The Best (and Worst) Recent Video Game Movies

May 22, 2026 - 20:52

The big screen has been flooded with adaptations from the gaming world, turning beloved pixels into live-action blockbusters. Some have captured the spirit of their source material, while others have left fans hitting the reset button. Here is a look at the best and worst of the recent crop, plus a glance at what is still loading.

On the winning side, "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" proved that sticking to the source code works. By embracing the bright colors, catchy music, and simple charm of the games, it became a box office juggernaut. Similarly, "Sonic the Hedgehog" found its footing after a notorious redesign, delivering a fun, family-friendly adventure that honored the speed and attitude of the blue blur. "The Last of Us" on television set a new standard, proving that a faithful, character-driven story could transcend the medium entirely.

However, not every port has been a smooth one. "Uncharted" felt like a pale imitation of the games, missing the charm of Nathan Drake despite a game cast. "Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City" tried to return to the horror roots of the early games but ended up a muddled mess of fan service and rushed plotting. And "Borderlands" failed to capture the anarchic humor and visual style of the looter-shooter, landing with a thud.

Looking ahead, the pipeline is packed. A "Legend of Zelda" film is officially in development, promising a live-action take on Hyrule. A "Minecraft" movie is finally moving forward, and a new "Mortal Kombat" sequel is on the horizon. The question remains whether Hollywood can learn from its recent successes or if it will keep hitting the game over screen.