The 20 Most CINEMATIC PS5 Games

Baldurs Gate 3 (2023)

In a lot of ways Baldurs Gate 3 is the ultimate Dungeons and Dragons campaign and in nearly every way feels just as chaotic and unpredictable as those nights gathered around the table with pen and dice. But Baldurs Gate 3 goes even further than its inspirations and crafts a world, narrative and mechanics that takes full advantage of everything D&D has to offer. With incredibly deep characters that all feel unique with their own motivations, incredible set pieces to engage in combat however you choose, and a cinematic presentation that Hollywood could only dream of with worlds even the most talented team of CGI artists would struggle to bring to life. The teams at Larian managed to create a game so detailed and immersive, it's all too easy to lose dozens if not hundreds of hours in its world.

Split Fiction (2025)

Considering game director Josef Faris came from the world of filmmaking, it's no surprise that each of his games have a true cinematic presentation. However, even his previous efforts pale in comparison to the scale and cinematic scope of Split Fiction. With beautifully detailed worlds just ripe for big sweeping camera angles and many of them including some kind of big Michael Bay style explosion, Split Fiction feels like an interactive summer blockbuster in the palm of your hands. Couple this with the near endless pop culture, movie, and video game references and fans of every genre of storytelling will be pointing out every reference they catch and searching endless for more. Although there is supposedly a film adaptation of Split Fiction on production, we have our doubts it can match the scope and scale the game is able to accomplish. Plus, the seamless transition between split screen and single? Chefs kiss.

Black Myth: Wukong (2024)

Black Myth Wukong burst onto the scene in 2020 with a jaw dropping cinematic trailer and thankfully the game was able to match if not entirely surpass those expectations. Recounting the tale of the Monkey King, Black Myth presents players with a wonderfully detailed world to explore, full of tiny details that bring the world to life. The epic boss clashes remain the highlight of the game, and each one stands out for one memorable moment or another. Whether it's the larger-than-life creatures or the dynamic one-on-one clashes, the sweeping camera and over-the-top moves of both the Destined One and the opponent make each encounter feel like youre watching the final confrontation between the hero and villain at the end of a superhero film. The beautifully crafted world along with the slick and stylish combat makes the entire playthrough feel like youre the director of an epic mythological movie.

Fort Solis (2023)

Fort Solis might boil down to not much more than a walking simulator but damn if it's not a suspenseful one. The harsh landscape of Mars makes it very clear it doesnt want humans on its surface and the space stations feel real and lived in, with tiny details about the many astronauts and scientists who passed through filling every nook and cranny. Grounded by impressive performances from Troy Baker and Roger Clark, the tension is palpable as you explore the titular Fort Solis and uncover the mystery of its dark history. Video logs crackle and the atmospheric lighting constantly makes it feel like youre being watched. The extremely grounded nature of the game works in its favor and makes exploring the station constantly feel like youre on the edge of death between the storm raging outside and horrors hiding within.

Marvels Guardians of the Galaxy (2021)

James Gunn might have made the Guardians a household name, but their big video game outing in 2021 arguably told the best story of the galaxys unlikeliest heroes. The interactivity allows players to develop deeper relationships with each character as well as bigger stakes for the universe than their film counterparts were ever capable of. Dealing directly with themes of trauma, grief and abandonment, the game manages to balance these darker themes with the group's typical lighthearted banter and in a lot of ways manages to allow the characters to shine in ways their film counterparts never could. Alongside the rich narrative, the games worlds can be downright jaw dropping in both spectacle and scale and given this IS a Marvel adaptation, the cutscene direction and performances are top notch. In our opinion, this is the definitive Guardians of the Galaxy adaptation and it's a shame well likely never get a sequel.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (2023)

Every Star Wars game will always be chasing the cinematic presentation of its film counterparts, but Jedi Survivor undoubtedly comes the closest. The worlds feel lifted directly from the films and the story of Cal Kestis on the run from the Empire while also attempting to find sanctuary for the Jedi Order feels like a lost George Lucas script or at least what Luke Skywalkers story SHOULD have been. With a wealth of Jedi abilities at your disposal as well as multiple lightsabers and stances, each fight feels like a climactic life or death encounter. Cal is believable as he balances his struggle between the light and the dark side and the climactic encounters with everything from Tie-Fighters to bounty hunters and even the main man Darth Vader himself feels especially cinematic and rivals anything the films attempted to bring to life.

A Plague Tale: Requiem (2022)

The Plague Tale series might wear its inspirations on its sleeve, but theres no denying the series managed to separate itself and deliver its own gripping tale set during the Inquisition and the rise of the Black Plague, and its sequel continued to define itself even further and on a much grander scale. The story of siblings Amicia and Hugo still dealing with events of the first game as the horrors continue to follow them was emotionally gripping and the sea of rats that constantly hunt the pair throughout the game is equal parts awe-inspiring and horrific. As with most sequels, the stakes are much larger and so too are the set pieces and the places the pair can visit and explore. The Plague Tale series manages to bring one of the darkest parts of history to life in all its horrors, but it's the emotionally charged story that keeps you hooked until the very end.

