7 Best Movies Based on Video Games

What are the best movies based on video games? Check out a list of some game-to-film adaptations that actually worked.

There is a long history of video games inspiring movies and movies inspiring video games. But here’s the thing—it is notoriously hard to translate video games to film and actually have them turn out well. But as tricky as it is, there are a few video game-to-movie adaptations out there that are well worth watching. Let’s take a look at the 7 best movies based on video games.

Along with the titles below, you can discover more to add to your watch list by chatting with other gamers. Be sure to drop by a gaming forum after you finish reading this post so you can discuss these movies and other adaptations.

These are the Best Movies Based on Video Games

1. Silent Hill

Ask gamers what their favorite movies based on video games include, and a fair few will answer with “Silent Hill.” Specifically, they are usually referring to the original Silent Hill movie in 2006. One of the main reasons for the film’s popularity is that it actually managed to capture the frightening atmosphere of the video game. That was no small feat, considering that atmosphere is one of the things the video game is best known for.

There was a sequel to the movie in 2012 called Silent Hill: Revelation, but it definitely does not measure up to the first film.

2. Mortal Kombat

Another of the most popular movies based on video games is Mortal Kombat from 1995. This movie made an impact on fans with its impressive special effects and atmosphere. You will notice that critics on the whole were not too into the movie when it came out, but it has gained a serious cult following among gamers.

Two years later, Mortal Kombat, Annihilation came out. The general consensus is that while the original movie is worth watching, the sequel is pretty pointless.

3. Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children

When Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children came out in 2005, it amazed people with its gorgeous graphics. That said, this is a film made with devoted fans of the video games in mind. If you have never played Final Fantasy games before, you can expect to be thoroughly lost while watching this movie. If, on the other hand, you are a Final Fantasy player, you will appreciate this movie’s character development, especially with respect to Cloud.

4. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider

The critics weren’t too enamored with this 2001 adaptation of the Lara Croft franchise. It certainly is not high art, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s pure fun, and while the plot is forgettable, Angelina Jolie’s performance as Lara Croft is not. So long as you are not trying to take this movie too seriously, you should enjoy it. If you do, you should also check out its 2003 sequel, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life.

Another Tomb Raider movie worth checking out is the 2018 film simply called “Tomb Raider,” which stars Alicia Vikander. Reviews for the movie were mixed; most gamers seem to prefer the 2001 adaptation, but the 2018 movie did have some unique appeals. The tone of the film is grittier, and Vikander herself received praise for her portrayal of Lara.

5. Doom

The film adaptation of Doom came out in 2005, and stars the Rock and Karl Urban. So, as with Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, what you have is a movie that ends up working mostly because of the actors starring in it. Doom is not an amazing film in and of itself, but the leads manage to carry it. Plus, some of it is in first person! Seeing not just the game, but the FPS format, brought to life like this is pretty darn cool.

6. Sonic the Hedgehog

Gamers were a little nervous about this movie initially, owing to an underwhelming trailer in which Sonic was looking pretty weird. But the movie itself turned out to be surprisingly satisfying (with a much better redesign for Sonic). The film tells a wholesome story with a family-friendly tone, and features great performances from Jim Carrey and Ben Schwartz.

7. Werewolves Within

This film came out in 2021, and was an instant hit with fans of the 2016 multiplayer VR game on which it is based. Critics rated it much more highly than they typically do adaptations of video games. More importantly, gamers themselves love the film. Werewolves Within received accolades for its excellent script, comedic tone, and acting by Sam Richardson, Harvey Guillén, Milana Vayntrub, George Basil, Sarah Burns, and others. This film is so solid that even people who never played the game should enjoy it.

That wraps up our list of the best movies based on video games. While it is hard to adapt video games successfully, these films have garnered great reviews from a lot of fans. Hopefully in the future, we will see more successful game-to-film adaptations.