The Best Video Game Adaptations of All Time

Metaverse Planet October 19, 2025Last Updated: October 19, 2025

7 minutes read

Fallout, The Last of Us, Silent Hill, Cyberpunk… In this list, we’ve compiled the best game adaptations that successfully brought iconic franchises from the gaming world to the screen.

Apart from a few exceptions like Silent Hill and Resident Evil, video game adaptations generally ended in disappointment until recently. However, this situation has started to change in recent years. Particularly on the TV side, highly remarkable game adaptations have met with audiences, and their success has paved the way for new adaptations. As a result, the number of video game adaptations has rapidly increased.

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The Best Game Adaptations Ever Made

In this list, we have evaluated the game adaptations released so far, both in cinema and on TV, and compiled the most noteworthy productions that stand out among them. Here are the best video game adaptations made to date:

1️⃣ Arcane

Genre: Animated Series
Release Date: 2021-2024
IMDb Rating: 9
Platform: Netflix

Adapted from the League of Legends game, Arcane is one of the most successful animated series of recent years. Set in the magic-filled universe of League of Legends, Arcane focuses on the conflict between the two cities of Piltover and Zaun. At the center of the story are two sisters, Vi and Powder. A tragic event causes Powder to take a dark path and transform into Jinx, while the emergence of a magical technology known as Hextech in Piltover drags Vi and Jinx into a complex narrative.

2️⃣ Fallout

Genre: Science Fiction Series
Release Date: 2024-
IMDb Rating: 8.3
Platform: Amazon Prime Video

The Fallout series, with its first season released last year, exceeded even the most optimistic expectations. Successfully capturing the spirit of the game, the series received high praise from both critics and audiences and became one of Amazon’s most-watched series. Like the game series, the show is set in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by nuclear catastrophe. Forced to leave the underground shelter where she has lived safely for years, Lucy confronts both the dangers of the outside world and the hidden truths about the Vault.

3️⃣ The Last of Us

Genre: Science Fiction / Thriller Series
Release Date: 2023-
IMDb Rating: 8.5
Platform: HBO Max

Although the second season of The Last of Us, released this year, disappointed some fans, its first season, aired in 2023, is counted among the best game adaptations ever made. The Last of Us is set in a dystopian future where a deadly pandemic has mutated humans into cannibalistic monsters. The series focuses on the character Joel, who is tasked with protecting a young girl named Ellie from both humans and these monsters, and escorting her to a militia headquarters. The journey of Ellie and Joel leads to the development of a father-daughter relationship between the two.

4️⃣ Silent Hill

Genre: Horror Film
Release Date: 2006
IMDb Rating: 6.5
Platform: –

Silent Hill, one of the gaming world’s most terrifying series, was adapted for the big screen in 2006. Directed by Christophe Gans, the film successfully captured the spirit and unsettling atmosphere of the game it was based on, accomplishing a difficult task. The film begins with Rose, a mother who wants to save her young daughter Sharon, who is afflicted with a mysterious illness, by traveling to an abandoned town called Silent Hill. In this fog-shrouded town, overrun by strange entities, Rose must confront both her own past and the town’s dark secret.

5️⃣ Resident Evil Series

Genre: Action-Adventure Film
Release Date: 2002 – 2017
Platform: Netflix

At a time when video game adaptations were mostly associated with disappointments, the fact that Resident Evil grew into an entire six-film series stands as solid proof of its success. The first film deals with a deadly virus leak that starts in an underground laboratory of a giant corporation called Umbrella, while the sequels adopt a more post-apocalyptic atmosphere. In this post-apocalyptic world, Alice (Milla Jovovich), who possesses special abilities, and her companions fight a battle for survival against mutated zombies.

6️⃣ The Witcher (First Two Seasons)

Genre: Fantasy Series
Release Date: 2019 –
IMDb Rating: 7.9
Platform: Netflix

Although The Witcher lost significant momentum with its third season, its first two seasons, especially the first one, are considered successful adaptations. Adapted from the fantasy novel series that is also the subject of the game series, The Witcher is set on a continent filled with humans, elves, dwarves, and monsters. Geralt of Rivia, a “witcher” who hunts monsters on this continent, finds himself in the middle of an approaching war during his adventures. Taking in Ciri, a young princess fleeing the war, Geralt, with the help of the powerful sorceress Yennefer, enters a difficult struggle against dark forces.

7️⃣ Castlevania

Genre: Animated Series
Release Date: 2017–2021
IMDb Rating: 8.3
Platform: Netflix

Castlevania, one of the oldest franchises in the gaming world, was successfully turned into an animated series by Netflix. This dark story, set in the Middle Ages, follows the vampire hunter Trevor Belmont in his struggle against Dracula. During this dangerous mission, Trevor is joined by Sypha Belnades, a young witch, and Alucard, Dracula’s son. The team embarks on a perilous adventure to end Dracula’s cruel reign and bring justice to the bleak world of the Middle Ages.

