Video game adaptations have come a long way, evolving from mediocre attempts to critically acclaimed hits. While some struggled to capture the essence of their source material, others became fan favorites, proving that games can successfully transition to the big screen.
In this list, we highlight the top 10 best video game adaptations, ranking them based on their faithfulness to the original games, entertainment value, and impact. Whether you’re a gamer or just love a good story, these films and series are must-watches.
10. Uncharted: Off the Map
- Year of release: 2022
- Rating: 6.8 out of 10
Despite its star-studded cast, Uncharted didn’t soar to the top of the cinematic charts, but there’s room on our top list for this film adaptation. Director Ruben Fleischer managed to keep the drive of the adventure of Nathan Drake and his company, which we felt when playing Uncharted. Here too, the main goal of all the trials of the protagonists slips literally out of their hands, which makes them move on, overcoming colossal difficulties. The film tries to appeal not only to fans of the Uncharted video game series, but also to fans of adventure cinema. If the former managed to please, the latter complained about the abundance of Hollywood clichés. But anyway, ‘Uncharted: Uncharted’ is not a bad film. For one, viewing is certainly good.
9. Silent Hill
- Year of release: 2006
- Rating: 7.2 out of 10
Fans of the Silent Hill universe were pleased with the 2006 film adaptation. The overall atmosphere of the frightening town of Silent Hill is conveyed exactly as it was in the games of the series. Rose is looking for ways to save her daughter and that’s why she had to go on a journey through the ominous and abandoned town. If fans were impressed, critics did not like the film Silent Hill. Also not thrilled were the adherents of the horror genre, who did not play the project of Konami studio.
But if you like the Silent Hill video game series, then the 2006 film adaptation will most likely be to your liking. The lighting and color design, the soundtrack, the original story, and charismatic characters all add up to make a strong impression. When it comes to the best films based on games, Silent Hill is still at the top of such charts. And if you enjoy the thrill of unpredictability in horror films, you might also appreciate the excitement of online gaming—where Stay Casino can offer unique bonuses to enhance your experience.
8. Twisted Metal
- Year of release: 2023
- Rating: 7.3 out of 10
The deranged killer clown Sweetums is keeping John Doe’s peace of mind. At the time of writing, 10 episodes of season 1 are available. The second will be released in 2025. Each of the episodes lasts about half an hour, and during this time the viewer does not have time to get bored, as there is unrestrained action on the screen. What is especially pleasing is that the action starts from the first episodes – you don’t have to endure them to understand the series. Further, of course, the action slips so that the viewer can get to know the characters. With what can be compared in terms of the level of drive ‘Scrap Metal’, so it is with ‘Mad Max’. Adrenaline racing on combat vehicles under explosive guitar riffs – that’s what you need! As for the main villain in the face of a clown, he is needed here not for a tick, because his participation in raising the degree of madness does not go unnoticed. The first season was a success. Let’s see what will be waiting for us in the second.
7. Mortal Kombat
- Year of release: 1995
- Rating: 7.6 out of 10
The Mortal Kombat film adaptation, which took place in 1995, can be said to be among the pioneers – a timeless classic. Few people have dared to make a film based on a video game before. But the popularity of ‘Mortal Combat’ on consoles in those days was off the charts. That’s why filmmakers could not stay away. What games were films based on back in the day? ‘Mario!’ You can’t go anywhere without the jolly plumber when it comes to old-school console toys.
What can I say, nostalgia with a capital ‘N’. It’s unlikely that we’ll be able to put the younger generation in the mood to watch this film, as it looks a bit old indeed. It is rather a reminder to the connoisseurs that it is time to revisit the favourite cinema of childhood and youth. It’s worth just remembering what a fuss the film made when it premiered in cinemas…. Children in droves went to the cinema, and others persuaded their parents to give them money to go to the cinema. And despite the fact that ‘Mortal Kombat’ has an age limit of 18+. This did not prevent young viewers from seeing their favourite Mortal Kombat heroes with their own eyes, and finally finding out who is stronger: Sub-Zero or Scorpion.
6. Warcraft
- Year of release: 2016
- Rating: 7.6 out of 10
The legendary Warcraft franchise will not let itself be forgotten. We can’t say that the film was an unequivocal success, but breathing new life into the ‘Warcraft’ universe still worked. At that time, just launched a fresh Legion add-on for World of Warcraft, and the film adaptation contributed to the sales of new content. Fans of the series, for the most part, were satisfied, but outside viewers did not understand anything. But it’s all trifles, because from a financial point of view, the release of the film was successful at all 200%. ‘Warcraft’ introduced us to Durotan, the leader of the North Wolf clan, and also allowed us to get to know the rest of the characters. Of course, lore connoisseurs found something to cling to, but the bulk of Warcraft fans remained under a strong impression after watching. Such films based on computer games, such as ‘Warcraft’, we can recommend exclusively for viewers familiar with the subject. While the whole world is waiting for the sequel, be sure to catch up with the film.
