Jamie C
With the success of the Super Mario Bros Movie (2023), the world of cinema has seen the potential in bringing beloved video game franchises to life on the silver screen.
Yes we may have had Tomb Raider with Angelina Jolie, Uncharted with Tom Holland and Detective Pikachu with Ryan Reynolds and even as great and well received as the recent Sonic The Hedgehog movies where, none of these movies have reached the levels achieved by the Super Mario Bros Movie (2023) with Chris Pratt. It’s reached over $1Billion at the box office and still going strong in some territories and now available on VOD.
So in this list, we present a list of seven iconic games that we think deserve the Hollywood treatment.
Mass Effect
The Mass Effect series offers an epic sci-fi narrative that spans across galaxies, making it a prime candidate for a Hollywood adaptation. With its richly developed characters, interstellar politics, and high-stakes storytelling, a Mass Effect movie could explore the conflicts and decisions that shape the fate of the universe. It would work in the same vain that Star Trek works.
Red Dead Redemption
I think this one is a no brainer really. Set in the dying days of the Wild West of Red Dead Redemption, we have so many possibilities for expansion in this universe. Very easy to retell the story of one of the games, but how about a side story that links to the games?
With the vast expanses of the American frontier, the intense shootouts, and the moral dilemmas faced by the game’s protagonist, a Red Dead Redemption movie could capture the raw essence of the Old West, delivering an epic tale of redemption and survival.
Metroid Prime
Metroid Prime, a beloved Nintendo franchise, combines science fiction and exploration in a thrilling package. With its enigmatic protagonist, Samus Aran, and the haunting environments of alien worlds, a Metroid Prime movie could captivate audiences with its atmospheric storytelling and action-packed encounters. The cinematic potential lies in the immersive exploration of ancient ruins, the discovery of alien artifacts, and the battles against formidable extra-terrestrial threats.
Doom
Okay, this one may be cheating as we have already had 3 different Doom movies… but I’m talking about a GOOD ONE. The iconic first-person shooter series, has the potential to deliver a high-octane, pulse-pounding cinematic experience. The movie could explore the dark and nightmarish depths of Mars, where demonic forces run rampant. As the protagonist fights against hordes of otherworldly creatures, the film would immerse audiences in intense action sequences, delivering a thrilling ride that captures the essence of the legendary game franchise.
This time, actually have the protagonist the John Wick of demon and not a boring space marine needing to help his crew. The game reboot series proved we never needed a crew to save for the story to be gripping.
Half-Life
A personal favourite. Half-Life, known for its ground-breaking storytelling and immersive world, has the ingredients for a mind-bending science fiction film. The movie adaptation could unravel the mysterious events surrounding the Black Mesa Research Facility and protagonist Gordon Freeman’s journey through alternate dimensions. With its blend of scientific intrigue, alien encounters, and a richly realized dystopian setting, a Half-Life movie would engage viewers in a thought-provoking and visually stunning experience.
However, I want to go a step further and argue that it’s sequel; “Half-Life 2” would be a better fit for a movie. So have black mesa be a prequal limited TV series and have the movie tell the story of Half Life 2. May be tricky
Splinter Cell
Should this count as it’s a book series first? It’s our list so yeah, we may even include it in a future list about book to movie adaptations. For now, The Splinter Cell series, is known for its stealthy gameplay and gripping narratives, is a prime candidate for a Hollywood adaptation. Following the adventures of Sam Fisher, a highly skilled operative navigating the shadows, a Splinter Cell movie would offer intense espionage thrills, high-tech gadgetry, and nail-biting suspense. Picture the tense infiltration missions, heart-pounding chases, and intricate web of conspiracies brought to life on the big screen.
Kane and Lynch: Dead Men
The games may have been average, but you can’t deny there is potential for a decent Kane and Lynch movie. The film adaptation could explore the complex relationship between the titular characters as they navigate a world of heists, betrayals, and desperate measures. With its morally gray protagonists, volatile action sequences, and a gripping narrative, the games have the premises of a good story even if the gameplay wasn’t fleshed out.
