Video game movies have always had a rocky history in the world of cinema. From the infamous „Super Mario Bros.“ movie in the early ’90s to the more recent adaptations like „Gran Turismo“ and „Five Nights at Freddy’s,“ video game movies have often been met with criticism and disappointment. However, despite their shortcomings, these films have managed to find success at the box office, indicating a growing interest in the genre.
With the release of „Borderlands“ coinciding with the updated list of the best video game movies, it seems that 2024 might be the year that video game movies finally start to gain some respect. While not all video game adaptations have been well-received by critics, there are a few gems that stand out among the rest.
One such film is „Rampage“ from 2018, which stars Dwayne ‚The Rock‘ Johnson in a larger-than-life action-packed adventure. The film may not be high art, but its cheesy, dumb fun and solid ensemble cast make it an enjoyable watch for fans of the genre. Similarly, „Gran Turismo“ from 2023 offers a unique take on the gamer-to-jock storyline, with impressive racing scenes that elevate the film beyond its corporate ad origins.
Other notable entries on the list include „Far Cry“ from 2008, a self-aware action film with a charismatic performance from Udo Kier, and „Double Dragon“ from 1994, a cheesy but entertaining martial arts flick with a standout performance from Robert Patrick. „Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City“ from 2021 also earns a spot for its faithful adaptation of the classic horror franchise and solid B-movie style thrills.
One of the most beloved video game movies on the list is „Pokémon: Detective Pikachu“ from 2019, which charms audiences with its inventive visual design and adorable titular character. Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Lara Croft in „Tomb Raider“ from 2001 also stands out for its pitch-perfect casting and watchable action sequences.
The list also includes classics like „Mortal Kombat“ from 1995, which captures the essence of the original game with its hot guys, hot girls, and well-choreographed fights. „Silent Hill“ from 2006 is praised for its nightmarish visuals and faithful adaptation of the horror franchise, while „Ace Attorney“ from 2012 is hailed as a genuinely great video game movie that captures the spirit of the original courtroom visual novels.
Overall, while video game movies have had their fair share of missteps, there are a few gems that shine brightly among the rest. As the genre continues to evolve and gain popularity, it’s exciting to see how filmmakers will continue to bring beloved video game characters and stories to the big screen in new and innovative ways.