Any list of the best video game movies will likely always have the same inclusions. The reason is simple: not a lot of them are good. It's a good thing that Hollywood is starting to finally get video games as a medium, though, as several of the most recent have been at least halfway decent.
In this list, you will know of the best video game movies out there, so you can decide which one you might want to watch next. Just take note that this short list wasn't made in any particular order.
Werewolves Within (2021)
This film is based on a Ubisoft VR game of the same name, which tasks players to "reveal hidden identities" - aka literally try to deduct who among their party is a man-eating werewolf in disguise.
The movie, which starred Michaela Watkins, Milana Vayntrub, harvey Guillen, and Cheyenne Jackson was hailed as a "fun little genre comedy that would premiere at SXSW and everyone would get a kick out of," says Vulture. They say it is actually good enough that you can just simply recommend it to anyone who isn't even a gamer, and they will be able to appreciate it.
So far, the film has scored an 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, with a very respectable 81% Audience Score.
Detective Pikachu (2019)
Sure, Pokemon technically isn't a video game. But as an animated series, it's been around for so long that countless games have already been made based off the IP. As such, Detective Pikachu qualifies for this list.
When it was first announced, the film was met with a ton of skepticism because so many people believed it would be weird trying to portray Pokemon in live action fashion. But as per Esquire, the visuals were far better than expected, and the casting of Ryan Reynolds and Justice Smith basically carried the entire movie forward.
Read also: The Best Star Wars Games To Play Before Seeing The Obi-Wan Kenobi TV Series
Sonic The Hedgehog (2020)
We're pretty sure you saw the brouhaha that enveloped this movie after the first CGI design for Sonic was revealed. Yikes. Fortunately, Sega relented and gave the fans what they want, resulting in a good-looking and surprisingly well-paced/written film.
sonic the hedgehog 2 screencap
On Rotten Tomatoes, the critics consensus is as follows:
"Fittingly fleet and frequently fun, Sonic the Hedgehog is a video game-inspired adventure the whole family can enjoy - and a fine excuse for Jim Carrey to tap into the manic energy that launched his career."
The film earned an astounding 93% Audience Score and has spurred a sequel - which turned out to be the most successful video game movie of all time at the box office. It was even good enough that Sega wanted to invest and create its very own Sonic Cinematic Universe. Not bad for any "best video game movies of all time" list, huh?
Tomb Raider (2018)
The original Tomb Raider movies with Angelina Jolie will certainly not cut it as among the best video game movies ever. But the rebooted one from 2018 (which was also based on a reboot Tomb Raider game from 2013) definitely will.
The film itself builds on just how cinematic the 2013 game was designed, and Alicia Vikander's performance as the titular character is fraught with real emotion that complements the darker, more realistic overall tone of the movie. It would've been easy for the filmmakers to just go full-on supernatural with the plot, but their choice to go for a realistic take makes the film feel refreshing.
Related: 'Sonic The Hedgehog 2' Grosses $71 Million During Opening Weekend
Story posted on GameNGuide
Written by RJ Pierce
