There was a time when the term “video game adaptation” meant “this is going to be a bad movie/show.” Over the years, there have been countless attempts to adapt video game characters and tales for our screens, but up until lately, the most of them have failed miserably.
However, in recent years, some of the greatest streaming services, like Netflix, Prime Video, and others, have presented fans to some incredibly amazing entertainment that is either directly derived from or inspired by some of the biggest game brands out there. While there are still occasional terrible video game films and TV series, as my review of “Borderlands” attests, it seems that a stable future for these productions is now assured.
These are only a few of the top attempts that we have seen over the years.
‘Arcane’
When “Arcane” debuted in 2021, it immediately rose to prominence as one of the most acclaimed video game adaptations ever. An origin narrative for several of the characters in Riot Games’ popular multiplayer video game League of Legends is presented in this dramatic animated series.
The two sisters, Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) and Powder/Jinx (Ella Purnell), who find themselves on opposing sides of a struggle between two settlements—the wealthy, utopian city of Piltover and its oppressed, undercity counterpart, Zaun—are the focus of the steampunk, scientific fiction tale. Even though Vi and Jinx are best friends from the beginning, the way things work out as the two cities teeter on the verge of war permanently changes them.
Even for those who have never touched a controller before, “Arcane” is a series not to be missed, thanks to its outstanding voice acting and industry-leading animation. Fortunately, “Arcane” season 2 will wrap up the plot in a few months.
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
Check it out on Netflix.
‘Castlevania’
Though “Arcane” has received greater praise as a television program, Netflix’s highly regarded “Castlevania” animation is also quite good.
This bloody, action-packed, anime-inspired thrilling tale takes its cues from Konami’s vampire-slaying narrative of the same name, transforming it into a dark fantasy epic. The narrative transports us hundreds of years into the past to Wallachia in the fifteenth century, when Dracula swears vengeance on humanity for accusing his wife of witchcraft and setting her ablaze.
The people are terrorized by the vampire lord’s unleashing of hordes of demons over the country, making them turn to Trevor Belmont (Richard Armitage), the last living member of the fabled, monster-hunting Belmont clan, for assistance. Before giving rise to the spin-off “Castlevania: Nocturne,” which follows descendent Richter Belmont and his allies as they try to stop a vampire Messiah from rising, the epic story ran for four seasons.
Rotten Tomatoes: 94 percent
Check it out on Netflix.
‘Fallout’
The “Fallout” TV series on Prime Video is undoubtedly one of the finest of the year thus far since it fully utilizes the bizarre and crazy concepts, animals, and features of the Fallout universe to create a unique and captivating story set in the Wasteland.
Three survivors—Vault dweller Lucy (Ella Purnell), Brotherhood of Steel squire Maximus (Aaron Moten), and irradiated bounty hunter “The Ghoul” (Walton Goggins)—are the main focus of the show. They each have overlapping personal missions to complete while out in the post-apocalyptic remnants of the USA after a nuclear armageddon.
Each of the three has a very distinct way of living in the towns that have sprouted up as they come from very diverse backgrounds. “Fallout” is a hilarious, exciting, and masterfully made video game adaptation that is deserving of being regarded as one of the greatest ever.
Rotten Tomatoes: 94 percent
Check it out on Prime Video.
‘Pokémon Concierge’
Despite the fact that Pokémon has been a part of countless films and television series that might have easily been included here, the franchise has been on our screens for decades.
Even though I personally have a soft spot for “Detective Pikachu,” I’m not convinced it’s quite as fantastic as some of the other projects on this list. That being said, choosing the Pokémon anime felt much too obvious for my list.
Rather, I would like to highlight “Pokémon Concierge,” a delightful stop-motion Netflix series that debuted at the end of 2023, to honor this legendary Nintendo property.
This adorable animated series, which perfectly captures the meaning of “fun in the sun,” takes us to the Pokémon Resort, where staff members assist Pokémon (and their owners) in unwinding. It has a calm tempo and is expertly put together. Its cuddlier, funnier sides are highlighted by the endearing creatures, and its vibe-heavy plot mostly serves as a gentle reminder to viewers of all ages to occasionally slow down and take a break.
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
View on Netflix
‘Sonic the Hedgehog’
Despite the fact that Ben Schwartz’s portrayal of the supersonic SEGA mascot didn’t quite work out, Jeff Fowler’s 2020 “Sonic the Hedgehog” film turned out to be a delightful diversion.
After a catastrophe on a far-off planet, he travels to our globe and lives in Green Hills, Montana in the first film. He meets Tom Wachowski (James Marsden), the local sheriff, on Earth, and he gets assistance from him in facing his evil adversary, Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey).
It’s a fun and suitably quick family comedy that won over audiences and generated a lot of money at the box office, inspiring a number of follow-ups. There’s lots more to appreciate if you decide that Sonic’s gimmick appeals to you. The public was first exposed to Idris Elba’s voice as Knuckles in “Sonic 2” (Elba later had his own Paramount Plus show). Additionally, “Sonic 3″—a threequel—is coming later this year, and Keanu Reeves will be lending his voice to Shadow the Hedgehog.
Rotten Tomatoes: 64 percent
View on Paramount Plus
‘The Last Of Us’
The Last of Us, a post-apocalyptic adventure from Naughty Dog, was released in 2013. It centers on Joel and Ellie, two survivors who travel across a devastated America caused by a fungal pandemic that left a large portion of the populace converted into monsters resembling zombies. It’s an exciting, dangerous adventure that conveys a poignant, profoundly human story.
Ten years later, Max’s live-action “The Last of Us” brought Joel and Ellie’s story to television, masterfully emulating the mood of the original game while also extending and/or recreating its predecessors. The series’ outstanding performances, poignant narrative, and breathtaking production design make it worthy of all the accolades and awards it has received, and then some. Give me “The Last of Us” season 2 immediately; it’s a must-watch!
Rotten Tomatoes: 96 percent
See it on Max.
‘Werewolves Within’
I think “Werewolves Within” is the most bizarre adaption on the list. Even infrequent gamers will recognize characters from franchises like Sonic the Hedgehog, Mario, or Pikachu, but I bet few people have seen this horror-comedy and are unaware that it is based on a mystery game akin to the Mafia.
The amusing horror whodunnit chooses Beaverfield, a little village, as its location instead of the medieval game. Sam Richardson’s character Finn Wheeler arrives in town to take over as the new forest ranger.
Although the community first appears to be peaceful, things quickly go worse as the werewolf that lives there begins to pick out some of the quarreling citizens. The remaining occupants continue to irritate one another, which leads to anarchy as panic sets in and the body count climbs. There are enough twists and chuckles to keep you interested until the credits roll.
Rotten Tomatoes: an 86% rating
See it on AMC Plus.