Adapting one medium to another is difficult, but adapting a video game to a film is, historically, a bit of a cursed endeavor. With the recent failure of theBorderlandsfilm, many long-time fans might have recalled other box office bombs likeBloodrayne(2005), Postal (2007),Uncharted(2022),Warcraft(2016) and the equally loved and hatedSuper Mario Bros.(1993).
What Are Games That Could NEVER Work As A Movie Adaptation?
People keep making movies about video games. They’re fun and all, but there are some things about specific games that just wouldn’t do well in a film, or at least wouldn’t capture the same magic as they do in the games.
But not every adaptation is a total wash. Many fans have begun to look back at previously panned adaptations and say, “You know, this was actually good, and I was wrong.” Talk about growth! Still, seeing our favorite characters and stories from games on the big screen does activate an unironic, child-like enthusiasm in people – and that’s why we keep watching video game movies. So which video game movie adaptations are the best?
8Detective Pikachu (2019)
I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying…Pika
Some fans were bummed that Danny DeVito did not, in fact, end up playingDetective Pikachu. But Ryan Reynolds did a great job bringing the fuzzball to life alongside Justice Smith and dozens of realistic-looking Pokémon like Charizard, Snubble and even Mewtwo. Until the release of the recent Super Mario Bros Movie., this film held the title ofhighest-grossing video game adaptationfor good reason. It looks fantastic, it’s fun, well-pace, and you know, it just gets you right in the feels when you least expect it to.
The film did something that all video game adaptations must do: capture the essence of why fans love that game. Moreover, it was just a great movie full of memelord-worthy moments (looking at you, Mr. Mime). Every age – even if they weren’t into Pokémon – could feel a sense of wonder as they saw the creatures on the big screen in hyperrealistic CGI that occasionally veered into the uncanny valley, but mostly stayed cool and cute. The star-studded cast also included Ken Watanabe, known in the West for his roles in things like Inception, who survived an early stomach cancer diagnosis just three years before the release of Detective Pikachu.
Detective Pikachu
7Sonic The Hedgehog (2022)
You can Kind of Skip the First Movie, Honestly
Most fans of theSonicseries say that the first film is just “okay”; the second movie is the real winner in the series, with Sonic the Hedgehog 3 shaping up to be another big hit as it introduces Shadow. The sequel to the opener of the franchises sees James Marsden and the titular blue hedgehog return to deal with a recovered Dr. Robotnik and his newly acquired apprentice – Knuckles the Echidna as voiced by Idris Elba. But Tails is there, too, voiced the same voice actress for the character since 2010 – Colleen O’Shaughnessey.
Keanu Reeves Cast as Shadow in Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Deadline confirmed the “John Wick” actor is set to live and learn as the anti-hero hedgehog for the live-action series. Woah.
The original film sets up a decent amount of how the world in Sonic operates which can be useful for people unfamiliar with the series. Fans did appreciate how the films adapted the gold rings of the video game to be a type of cross-planet transportation medium. The characterization of the core trio (Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails) also delighted fans with their charm, sass and silliness. Really, the only downside to the Sonic films is a lackluster soundtrack, which could be remedied in the upcoming film.
6Resident Evil (2002)
“You’re All Going to Die Down Here”
Okay, so this movie definitely isn’t that great; the extraction is totally bungled and the Red Queen AI makes zero sense. But as far as video game movie adaptations go, it was one of the best for how it captured the feel ofResident Evilgames. Umbrella Corporation are a bunch of buffoons, and at its core, the Resident Evil series trades in the hubris of mankind – something this film captures. Though the story of the movie serves as a prequel to the original game, it establishes its own timeline and story in the many spin-off sequel films.
Fans can spot classic series enemies in the film from the humble zombie dog to things like Lickers and plans for Nemesis. In fact, there are Easter eggs all over the film including the dreaded crows. Most notable as inspiration from the games are some of Anderson’s camera angle choices that are meant to evoke camera angles in the games themselves. The film remains something of a guilty pleasure for many video game fans (even those who don’t play the games).
Resident Evil
5Mortal Kombat (1995)
Jean-Claude Van Damm and Sean Connery Were Almost In It
The writer and director of Resident Evil first directed the live film adaptation ofMortal Kombat. Having released in 1995 to much success, the film made almost $100 million in profits and has long been loved by fans of martial arts films and the video game alike. The film featured tons ofrealistic fight scenesand unforgettable practical effects for the multi-armed reigning champion of Mortal Kombat known as Goro. Bridgette Wilson, who portrayed Sonya Blade, did all her own stunts and fight scenes, earning the nickname “Robobabe” from Anderson.
