The best video game movies of all time
Video games haven’t had the best luck when it comes to big-screen adaptations, but the times are changing. More video game movies are being made than ever before, and believe it or not, some of them are quite good.
In this list, we’re breaking down the ten best video game movies. These movies aren’t all five-star masterpieces, but they’re all at least good fun to watch once, and some have spawned entire movie franchises. Strap in and get ready for some weird and wonderful video game movie adaptations as you watch through our list of the ten best of all time.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
Universal Pictures
While critics were a bit mixed on this film, audiences at large seem to be pretty happy with it. After a lot of hype and controversy surrounding the cast, The Super Mario Bros. Movie has delivered an enjoyable adventure. While it's not the most faithful recreation of the Mushroom Kingdom, it keeps the right tone and doesn't take itself too seriously, making it a fun watch.
Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
Paramount Pictures
Back in 2019/2020, we would've been willing to bet money on the Sonic movie being an absolute dumpster fire. We all remember that horrible first trailer that caused such a huge backlash they ended up entirely redesigning Sonic's look for the film - those teeth still haunt my nightmares. However, against all odds, the film was great. Nothing revolutionary, but it's a fun family film that is just faithful enough to the games while putting a more "Hollywood" spin on things.
Detective Pikachu (2019)
Warner Bros Pictures
Detective Pikachu is all about the spectacle. While it's not the live-action adaptation of the anime every Pokémon fan secretly hopes for, getting to see high-fidelity 3D incarnations of Pokémon is worth the price of admission for this film alone. The story isn't exactly the greatest thing ever, but it does a good job of getting us from set-piece to set-piece, each featuring our favorite Pokémon getting to shine in all their CG glory.
Mortal Kombat (2021)
Warner Bros Pictures
There are actually two Mortal Kombat movies that were made in the ‘90s, and they were considered to be shlocky but fun martial arts adventures. 2021’s reboot of the cinematic Mortal Kombat universe takes itself a bit more seriously and has the action and effects to back that up. It’s still not a stone-cold classic, but Mortal Kombat is the kind of movie that gives you hope for the future of video game films.
The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019)
Columbia Pictures
While it grossed less at the box office than the first film, The Angry Birds Movie 2 is far more beloved than its predecessor. Between this and Puss in Boots 2, there's a pattern emerging. With voice performances from the likes of Pete Dinklage, this is feels like it was made as a movie first, rather than a cash-in on the Angry Birds franchise. A great kids movie with fun action and a heartwarming center.
Dragon Quest: Your Story (2019)
Toho Co.
Dragon Quest: Your Story is the most generic Dragon Quest tale possible, and that’s entirely purposeful. This cast of characters and variety of locations would fit in with pretty much any of the Dragon Quest RPGs, but the beautiful CGI visuals and familiar score really bring the world to life. It’s a solid adventure, with a fourth-wall-breaking finale that’ll stick in your mind after watching it.
Ace Attorney (2012)
Toho Co.
The Ace Attorney series of games can be seriously goofy, and this Japanese live-action adaptation knows that camp works. It takes familiar characters and scenarios and throws them into a dark, futuristic version of the Ace Attorney world. It’s a weird choice but works well to illustrate the exacerbated reactions of the games. Phoenix Wright bashes his fists on the desk and declares “Objection!” as holographic screens display the piece of evidence he’d like to hold against the witness’ testimony. Seriously silly, but seriously fun.
Resident Evil (2002)
Sony
The Resident Evil movies – all six of them – are the definition of dumb fun. You could ask whether or not they’re good, or if they’re faithful to the games, and the answer to those questions is usually no, but that really doesn’t matter. Alice is the protagonist here, and her multi-movie rivalry against Albert Wesker is super silly, and filled with action that feels inspired by The Matrix, but never quite as good. Just as many skin-tight leather suits though.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022)
Paramount Pictures
Despite falling into a few of the classic sequel traps, the second Sonic movie is just as much fun as the first. While Sonic's overly large cast of characters has become a burden for the game series, this film bringing in Tails and Knuckles was a welcome addition as those characters were adapted brilliantly to the big screen. It's promising for a potential third film, where a post-credits scene teased the debut of Shadow the Hedgehog.
Werewolves Within (2021)
IFC Films
The game Werewolf existed long before video games. Whether you know it as Mafia, or play a more advanced take on it like Blood on the Clocktower, it's a simple premise that anyone can get behind.
It's a very easy premise for a film too. The innate tension that comes from having no idea who the bad guys are comes across to viewers, but this film's Knives Out-style comedic tone stops it from weighing too heavily on you. Much like a good game of Werewolf with friends, it's dripping in suspense but is ultimately still a fun night in.
