# Five Movies Based on Video Games That Actually Did Well

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Published: 2026-11-07 11:50:00 UTC
Updated: 2026-11-07 11:55:05 UTC
Author: Admin


There is an increasing number of movies being made that have been inspired by classic novels, real-life events, and musicals. We’re seeing it a lot. However, alongside other winning movies that have been endorsed by viewers, there are an increasing number of film productions that are based on the video games people know and love.

A hobby almost everyone on the planet has experienced at some point in their lives, gaming is absolutely booming in the modern environment. For fans of gaming and movies alike, it’s exciting to see both genres collide to create some undoubted masterpieces. There have been some evident duds, though, while some mightily impressive games just aren’t suitable for a potential transition over to the movie sphere, be it American and European roulette or puzzle titles like Monument Valley 2. Still, we’ve certainly witnessed some truly special productions.

So, if you’re needing a few gaming-related movies to watch this Christmas with the family, then below we share five undoubted hit films from this growing movie genre.

## Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)

Many people grew up with Sonic the Hedgehog in comic form and in cartoons. Likewise, many classic handheld gaming machines hosted gaming releases containing fast-paced platform action as players controlled the lovable blue hedgehog. A truly memorable gaming character, we’ve therefore been exposed to numerous movies with Sonic at the forefront, although none of them really come close to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 in terms of numbers. It managed to bring in a staggering $492 million, while the second movie amassed revenues of $410 million.

## The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

While The Super Mario Bros. Movie isn’t based on a specific game from the franchise, it’s a film that featured the familiar gaming character and his loveable chums. A title where plumbers find themselves in a magical world after a job gone wrong, it’s a fantastic watch from start to finish. With $1.36 billion in box office revenues associated with the movie, it’s fair to say viewing audiences enjoyed this one.

## Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019)

Even if you can’t stand catching Pokémon in the park in Niantic’s augmented reality release or you never collected the cards in your younger years, you’re probably well aware of Pikachu. The electric Pokémon creature is arguably the face of the franchise, shining in numerous games and cementing himself as a truly iconic gaming character. As such, movies like Pokémon Detective Pikachu were expected to do well. In the end, the 2019 production delivered plenty of entertainment, as Ryan Reynolds’ voice work was exceptional, the plot was fun, and there were sprinklings of comical value on show throughout.

## Warcraft (2016)

Most gamers have explored hit releases like Warcraft: Orcs & Humans in their time, and it’s easy to see why given the title’s engaging real-time strategy elements. It also resulted in a gripping movie production in 2016, as fans and gamers alike united to watch epic conflicts unfold, while getting to know some familiar gaming heroes being brought to life.

## A Minecraft Movie (2025)

Minecraft is a much-loved sandbox game where players can enjoy large amounts of freedom, all while aiming to survive, thrive, and craft their way to glory. It also has a massive community behind it. A Minecraft Movie was therefore almost guaranteed to sell tickets, and it did live up to the hype. Bringing in $960 million, it’s one of the most fruitful gaming adaptations we’ve ever witnessed. With four of society’s biggest misfits thrown into the familiar Minecraft landscape, it’s a story worth watching in the coming months.

## Conclusion

Not long ago, a film based on a video game was something audiences approached with low expectations. That has clearly changed. The films on this list show that adaptations work best when they understand what made the original game special, whether that’s Sonic’s speed and charm, Mario’s colourful world, Pikachu’s personality or the freedom that keeps millions of players coming back to Minecraft. They also prove that these stories can reach far beyond gamers, bringing in families and casual viewers who have never picked up a controller.

With more adaptations on the way, the line between gaming and cinema is only going to get thinner. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favourite or discovering these characters for the first time, any of these five films makes a fun pick for a family movie night, and a good reminder of how far video game adaptations have come.

###### Image: still from Sonic the Hedgehog, Paramount Pictures