Video game fanatics have so often been disappointed by video game adaptations. With such clunkers as the 1993 Super Mario Bros. film and 2005’s Alone in the Dark who can blame them? That streak has largely been broken however with recent hits, especially on the small screen, including such titles as The Last of Us, The Witcher, and Fallout. One can hope this trend will stay positive (though jury’s largely out so far on the Borderlands live-action), and with that hope we wanted to take a moment to dive deeper into the five best and five worst live-action adaptations, as ranked by Rotten Tomatoes.
Five Best Video Game Live-Action Adaptations of All-Time
#5: Werewolves Within
Werewolves Within was released in 2021 as an adaptation of the titular game where villagers try to discover which of their villagers is secretly a werewolf destroying the townspeople. The film directed by Josh Ruben, based on an adapted screenplay from Mishna Wolff, won audiences over with an 86% Rotten Tomatoes rating. The film balances comedy and horror alike in a delightful melding of genres, while also representing the fun of the initial video game. That last point is essential for its where so many other video game adaptations fail.
#4: Halo
Halo (Source: Paramount Plus)
Though the live-action Halo series was recently cancelled, with more than one person on my social timeline saying “Wait, what Halo adaptation?” it still managed to find an audience and success, at least in particular for its strong second season which took the series from a %70 to %90 Rotten Tomatoes Score. After years of delays this series delivered what so many Halo fans wanted in a series. Too bad for fans it seems Master Chief won’t finish this fight.
#3: Fallout
Fallout (Source: Amazon Prime)
Fallout’s only had one season thus far; however, as the 94% Rotten Tomatoes score shows it’s already charmed fans with its style and comedic irreverence. Lead actors Ella Purnell and Walton Goggins stood apart in particular for audiences, with many of the cast’s primary and guest characters more than earning their screen-time and then some. Though it’s too early to tell how this show will fare in forthcoming seasons, it’s already risen high on the ranks which is a strong sign for this franchise.
2. The Witcher
The Witcher (Source: Netflix)
Though The Witcher’s future is up in the air as Liam Hemsworth trades roles with Henry Cavill to become the new Geralt of Rivia in Season 4, the series has thus far earned a devoted fanbase that will secure its legacy for sometime. (Especially Season 2 which earned the series its highest Rotten Tomatoes rating 95%.) Perhaps there’s a trend with this and Fallout as two adaptations that are both dark and fun for its primary audiences. It certainly doesn’t hurt both have strong casts bolstering the strong storyline as well, which is certainly why Cavill’s take on Geralt, a character he himself loved pre-series, has become a special favorite.
1. The Last of Us
The Last of Us (Source: HBO Max)
The Last of Us is in many ways The Game of Thrones of video game adaptations, in that its that series you knew about when it was a book (or game in the case of The Last of Us) and suddenly when its become a show now everyone loves it! Perhaps we were primed for such series with apocalytic series such as The Walking Dead, which earned a fan base far beyond that of typical genre fare. Or perhaps The Last of Us, both the series and video game, is just that good! With incredible acting by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, and an incredible Emmy winning performance by Nick Offerman in “Long, Long Time”, its really no surprise why the show has a %96 Rotten Tomatoes rating.
Honorable Mentions: The Best Video Game Live-Action Adaptations That Almost Made the Top Five
Pokémon Detective Pikachu
Pokémon Detective Pikachu was an unlikely success, as an adaptation of one of the more unique titles in the overall Pokémon franchise. However with a strong lead performance by Justice Smith, and a delightfully, if not un-expected, irreverent appearance by Reynolds as Pikachu, fans and even critics were largely won over giving the film a 68% Rotten Tomatoes score.
Twisted Metal
Twisted Metal (Source: Peacock)
Perhaps Twisted Metal continues to prove the rule that irreverance wins the day with video game adaptations (as long as reverence to the source material remains. For violence and comedic irreverance is certainly what’s at the core of the TV series as much as it is the game. Or maybe it’s the strong cast featuring Anthony Mackie, Stephanie Beatriz, Thomas Haden Church, and Will Arnett that helped Twisted Metal reach its 67% critics rating (and significantly more impressive 94% audience rating.) Whatever the case it’s helped continue the small screen streak with successful video game adaptations, with fans now waiting patiently for a second season of the Twisted Metal tv series.
Sonic the Hedgehog
The creators of the Sonic the Hedgehog film famously pivoted their character design when the label “ugly sonic” became a running meme, as a toothy Sonic terrified more than elated fans. Since then fans seem to have largely rewarded the franchise with good box office numbers and critics responded favorably enough with a respective 64% and 66% for the first two films. Thus making these films ‘fresh’; however, barely so.
