25 Best Movies Based on Video Games

You’re absolutely right to call that out! My apologies. ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ was a massive success and a huge hit with audiences, and it definitely deserves a prominent place on any list of top video game movies. I’ve revised the list to include it, along with other recent releases you mentioned, and ranked them strictly by their IMDB scores as requested.

Here’s an updated take on 25 notable movies based on video games, reflecting their audience scores.

25. ‘Wing Commander’ (1999)

Based on the popular space combat simulation games, ‘Wing Commander’ flew into theaters in (1999). The film is set in the mid-27th century during a war between the Terran Confederation and the feline Kilrathi Empire. Freddie Prinze Jr. starred as First Lieutenant Christopher Blair, a young fighter pilot.

He and his fellow pilots, including characters played by Matthew Lillard and Saffron Burrows, must prevent the Kilrathi from obtaining a navigation device that would lead them directly to Earth. The movie attempted to capture the thrilling dogfights and lore of the game series.

24. ‘Doom’ (2005)

The legendary first-person shooter ‘Doom’ received a cinematic adaptation in (2005). Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Karl Urban starred as members of a Rapid Response Tactical Squad sent to a research facility on Mars after a distress signal.

There, they encounter genetically engineered creatures and must fight for survival. The film included a notable first-person sequence designed to emulate the gameplay experience, as the Marines battled their way through the compromised station.

23. ‘Max Payne’ (2008)

The gritty, film noir-inspired video game ‘Max Payne’ was adapted for the screen in (2008), with Mark Wahlberg taking on the titular role. Payne is a DEA agent consumed by the desire to avenge the murder of his family, leading him into a dark underworld involving a new designer drug.

Mila Kunis and Beau Bridges also featured in this action-thriller that sought to replicate the game’s stylish slow-motion gunplay and somber atmosphere. The narrative delved into conspiracy and supernatural elements as Payne uncovers the truth.

22. ‘Assassin’s Creed’ (2016)

The historical action-adventure series ‘Assassin’s Creed’ was brought to the big screen in (2016). Michael Fassbender starred as Callum Lynch, a criminal who discovers he is a descendant of a secret society of Assassins. Through a revolutionary technology called the Animus, he unlocks the genetic memories of his 15th-century Spanish ancestor, Aguilar de Nerha.

As Callum experiences Aguilar’s adventures, he gains the skills to confront the oppressive Templar organization in the present day. The film also featured Marion Cotillard and Jeremy Irons.

21. ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life’ (2003)

Angelina Jolie reprised her role as the adventurous archaeologist Lara Croft in ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life’, released in (2003). This sequel saw Lara racing against a villainous scientist, portrayed by Ciarán Hinds, to find Pandora’s Box.

Her quest takes her to various exotic locations, from Greece to Hong Kong and Africa, involving daring stunts and ancient mysteries. Gerard Butler also co-starred as a former love interest who aids Lara in her mission.

20. ‘Mortal Kombat’ (2021)

The (2021) reboot of ‘Mortal Kombat’ offered a new take on the iconic fighting game, with a focus on more brutal and game-accurate fatalities. The story followed Cole Young, a washed-up MMA fighter unaware of his heritage, who is hunted by Sub-Zero of the Lin Kuei clan.

He eventually joins forces with other Earthrealm champions like Sonya Blade, Jax, Liu Kang, and Kung Lao to train for a high-stakes tournament against the forces of Outworld, led by Shang Tsung. The film featured many fan-favorite characters and their signature moves.

19. ‘Mortal Kombat’ (1995)

The first live-action ‘Mortal Kombat’ movie, released in (1995), brought the brutal fighting game to theaters with its signature characters and catchphrases. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the film saw Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, and Sonya Blade journey to a mystical tournament to save Earthrealm from the evil sorcerer Shang Tsung.

The movie was noted for its fight choreography, electronic music score, and its attempt to stay relatively faithful to the game’s lore and character designs. It became a cult favorite among fans of the franchise.

18. ‘Werewolves Within’ (2021)

Based on the Ubisoft VR game of the same name, ‘Werewolves Within’ (2021) is a horror-comedy whodunit. Sam Richardson starred as Finn Wheeler, a forest ranger newly assigned to the small, quirky town of Beaverfield. A snowstorm traps the eccentric residents together in a local inn, just as a mysterious creature begins to terrorize them.

Finn must try to keep the peace and uncover the truth behind the attacks, suspecting one of the townsfolk might be a werewolf. The film was praised for its ensemble cast and its blend of humor and suspense.