Horizon Forbidden West (2022)

Horizon Zero Dawn might have laid the groundwork and lore for the series, but Forbidden West upped not only the scope of the world but also the stakes. Delving deeper into the history of the world before the Faro Plague and the many ways humanity thrived in its aftermath was incredibly detailed and realized, focusing on the aftermath of an apocalypse rather than the event itself. The larger arenas allowed for bigger encounters with towering mechanical beasts and a tighter focus on Aloy and her companions attempting to once again save the world against overwhelming odds was given additional depth the first game was lacking. With insane set pieces and boss encounters alongside a much deeper and emotionally charged story that routinely makes Aloy question her mission, Forbidden West builds on Zero Dawns potential in every way to become a sci-fi spectacle that rivals the best Hollywood has to offer.

Silent Hill 2 (2024)

Silent Hill 2 was already a masterpiece but after 20 years, the original could do with some additional production value. The atmosphere of Silent Hill is more oppressive than ever, constantly keeping the player on the edge of their seat unsure of what could be hiding in the dense fog, even for longtime series fans. The new updated character models and expressive facial features alongside with the higher quality voice acting bring a greater sense of nuance and emotional weight to the performances and the story that is still being analyzed two decades later. New dynamic cinematic camera angles as well as the players new over-the-shoulder perspective puts the horror of the town front and center and further immerses them in an experience that will have them playing with the lights on even during the daytime hours.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (2021)

Ever since the PS2 days, Insomniac has been chasing the Pixar quality visuals and with the series PS5 debut, they not only finally achieved their lifelong goal but even managed to surpass the digital wizards at Pixar. Rift Apart feels like an interactive animated film that you get to control. The character models are more detailed and expressive than any previous entries and the worlds are more vibrant and inventive, especially the rift worlds, full of hidden details and secrets. The weapons are more bombastic and the details as enemies explode into shrapnel and other bits is just peak Insomniac showing off. The camera will routinely swing around the environment to show off these incredible details and the narrative tying everything together is the series most emotionally charged with multiple twists and turns that will have you laughing one minute and holding back tears the next.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits (2021)

Created by the same studio that brought us the beloved Majoras Mask short Terrible Fate, Kena is a vibrantly detailed animated adventure come to life with you in the directors seat. The entire world is brimming with personality, from the adorable and tiny Rot which can be used to solve puzzles and battle enemies, to the world slowly overrun by the blight and the many enemies and disturbing bosses it spawns. The graphical presentation puts almost every animation studio currently working in film to shame, made even more impressive by the fact the whole experience is fully playable. The art direction and emotional story at the games core fully pull you into the games world and the Legend of Zelda inspired gameplay and puzzles are more than enough to keep you hooked until the games climactic and gut-wrenching finale.

Resident Evil 4 (2023)

The original 2005 Resident Evil 4 is responsible not only for making the over-the-shoulder perspective the industry standard but for also initiating the Resident Evil series tonal shift to a more cinematic and film-quality presentation. The story and plot were more detailed and involved than ever before and the remake managed to take what many fans considered gaming perfection and improve on it. The new additional story content fleshed out the world and the cutscenes felt lifted directly from a summer zombie blockbuster film, while still fully embracing the campy nature of the original that made it such a classic. The new and improved lighting, character and enemy designs made the whole world feel more fully realized and realistic, which only added to the tension filled atmosphere and thrilling journey as Leon fought through all manner of mutations to save the presidents daughter.

Marvels Spider-Man 2 (2023)

While the 2018 title might have had the far superior story, theres no denying that the sequel far surpassed the original in terms of spectacle and presentation. The city of New York has never felt more realized and alive, and the introduction of Venom made for some truly impressive spectacle as the symbiote took over the city. Yuri Lowenthal truly gives his all to his performance, especially during the Venom scenes and the full Venom is truly an imposing figure unlike any other adaptation before it. The inclusion of nearly every Spider-Man suit in existence allowed players to craft their own Spidey adventure with their favorite version of Spider-Man. The action set pieces were far grander in scale and felt like the Spider-Man action scenes the MCU only wished they could accomplish. From large scale battles to smaller, emotional encounters, Spider-Man 2 blended the comic book stylization with the more grounded film-like cinematic summer blockbuster spectacle.

