The Best Movies Based on Games

There is no limit to what directors and scriptwriters can use for inspiration for their movies, from real-life events like the sinking of the Titanic to everyday items we take for granted like emojis and phonebooths. 

While many genres and topics have been covered over and over again across the entire history of cinema, some subjects are newer than others. For example, movies based on games only really came about within the last couple of decades. 

In that time, there has been a long list of releases – some good, some not so good. If you’re a gamer and can’t get enough of the titles you play, then some of these great game-based motion pictures might be right up your street. 

21 (2008)

Almost all of us have played card games at some point or another, which is why the 2008 movie 21 was one that had very broad appeal.

It’s based on the globally popular game of blackjack which has enjoyed a new resurgence in recent years thanks to the variety of options offered in online casinos. For example, instead of just one version, players can select from variants like Vinnie Jones Blackjack, Ultimate Blackjack, and Redeal Blackjack, which make some minor tweaks to the rules to create new challenges for players.

The movie, however, focuses on the traditional version and follows a team of academics who use card-counting techniques to take on the casinos. Originally from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, they became known at the MIT Blackjack Team, although they grew to include players from across the US and the world.

The movie follows how the team was formed, how it trained, and its operations in Las Vegas. However, for the purposes of expediency, some elements are compressed and dramatised. Regardless, it’s a fascinating story that’s well worth a watch.

Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019)

Pikachu is one of the most recognisable characters from the world of games. Only Mario, Sonic, and (perhaps) Lara Croft are better known than this cute yellow creature. 

The film is based on the Pokémon universe and adapted from the video game of the same name from 2016. It wasn’t the first film to be created from this popular trading card and video game series, but it was the first one to combine live-action and CGI. 

It follows Tim, a man who gave up his dream of being a Pokémon trainer after his mother and father were killed. 

He travels to Ryme City where Pokémon and humans live together to learn about what happened to his dad. It is here that he meets Pikachu, and the two work together to uncover a story that goes much deeper than anyone initially believes. 

Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

Sonic the Hedgehog is SEGA’s answer to Nintendo’s Mario. He is the company’s mascot and most lucrative piece of intellectual property. 

Games that feature Sonic are almost always a guaranteed win for the company, so a movie was also likely to do well. 

However, the film was almost a huge flop after some peculiar design choices were made by its creators. This led to uproar from fans who thought their favourite blue hedgehog had waddled too far from his roots. 

Aside from this, the Sonic movie was well-received for its interesting plot and stunning special effects. It follows the hedgehog as he lives alone in Montana before accidentally causing disruption to the electrical grid with his supersonic running. 

This attracts the attention of the US government and Dr Robotnik who attempt to capture him. To stay safe, Sonic has to enlist the help of some friends, resulting in some entertaining capers. 

Following the success of the original, a sequel was released this year.

Doom (2005)

Doom is one of the most iconic video games ever created. While it looks primitive today, it was revolutionary at the time and helped give birth to the first-person shooter genre that so many players love today. 

So, it was only a matter of time before someone created a movie based on it. 

Doom the movie sees marines travel to Mars to rescue researchers who have been attacked by aliens. A huge fight ensues, resulting in levels of violence you can only expect from a video game. 

It’s not the most sophisticated of movies, but if you’re a fan of the game or of action movies, then it’s one you’ll enjoy.