PremiumMortal Kombat to Sonic the Hedgehog: Movies based on video games that both gamers and non-gamers can enjoy
Shilpa S
Last Updated:
Although there seems to be no theme movie makers have left unexplored when it comes to searching for good stories, some ideas are a bit more hard to conceptualise than others. Video games are one among them. It can be a daunting task to come up with a full length feature film from the large universe of video games. However, there are instances where filmmakers have taken up the challenge nonetheless, giving birth to several movies born out of popular games, some hitting the mark, some missing it, but all of them thoroughly enjoyable.
Here are a few movies which are inspired by some of the most popular video game franchises in the world that offer viewers a glimpse into the wonderful world of gaming.
1
Mortal Kombat
Based on the popular fighting game franchise, Mortal Kombat tells the story of an unlikely group of people who are brought together to participate in the eponymous Mortal Kombat, a martial arts tournament whose results decide the fate of the Earth. The film incorporates several elements from the game into its plot, making it a favourite of game fans. The film is rife with incredibly well performed action sequences and stunning visuals and set design. The film was also a commercial success.
2
The Angry Birds Movie
The popular Angry Birds mobile game filled players with glee as they shot the grumpy little birds into towers and earned points. In 2016, the adorable spherical feathered creatures got a movie of their own, that tells the story of a short tempered bird, Red, whose anger issues makes him an outcast among the people of his island. But when some shady pigs spell trouble for the islanders, Red is forced to work with his fellow outcasts to save his home. The colourful movie is definitely a visual treat, whether the viewer is familiar with the game it is based on or not.
3
Resident Evil
Based on the Japanese survival horror video game series of the same name, Resident Evil follows the story of a young woman named Alice, who is afflicted with amnesia, and finds herself in the midst of an outbreak of a deadly virus which turns its hosts into mindless killer zombies. The film spawned numerous sequels and although received less than stellar reviews, the film series went on to become the highest grossing series based on video games. Rife with action, gore and a fast-paced story, it is definitely a must watch for video game lovers.
4
Assassin's Creed
Based on one of the highest selling video game franchises of the same name, Assassin’s Creed is a sci-fi action film which follows the story of a man who learns that he is the descendant of a brotherhood of assassins, and is recruited by a group called the Templars who seek his help in finding a coveted possession with the potential to end humanity’s struggles, and with its free will. The movie tries to stay true to several aspects of the popular game and its visuals and set design received much praise.
5
Sonic the Hedgehog
Every retro gamer would be familiar with the lovable blue anthropomorphic hedgehog Sonic, who players can take through different levels of obstacles to collect health ‘rings’, all culminating in the fight to defeat the evil mad scientist Doctor Eggman. 2020 saw the athletic hedgehog come alive on screen in the film Sonic the Hedgehog, where viewers get to see Sonic and his superspeed in action while he faces off against Dr Robotik. The film was a hit with fans, with a sequel in development.
6
Pokémon Detective Pikachu
It would not be an overstatement to say that Pokémon is one of the biggest and most popular media franchises in the world, making its beginnings in the form of the fan favourite game where ‘trainers’ can capture the fictional titular creatures and battle with them. To develop a live-action film based on the beloved franchise is a mammoth task, to say the least. But Detective Pikachu proved skeptics wrong bringing the lovable yellow electric Pokémon to the silver screen with Ryan Reynolds’ impeccable voice over and top-tier CGI. Following the story of how Pikachu dons the detective cap and helps out a young man in searching for his missing father, the film was a hit with fans and critics.
