Video games have come a long way since they were first popularized with the release of Space Invaders in 1978. Technological advances have allowed developers to create games that rival blockbuster films in terms of cinematography. They boast lifelike characters with compelling narratives that draw people into their complex worlds. 

It’s no wonder, then, that some of the most beloved titles have been adapted to the big screen. Mortal Kombat, Sonic the Hedgehog, Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, and The Last Of Us are just a few of the video games that have been turned into movies in recent years. All of this makes clear that the intersection of cinema and gaming is undeniable. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the video games that would make great movies.

The Legend of Zelda

Few titles have captured the imagination of gamers worldwide like the Legend of Zelda series. Nintendo released the first Zelda game in 1986 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, creating a hit whose appeal continues today. The game’s stunning graphics and intriguing storyline make it a great choice for a movie adaptation. 

Plus, there are 29 titles in the series, giving screenwriters a lot of material to use. The franchise’s good vs. evil storyline and the beautiful world of Hyrule, with Link as the protagonist in a fantasy world filled with monsters, dungeons, and adventure, are all the elements needed for a successful film. 

God of War

This game is so immersive and film-like it’s almost tempting to pop some popcorn to munch as you play through its various levels. However, you may want to minimize junk food since it could make you less effective at conquering the game. 

God of War would be a challenging undertaking for a director because much of the game consists of hacking and slashing, making a capable screenwriter essential. However, in the right hands, a movie based on the game could explore Greek gods, mythology, and other themes that would capture an audience’s imagination.

Red Dead Redemption

Few titles tell a story as effectively as the Red Dead Redemption series, which uses 1900s America as its backdrop. The game’s star is former outlaw John Martson who agrees to cooperate with the United States government in an effort to bring justice to members of the gang he once belonged to. He does all of this to gain the freedom of his wife and son. 

Westerns have always been popular, with films like True Grit, The Revenant, and Unforgiven all being blockbuster hits. A movie based on Red Dead Redemption would treat viewers to a moving story about a man determined to right the wrongs he committed in the past and get his family back. 

Bioshock

As one of the most beautiful video game worlds ever created, Bioshock has the necessary elements for success at the box office. Moviegoers would be treated to a story that takes them into the fantasy world of Rapture and an underwater utopia that has deteriorated into a city overflowing with unsettling enemies. 

The franchise has three games, giving directors and screenwriters plenty of material to build on. The game’s unique weapons and plasmid body augmentations would provide the groundwork for a cutting-edge science fiction film. 

Mass Effect

This game takes players to a faraway galaxy where they take control of Commander Shepard as they work to fight off enemy long-dormant Reapers. Star Wars comes to mind when many describe the game because of its sheer scope and stunning graphics. The franchise consists of three games, so screenplay writers would have a lot of latitude in shaping it, and it has the potential to become an epic space movie.

The game wouldn’t necessarily be an easy adaptation because its outcome is largely impacted by the choices players make as they progress through it. However, in the hands of a capable director, a lot could be done to make this game a box-office success.