If you’re a fan of both video games and movies, then you’ve probably noticed that video game movies are becoming more popular. With the rise of video game adaptations, it’s no wonder that Hollywood is taking notice of the potential profits to be made from bringing beloved gaming franchises to the big screen. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at 5 popular video game movies and exploring what makes them so successful.
Video game movies have a significant impact on fans, both positive and negative. A successful film adaptation manages to bring the game to life, which can be an exciting and immersive experience. Video game movies can also introduce new fans to a game and even expand its universe: think of The Last of Us and the impact it had on the entire world in these past few months alone. Of course, if a film deviates too much from the game’s storyline, it can disappoint fans, and we’ve had many disappointing adaptations that were a frustrating experience for fans, as well as divisive films like the recent Super Mario Bros. Movie.
From classic franchises to modern hits, the 5 movies below are sure to please fans of both gaming and cinema alike.
5 Popular Video Game Movies
1. Resident Evil (2002)
Paul W.S. Anderson
Based on the popular survival horror game series, Resident Evil has become a classic in the video game movie genre. The movie follows Alice (Milla Jovovich), a woman with amnesia, and her co-leader Rain (Michelle Rodriguez) as they lead a commando team to fight against the evil Umbrella Corporation and their zombie creations. Resident Evil has spawned several sequels and has become a fan favorite. While it’s definitely a product of its time and is just as cheesy as you expect it to be, it’s also nostalgic enough to be entertaining, especially if you’re a fan of the game.
2. Mortal Kombat (2021)
Simon McQuoid
Mortal Kombat is a martial arts tournament that takes place in a mystical realm. The movie adaptation follows the same premise, as fighters from Earthrealm battle against those from Outworld. The film follows an MMA fighter named Cole Young (Lewis Tan) whose job consists of getting beaten up for money. But Cole shows a lot of potential, which is why Outworld’s Emperor Shang Tsung (Chin Han) sends one of his men to fetch him. And so, Cole starts training with the Emperor’s warriors and gets ready to face the world’s greatest fighters, while also saving the universe in the process. Watch it for the well-times action scenes and plenty of satisfying gore.
3. Tomb Raider (2018)
Roar Uthaug
Lara Croft is a beloved video game character, so much so that there have been not one, but two movie adaptations. The truth is, we’ve yet to find the perfect film rendition of our favorite gun-wielding heroine. Angelina Jolie looked the part in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), but the film itself was an incredibly frustrating watch with very little plot. The 2018 reboot improves on its predecessor by giving its protagonist, now played by Alicia Vikander, a mystery to solve: that of her father’s disappearance. If you don’t expect too much and let the film take you on this adventure, you’ll have fun with it!
4. Warcraft (2016)
Duncan Jones
Based on the popular MMORPG, Warcraft takes place in the world of Azeroth. The movie follows the conflict between the humans and orcs, as they battle for control of the realm. Out of the 5 films on this list, Warcraft is definitely the weakest, as it’s pretty much the definition of a formulaic adaptation. But the visuals are stunning, and the battles are epic enough to make it appeal to fans of the game.
5. Detective Pikachu (2019)
Rob Letterman
Detective Pikachu is a recent addition to the video game movie genre, but it has quickly become a fan favorite. The movie follows a boy named Tim Goodman (Justice Smith) as he teams up with a talking Pikachu (Ryan Gosling) to solve a mystery involving his missing father. Though the story itself doesn’t leave room for many surprises, its gorgeous worldbuilding and compelling premise make the movie worth a watch. Detective Pikachu is a fun, family-friendly adventure that is sure to delight fans of the Pokémon franchise.
Overall, these 5 video game movies are some of the most popular and entertaining adaptations out there. While there have been some misses in the genre, these movies prove that video games can make great movies. If you are also a gamer and want to explore more about gaming, hacks, and cheats, then battlelog.co is worth checking out, it is a good platform for games lover.
When it comes to adapting video games into movies, it can be a tricky task. However, the 5 films above have managed to successfully bring beloved video game characters and stories to life on the big screen. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and prepare to be transported into the exciting world of video games.
