It’s no secret that video games have been stepping into the realms of TV and film for a while now. With a mix of hit successes and less than stellar results, a wide variety of games have found their way to both the big screen and streaming platforms. Many more are in development too, with news of upcoming films and series for BioShock, Gears of War, Mass Effect, and a host of other beloved franchises.
I’ve taken it upon myself to sort through the current wave of adaptations and highlight the best of the best. Before the debate kicks off with cries of "How could you leave out XYZ?!", let me lay some groundwork first.
Every pick on this list comes with my full endorsement. We’ve come a long way since the days when movies were passable with decent casting alone. I’m spotlighting only the cream of the crop here. Buckle up for the top 7 video game adaptations thus far.
7. Dragon Age: Absolution
Initially, the Dragon Age franchise was veering towards a game centered on heists, a concept that eventually became Dragon Age: Absolution on Netflix. This animated series follows a crew aiming to swipe a powerful artifact from the Tevinter Imperium. It’s an entertaining romp that offers a new perspective on the world of Thedas, with an especially notable character in the delightful Qwydion (voiced by Ashly Burch). While it may serve as just a small window into the larger Dragon Age universe, making it a bit tougher for newcomers to dive into, it’s well worth exploring for any curious fans of Templars or Blood Mages.
6. Sonic the Hedgehog
Who knew a complete redesign could save a project? Sonic’s first reaction was anything but positive, yet it paved the way for one of the most entertainingly consistent franchise adaptations to date. The Sonic the Hedgehog films, along with the Knuckles series, capture Sonic’s high-energy antics beautifully. A huge round of applause goes to the redesign, which transformed Sonic from a nightmare into an accurate game-to-film adaptation, and to Jim Carrey’s hilariously exaggerated portrayal of Dr. Robotnik. The saga continues with Sonic the Hedgehog 3, bringing Keanu Reeves on board to voice Shadow the Hedgehog.
5. The Last of Us
With HBO collaborating with PlayStation Productions and Naughty Dog, "The Last of Us" transforms its 2013 game narrative into gripping television. Joel and Ellie, portrayed by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, embark on an intense journey through a post-apocalyptic America. While the show remains faithful to the game, the series shines brightest in its deviations, like the chilling opening with John Hannah as a worried scientist or the poignant third episode centered on Bill and Frank. Future seasons promise to delve further into the second game’s storyline starting in 2025, possibly extending across multiple seasons.
4. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
The collaboration between Studio Trigger and Cyberpunk resulted in the phenomenal Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. Set as a prequel to Cyberpunk 2077, this series follows a young street kid and his crew on risky jobs that catch the attention of the formidable Arasaka corporation. Edgerunners pulls you into an emotionally charged narrative, expertly building to its heart-wrenching conclusion. As the saying goes, "No one makes it out of Night City."
3. Castlevania
Adapting Castlevania into an animated series could have gone many ways—some of them not great. However, Powerhouse Animation and Netflix create an engaging saga filled with bloody battles and complex characters. Focusing on the Belmonts, the show’s mature tone, bold direction, and stellar voice cast make it essential viewing. Dracula’s battles span centuries but the story effortlessly transitions to "Castlevania: Nocturne," continuing the legacy through new generations.
2. Fallout
When the Fallout TV series was announced, skepticism was in the air. But what a turnaround it’s been, with Kilter Films, Amazon, and Bethesda crafting a show that nails the franchise’s unique darkly comedic spin on nuclear annihilation. Through the power struggles of factions, characters like Lucy, Maximus, and The Ghoul navigate a Wasteland teeming with mutants and moral ambiguity. The series has hit its stride and with another season on the horizon, there’s much anticipation for what’s next.
1. Arcane
Riot Games and Fortiche didn’t just animate a League of Legends story; they crafted a narrative masterpiece with Arcane. The series is anchored in contrasting worlds and the sisterly divide between its central characters, Vi and Jinx. Rich cinematics and a breathtaking soundtrack set the stage for exploring the complexities of these relationships. Even without any knowledge of the game, Arcane pulls you into Runeterra’s world, offering a viewing experience as transcendent as it is unique. Riot Games plans more stories in this universe, though matching Arcane’s magic may prove to be a monumental task.
