations – and that’s not so bad!

4. Super Mario Bros. (1993)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=_oCgefJDilg

As a longtime gamer with fond memories of playing Super Mario Bros. on my NES as a child, I must admit that I was initially skeptical about the live-action adaptation. However, after watching it, I found myself pleasantly surprised by its unique and eccentric approach to bringing the beloved video game characters to life. The film’s surreal and imaginative visual style reminded me of Terry Gilliam’s work, which is high praise indeed.

3. Mortal Kombat (1995)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=JHIfHL5UgFs

While not the initial film based on a video game, “Mortal Kombat” stands out as the epitome of fight tournament movies. The concept is simple yet difficult to mess up if executed wholeheartedly: A group of combatants gather in an extraordinary setting and fight for the destiny of the world. It doesn’t require much more complexity than that. If you spent your childhood either mastering moves or frantically pressing buttons on the Super Nintendo version of Mortal Kombat, witnessing Scorpion and Sub-Zero brought to life on screen was exhilarating. Remarkably, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa seems destined to utter the phrase “Flawless victory.” Furthermore, our nostalgia sensors are still triggered when we see the absurdly impractical yet impressively realistic live-action Goro in action!

2. Resident Evil: Welcome To Racoon City (2021)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=4q6UGCyHZCI

In a nod to the remarkable contributions that Milla Jovovich and Paul W.S. Anderson made in shaping the Resident Evil adaptations throughout the years, it’s important to acknowledge that Welcome to Raccoon City stands out as the finest Res movie yet. Unlike its predecessors, which leaned heavily into sci-fi action, this film successfully blended action with the horror elements we had longed for.

As a longtime fan of video games and cinema, I must say that I was thoroughly impressed with “Raccoon City.” Growing up, I remember feeling let down by many game adaptations that failed to deliver on their potential. They either lacked substance or were visually unappealing. But “Raccoon City” seems to have found the perfect balance between staying true to its source material and offering an entertaining cinematic experience.

1. Werewolves Within (2021)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=X0WzPQNIBJ4

As a longtime gamer and movie enthusiast, I have seen my fair share of game adaptations that fall flat or simply miss the mark. But “Werewolves Within” is a delightful exception to that rule. As someone who grew up playing video games, I can confidently say that this film captures the essence of a fun, genre comedy in a way that feels authentic and engaging.

2024-08-12 22:57