Most Successful Video Game To TV Adaptations

In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most successful video game to TV adaptations, based on their average user ratings on the popular movie and TV review site, IMDB. From high fantasy to sci-fi, these adaptations have not only captured the spirit of their source material but have also created memorable and captivating stories that stand on their own. Join us as we delve into the top-rated video game to TV adaptations, and explore the worlds of beloved video games brought to life on the small screen.

10 This Franchise Debuted Almost Four Decades Ago

The Legend of Zelda, a popular video game franchise that made its debut in 1986, has an average IMDB rating of 7.3. The retro classic game features the protagonist Link as he embarks on a quest to save the land of Hyrule from the evil sorcerer Ganon and has an impressive IMDB user rating of 8.6 stars.

In 1989, an animated TV series adaptation of The Legend of Zelda was released with a lower rating of 7.3. Despite mixed reviews, the franchise continues to be widely popular today and is considered one of the most beloved and influential video game franchises of all time.

9 These Three Adaptations All Have Similar Ratings

Earthworm Jim, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Mass Effect all tied at ninth place on the list with an average rating of 7.45 stars on IMDB when combined with their original games. Earthworm Jim, released in 1994, follows the adventures of an earthworm turned superhero and was popular due to its wacky humor, catchy soundtrack, and fluid animation.

Sonic the Hedgehog, released in 1991, became a cultural phenomenon due to its blazing-fast gameplay and catchy soundtrack. Mass Effect, released in 2007, revolutionized the Sci-Fi RPG genre with its engaging story, memorable characters, and player-driven choices. The fact that these three vastly different games tie for ninth place demonstrates the diversity and popularity of video games.

8 This British Crime Drama Is The Eighth Most Successful Adaptation

At eighth place on the list is the British crime drama Gangs of London, featuring Peaky Blinders actor Joe Cole, with an average IMDB rating of 7.7 across both the game and TV show adaptations. The show boasts an impressive 8.1 rating on IMDB, showcasing its popularity among viewers.

The original game, developed for Sony PSP, also received a solid IMDB rating of 7.3. Gangs of London tells the story of the power struggle between rival criminal gangs in London, with violent clashes and political intrigue keeping audiences hooked. The success of both the TV series and the game highlights the popularity of gritty crime dramas and their potential for crossover success across different mediums.

7 This Popular Franchise Has Been Expanding Over The Years

Seventh on the list is Dragon Age, a popular franchise that includes an animated action series and a critically acclaimed video game, Dragon Age: Origins. Despite the animated series receiving a lower IMDB rating of 6.4 stars, the video game’s impressive rating of 9.1 stars helps bring the franchise’s average rating to 7.75 stars. Dragon Age: Origins was released in 2009 and was praised for its complex storyline, memorable characters, and immersive gameplay.

The franchise has since expanded to include additional games, books, and comics, and has gained a dedicated fanbase. The popularity of the Dragon Age franchise demonstrates the enduring appeal of richly developed fantasy worlds and engaging storytelling in both video games and other media.

6 This TV Adaptation Is Based On A Classic Arcade Game

Tron, the iconic science fiction franchise, takes the sixth spot on the list with an impressive average user rating of 7.85 stars. The rating was derived from the combination of the 1982 arcade game, which received a 7.5 star rating on IMDB, and the 2012 Thai TV show, which boasted a stellar rating of 8.2 stars on IMDB.

The franchise, known for its pioneering use of computer-generated imagery, has been a cult favorite among fans of sci-fi and gaming for decades. The TV show, which starred Elijah Wood as the voice of the main character, continued the franchise’s legacy of exploring virtual worlds and the intersection between man and machine.

5 This Is The Fifth Most Successful Video Game To TV Adaptation?

In fifth place on the list is the Paramount+ original TV show Halo, with an average IMDB rating of 7.95 across the video game and TV adaptation. Despite the show’s rating of 7.1 on IMDB being lower than the original game’s impressive 8.8 stars, it still outperforms the average rating for TV series adaptations of other titles in the analysis, which is 6.8 stars.

Halo premiered on Paramount+ in March 2022 and quickly became the network’s most-watched series debut globally in its first 24 hours. The popularity of the show underscores the enduring appeal of the Halo franchise and its potential for crossover success across different media.

4 This Adaptation’s Success Led To Multiple Spin-Offs

Castlevania, the action-adventure game series, ranks fourth on the list with an impressive average IMDB user rating of 8.05. With more than 30 games in the franchise, Castlevania is also one of the longest-running game series on the list. Interestingly, the franchise’s rating is higher than the original title, which received an IMDB star rating of 7.8 stars.

The TV show adaptation, which premiered on Netflix in 2017, received a stellar rating of 8.3 stars on IMDB, surpassing the original game. The show’s success has led to multiple seasons and spin-off projects, cementing Castlevania’s place as a beloved franchise with a dedicated fanbase.

3 This Animated Series Rated Higher Than The Video Game

With an average IMDB star rating of 8.1, the animated series Arcane: League of Legends stands out as one of the top video game TV adaptations. Released on Netflix in 2021, the show boasts a high rating of 9.0 stars on IMDB, making it the highest-rated Netflix original show upon its release.

What’s interesting is that Arcane’s IMDB rating surpasses that of the original game it was based on, the massively popular MMORPG League of Legends, which only scored 7.2 stars. This highlights the potential for successful crossovers from the gaming world to the world of television and film.

2 This Netflix Hit Also Rated Higher Than The Original Video Game

The Witcher, starring Henry Cavill as the iconic Geralt of Rivia, secured second place with an impressive average IMDB rating of 8.3 across the video game and TV series. Interestingly, the TV show received a higher rating than the original game, with the game scoring 8.1 and the first season of the show scoring 8.5 on IMDB.

The series was a major hit for Netflix, breaking records with 76 million views in its first four weeks of streaming. However, in October 2022, it was announced that Cavill would be leaving the show and that Liam Hemsworth will be his replacement for the show’s fourth season.

1 This Is One Of Two Video Game Adaptations With A Rating Over Nine Stars

The TV adaptation of The Last of Us received an average IMDB rating of 9.1 stars, which is 0.6 stars less than the original video game. Despite this slight difference, The Last of Us remains one of the two video game adaptations that achieved a rating of over nine stars on IMDB.

The game itself received an impressive 9.7 stars on the platform. The Last of Us boasts a talented cast, including the two leads Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, both of whom starred in Game of Thrones. Though the duo never worked together on the former HBO series, they became fast friends while working on The Last Of Us, adding to their incredible chemistry on-screen.