GREAT GAMES = FABULOUS FILMS
It isn’t easy to adapt any form of media into a film, especially video games. However, some adaptations of genres naturally work. Take, for example, sports or casino movies. There are many more excellent ones than bad ones. While most video game adaptations fail to live up to expectations, some filmmakers have done a fantastic job of understanding what the game’s fan base wanted. These films are often those that have been specifically designed to appeal to gamers, regardless of critics’ opinions.
The best video game movies have such a wide range of content that there’s something for everyone. In addition, the days of cheap spin-offs appear to be over, thanks to a new generation of filmmakers who grew up playing games, with big studios instead investing time and money in giving gamers the adaptations they deserve. So whatever game you enjoy, there should be a movie on this list that will make you put down the controller and grab some popcorn instead.
Detective Pikachu
Pokémon as a franchise has always been a mainstay: there are cards, TV shows, and animated films. Then there’s the game itself, which defined an entire generation. Despite this, there was some skepticism when Detective Pikachu was announced about what a live-action film starring the beloved creatures might look like. However, not only did the visuals impress, but also the lead actors, Ryan Reynolds (as the voice of Detective Pikachu) and Justice Smith (as Tim Goodman) made the film thoroughly entertaining.
Need For Speed
$43, 577,636! That’s how much Need for Speed made in the United States. Given the video game franchise’s popularity, this is no surprise. Although you can’t please everyone, as It received a 57% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and the critics were less than complimentary, awarding it 22%. The film’s protagonist hopes to save his struggling garage but is falsely accused of murder. The film aimed to capture the excitement of the game in a realistic setting.
Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV
Final Fantasy XV took nearly 10 years to arrive. When the game was finally released in 2016, it was accompanied by a prequel film which takes place during the first act of the game, while Noctis and his crew are repairing their royal car. Kingsglaive’s plot line provides much-needed backstory to characters you never get to meet in the vast game, such as Lunafreya and Noctis’ father. The CGI is even better than in previous Final Fantasy films, and the cast includes Aaron Paul, Sean Bean, and Lena Headey. Kingsglaive perfectly captures the game’s royal atmosphere and sets the tone for Noctis’ harrowing story of birthright and ill fate.
Werewolves Within
Werewolves Within stands out as an excellent example of a video game adapted into a film. It retains the premise of the game, where a group of people must unravel the mystery of who among them is the werewolf aiming to prey on them, while also questioning the existence of werewolves altogether. This adaptation brings a fresh take to the horror-comedy genre, with its novel approach and eccentric characters. While some may find the characters overly eccentric, they undeniably contribute to the film’s comedic elements, eliciting laughter throughout. For fans eager to delve deeper into the werewolf mystery, they can explore related content and discussions on platforms like BC Game registration, fostering a community around this intriguing narrative.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Following on from the success of Pirates of the Caribbean, Jerry Bruckheimer sought out his next lucrative franchise. The end result? Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, based on the 2003 platform game of the same name. While critics were divided, most agreed that it was an improvement over previous video-game-based films. The plot revolves around Jake Gyllenhaal’s Prince Dastan and Gemma Arterton’s Princess Tamina as they set out to save a kingdom from a magical sand curse. The film loosely adapts game elements, such as the Prince’s athleticism and character arc. In the end, Sands of Time is a flawed but entertaining action-adventure film.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Aside from breaking Sonic the Hedgehog’s domestic box office record, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is the second-highest-rated live-action video game adaptation, with a 69% Rotten Tomatoes critic score. With a star-studded cast that includes Jim Carrey and Idris Elba, among other talented actors, and a story based on Sega’s legendary mascot, it’s no surprise that Sonic the Hedgehog’s first two films were critical and commercial successes for Paramount Pictures, with a third installment already on the way.
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