Video Games That Have Been Turned Into Movies

The announcement of a new Super Mario Bros movie starring Chris Pratt coming to theatres in December of 2022 has gotten many fans thinking of the relationship between video games and the film industry. Over the years, there have been a variety of video game-inspired movies made, some turning into huge hits and others missing the mark. Fans often flock to the theatres both excitedly and apprehensively. Check out a few of these films below.

Sonic the Hedgehog

Despite early criticism of the CGI effects, Sonic the Hedgehog was released to crowds of anxious fans after the character was given some retouching in the studio. Video games turned movies have been up for public scrutiny for quite some time, but Sonic the Hedgehog might be what finally convinced fans that live-action remakes aren’t always disappointing. Be it the long wait or the fact that there was finally a reason to leave one’s house during the pandemic, this movie did quite well, becoming the highest-grossing video game movie of all time.

Pokémon: Detective Pikachu

Pokémon is one of those timeless characters that will always have a fan following. This nostalgic video game and its characters were present in many millennials’ childhoods, as they traded cards with one another and spent afternoons achieving new levels. The characters even had a grand comeback with the Pokémon Go game introduced a few years back. In 2019, fans were excited to see the newest adaptation of the franchise, with Pokémon: Detective Pikachu coming to theatres. Between the CGI and Ryan Reynold’s voiceover, the film was a hit for many.

Tomb Raider

The Tomb Raider game series features a fit and gutsy Lara Croft, who was first played by Angelina Jolie in the film franchise’s initial adaptations. In 2018, this film was given another go, this time with the main character played by Alicia Vikander. Although the film had some mixed reviews, fans were impressed by the newer CGI effects making the 2019 Tomb Raider a more immersive experience that is up to standards with today’s movie expectations.

Rampage

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was bound to pop up on this list at some point, as his expertise in action movies has led to him playing some coveted roles. He played the lead character in Rampage, a 2018 film based on the original arcade games of the same name. From Dwayne’s acting skills to the CGI beasts to the action-packed plot, the movie had a lot going for it. However, it did not garner as much attention as many other action movies that were released the same year.

If these films serve as any indication, video games that have been turned into movies continue to gain popularity as plotlines become more complex, A-list celebrities gain main roles and CGI effects become even more engaging. This film genre has branched out in numerous ways. While earlier movies may have only appealed to those who played the video game, they now appeal to a much wider audience and bring in huge sums of money.

While some movies of the past have abandoned many of the original details that made the video game a huge hit, newer movies that are being made hone in on these details and give fans a reason to head to the theatres. Video game enthusiasts continue to look forward to the movies that will be released in the future, with the Super Mario Bros franchise finally getting its well-deserved feature film later this year. While this iconic franchise may be difficult to live up to, the star-studded cast has a lot going for it, garnering much excitement among fans.