Many movies are based on video games, but not all are good or faithful to the source material. Here are eight of the best movies based on video games, according to critics and fans:
8. Detective Pikachu (2019):
A live-action adaptation of the Pokémon spin-off game featuring Ryan Reynolds as the voice of a talking Pikachu. He teams up with a young man to solve a mystery involving his missing father. A conspiracy that threatens the harmony between humans and Pokémon. The movie is a fun and charming adventure that captures the spirit and humor of the game. It also introduces new and old fans to the colorful world of Pokémon. You can watch it on HBO Max and play the game on Nintendo 3DS.
7. Sonic the Hedgehog (2020):
A live-action adaptation of the Sega video game franchise, starring Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, a super-fast alien hedgehog who befriends a small-town sheriff and battles an evil genius who wants to use his power for world domination. The movie is a fast-paced and entertaining comedy that pays homage to the game’s iconic characters and elements while updating them for a modern audience. You can watch it on Hulu, Paramount+, or Amazon Prime Video and play the games on various platforms.
6. The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019):
A computer-animated sequel to the 2016 film based on the mobile game, featuring an ensemble voice cast that includes Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Leslie Jones, and Bill Hader. The movie follows the birds and pigs as they team up to stop a new threat from an icy island that plans to destroy their homes with giant ice balls. The movie is a hilarious and heartwarming comedy that improves on its predecessor with more jokes, action, and emotion. You can watch it on Netflix and play the games on various platforms.
5. Warcraft (2016):
A live-action adaptation of the Blizzard video game series directed by Duncan Jones and starring Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster, and Dominic Cooper. The movie depicts the first encounter between humans and orcs in the fantasy world of Azeroth, as both sides face a common enemy that threatens their survival. The movie is a visually stunning and epic fantasy that appeals to game fans with its faithful recreation of the lore, characters, and locations. You can watch it on Hulu or Peacock and play the games on a PC or console.
4. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010):
A live-action adaptation of the Ubisoft video game starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, Ben Kingsley, and Alfred Molina. The movie follows a prince who teams up with a princess to stop an evil nobleman from unleashing a powerful artifact that can manipulate time and destroy the world. The movie is an adventurous and thrilling action film that captures the essence of the game with its parkour sequences, exotic settings, and mystical elements. You can watch it on Disney+, HBO Max, or Amazon Prime Video and play the game on various platforms.
3. Mortal Kombat (1995):
A live-action adaptation of the Midway video game franchise, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and starring Robin Shou, Linden Ashby, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, and Christopher Lambert. The movie follows a group of martial artists who are invited to participate in a tournament that will decide the fate of Earth against an evil sorcerer and his minions from another realm. The movie is a faithful and fun adaptation that delivers on the game’s signature violence, gore, and catchphrases. You can watch it on HBO Max or Amazon Prime Video and play the games on various platforms.
2. Final Fantasy: Kingsglaive (2016):
A computer-animated film set in the same universe as Final Fantasy XV, featuring the voices of Aaron Paul, Lena Headey, and Sean Bean. The movie follows a group of elite soldiers who protect their king and city from an invading empire that seeks to steal their magical crystal. The movie is a spectacular spectacle that showcases the game’s impressive graphics, action-packed battles, and rich mythology. You can watch it on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video and play the game on a PC or console.
1. Resident Evil (2002):
A live-action adaptation of the Capcom video game franchise, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and starring Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Eric Mabius, and James Purefoy. The movie follows a team of commandos who infiltrate an underground facility where a bioweapon has turned people into zombies. The movie is a tense and thrilling horror film that incorporates elements from the game, such as zombies, monsters, puzzles, and traps. You can watch it on Hulu or Amazon Prime Video and play the games on various platforms.