Final Fantasy XVI (2023)

The Final Fantasy series has long been renowned for their cinematics and for the sixteenth mainline entry, Creative Business Unit III managed to set a new bar for the series. Alongside the Game of Thrones style narrative full of backroom politics, murder and conspiracies, Final Fantasy 16 features some of the series most bombastic boss fights with each one managing to up the stakes and surpass the one before it. With climactic encounters that wouldnt look out of place in an anime, players will battle mountain sized bosses, travel into space and somehow even more, all while the camera dramatically moves into the most opportune location to put all the chaos and effects on full display. Anchored by a career-making performance from Ben Starr, Final Fantasy 16 might have deviated from the series roots more than any other entry, but theres no denying it's by far the franchises most cinematic game to date.

The Last of Us Part I (2022)

Few games have had the impact on gaming that The Last of Us did. While numerous other games had approached the end of the world, few if any had done it like Naughty Dog. Everything from the film-like presentation to the decaying world full of hidden secrets, lore and environmental storytelling to flesh out its world, and especially the performances by Ashley Johnson and Troy Baker raised the bar for video game storytelling and the PS5 remake only made all these elements more immersive and oftentimes horrifying. The updated visuals overhauled everything from the lighting to the character models and helped bring the Cordycep ravaged world into even greater cinematic quality. The Last of Us almost single-handedly changed Sonys trajectory and approach to their games and the Part 1 remake is the definitive way to experience one of the greatest games of all time.

Returnal (2021)

Video games are often the only way to tell certain stories and Returnal is the perfect example of this concept. With a time-bending narrative designed around the rogue-like aspect of live, die, repeat, simply surviving Atropos is only half the struggle as Selene unravels the mystery of the planet and its deep emotional connection to her and her past. Each new area you explore feels unique and like a completely different world and the onslaught of enemies keeps your pulse pounding as you narrowly survive one encounter to the next. The nightmarish combination of organic and inorganic enemies brings the nightmarish world to life and the need to constantly stay on the move keeps the adrenaline pumping and the numerous story beats only deepen the mystery that continues even after the end credits roll. Roguelikes are a genre nearly as old as gaming itself and Returnal brought the tried-and-true formula into the modern age.

God of War Ragnarok (2022)

The God of War series practically invented the cinematic experience back on the PS2 and for the entire Greek saga continued to up the stakes with each new entry. But for the 2018 entry, the scope might have been scaled back but was no less cinematic in its presentation. The single take camera throughout the entire adventure was unprecedented and with the sequel Ragnarok, not only were the stakes greater, but so was the scale. The world was as gorgeous as ever, boss fights balanced themselves between the old school days of epic scale and personal one-on-one conflicts, and as the story progressed, the more emotions and tensions ran high with everyone on the cast giving it their all to bring these characters and the world ending stakes of the narrative to its emotionally satisfying conclusion and Christopher Judge deserves all the praise in the world for his introspective portrayal of Kratos.

Alan Wake 2 (2023)

Sam Lake and the team at Remedy have been blurring the lines between live action and gameplay for well over a decade and while not all their attempts have been successful, with Alan Wake 2, they finally managed the impossible. Alan Wake 2 fully realizes the nightmarish potential of its concept, splitting the games protagonists between the real world slowly succumbing to Alans writings and the influence of the Dark Place and Alans horrific existence and exploration of the Dark Place. Mixing elements of live action into many of the games numerous jump scares and one of gamings most outlandish and brilliant musical numbers, the oppressive atmosphere of the Dark Place is filled with endless tension, while Sagas exploration of Bright Falls and the surrounding areas will make you more afraid of the forest than you thought possible. Alan Wake 2 is a cinematic masterpiece that we hope will have a major influence on the medium.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (2025)

Without question, Expedition 33 is one of the best surprises this entire generation. The French inspired world is beautifully realized, and the characters have more depth and nuance than weve had from gaming in years, each with their own motivations and backstories that make them feel like real people attempting to fight against insurmountable odds grounded by impeccable and heartbreakingly real performances from everyone in the cast. Every vista in the world is simply breathtaking, oozing personality and the deeper you go and the more you explore, the more impressive every little detail becomes. Even the games battles make use of the games cinematic camera swinging behind each character before they unleash their attack, making you feel the weight of every blow and breathing a sigh of relief when the fight is over. Everything in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a labor of love, and you can feel it in every pixel on screen.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (2025)

Given Hideo Kojimas affinity for films it should come as no surprise that love of the medium bleeds into his work. The man is almost single-handedly responsible for cinematic storytelling in video games and his latest release Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is by far his most accomplished work. With near photo realistic visuals thanks to the Decima Engine and his team of wizards, Death Stranding 2 is one of the most gorgeous video games ever made and seamlessly blurs the line between video game and film. With incredibly dynamic and cinematic camera angles and an artistic vision for presentation rivaled only by the greatest of filmmakers, Death Standing 2 delivers an emotional journey for players and some of the most exciting action-packed set pieces and encounters of Kojimas storied career. Death Stranding 2 isnt just a video game, its a demonstration of what the medium can accomplish.

Which PS5 game do you feel blurs the line between video game and cinematic masterpiece? Share your picks in the comments.