8️⃣ Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Genre: Anime Series
Release Date: 2022 –
IMDb Rating: 8.3
Platform: Netflix

Another animated game adaptation brought to life by Netflix was Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. Set in the same universe as Cyberpunk 2077, the series increased interest in the game upon its release and played a key role in the success of Cyberpunk 2077. The series focuses on the story of David Martinez, a young student trying to survive on the ruthless streets of Night City. After a tragic loss, David, whose life is completely changed by an illegal cybernetic implant, quickly transforms into an “edgerunner,” a mercenary cyberpunk, in the underground world. Produced by Studio Trigger, the series stands out with its dynamic animation style and impressive use of music.

9️⃣ Gran Turismo

Genre: Sports Film
Release Date: 2023
IMDb Rating: 7.1
Platform: TOD

Gran Turismo, one of the legendary racing game series, was brought to the big screen in 2023. Directed by Neill Blomkamp (District 9), the film offered a different take on game adaptations by focusing not directly on the game itself, but on a life changed by the game. The film tells the real-life story of Jann Mardenborough, a young player with a passion for the Gran Turismo game. Discovered by Nissan and the GT Academy thanks to his console racing skills, Jann enters the professional racing world he has always dreamed of. However, the differences between the simulation and the real track put the young driver through a major physical and mental test. Gran Turismo stands out not only as a game adaptation but also as an inspiring sports film.

🔟 NieR: Automata Ver 1.1a

Genre: Anime Series
Release Date: 2023 –
IMDb Rating: 7.3
Platform: Crunchyroll

NieR: Automata Ver1.1a, while not as popular as the other productions on this list, was a game adaptation that particularly impressed fans of the anime genre. NieR: Automata Ver1.1a is set in a distant future where humanity is on the verge of extinction. The Earth has been invaded by machine armies, forcing humans to retreat to the Moon. In response to this invasion, humans develop the advanced android unit known as YoRHa. Our protagonists, 2B and 9S, are part of this android group and are sent to Earth to reclaim it. However, as their mission progresses, they encounter a reality much more complex than the enemy machines.

Sonic the Hedgehog

Genre: Adventure / Family Film
Release Date: 2020
IMDb Rating: 6.5
Platform: Apple TV+

Adapted for cinema from Sega’s classic platform game, Sonic the Hedgehog achieved unexpected success, launching a new film series. With its third film released last year, this series appears set to continue for many years. The film begins when Sonic, the super-fast blue hedgehog, flees his own world and comes to Earth. However, the malevolent Dr. Robotnik, who notices his energy, chases after him. Together with his human friend Tom Wachowski, Sonic embarks on a difficult adventure to both save the world and find his place, while Dr. Robotnik tries to implement his wicked plans. The famous actor Jim Carrey plays Dr. Robotnik in the film.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Genre: Animated Film
Release Date: 2023
IMDb Rating: 7
Platform: Netflix

Like Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Mario also found success in cinema. The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which met with moviegoers in 2023, became one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time. The film is about the brothers Mario and Luigi, who live ordinary lives in Brooklyn, passing into the fantastical Mushroom Kingdom through a mysterious pipe. Joining forces to save Princess Peach from the evil Bowser, the duo embarks on a journey full of obstacles. The film features not only the Mario and Luigi brothers but also various characters familiar from the Nintendo universe.

Ace Attorney

Genre: Courtroom Film
Release Date: 2012
IMDb Rating: 6.5
Platform: –

Capcom’s beloved game series Ace Attorney was adapted into a film in Japan in 2012 and was particularly well-received by fans of the series. Directed by Takashi Miike, one of Japan’s famous directors, the film successfully reflects the game’s humorous and dynamic structure. The film focuses on the first major case of Phoenix Wright, a young and idealistic lawyer. Engaging in difficult courtroom battles to defend his falsely accused client, Phoenix tries to uncover the truth by questioning witness testimonies and revealing evidence. With its dynamic courtroom scenes, cleverly constructed story, and colorful characters, Ace Attorney manages to bring the game’s atmosphere to the screen.

Warcraft

Genre: Fantasy Film
Release Date: 2016
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Platform: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix

Directed by Duncan Jones, who drew attention with his film Moon, the Warcraft film failed to meet the high expectations it created at the time. However, looking back today, with its production quality and colorful world, it ranks among the better-than-average game adaptations. The film covers the first major conflict between humans on the planet Azeroth and the Orcs. The Orcs arrive on Azeroth in search of new lands as they face the destruction of their own world. Humans, in turn, begin to resist this invasion. The story is noteworthy for reflecting the perspective of both sides, deeply exploring the motivations of both heroes and enemies.

Mortal Kombat

Genre: Fighting Film
Release Date: 1995
IMDb Rating: 5.8
Platform: Apple TV+

The first Mortal Kombat film, released in 1995, was not well-liked at the time and was not well-remembered over the next 15-20 years. However, the perception of the film has begun to change in recent years. So much so that the film is now almost regarded as a cult classic. The film tells the story of fighters with different abilities who are invited to a mysterious and deadly fighting tournament. Characters like Liu Kang, Sonya Blade, and Johnny Cage face off against the malevolent sorcerer Shang Tsung and his followers to save the world.