Video games and movies haven't always been the perfect combination. On the top of your head, you might be able to think of several terrible video games based on movies and some equally bad movies based on video games.
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Yet, that doesn't mean that the mediums can't work together well. After all, there are several great video game films out there. Most of them are movies about games. So, instead of trying to re-create the exact experience of a game in a film, they focus more generally on the concept of gaming. If you want a movie that does that well, then take a look at these.
Ready Player One
$15 at AmazonJumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
$15 at AmazonIndie Game: The Movie
$6 at AmazonWargames
$15 at AmazonTron
$18 at Amazon- See More
Free Guy
$20 at AmazonWreck-It Ralph
$20 at Amazon
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LikeReady Player One
Is this the future of VR?
PG-13/12A Release Date March 29, 2018 Runtime 140 minutes Director Steven Spielberg Writers Zak Penn, Ernest ClineCast
See All- Tye Sheridan
- Olivia Cooke
- Ben Mendelsohn
- Lena Waithe
Based on a novel of the same name, Ready Player One is a sci-fi movie set in an expansive virtual reality simulation. Those in the simulation compete in a contest where the winner gains ownership of the entire VR world.
Powered by Expand Collapse Pros & Cons- Exciting virtual world
- Fun gaming cameos
- Decent story
- Underdeveloped supporting characters
The use of virtual reality in games has been a bit up and down so far. According to Ready Player One, though, things will be much better in the year 2045. After all, the characters in this movie live in a very impressive virtual world that even contains famous video game characters, such as Chun Li from Street Fighter.
The interesting cameos and the impressive world that the movie is set in are the main reasons why this is a good movie to watch. Outside of those things, it also has a solid and unique story.
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LikeJumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Not the safest game to be stuck inside
PG-13/12A Comedy Fantasy Release Date December 20, 2017 Runtime 119 minutes Director Jake Kasdan Writers Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Scott Rosenberg, Jeff PinknerCast
See All- Dwayne Johnson
- Kevin Hart
- Karen Gillan
- Jack Black
During detention, four high school students find and play the Jumanji video game. When they start, they're magically brought into the game. And they have to complete the in-game narrative to get out.
Powered by Expand Collapse Pros & Cons- Contains many funny jokes about gaming
- All-star cast
- Unique premise
- Uninspired storytelling
While the original Jumanji revolved around a board game, this reboot is about a video game. As a result, there is an abundance of jokes in this movie about games. They poke fun at the concept of avatars, NPCs, and different characters' strengths and weaknesses. Most of the gags are funny, particularly due to the cast's brilliant comedic timing.
The plot is unique, but the story hits the same beats you'd expect from this sort of tale. Still, it's a fun movie.
Indie Game: The Movie
Making and selling games is hard
15 Release Date June 12, 2012 Runtime 103 minutesIndie Game: The Movie is a documentary that shows the trials and tribulations of three indie game developers. The creators of Fez, Super Meat Boy, and Braid are all included.
Powered by Expand Collapse Pros & Cons- Offers a fascinating insight into game development
- Focuses on three different development teams
- Compelling even if you aren't interested in game development
- Filmed a long time ago, now. So, it may not be a good representation of today's industry
Indie Game: The Movie provides an interesting look at the world of video game development. While you probably assume they go through difficult times, seeing it up close really lets you appreciate what these people have to do to create brilliant indie games.
Even if you're not interested in game development, this is still a compelling documentary. It's, after all, a tale of regular people trying desperately to achieve their goals/dreams. That is a story anybody can understand.
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LikeWargames
The US should be glad that it was an honorable teenager who hacked them
PG/12 Release Date June 3, 1983 Runtime 114 minutes Director John Badham Writers Lawrence Lasker, Walter F. ParkesCast
See All- Matthew Broderick
- Dabney Coleman
- John Wood
- Ally Sheedy
You'd think hacking into a Military supercomputer would be extremely difficult. Yet, a teenager accidentally does so in Wargames. As a result, World War 3 may break out unless that same teenager can stop it.
Powered by Expand Collapse Pros & Cons- Plenty of tension
- Moves along at a good pace
- The premise is a bit far-fetched for a movie that is supposed to be fairly serious
It's fair to say that the premise of Wargames is a little far-fetched. The idea that a teen could hack into a Military supercomputer and almost start a World War is a bit unrealistic. Yet, if you can get past that aspect, it's a thrilling movie.