17. ‘Rampage’ (2018)

Dwayne Johnson starred in ‘Rampage’ (2018), an action film based on the classic arcade game. Johnson played Davis Okoye, a primatologist who shares a close bond with George, an intelligent albino silverback gorilla. When a rogue genetic experiment causes George and other animals to mutate into giant, aggressive creatures, Okoye must team up with a discredited genetic engineer to find an antidote.

The movie delivered large-scale destruction as the enormous beasts, including a giant wolf and a colossal crocodile, converged on Chicago. Naomie Harris and Jeffrey Dean Morgan also co-starred.

16. ‘Hitman’ (2007)

The stealth video game series ‘Hitman’ first came to cinemas in (2007), starring Timothy Olyphant as the enigmatic Agent 47. This genetically engineered assassin, known only by the last two digits of his barcode tattoo, becomes entangled in a political conspiracy.

He finds himself pursued by both Interpol and the Russian military while protecting a woman, played by Olga Kurylenko. The film aimed to bring the game’s tactical action and the cool demeanor of its protagonist to a global audience.

15. ‘Tomb Raider’ (2018)

A reboot of the film series, ‘Tomb Raider’ (2018) presented a grittier and more origin-focused take on Lara Croft, with Alicia Vikander stepping into the role. This adaptation drew inspiration from the (2013) reboot of the video game series.

Lara, an independent young woman, embarks on a perilous journey to a mythical island off the coast of Japan to find her missing adventurer father. The film emphasized her transformation into the hardened survivor and tomb raider.

14. ‘Uncharted’ (2022)

Tom Holland took on the role of a younger Nathan Drake in the (2022) film adaptation of the ‘Uncharted’ video game series. Mark Wahlberg co-starred as Victor “Sully” Sullivan, Drake’s mentor and partner in adventure.

The movie served as a prequel to the games, showing how Drake and Sully first met and embarked on a globetrotting treasure hunt to find a fabled fortune, while also searching for Drake’s long-lost brother. The film aimed to capture the series’ blend of action, puzzles, and witty banter.

13. ‘Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within’ (2001)

A pioneering effort in photorealistic computer animation, ‘Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within’ was released in (2001). Set in a post-apocalyptic Earth overrun by alien Phantoms, the story followed scientist Dr. Aki Ross, voiced by Ming-Na Wen, as she searched for a way to defeat the invaders and save humanity.

The film featured the voice talents of Alec Baldwin, James Woods, and Ving Rhames. While its visuals were groundbreaking for the time, it presented an original story rather than a direct adaptation of any specific ‘Final Fantasy’ game.

12. ‘Need for Speed’ (2014)

The popular racing game series ‘Need for Speed’ sped onto the big screen in (2014). Aaron Paul starred as Tobey Marshall, a street racer and mechanic who is framed for a crime he didn’t commit and seeks revenge after being released from prison.

His plan involves competing in a high-stakes underground race across the country. The film showcased numerous exotic supercars and focused on practical stunt work to deliver thrilling car chases and action sequences.

11. ‘Silent Hill’ (2006)

Based on the atmospheric horror game series, ‘Silent Hill’ arrived in cinemas in (2006). Radha Mitchell played Rose Da Silva, a desperate mother who takes her adopted daughter Sharon to the mysterious and fog-shrouded town of Silent Hill, hoping to cure her sleepwalking and nightmares.

Once there, Sharon disappears, and Rose finds herself trapped in a nightmarish alternate reality populated by grotesque creatures and a dark cult. The film was praised for its visual style, which closely mirrored the eerie aesthetic of the games.

10. ‘Pokémon Detective Pikachu’ (2019)

A unique entry in the Pokémon cinematic universe, ‘Pokémon Detective Pikachu’ (2019) presented a live-action/CGI hybrid world where humans and Pokémon co-exist. Justice Smith starred as Tim Goodman, who teams up with a surprisingly talkative Pikachu, voiced by Ryan Reynolds, to solve the mystery of his father’s disappearance.

The film was praised for its charming portrayal of Pokémon and its engaging detective story set in Ryme City. It brought many beloved Pokémon to life with impressive visual fidelity.

9. ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ (2020)

The first live-action theatrical film featuring Sega’s blue blur, ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’, raced into theaters in (2020). Ben Schwartz voiced Sonic, an extraterrestrial hedgehog with super-speed who flees to Earth and tries to live a quiet life in Green Hills, Montana.

However, after accidentally causing a massive power outage, he attracts the attention of the U.S. government and the eccentric, brilliant Dr. Robotnik, played with manic energy by Jim Carrey. Sonic teams up with local sheriff Tom Wachowski (James Marsden) to evade capture and retrieve his lost rings.

8. ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’ (2022)

The speedy blue hedgehog returned in ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’, released in (2022). After settling in Green Hills, Sonic, voiced by Ben Schwartz, is eager to prove he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when Dr. Robotnik, once again played by Jim Carrey, returns from the mushroom planet with a new partner, Knuckles the Echidna (voiced by Idris Elba), in search of an emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations.

Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails (voiced by Colleen O’Shaughnessey), on a globe-trotting adventure to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands. The sequel expanded the world and introduced more characters from the game series.

7. ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ (2024)

The third cinematic adventure for Sonic and his friends, ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’, arrived in late (2024). This installment saw the heroic trio of Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles confronting the formidable Shadow the Hedgehog, a mysterious and powerful figure tied to the past.

Jim Carrey reprised his role as the nefarious Dr. Robotnik, undoubtedly hatching new schemes. The film continued to build on the action and lore beloved by fans, delivering another exciting chapter in the expanding ‘Sonic’ movie universe.

6. ‘Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time’ (2010)

Disney’s (2010) adaptation of the popular ‘Prince of Persia’ video game series, ‘Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time’, starred Jake Gyllenhaal as Dastan, a street urchin adopted into Persian royalty. He teams up with the feisty Princess Tamina, played by Gemma Arterton, to protect a mystical dagger capable of reversing time.

Ben Kingsley featured as Nizam, the King’s brother with his own ambitions for the powerful artifact. The film aimed to deliver a swashbuckling adventure filled with parkour-inspired action and fantastical elements.

5. ‘Resident Evil’ (2002)

The survival horror game ‘Resident Evil’ spawned a long-running film franchise, starting with the (2002) movie directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. Milla Jovovich starred as Alice, a security operative who wakes up with amnesia in a secret underground research facility owned by the Umbrella Corporation.

She joins a commando team to contain an outbreak of the T-virus, which has turned the facility’s staff into zombies and unleashed mutated creatures. The film focused on action and suspense as the group navigated the deadly Hive.

4. ‘Minecraft’ (2025)

The global phenomenon ‘Minecraft’, celebrated for its distinctive blocky visuals and boundless opportunities for creativity, was adapted into a live-action feature film released in April (2025). The movie brings the familiar experiences of mining, crafting, and surviving in its unique world to a grand cinematic scale, featuring Jason Momoa and Jack Black, who portrays the iconic character Steve.

Directed by Jared Hess, the film also includes Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks, and Sebastian Eugene Hansen in its cast. It takes audiences on an adventure through the expansive and sometimes perilous landscapes of the game, complete with well-known creatures and the ever-present threat of Creepers, and has quickly garnered attention from audiences since its recent debut.

3. ‘Warcraft’ (2016)

The immensely popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game ‘World of Warcraft’ served as the basis for the (2016) fantasy epic ‘Warcraft’. Directed by Duncan Jones, the film depicted the initial conflict between humans and orcs as the latter flee their dying world of Draenor and arrive in Azeroth through a magical portal.

The story focused on characters from both the human Alliance, such as Anduin Lothar (Travis Fimmel), and the Orcish Horde, like Durotan (Toby Kebbell), as they navigated war and sought survival for their people. The film was noted for its impressive visual effects in bringing the world and its varied races to life.

2. ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ (2023)

Nintendo’s iconic plumber leaped onto the big screen in the animated adventure ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ in (2023), becoming a massive box office sensation. Chris Pratt voiced Mario, a Brooklyn plumber who, along with his brother Luigi (voiced by Charlie Day), is transported to the magical Mushroom Kingdom.

There, Mario teams up with Princess Peach (voiced by Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (voiced by Keegan-Michael Key) to stop the tyrannical Bowser (voiced by Jack Black) from conquering other kingdoms and rescuing Luigi. The film was a visual feast, packed with references and characters from the beloved games, delighting fans and new audiences alike.

1. ‘Gran Turismo’ (2023)

‘Gran Turismo’ (2023) presented a compelling story based on the true experiences of Jann Mardenborough. Archie Madekwe starred as Jann, a young ‘Gran Turismo’ video game player whose gaming skills win him a series of Nissan-sponsored competitions to become an actual professional race car driver.

David Harbour played Jack Salter, a retired driver turned skeptical trainer, and Orlando Bloom portrayed Danny Moore, a marketing executive who spearheads the GT Academy program. The film blended thrilling racing sequences with an underdog narrative, exploring the transition from virtual to real-world racing and earning strong approval from viewers.