Let me just say that there are plenty of movies about videos games. Many of them are real winners such as Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, The Wizard, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and even Ready Player One. But when it comes to movies actually based on specific video games, well, filmmakers seem to pull out nothing but flops. However, there are a few that video game fans have really latched onto, and others that are…simply better than Alone in the Dark.
In reverse-chronological order, let’s talk about ten movies based on video games that don’t completely suck.
Detective Pikachu (2019)
Who would have thought that 2019 would bring us one of the best video game movies to date? Even without Ryan Reynolds, the movie would have held. But with him, it skyrocketed. There’s something about him and Pikachu that bring generations together. The movie appeals to Pokémon GO fans, young Switch fans, and old school fans. They were smart to throw in all those first gen Pokémon.
Rampage (2018)
Rampage was a solid movie. Even people who have never played the arcade game, it was extremely entertaining much like the new Jumanji. But since when do altered apes not entertain? Think King Kong and Planet of the Apes. To make things even more successful, directors brought in Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who is enough to make any box office boom. Who even needs to associate this movie with that old arcade game to appreciate it?
Tomb Raider (2018)
The new Tomb Raider has supposedly “slayed” Angelina Jolie’s rendition time and time again. While the movie did seem to fall off halfway through, Alicia Vikander did an impressive job of giving us a modern, relevant Lara Croft. The entire aura of the film seemed appropriate, and for that reason, we have hope that if a sequel were to arise, it would be even better.
Warcraft (2016)
Here’s where the mixed reviews come in. While many fans adored Warcraft, it seems that the people who fell in love with it…weren’t the fans. It was the Lord of the Rings people that were really captivated by this new world. Since World of Warcraft is easily one of the best games in history, the movie had a lot to live up to. We can applaud it for its efforts, but we know the real hero can never be replicated.
Assassin’s Creed (2016)
Assassin’s Creed is easily one of Ubisoft’s best franchises to date, if not their very best. While Assassin’s Creed doesn’t live up to our expectations, the movie in itself isn’t as bad as you may believe. It may not be a win for gamers, but as confusing as the story is, the acting and effects already make it so much better than dozens of other video game movies. It’s all relative.
Wreck-it Ralph (2012)
Before Wreck-it Ralph was released, there weren’t many people over the age of 40 that actually knew that Fix-it Felix Jr. existed. Most people still don’t! But it was real, and Ralph never got any praise. Was this a true story? Maybe it was. The game wasn’t as popular as Pac-Man or Donkey Kong, but I think that was part of the magic. We get a blank slate to work with. Wreck-it Ralph was charming, hilarious, and meaningful.
Prince of Persia: Sands of Time (2010)
You know who liked this movie? Pretty much everyone but critics. Action movie fans fawned over Sands of Time when it was released, and we can’t really blame them. Jake Gyllenhaal did an excellent job of portraying our beloved prince. This movie lives in the safe zone of our fandom. It’s one to play in the background while you clean or workout. Light, sweet, and safe.
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (2005)
There seems to be a CoD/Halo rivalry between people who like Advent Children and people who like Spirits Within. From what we can see, it seems that the diehard fans like Advent Children while those who just like movies enjoy Spirits Within more. However, if you enjoy any FF game, then you’ll probably enjoy them both as well.
Pokémon: The First Movie (1998)
Cue the nostalgia. That’s the real reason this movie makes the list. This was everyone’s first Pokémon movie. People who didn’t watch Indigo League or play the games probably hated this little “kids” movie. But fans of the games know how pure and meaningful it is. In other words, if you don’t like Pokémon…it sucks. But if you’re a fan, it’s a masterpiece.
Special Showcase: Hardcore Henry (2016)
While Hardcore Henry isn’t supposedly based on any specific video game, we all know the truth. It is based on every FPS from DOOM to Duke Nukem. And fans of said FPS games are loving Hardcore Henry. Aside from advance VR games, this movie is the closest that you’ll ever come to living a first-person shooter game legally. While the technology and effects are a bot wonky, the idea in itself is enough to win our praise. Now, round two should have this one in the bag.
