Video games have a unique ability to tell engaging stories, create memorable characters and transport players to immersive worlds. It’s no surprise, then, that Hollywood has often looked to games for inspiration. Meet the best games that later became movies!
Movies based on games can capture the essence of the original material, offering fans a new way to experience their favorite adventures.
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The best games that later became movies
1 – Tomb Raider (1996)
To start our list of the best games that later became movies, we have “Tomb Raider”: it features the adventurous archaeologist Lara Croft, who explores ancient ruins in search of artifacts. The success of the game led to the creation of films, including “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” (2001) directed by Simon West, starring Angelina Jolie, and “Tomb Raider” (2018) directed by Roar Uthaug, with Alicia Vikander in the lead role. Both films captured the action and spirit of exploration that made the game so popular.
2 – Resident Evil (1996)
“Resident Evil” redefined the survival horror genre with its tense atmosphere and gripping plot about a zombie infestation. The film series began with “Resident Evil” (2002), directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and starring Milla Jovovich. The movie maintained the horror and action essence of the game, offering a new vision of the zombie apocalypse and starting a long-lasting franchise.
3 – Mortal Kombat (1992)
The fighting game “Mortal Kombat” is famous for its iconic characters and brutal finishing moves. The film adaptation “Mortal Kombat” (1995), directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, brought these elements to the screen, offering thrilling combat sequences and fidelity to the characters. A new adaptation was released in 2021, directed by Simon McQuoid, continuing the tradition of intense combat. It’s not left out of our list of the best games that later became movies.
4 – Silent Hill (1999)
“Silent Hill” is a psychological horror game known for its oppressive atmosphere and complex narrative. The film “Silent Hill” (2006), directed by Christophe Gans, adapted these elements masterfully, creating a visually frightening experience while maintaining the mystery and unease that define the series.
5 – Assassin’s Creed (2007)
“Assassin’s Creed” transports players to different historical periods, allowing them to live as assassins in infiltration and combat missions. The movie “Assassin’s Creed” (2016), directed by Justin Kurzel and starring Michael Fassbender, tried to capture the essence of the game’s parkour and historical intrigue, although with a mixed reception.
6 – Warcraft (1994)
The vast world of “Warcraft” and its rich fantasy traditions have made it a favorite among gamers. The movie “Warcraft” (2016), directed by Duncan Jones, brought the struggle between humans and orcs to life, with impressive visual effects and an ambitious attempt to capture the depth of the game’s universe.
7 – Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003)
“Prince of Persia” is known for its parkour mechanics and time manipulation. The movie “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” (2010), directed by Mike Newell and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, adapted these characteristics, offering an action-packed adventure that, although not perfect, managed to capture the spirit of the game.
8 – Hitman (2000)
“Hitman” allows players to take on the role of a professional assassin in stealth missions. The movie “Hitman” (2007), directed by Xavier Gens and starring Timothy Olyphant, tried to replicate the calculated coolness and stealth action of the game, resulting in an intense action thriller. It also deserves a place on our list of the best games that later became movies.
9 – Doom (1993)
The classic first-person shooter “Doom” is famous for its frenetic action and hellish monsters. The film adaptation “Doom” (2005), directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak and starring Dwayne Johnson, tried to capture this adrenaline rush, especially in a first-person sequence that pays homage to the game.
10 – Need for Speed (1994)
“Need for Speed is synonymous with thrilling races and exotic cars. The movie “Need for Speed” (2014), directed by Scott Waugh and starring Aaron Paul, brought this excitement to the screen with breathtaking chase scenes and a narrative that tries to capture the essence of illegal street racing.
11 – Max Payne (2001)
“Max Payne” is a noir action game that follows the journey of a detective in search of revenge. The film “Max Payne” (2008), directed by John Moore and starring Mark Wahlberg, tried to bring the dark narrative and stylized action of the game, with mixed results among critics.
12 – Street Fighter (1987)
“Street Fighter” is one of the most popular fighting games of all time, known for its unique characters and intense combat. The film adaptation “Street Fighter” (1994), directed by Steven E. de Souza and starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, tried to capture this energy, albeit with a more camp approach.
13 – Tekken (1994)
“Tekken” is another iconic fighting game, known for its complex family history and martial arts. The movie “Tekken” (2010), directed by Dwight H. Little, tried to capture the essence of the characters and their rivalries, offering choreographed fights that recall the game.
14 – Rampage (1986)
“Rampage” is a classic arcade game where giant monsters destroy cities. The movie “Rampage” (2018), directed by Brad Peyton and starring Dwayne Johnson, expanded this premise into an action narrative, offering unbridled fun and destruction on a grand scale.
15 – Angry Birds (2009)
“Angry Birds” is a casual puzzle game that has become a worldwide phenomenon. The adaptation “The Angry Birds Movie” (2016), directed by Clay Kaytis and Fergal Reilly, brought the colorful characters and simple fun of the game to an animated narrative full of humor, pleasing children and adults alike. It rounds off our list of the best games that later became movies.
Complete list: 15 best games that later became movies
- Tomb Raider
- Resident Evil
- Mortal Kombat
- Silent Hill
- Assassin’s Creed
- Warcraft
- Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
- Hitman
- Doom
- Need for Speed
- Max Payne
- Street Fighter
- Tekken
- Rampage
- Angry Birds
Whether through archaeological adventures, zombie apocalypses or fights, these movies offer a new way to experience the worlds and characters that gamers love so much. We hope you enjoyed this list of the best games that later became movies! Explore our website for similar content.
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