5. Resident Evil
- Year of release: 2002
- Rating: 7.6 out of 10
There are still no less than 5 films related to the Resident Evil series, but the first one, released in 2002, was particularly successful. As for this film, it was enjoyed more by outside audiences than fans of the franchise. Fans complained that the atmosphere was not conveyed at all, the enemies from the first part of the game were missing, the zombies did not resemble the game monsters, but worst of all, the characters from the original RE were missing. However, otherwise it is a very dynamic and driving action film. And nothing more. For those who don’t like to look for deep meanings in films, Resident Evil is a great option for evening viewing.
4. Cyberpunk: Running on the Edge
- Year of release: 2022
- Rating: 7.9 out of 10
If you’re not a fan of anime, the film adaptation of Cyberpunk 2077 will make you reconsider. It’s a heartwarming story that leaves no one indifferent. Long wanted to introduce yourself to the world of anime? Then ‘Cyberpunk: Running on the Edge’ will be a great start. The story told in the series does not copy the plot of the original video game, so no significant spoilers you will not meet. It’s especially useful for those who are still planning to play Cyberpunk 2077. But at the same time, if you’ve already played, you’ll find quite a few references to the original. This happens very rarely, when the series has an overwhelming number of positive reviews in relation to negative ones. ‘Cyberpunk: Running on the Edge’ is especially praised for the musical accompaniment, impeccable atmosphere, fascinating story, full of drama, as well as for attention to detail. The series is created with love for the original while also trying to interest outside viewers who haven’t played CP 2077.
3. The Last of Us
- Year of release: 2023
- Rating: 7.9 out of 10
If you set aside the negative reviews associated with ambiguous scenes (you will watch – you will understand what we are talking about) and an unusual approach to the selection of actors, the series ‘One of Us’ is able to surprise even the sophisticated viewer. Do we have a lot of films about the post-apocalypse today? Yes, of course. But are they all worthy of attention? Hardly. Adaptation of The Last of Us exactly conveys the atmosphere of an abandoned city, whose inhabitants are hiding from a frightening virus that turns people into something terrible. Joel and Ellie are a perfect pair of heroes. Their relationship can be compared to the relationship between father and daughter, although they are not related to each other. And they came together under very difficult circumstances. ‘One of Us’ will tell us how important and difficult it is to preserve humanity when there is universal chaos around.
2. Fallout
- Year of release: 2024
- Rating: 8.0 out of 10
The iconic Fallout franchise has gone as long as 2024 without a film of its own. How did the series turn out? Very accurate! Yes, accurate, because the attention to detail is the first thing that catches your eye when watching it. Actress Ella Pernell spent dozens of hours playing Fallout video games to get a feel for the nuances of the universe. That’s about the positives for fans of the series. For everyone else, ‘Fallout’ was a real discovery: there is an intriguing story, memorable characters, and sparkling humour. Young Lucy is forced to leave her cosy bunker to look for her father, who has been kidnapped by raiders. All the rest of her life fades into the background. The world outside the bunker is full of danger, so Lucy discovers new qualities that allow her to survive and move on.
1. Arcane
- Year of release: 2021
- Rating: 8.8 out of 10
Once again, it’s anime. Even at the top of our top list. Quite deservedly, by the way, because on the platform ‘Kinopoisk’ in the rating of 250 best films and TV series ‘Arcane’ is in 6th position! The picture was created based on the MOBA-project League of Legends, but this does not mean that you have to play it before sitting down to watch Arcane. The series was created in such a way that it is equally interesting for both fans of the game and third-party viewers. Such heat of passion and such strong drama hardly anyone could expect from a LoL film adaptation. Stylish and recognisable graphics, charismatic characters, musical accompaniment, rich history and detailed characters – ‘Arcane’ is good in almost all aspects of the modern idea of quality cinema. Scenes of outright cruelty are not here, so you can safely watch instead with your child. Many wonder why ‘Arcane’ has collected so many positive reviews – the project is praised by everyone in a row. This is a universal series: it is equally liked by League of Legends fans and everyone else, suitable for viewing by adults and children. ‘Arcane’ is loved by both fans of drama and supporters of action.
