The video game market has expanded over the years. According to some estimates, it is expected that this market will surpass the $200 billion mark in 2023. This goes to show how valuable video games are in today’s world and that their popularity won’t decline anytime soon. As long as it engages and allows us to visit uncharted territories, this pastime will remain an integral part of our everyday life.
Video games’ transition into the movie industry has certainly cemented their status. Almost every film based on a video game has the potential to become a box office hit and gather a cult following. So, it’s no wonder that Hollywood executives don’t wish to miss out on a unique opportunity to attract a devoted follower base to the big screens.
What’s more, these film adaptations want to please fans of video games and movie buffs. Some have done that, while others have failed miserably. Nevertheless, no matter how many critics pan these adaptations, Hollywood won’t stop producing them. As long as video games remain popular, we will likely see them come to life in the theater.
As this is the case, we thought it would be fun to mention sci-fi and fantasy movies based on games that strike a chord with all of us. So, buckle up and get ready to see which games made it to the big screens!
Let’s start!
Rampage
The past couple of years have seen the release of many sci-fi and fantasy movies based on games. Although some directors didn’t want to experiment, others proved they were ready to take the bull by the horns and pitch in movie adaptations of retro games. In this case, the director is Brad Peyton. The game he adapted? Rampage, a 1986 arcade game developed by Midway Games.
The film was released in 2018, starring Dwayne Johnson, Naomi Harris, and Joe Manganiello, among many others. Shortly after hitting the theaters, Rampage was a box office success. This proved that the audience still loved the science fiction genre. What is the movie about?
Rampage follows a primatologist who is set to undertake a difficult job. He needs to team up with George, an albino gorilla who occasionally turns into a dangerous creature as a result of a rogue experiment. Together, Davis and George will try to stop other mutated animals from destroying Chicago.
Generally speaking, fans enjoyed Rampage, which proves it deserves to be named along other sci-fi and fantasy movies based on games.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
For many, Tomb Raider, and especially Lara Croft, defined an entire generation. This video game franchise was so popular that even Angelina Jolie wanted to star in its movie adaptation. We think a lot of fans would agree that this was one of the best castings in the industry! Jolie brought Croft to life before our eyes.
The game was developed by Core Design and it was Simon West who directed the movie. We’re pretty sure that the plot of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider is widely known, but we’ll go over it below.
The movie focuses on the thrilling adventures of the intelligent archaeologist Lara Croft. Her father vanished years earlier and Croft wants to solve the mystery of his disappearance. Fearing nothing, she embarks on a dangerous journey, hoping to reach a mythical island that might hold the answers she is looking for.
Lara Croft is the most successful game heroine of all times. We’re sure that she will continue to attract gamers and movie buffs.
Let’s check out our other sci-fi and fantasy movies based on games.
Resident Evil
The Resident Evil franchise is a gift that keeps on giving. It is Capcom’s best-selling video game franchise, with players purchasing over 100 million units worldwide. In addition to that, Resident Evil is a successful Hollywood blockbuster, with the studio making six action films based on the game. This year, the audience will rush to watch a reboot of the series. It remains one of the most popular sci-fi and fantasy movies based on games.
Why is the world head over heels in love with Resident Evil? For most part, the reason for the movie’s popularity is the fact that it explores a storyline most of us are captivated with — the consequences of vicious creatures attacking our planet.
Relying on certain elements from the game, the 2002 movie follows Alice as she sets out on an adventure. Together with a group of Umbrella Corporation commandos, she needs to contain the outbreak of a deadly virus. Will she make it?
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Many of us have fond memories of our time playing Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time when we were kids. Therefore, it’s not surprising that filmmakers wanted to adapt this game into an action-packed movie starring Jake Gyllenhaal as Prince Dastan. Unlike the game, the film isn’t that serious and nerve-wrecking. You can watch it if you’re up for a dose of comedy as well.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time tells the story of Dastan, the adopted son of Persia’s king. After organizing an attack on the city, Dastan comes across a dagger that gives him access to the Sands. Some unfortunate events prompt Dastan to go on the run with an Alamut princess. Together they will try to protect the ancient treasure.
Are you ready to watch these sci-fi and fantasy movies based on games? Which one will be the first on your list?