The story of the film mostly comes from the original game while incorporating elements from the sequel from 1993. Though the CGI effects do appear dated, the bones on the game adapation are among the best in history. In comparison to the reboot franchise, the original film feels almost more authentic because it isn’t trying to be anything other than a campy, over-the-top fighting game movie. The film stands as a testament to a time when films – video game adaptations or otherwise – didn’t have to be bombastic, big budget statements about anything. They could just be a fun movie where people fight each other and banter back and forth.
Mortal Kombat (1992)
4Doom (2005)
Let’s Just Ignore Doom: Annihilation
TheDoomfilm was a box-office flop, recouping only $58.7 million of its ~$70-million budget, but it was one of the first video game adaptations to utilize the first-person camera, paving the way for movies like Hardcore Henry and echoing techniques used in classic films like Rear Window. The practical creature effects also drew praise from fans of the series and critics alike, along with Urban’s performance as “Doom Guy.” At the time, Urban was still mostly an unknown actor as his major film roles up to that point had been in two Lords of the Rings films and The Chronicles of Riddick.
Perhaps the biggest problem with the film is The Rock’s performance as Sarge who, eventually, becomes a villain. It’s a solid adaptation of a Doom game, but it isn’t a great film. Still, it’s a fun, action-packed take on the alien-killing genre that’s more than worth a watch with friends over pizza on a rainy Saturday night.
Doom (1993)
3Double Dragon (1994)
Similarly to the film adaptation of Street Fighter,Double Dragonis full of campy, over-the-top humor and action. The cast is a who’s-who of late 1980s and early 1990s stars making it super nostalgic for Gen X and Millennials. But it doesn’t star someone like Jean-Claude Van Damm. Mark Dacascos, one of the stars and also host of Iron Chef America, is a hardcore martial artist and he shows that off throughout the film. But better than the action in the movie is the realized future dystopia of Los Angeles from the video games.
Double Dragon Collection Now Available for Pre-Order
Get six classic Double Dragon games on Switch through Limited Run Games
In the same vein as Demolition Man and Starship Troopers, the wealth inequality of an earthquake-addled New Angeles makes electricity, fresh water and shelter no longer a guarantee. A corrupt crimelord named Koga Shuko seeks the amulet of the Double Dragon to cement his power in a city ruled partially by gangs. The brothers Billy and Jimmy Lee are the protectors of the medallion and must keep the two halves of it safe from Shuko’s grasp. Shuko, by the way, is played by the same actor who played the T-1000 in Terminator 2. It’s not a film that takes itself seriously and that’s honestly what makes it a great adaptation of the video games.
2Silent Hill (2006)
A Movie That Sean Bean Doesn’t Die In
TheSilent Hillseries of games is known for its spooky, eerie, and off-putting visuals. It plays with the concept of sanity and what can exist at the fringes of reality. The original film adaptation captures those themes well – even if the ending is weird. It’s a video game film adaptation that fans have come to appreciate with time instead of immediately loving it. The director of the film, though adapting the video game, wanted to incorporate themes from classical literature like the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Silent Hill game writers looked to Russian literature for thematic inspiration for the games as well.
The film reframes the story to be about the adoptive mother of Sharon (named Cheryl in the game), Rose, instead of the father. Thehorrifying Pyramid Head, who doesn’t appear until Silent Hill 2, also appears in the movie alongside characters from the original game like Alessa Gillespie, the iconic nurses and Cybil the cop. Subsequent Silent Hill films have been made, including Silent Hill: Revelations that follows Silent Hill 3 protagonist Heather Mason. Despite the bad CGI at the end, the film holds up as a foray into the duality of man and what can happen when fear and weakness control you vs. strength and courage.
Silent Hill
1Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
It’s a Good Movie AND a Good Adaptation
Before the Alicia Vikander reboot movie and aforthcoming Amazon live-action series, there was the Angelina Jolie era ofTomb Raiderfilms. The first ever released in 2001 featured wild stunts, fight scenes and on-location shooting in places like temples in Cambodia. Much like the games themselves, the film respects its female protagonist in that she is in control of her actions and has agency. The iconic fight between Lara and the multi-armed statue is realized with practical effects and CGI that honestly still thrills today.
But more than the solid story of Lara diving into old temples is the depth that Angelina brings to the character. Her real father, actor Jon Voigt, plays Lara’s deceased father in the movie. It’s a great romp with tons of action and a young Daniel Craig as a rival tomb raider. Plus, it never gets old watching Lara swing around those dual pistols.
