Now Playing

9 surprisingly awesome video game movies

Flawless victory!

by Robin Bea
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

Some people say it’s impossible to make a good video game movie, and — well, it’s hard to argue with them.

To come up with the best list possible, we also looked at movies inspired by video games, not just adaptations.

With that in mind, here are the 9 best video game movies ever.

9. Resident Evil (2002–2016)

It’s best to look at Resident Evil as a series, because the movies are frankly hard to keep straight. They’re all worth it for some mind-bendingly bizarre, schlocky fun.

8. Super Mario Bros. (1993)

A weirdly dark, borderline incomprehensible movie that has nothing to do with the game. The fun of watching Super Mario Bros. is trying to figure out how it was even allowed to happen.

7. Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

Most positive reviews of Sonic the Hedgehog amount to “better than you’d expect.” For a movie that could have been a disaster, fun but unoriginal is a win.

6. Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

This story of a video game boss turned hero is packed with old-school game references, but it doesn’t let them get in the way of its heartwarming story.

5. Live Die Repeat: Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

It’s not explicitly about video games, but the idea of a soldier with infinite chances to relive the same battle captured the experience of gaming.

4. Mortal Kombat (1995)

Mortal Kombat is the archetypal video game movie, for better or worse. It’s strangely dense with lore, full of ridiculous costumes, and meant to convey nothing but mindless fun — which it does admirably.

3. Ace Attorney (2012)

Ace Attorney keeps the most important parts of the Phoenix Wright games intact, from its incredible hair to theatrical Objections. The movie works even if you’re not a fan of the games, but really sings if you like the source material.

2. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

While it’s based on a comic, the funny, fantastic-looking Scott Pilgrim movie is packed with video game references.

1. Detective Pikachu (2019)

Detective Pikachu miraculously manages to make its CG monsters look great alongside real actors, and it takes its world seriously enough to make it a hit even for Poké-haters.