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Video game to movie adaptations have a long and rocky history. To hear it told, the 90s were littered with bad releases that gave the genre a bad name and made gamers and movie watchers unwilling to give video game films the benefit of the doubt. Developers and producers have since reworked their formula and some releases are not only promising, but actually worth your time. Here is a look at some of the best video game to movie adaptations you should definitely add to your watchlist.
The Last of Us
No movie has lent as much credibility to the video game movie genre as The Last of Us. This recent release has been critically acclaimed internationally, winning multiple awards and selling millions of copies. Remaining loyal to the source material, The Last of Us series is based on the similarly-named post-apocalyptic title featuring Ellie and John – played by Ramsey and Pascal in the movie. From the true-to-the-game atmosphere and perfect casting to the transcendent storytelling, The Last of Us is definitely the best of the genre.
Pokémon
The Pokémon franchise seems to have taken on a life of its own. From multiple spin-offs and theatrical releases to the legendary Game Corners and card games, Pokémon is the embodiment of genius game development. The Game Corners are so detailed they feature hundreds of games, including slot machines that have since inspired real-money versions like https://www.maplecasino.ca/real-money-online-slots/ and influenced other aspects of the online casino scene. But perhaps more impressive is the Pokémon anime film, which is entertainment at its best. The show has been in production for over 2 decades and is popular among younger and older audiences alike.
The Resident Evil Series
For the Resident Evil world he created, Paul W.S. Anderson is widely considered one of the greatest visionaries of his time. This is why it is so frustrating that the Resident Evil movie adaptations veer significantly from the original storyline. But if you are not an avid player of the games, you may not notice the jarring differences between the two worlds. In fact, you will likely enjoy the sprit Milla Jovovich lends to the show’s protagonist along with the gore and action of this captivating series.
Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
Sonic the Hedgehog – the movie – almost threw the entire video game movie audience into turmoil upon the release of its first trailer. The 2019/2020 glimpse of the show was so horrifying to fans of the game, it caused widespread controversy and backlash, forcing the developers to completely reevaluate their vision. Fortunately, the upset was worth it. The final release featured amazing performances from Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba, and Jim Carey, colorful graphics, and a fast-paced and relatable storyline.
Mortal Kombat
Mortal Kombat might have been released during the 90s but it is not as dreadful as the period might suggest. In fact, it remains a cult classic. The dumb, fun, and campy title fully embraces the spirit of the game, which is one of the most popular titles of the century. And while it may not feature the impressive graphics of most recent titles, it is an excellent adaptation with a lot to offer.
Way Forward for Video Game Movie Adaptations
Video game movie adaptations are no longer a niche genre – more and more producers have been trying to capitalize on tried-and-true IPs lately. This move is a response to the revenue problems being experienced by the entertainment industry and is what has produced excellent movies like The Last of Us. Moving forward, it is likely that we will see more video game characters come to life on the movie screen but with more purpose and intentionality than in the past.