It moves at a brisk pace, and there is a great deal of tension throughout as the main characters desperately try to avoid starting WW3. The film clearly impressed people at the time of release as it was nominated for a few Academy Awards, which can't be said of every video game movie.
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Like Follow FollowedTron
The light cycle is still cool
PG Action-Adventure Release Date July 9, 1982 Runtime 96 minutes Director Steven Lisberger Writers Steven LisbergerCast
- Jeff Bridges
- Bruce Boxleitner
- David Warner
- Cindy Morgan
Tron follows a video game developer who gets trapped inside a software world. He desperately needs to escape it. However, simply surviving is a challenge since he's forced to compete in various dangerous games.
Powered by Expand Collapse Pros & Cons- Influential movie
- Includes cool tech, such as the light cycle
- The CGI doesn't meet today's standards
Tron is one of the earliest video game movies. But despite being released many years ago, it's still fondly remembered. Arguably, the main reason for that is the awesome light cycles that feature in the movie.
They're so cool they're among the most desired video game vehicles ever, even though most of the games they feature in aren't very good. The same can't be said for this movie, though, as it's an enjoyable sci-fi adventure. However, don't expect to be impressed with the film's CGI since it hasn't held up very well.
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Like Follow FollowedFree Guy
NPCs deserve attention, too
PG-13/12A Action Release Date August 13, 2021 Runtime 115 minutes Director Shawn Levy Writers Matt Lieberman, Zak PennCast
See All- Ryan Reynolds
- Jodie Comer
- Lil Rel Howery
- Joe Keery
Rarely do you see a story revolve around an NPC, but that is exactly what happens in Free Guy. Yet, he isn't a regular non-playable character. He is one who suddenly realizes he's a character in an MMO. Shortly after this realization, he goes on an adventure to help a real player who aims to get evidence that the game's creator stole her code.
Powered by Expand Collapse Pros & Cons- Plenty of great jokes about video games
- Ryan Reynolds and Jodie Comer deliver brilliant performances
- Interesting premise
- The CGI for the character Dude may give you nightmares
By nature, NPCs don't get to be the main characters in video games. After all, if they were the protagonists, they would typically be playable, which means they wouldn't be an NPC. However, technically, every character in a movie is an NPC - unless it's an interactive movie. Therefore, they can be the main heroes in films. And this unique concept works to great effect in Free Guy.
It's a compelling flick containing some hilarious jokes, particularly the ones about the gaming world. Also, there is a bit of heart in the movie and some solid special effects, with the exception of a character named Dude. But his odd look doesn't stop this movie from being fantastic.
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LikeWreck-It Ralph
The story of a video game villain
PG Release Date November 2, 2012 Runtime 101 minutes Director Rich Moore Writers Phil Johnston, Jennifer LeeCast
See All- John C. Reilly
- Sarah Silverman
- Jack McBrayer
- Jane Lynch
The main character of Wreck-It Ralph is a bad guy in a popular arcade game. He isn't totally happy with this, though. The guy wants to be more than just a villain that almost always loses. He desires to be a celebrated hero and win a medal. Meanwhile, little Vanellope wants to win a race in her own game. Both of their pursuits create problems for the whole arcade.
Powered by Expand Collapse Pros & Cons- Clever premise
- Great animation
- Surprisingly emotional
- Some of Ralph's character development is undone in the sequel
Disney is responsible for many great movies, and Wreck-It Ralph is among the greatest in recent times. The premise is unique, as not many other movies are about the villain of an arcade game trying to win a medal. And it's a well-told tale that blends perfectly with little Vanellope's goal of winning a race in her game.
Their adventure together is hilarious, emotional, and thrilling. Plus, it's a visual delight due to the movie's impressive animation.
FAQ
What is the highest-grossing video game movie?
When it comes to movies based on video games, Super Mario Bros. is the most successful, as it made just under $1.4 billion worldwide at the box office, according to BoxOfficeMojo. In contrast, the most successful movie about gaming was Ready Player One, which made $607 million.
What Disney movie is inspired by video games?
There are actually a few Disney movies that involve video games in some way. The most famous ones, though, are Wreck-It Ralph and the original Tron.
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