Video game movie adaptations aren’t a gamble anymore. At this point, they’re one of Hollywood’s safest bets.
Between The Super Mario Bros. Movie blowing up at the box office and studios scrambling to lock down the next big franchise, it feels like every major game is getting fast-tracked into development. Some of these projects have real filmmakers behind them and a clear sense of what they want to be. Others…feel like someone saw a recognizable title and figured they’d sort the story out later.
Not all adaptations are created equal. Some have real upside. Some feel like placeholders. So with a ton of projects on the way, here’s how they stack up right now, from “wait, why?” to “drop everything.”
The “Why Is This Happening?” Tier
These are the ones that feel more like IP grabs than actual movies. Could they surprise us? Sure. I'll admit, I never thought Legos or Barbies could make compelling movies, but hey, I was wrong. But right now, it’s a shrug.
25. Roblox
Roblox touts itself as the "ultimate virtual universe that lets you create, share experiences with friends, and be anything you can imagine." It is not a single game but a plethora of games. A platform trying to become a movie is a strange starting point. Right now, this feels like pure brand mining.
24. Five Nights at Freddy's 3
The first movie found an audience, but creatively it already felt stretched. A second movie was released in 2025 to little to no fanfare and very poor reviews, so a third entry doesn’t inspire much confidence.
23. Watch Dogs
Once a big deal, now mostly a memory. Hard to see the urgency of making a movie based on a game no one has talked about in more than a decade.
22. The Sims
No built-in story, no clear hook. This could surprise audiences with something truly original, but for now it’s a gamble.
21. Just Dance
The last time Just Dance felt relevant was the early 2000s, so this movie might be a bit late to the game if it ever makes it into production. Still, this feels more like a concept than a movie. Could lean into spectacle—or fall flat fast.
The “Could Go Either Way” Tier
This group sits firmly in the middle. There’s enough potential to see a path forward, but just as many reasons to be cautious about how they’ll translate from game to screen.
20. Split Fiction
There’s curiosity here, mostly because of the announcement that Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney would be starring. Beyond that, it’s still a question mark. How do you make a compelling movie from a game that is mostly lauded for its game mechanics and inventiveness? I guess we will see.
19. Riders Republic
Riders Republic is an open-world sports game that lets players partake in four extreme sports: mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding and wingsuit flying. Sounds fun for a video game, but doesn't seem like it should lend itself to the big screen. There’s potential for energy here, but not much identity yet.
18. Sleeping Dogs
Originally released in 2012, a Sleeping Dogs adaptation has been on and off since 2017. If it actually happens, it could land… or just feel late.
17. Phasmophobia
A really fun ghost investigation game is a strong concept, but hard to translate to the screen without losing what makes it fun. But hey, maybe no matter how it shakes out, we will get a fun horror movie.
16. Days Gone
Another zombie apocalypse game. Sure, it's a solid foundation for a game because the mechanics make it feel new and exciting, but it's hard to imagine it translating to a must-see adaptation. Will cinema goers turn up for another Zombie flick? I don't know.
“Okay, Now We’re Talking”
Here’s where things start to get interesting. These projects have strong concepts, recognizable worlds, or creative hooks that suggest they could break through—if handled correctly.
15. Stray
A cat navigating a strange world all alone could be surprisingly emotional, at least it was in video game form, so why not a movie? Or maybe it will be just a novelty; either way, I'm looking forward to this one.
14. Helldivers
If they lean into satire and chaos, a Helldivers movie could definitely work.
13. The Division
The premise is strong, especially in a post-pandemic lens.
12. BioShock
Big potential, but also high expectations. This one has a lot to live up to.
11. Metal Gear Solid
If it captures the weirdness, great. If not, it loses what makes it unique.
“This Could Actually Hit”
These are the adaptations that feel like legitimate contenders. Whether it’s scale, talent, or built-in audience, each has a real shot at landing with both fans and general audiences.
10. Horizon Zero Dawn
Visually rich, strong lead, big world. A lot to work with.
9. Ghost of Tsushima
Feels like a natural cinematic fit—but also a familiar one.
8. Super Mario Bros. (sequel)
The first two movies weren't well received critically, but that didn't stop families from making both films box office smashes, proving that video game movies that respect their source material can work. Now expectations are higher as a third movie is definitely gonna be fast-tracked into production.
7. Call of Duty
Feels inevitable. If done right, it could tap into a massive audience—especially for Military.com readers.
6. The Legend of Zelda
Massive expectations. If they land it, it’s huge.
The “Drop Everything” Tier
At the top are the projects that stand out from the pack. These aren’t just adaptations—they’re the ones that could define what video game movies look like going forward.
5. Death Stranding
This one’s either going to be mesmerizing or completely unhinged, and honestly, that’s the appeal. Hideo Kojima’s world doesn’t translate cleanly, which makes it perfect territory for a filmmaker willing to take risks.
4. Street Fighter
Well, we’ve seen it now, and it’s loud, neon-soaked, and very aware of what it is. This isn’t chasing prestige. It’s chasing fun, and honestly, it looks like it knows how to deliver. No, it’s not winning Oscars, but it absolutely looks like the kind of movie you throw on with friends and have a great time with. And that might be exactly what Street Fighter should be.
3. Mortal Kombat II
The first film proved there’s still an appetite for unapologetic, brutal spectacle. Now the sequel isn’t holding back. The trailer is already out, it’s leaning harder into the chaos, and bringing in heavy hitters like Karl Urban as Johnny Cage feels like a statement. This isn’t playing it safe. With a May 5 release right around the corner, Mortal Kombat II looks ready to go bigger, meaner, and a lot more fun.
2. Resident Evil (Reboot)
After seven original films starring Milla Jovovich that barely resembled the games, a poorly received Netflix series, and an even rougher 2021 reboot, it’s fair to wonder why Resident Evil keeps getting dragged back to life. The answer comes down to two words: Zach Cregger.
The filmmaker behind Barbarian and the upcoming Weapons is writing and directing from an original script, and the pitch already feels different. He’s described it as an “A to Z” story following a single character through Raccoon City, suggesting something more focused and genuinely unsettling. If this version commits to horror instead of masking it as action, it could finally capture what made the games work in the first place.
1. Elden Ring
With Alex Garland at the helm, this is the one that doesn’t just feel promising; it feels like a real swing. Garland isn’t known for playing things safe. His work leans into mood, ambiguity, and ideas over clean, easy storytelling, which makes him a fascinating fit for a world like Elden Ring, where mystery is the whole point. This also isn’t some rushed adaptation. He reportedly came in with a massive script and visual pitch that convinced A24 to go all in, locking down a deal with FromSoftware and building this from the ground up with real intention.
The scale backs that up. A budget north of $100 million, filming across the U.K. and Iceland, and a cast that blends rising names with veterans all point to something bigger than the usual game adaptation. The story sticks to the bones of the source material, a shattered world, corrupted demigods, and an exile trying to piece it back together, but the real question is how much Garland explains. If he resists that urge and leans into the strangeness instead, this could be the rare adaptation that actually captures what makes these games work. With a March 3, 2028, release, it’s a long wait, but if it lands, this is the one that could change the conversation.
As studios continue to mine video game libraries for the next wave of adaptations, the gap between passion projects and pure IP plays is becoming more visible. Some of these films have the talent and vision to push the genre forward, while others may struggle to justify their existence beyond name recognition. Either way, the volume alone makes one thing clear: video game movies aren’t a trend anymore—they’re a fixture, and the next few years will determine which ones actually stick.
