6 Movies & Video Games You Didn’t Know Were Based on Video Games
Did you know that many of your favorite movies and go-to shows are based on video games?
That’s right.
Many of us reach for the Xbox or Nintendo control to escape the humdrum of our daily lives, and with original TV and movie storylines becoming more scarce by the day, it’s no surprise that the Hollywood bigwigs often look to video games for creative inspiration.
So, with that in mind, we’ve put together a list of our top favorite game-to-show/movie adaptations that have successfully appeased the gaming community, as well as brought in a new fanbase of viewers.
Let’s go!
1. The Witcher
One culprit that instantly springs to mind in the video game adaptation department is The Witcher. This fantasy series features a beefy Henry Cavill donning a long platinum blond wig and was inspired by the acclaimed game franchise of the same name.
The Witcher takes fantasy lovers on a spellbinding journey through a mysterious realm inhabited by monsters, magic, and moral dilemmas. And viewers can’t get enough; The Witcher series has sold 75 million copies, with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt being the best-loved offering of the entire series.
Gamers are a tough crowd when it comes to game-to-screen adaptations, but Cavill’s take on Geralt of Rivia has won the hearts of both gamers and TV enthusiasts alike, making The Witcher a prime example of a well-executed adaptation.
What truly earned the gamer’s mark of respect is that The Witcher stays faithful to the source material while offering a fresh and engaging insight from the writers’ minds.
In other words, the show’s creators have successfully managed to strike a delicate balance between satisfying the expectations of the game’s devotees and crafting a narrative that newcomers can easily dive into.
2. Arcane
Arcane rivals The Witcher in terms of being a video game adap trailblazer by setting new standards of what can be achieved when translating a gaming scope to the big screen. But that’s not all. The series also manages to:
- Offer a visual treat that seamlessly fuses top-tier animation with an engaging narrative.
- Showcase high-quality storytelling that delves into the origin stories of the game’s well-loved characters.
- Add layers of depth to the characters’ personalities and motivations, giving game fans a fresh perspective on the players they’ve come to know and love.
This intricate tango of visual artistry and great storytelling is what makes Arcane a triumph in the world of video game adaptations. It proves that a successful series can honor its gaming roots while bringing fresh creativity and innovation to the table.
3. Tomb Raider
No movie-game adap list would be complete without Tomb Raider, would it?! The movie not only brings the iconic Lara Croft to life in the form of the buxom and magnetic Angelina Jolie, but it also provides an otherwise unexplored take on her origins.
As the adventurous archaeologist embarks on a journey that transcends the confines of the gaming world, the movies delve deeper into her complex character and the events leading up to her habit of raiding tombs.
The character of Lara is revolutionary insofar as it opened up an immersive world that empowered female gamers to kick butts and take names.
And the movies successfully honed that element when bringing her to life. Also, the epic scenery and intricate jungle tombs made the movie feel just as immersive as the game.
4. Castlevania
Ahh, gaming for goths!
Castlevania easily fits into this list by emerging from the shadows as a dark masterpiece that caters to those with a taste for the macabre and a more mysterious side of storytelling.
Gamers love that the vampiric Castlevania adaptation effortlessly harnesses meticulous attention to detail, a gripping storyline, and the ability to evoke a delicious union of unease and excitement.
But that’s not all.
Castlevania has also cemented its status as a must-watch for those who appreciate the blend of gothic aesthetics and compelling storytelling by bringing noir gaming to their screens.
5. Assassin’s Creed
You didn’t think we were going to get through this list without Assassin’s Creed, did you?
What we love about this adaptation is that Assassin’s Creed takes viewers on a journey through time while interweaving various historical eras with a modern-day infusion – just like the game.
Assassin’s Creed ticks all the boxes because not only is it challenging to bring a video game to life without doing it a disservice and creating a gamer uproar. But it takes skill to effortlessly marry modernity with yesteryear the way Assassin’s Creed has.
It also enticed viewers by offering a unique experience that captivates both history enthusiasts and lovers of fast-paced action. As we dive into the web of conspiracies, alliances, and betrayals, we get to indulge in an enthralling story that bridges the gap between past and present.
6. The Last of Us
Next up is the post-apocalyptic offering, otherwise known as The Last of Us.
Lovers of the genre (as well as a good storyline) will revel in this adap as it brings to life the emotional journey of the characters, Joel and Ellie, as they navigate a new world devastated by a deadly fungal infection.
What makes this adaptaion a fan-fave is that it successfully captures the raw essence of the characters and their relationships, as well as delving deep into themes of survival, loss, and hope.
It’s no secret that the post-apocalypse genre has been well touched upon over the years, so it can be challenging for writers to breathe new life into it.
However, The Last of Us employs a few simple but effective tactics, such as using the best gaming VPN, that can grant you access to the wonderful world of entertainment that knows no boundaries.
Conclusion
So, there you have it: the top 6 game-to-screen adaptations that have brought some of our best-loved video games to the big or silver screen and have done so with the utmost justice.
Whether you’re an avid gamer or just a lover of a darn good yarn, these six adaptations will spirit you away to an exciting and immersive world without so much as a gaming stick at hand!
