There are many movies based on and influenced by video games. Some have worked well while others turned out to be parent disasters. Video games have inspired some pretty great films, anime, and TV shows. For years, critics have derided video game film adaptations for being too violent, noisy, or nonsensical. Yet, in the past few decades, a good number of films have raised the bar and have been received well. Here are some animated movies based on video games that we’ve ranked the best. So, put down your controller and grab some popcorns with the best video game animated movies.
Last Order: Final Fantasy VII
This 2005 Japanese computer-animated movie is arguably one of the few Final Fantasy movies that are short, flawless, and amazing. It is a perfect complement to the story of the great game and does a perfect job of explaining in detail what happened to the characters in the game. The movie has been released in multiple versions and even received the “Maria Award” at the 2005 Sitges Film Festival and went ahead to win the “Best Anime Feature” at the 2007 American Anime Awards. Besides, its original release was one of the best-selling animated films in the release years in both the United States and Japan. The complete series saw an increase in the sales of the PlayStation 3 console in the release week.
The Angry Birds Movie 2
Contrary to what most critics expected, the 2019 Angry Birds 2 computer-animated comedy movie was a complete success, surpassing the expectations of the original movie and the video game. The movie has numerous funny scenes with new characters combining with the original cast bringing a whole new feel to the movie. It’s fun for kids and adults alike with distinct characters working together which is not the case in the original game. The movie when ahead to be nominated in the People’s Choice Awards under the categories of Favorite Animated Star, Favorite Family Movie, and Favorite Animated Movie in 2019. The film won Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards under Favorite male Voice for an Animated Movie in 2020.
Resident Evil: Damnation
Another adult animated bio-punk horror movie that lived to its hype. The game and the sequel were exceptional and well received by the masses. However, according to many critics, the movie was soft compared to the game which could scare your pants off. The GGI is done perfectly and the English voice is just perfect. The storyline is easy to grasp and the recurring characters deliver faithfully. One of the best features is that the movie takes place in the game universe and stands very well on its own. The audio is outstanding and the surrounding elements are thunderous, adding a lot of amazing intensity and action to every beat.
Halo Legends (2010)
This animated film released in 2017 comprises seven short stories that feature the outer-space adventures of the 26th century. Developed by Japan’s most creative minds, the movie tells the story of the Halo universe and our history 100,000 years ago. It was a surprise to many fans as it consists of numerous action-packed episodes each with a unique animation/artwork revealing every aspect of the Halo universe. The movie was as good as the original games and it’s one of the most recommended on this list.
Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within
Most movies of its genre have been made completely on computers, however, “Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within” is the first to attempt realistic human characters. Developed in 2001 from the inspiration of the famous series of video games, the movie tells a great story of the circa in 2065. The visuals, coupled with science fiction, the film grabs the fans to the core. The film was completed over four years, where 200 experts put in a total of 120 years of work within it. In 2021, the movie was nominated for seven awards and won the Japanese Media Arts Festival under the Jury Prize category.
Dante’s Inferno: An Animated Epic
Dante’s Inferno: An Animated Epic movie is direct to DVD animated dark fantasy action film that came out in February 2010. Based on Dante’s Inferno video game, the film lived to its hype. The storyline is very captivating, beating the original flawlessly. For epic fans, the film didn’t disappoint as it takes them through Dante’s journey at every level as he tries to complete his quest. The movie satisfies an animation film that both epic and horror fans will enjoy. It took six directors to make it and they did a terrific job resulting in a long-lasting impression.
Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie
One of the few video game adaptation movies that were a critical and commercial success. Based on one of the world’s best video games, the film made great use of most characters of the original game and wisely focused on the most popular ones. The storyline is simple to understand, even for those who haven’t played the game. Almost twenty years after its release, the movie is still one of the best fighting game movies ever. The excellent animation and amazing action glue viewers from the start to the end.
Final Fantasy: VII: Advent Children
Dedicated to the die-hard fans of the FFVII and one of the most iconic role-playing video games of all time, Final Fantasy: VII: Advent Children was a huge success with visuals that have aged pretty well. The graphics and the music are brilliant and the plot seamless. The famous director, Tetsuya Nomura, designed all the characters in the movie for the original game. This intimacy helped get the ideal PlayStation-to-cinema translation, making every character appear super badass. The movie has some of the best fight scenes that no other animation film has delivered.
Batman: Assault on Arkham
Batman: Assault on Arkham has sneaked by with enough references and allusions to the Arkham Asylum games justifying its title. The film casts Batman villains in lead roles bringing out the best in each character. There are several instances of mature content but none appears too gratuitous or forced. Its presentation brought the hook of the film and it’s a real heist full of many subterfuge, schemes, and plans with plans. There is an amazing use of music and in a nutshell, you can throw your money at it as the team behind it took the time to make yours worthwhile.
Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge
This is everything you ever wanted in a Mortal Kombat Animated film. Based on one of the most iconic fight video games ever, the film provides a new perspective on the familiar story making Scorpion the backbone of the narrative. Bringing back all your favorite game characters, the movie offers a self-deprecating sense of humor, badass moments, and gory martial arts action. The film did very well by sticking to the storyline and intriguing from the beginning to the end.
Video game adaptation movies are increasingly becoming popular with major companies viewing them as one of the richest, ripest sections of intellectual property besides comic books. They have released many video game adaptation movies with many being a big miss. However, some have lived up to the hype and turned out to be a global success.
