When it comes to movies based on video games, it's pretty slim pickings out there. More often than not, it seems like the movies are nothing more than cheap cash-ins on a popular franchise's name.
However, there are exceptions. Sometimes, movie studios give a video game franchise some care and respect, and they actually make a film that's worthy of your time. They're certainly not common, but these gems are out there if you're willing to look!
So with that, here are the best video game movies you should take the time to watch if you're a fan of both films and interactive entertainment!
9. Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
Despite all the controversy that surrounded the film when it was first announced, Sonic the Hedgehog turned out pretty decent!
The performances by the cast—especially Ben Schwartz and Jim Carrey—were excellent and added much-needed emotional weight to the movie.
And while the plot is rather generic, the overall experience is quite fine. Worth a watch if you just want to tune out and enjoy a bit of harmless fun!
8. Hitman (2007)
I actually remember this movie being better than it is, but when I went back to watch it before I prepared this list, I had to move it lower down the list (I originally had it at number 2).
Still, it's worthy of a spot because it is a fairly entertaining recreation of the Hitman formula on the big screen, even if it's quite flawed in many ways.
With the games seeing a second lease on life thanks to the popularity of the two most recent releases, there's never been a better time to watch this movie and see how Agent 47 has changed.
7. Resident Evil (2002)
Resident Evil is definitely the biggest departure from the source material of any game on the list, but it still ends up being a pretty solid zombie-action movie with good enough acting and an interesting plot.
Sure, its main character isn't in any of the Resident Evil games, but Milla Jovovich brings the character to life in a way that makes that okay. For a movie released in 2002, the special effects actually hold up pretty well, which is a nice bonus.
6. Street Fighter (1994)
The Street Fighter movie isn't the best film based on a fighting game, but it stands out for the incredible amount of campiness it brings to the table.
The movie stars Jean-Claude Van Damme as Guile, and it's also the last role of Raúl Juliá. As long as you can get past the low-budget look and feel of the film, it's actually quite entertaining, and it does a good job of bringing the recognizable characters to life.
5. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
Angelina Jolie truly brought the character of Lara Croft to life during her run as the titular character in this film.
Not only does she resemble the physical characteristics of Lara, but she managed to capture her personality as well. Between a decent enough plot and well-executed action sequences, this film is definitely worth watching.
4. Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019)
If you were told that a live-action Pokemon film was coming, you probably wouldn't have expected something like Pokémon Detective Pikachu. It's weird, it's goofy... but it's enjoyable!
Ryan Reynolds knocks it out of the park as the voice of Pikachu, and there's enough to like in the mystery-driven plot that you won't be bored. Plus, tons of fan service with all the different Pokemon throughout the film.
3. Tomb Raider (2018)
Tomb Raider from 2018 stars Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft. Like the recent games, this film is about a younger Lara and it serves as more of an origin story for the character.
She's not the bad-ass we know and love at the start, but she becomes her bu the end. It's not a perfect film by any means, but it does a great job of giving Lara some more backstory, and the end makes you eager to see a sequel.
2. Silent Hill (2006)
Silent Hill is actually a solid scary movie. It's filled with tension and scenes that will make you feel very uneasy. Unlike the Resident Evil film, Silent Hill remains at least somewhat faithful to the video game, though it does veer off when it needs to.
If you're looking for a movie that'll actually creep you out while reminding you of a video game you love, Silent Hill is worth a shot.
1. Mortal Kombat (1995)
When it comes to video game movies, you really can't beat the original Mortal Kombat. The film is absolutely ridiculous, but the characters remain relatively faithful to the games.
If you're even remotely familiar with the Mortal Kombat games, you can look at any character in the film and immediately identify them. Not only that, but the fight scenes are well choreographed, and the plot is actually well-written and interesting.
Grab Some Popcorn and Watch!
If you love video games and movies, these films are exactly what you need! They take the characters you've interacted with for years and gives them a whole new life on the big screen.
Sure, they're not the greatest movies in the grand scheme of things, but compared to most video game movies, they're Oscar-worthy!
