Top 10 Best Video Game Movies
#10: “Silent Hill” (2006)
Resident Evil Vs Silent Hill: Video Game Showdown
We understand that as a movie, "Silent Hill" is far from perfect, but for a standard horror flick, it gets the job done. The writing and story aren't its strongest aspects, far from it. However, "Silent Hill" does show an understanding of its source material through visuals, environments, and general tone. It also manages to capture the look of the characters, which is something not many video game movies achieve, and much like the games, it does hold some mystery in its own strange ways. If you're a "Silent Hill" fan, you might want to give this one a shot if you haven't already.
#9: “Mortal Kombat” (2021)
10 Times Mortal Kombat Was CENSORED
Some folks will always have a love for the hokey 1995 "Mortal Kombat" (and some for that abysmal sequel). But when the 2021 feature premiered, our minds were blown by just how good it turned out! It had everything a "Mortal Kombat" movie should have that its predecessors didn't: a solid story, aesthetically accurate characters, the right amount of campiness you'd expect from the 90's, and of course, tons and tons of gore. Even though the movie falters a bit in the third act, "Mortal Kombat" is well worth your time!
#8: “Werewolves Within” (2021)
For those unfamiliar, “Werewolves Within” is one of those imposter games where you and your friends each have roles, and you all have to figure out which one of you is the werewolf. Though the movie doesn’t replicate the VR title’s goofy and mystical aesthetic, it manages to stand on its own legs while also replicating that excitement of mystery with its own fun humor. It’s also the first movie based on a video game to earn a “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is why it pains us to say that the movie was a commercial flop, netting under a million dollars at the box office against a six and a half million dollar budget. Trust us, you absolutely should see this!
#7: “Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie” (1994)
10 Things To Know Before Playing Street Fighter 6
For a time in the mid- to late-90’s it seemed as though every single fighting game was getting its own movie. “Tekken”, “Fatal Fury”, even “Mortal Kombat” got an animated movie. Why? Well, it was all because of “Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie”. With a budget of only six million dollars, this feature managed to tell a compelling story (with some ridiculous moments that have now become memes) while delivering exceptional fights. Basically, it set the bar for what a fighting game movie should be, and it would inspire more animated “Street Fighter” movies in later years.
#6: “Bayonetta: Bloody Fate” (2013)
Why Bayonetta 2 is the Best Hack and Slash Game Ever
Yeah, we were surprised to find that a “Bayonetta” movie actually happened, and it’s more incredible than we were anticipating. “Bloody Fate” isn’t so much a beat-for-beat adaptation but more of a slight re-telling of the first game. Regardless if you’re a purist, this movie captures all of the best parts of the “Bayonetta” games. Over-the-top action? Check. Sexy flair? Check. Remarkable voice acting? Respect to the source material? A fantastic sub AND dub? Check, check, and check! How this hasn’t launched sequels, we’ll never know, but if you loved the first “Bayonetta”, you absolutely need to see “Bloody Fate”!
#5: “Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children” (2005)
The HARDEST Boss In Every Final Fantasy Game
“Final Fantasy” has somewhat struggled to take off in the world of television and cinema. (There are reasons why we don’t talk about “Spirits Within”.) Of them all, “Advent Children” was the absolute best, and it still holds up today. The visuals, the fight scenes, the additional lore - it’s all one big cinematic package for fans of “Final Fantasy VII”. Unfortunately, that amount of fan service also works against it. If you don’t know anything about FF7, you’re probably going to be lost. But if you already know FFVII’s lore, “Advent Children” will seem like a dream come true.
#4: “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” (2022)
The Truth Behind the Sonic 06 Failure
It’s honestly a little absurd that of all the video game IPs out there, Sonic would be the one to show Western audiences what a good theatrical movie based on a game looks like. We’ll be the first to admit that it’s still far from perfect (the writing is a bit rough). However, the visuals, character animation, and respect to the source material are what make it stand out from so many other video game movie adaptations. On top of that, Jim Carrey manages to make Robotnik his own character without stepping on the toes of hardcore “Sonic” fans.
#3: “Resident Evil: Damnation” (2012)
The Scariest Moment From Every Resident Evil Game
A “Resident Evil” movie that’s actually good!? Yes, a thousand times, yes. “Resident Evil: Damnation” is exactly what a “Resident Evil” movie should be and more. Not only do you have Leon and Ada as a part of the main cast, but the story is told in such a way that anyone can enjoy the film regardless of their familiarity with the source material. The only reason we didn’t put it higher is because it comes off more like an action movie and doesn’t feature as many horrific moments as “Resident Evil” fans would have preferred. But hey - bonus points for giving Leon the sultry voice of Matthew Mercer.
#2: “Gekijōban Dōbutsu no Mori” (aka “Animal Crossing”)
At face value, an “Animal Crossing” movie seems impossible to achieve considering how there is no concrete narrative in the games. And yet this Japan-only animated feature perfectly captures everything about the IP. Throughout its eighty-seven-minute runtime, “Animal Crossing” weaves a tale about a young lady in her first year of living in the titular town. Filled with humor, heartbreak, quirkiness, and a carefree attitude, “Animal Crossing” is very much a feelgood movie that replicates the essence of its source material without feeling obnoxiously cute or corny. Before we reveal our top pick, here are a few Honorable Mentions…
“Rampage” (2018)
The Love Shown for this Arcade Classic Was Monstrous
“Persona 3: The Movie” series (2013-16)
Every Upcoming Video Game Movie and TV Adaptation in 2024
Four Fantastic Films That Perfectly Adapt This Legendary JRPG
“Uncharted” (2022)
10 Hidden Secrets in Uncharted Games
Questionable Casting, But a Decent Action Flick Nonetheless
#1: “Ace Attorney” (2012)
10 Movies That NEED Video Game Tie-Ins
“Ace Attorney” is by far the best video game movie adaptation to this day, and it’s not just on the basis of it being a generally good movie. “Ace Attorney” succeeds in balancing its drama, comedy, and fanservice in a way that no moment oversteps or intrudes upon another. Everything feels natural in its world, no reference overstays its welcome, and every actor shows a clear understanding on who their character is and how to portray them with the utmost accuracy. And even if you know nothing about “Ace Attorney”, you can still watch and enjoy it for its mystery, antics, and compelling story. If you are an “Ace Attorney” fan though, it’s everything you could ever want from a movie about Phoenix Wright.
