The 10 Worst Video Game to Movie Adaptations, Ranked

Video game movies have a rocky history, often struggling to capture the magic of their source material. Despite the potential for rich stories and vibrant worlds, many adaptations fall flat with weak scripts or misguided changes.

From bizarre takes on beloved franchises to outright narrative disasters, these films show how hard it is to translate games to the big screen. Here’s my ranking of the 10 worst video game movie adaptations, counting down from the least awful to the absolute worst.

10. ‘Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life’ (2003)

Angelina Jolie returns as Lara Croft in ‘Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life,’ chasing Pandora’s Box to stop a villainous plot. The action-packed sequel tries to channel the adventurous spirit of the Tomb Raider games but stumbles with a thin story.

The stunts and exotic locations keep it watchable, but the plot feels generic and detached from the games’ puzzle-solving charm. It’s not a total disaster, yet it lacks the spark to stand out.

9. ‘Max Payne’ (2008)

‘Max Payne,’ starring Mark Wahlberg, follows a cop seeking revenge in a noir-inspired world. The film aims for the game’s gritty vibe and bullet-time action but ends up with a muddled plot and lackluster pacing.

Visually, it tries to mimic the game’s dark aesthetic, but the story feels hollow, and the action lacks punch. It’s a missed chance to capture the game’s intense atmosphere.

8. ‘Doom’ (2005)

‘Doom,’ with Dwayne Johnson and Karl Urban, pits marines against monsters on Mars. Based on the iconic first-person shooter, it swaps demons for mutants, losing the game’s hellish edge.

A first-person sequence nods to the game, but the rest feels like a generic sci-fi flick. The weak script and cheesy effects make it a forgettable slog.

7. ‘Street Fighter’ (1994)

‘Street Fighter,’ led by Jean-Claude Van Damme, tries to bring the arcade fighting game to life with a global martial arts tournament. Raul Julia’s energetic M. Bison steals the show, but the campy tone clashes with the game’s intensity.

The action feels dated, and the story barely ties to the source material. Its cult status saves it from the bottom, but it’s still a messy adaptation.

6. ‘Hitman: Agent 47’ (2015)

‘Hitman: Agent 47’ follows a genetically enhanced assassin on a loud, action-heavy mission. Unlike the stealth-driven Hitman games, this film leans into generic explosions and weak character arcs.

Rupert Friend tries as Agent 47, but the script ignores the game’s strategic depth. It’s a step down from the already flawed 2007 ‘Hitman,’ making it a forgettable misfire.

5. ‘Mortal Kombat: Annihilation’ (1997)

‘Mortal Kombat: Annihilation,’ the sequel to the 1995 film, ramps up the fights but fumbles the story. Based on Mortal Kombat 3, it throws in too many characters with clunky CGI and a rushed plot.

The martial arts are decent, but the dialogue and effects are laughably bad. It lacks the first film’s charm, landing as a chaotic letdown.

4. ‘Double Dragon’ (1994)

‘Double Dragon’ turns the beat-’em-up arcade game into a post-apocalyptic mess with brothers fighting a cartoonish villain. Starring Mark Dacascos and Scott Wolf, it’s packed with dated effects and a goofy tone.

The film barely resembles the game’s simple brawling fun, opting for a bizarre, low-budget vibe. It’s almost so bad it’s fun, but not quite.

3. ‘Super Mario Bros.’ (1993)

‘Super Mario Bros.,’ with Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo, reimagines the colorful game as a dark, dystopian sci-fi flick. Dennis Hopper’s King Koopa rules a grim city, far from the Mushroom Kingdom’s whimsy.

The wild departure from the game’s cheerful tone and convoluted plot make it a head-scratcher. Its cult following can’t hide its failure as an adaptation.

2. ‘Alone in the Dark’ (2005)

Directed by Uwe Boll, ‘Alone in the Dark’ loosely adapts the survival horror game with Christian Slater as a paranormal investigator. The film’s incoherent plot, poor effects, and laughable dialogue tank any horror vibe.

It strays far from the game’s creepy atmosphere, replacing it with generic action. Widely panned, it’s a textbook example of how to botch a beloved franchise.

1. ‘Postal’ (2007)

Uwe Boll’s ‘Postal’ takes a violent, satirical game and turns it into an offensive, unfunny disaster. The film’s crude humor and chaotic story, including tasteless 9/11 references, alienate even fans of the game’s edge.

With no redeeming qualities and a complete disregard for coherence, it’s a painful watch. It earns the top spot as the worst video game movie ever made.

Which video game movie let you down the most, or is there another flop I missed? Share your picks in the comments!