Red Dead Redemption 2
Everything about Red Dead Redemption 2 screams ripe for a movie adaptation. The characters and their arcs, the rich setting, the plot twists; everything. The game itself is already halfway to being classed as a movie, with its cinematic cutscenes, unparalleled stakes and almost lifelike graphics. Rockstar’s fondness for a strong storyline is evident in the game, so they could surely draft up a movie script with ease.
Grand Theft Auto V
Before Grand Theft Auto V was released, it was promoted with a trailer that could easily have been advertising a movie. The trailer boasted dark, satirical humour, three interconnected plot lines and heapings of action, all things that would make a very compelling film if ever released in cinemas. Best of all, a movie wouldn’t even be tough to cast, as the voice actors already look like their animated selves.
BioShock
If you played BioShock as a child, you’ll be familiar with enduring the horror of the plane crash, followed by the horror of watching a man get mutilated, followed by enough scares and tension to populate an entire horror movie. For anyone who likes the idea of watching BioShock on the big screen, you’re in luck! A BioShock movie is in the works and is expected to be released in late 2025.
Stray
Casting a movie adaptation of the game Stray would be pretty difficult, as the protagonist is a cat who doesn’t speak and the world is populated by robots. With that said, the game has a blend of cuteness, adventure, dystopian atmosphere and action that would make a very compelling film, and the main character being a cat means it would probably be cheap to cast!
God of War
God of War has acted as a magnet for five-star reviews since its release in 2018, with the highest praise being for its immersive storytelling. The game has transcended its genre, appealing to those who wouldn’t usually go near fantasy, and a film adaptation would probably have similarly broad appeal. Plus, with scriptwriters as talented as those behind the recent God of War games, a movie would surely be a success.
Firewatch
Firewatch follows a character who has taken up a job as a fire watcher in Shoshone National Park. As you meander through the beautiful scenery, you find out why your character was so desperate to escape their previous life. The captivating forest backdrop is made for cinema, and the feelings of isolation and escapism played out on the big screen would make for an interesting watch.
Life is Strange
There aren’t many games that can get you to question your morals quite as skillfully as Life is Strange. The game follows Max, a young woman who finds herself with the ability to rewind time after witnessing her best friend’s murder. If backed by great actors and a thoughtful director, Life is Strange could prove to be a compelling art house drama.
Mirror’s Edge
Although parkour has faded into the background in the years since the 2000s, Mirror’s Edge would still make for a great movie. After all, it wouldn’t just be jumping from the park bench onto a lamppost, it would be traversing the skylines of major cities in a death-defying manner. Mirror’s Edge always seemed like a game that should have been a movie instead, which could explain the lukewarm reception it received upon release.
Until Dawn
Until Dawn stars now-Hollywood-superstar Rami Malek in all his motion-captured glory, so the producers would have an in if they wanted to make a movie. The game was part of that first generation of titles to focus primarily on narrative rather than gameplay, which made for some excellent storytelling that is arguably a better fit for the big screen anyway.
Infamous
You can tell a lot about a person by the paths they choose to follow in video games. Infamous allowed players to decide whether to use their character’s newly found superpowers for good or for bad, which made for a unique concept. This same moral ambiguity could allow the property to break through in a cinematic landscape already saturated with superhero movies.
Dying Light
The success of The Last of Us TV adaptation will likely mean that the similarly zombie-infested survival horror Dying Light will not get a movie adaptation any time soon. However, Dying Light’s creators have previously expressed their desire to turn the game into either a movie or a TV show, so there is an appetite for it already at least.
Mass Effect
In a world that is coming to terms with the power of AI and its seemingly limitless abilities, a Mass Effect movie would be topical and thought-provoking, as it deals with the relationships between humans and their own creations. Not only that, but the game boasts detailed character backstories and memorable sequences, which would translate brilliantly to the big screen.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim attracted both new and established fans of RPGs, thanks to its open world filled with interesting characters and scenarios. The world of Tamriel is diverse, scenic and made for cinema, with the game’s many details providing screenwriters with endless storyline ideas. The only problem would be trying to get the film’s runtime down to under three hours.
Horizon
The concept of the Horizon games is instantly memorable, with players required to fight their way through a post-apocalyptic Earth which has been reclaimed by nature, in order to prevent those doing damage and find out more about your character’s roots. With its strong female lead and an environmentally focused storyline, there has never been a better time to make a Horizon movie.
Watch Dogs: Legion
The plot for Watch Dogs: Legion seems scarily possible in this day and age, with a hacker syndicate being framed for a series of bombings in a dystopian future London. The game doesn’t have a single protagonist, instead requiring players to assemble a team to fight back against the shadowy organizations. So all you’d need is four actors with great chemistry, and you’d be on to a winner!
Fallout
The Fallout franchise has gone from strength to strength since its first bird’s eye view iteration was released in the 1990s. It is set in a world racked by nuclear apocalypse, with an array of characters affected by the radiation in different ways. A Fallout TV series is well on its way, but a feature-length film would also have a lot to offer, especially if the producers were to rope in the video game’s writing team.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
By the time Resident Evil 6 was released, there were murmurings within the fanbase that things had become stale and perhaps needed to come to an end. It was Resident Evil 7 that put an end to that talk, rejuvenating the series in a way few thought possible. Its character arcs and plot twists are begging for their own Resident Evil movie, separate from the many awful movie adaptations that have so far been made.
Dishonored
Dishonored already had the pulling power to convince Hollywood stars Chloë Grace Moretz and Lena Headey to lend their voice acting talents to the game, so there is surely no reason why it wouldn’t work as a live-action movie. The game’s storyline is based around revenge, and set in a murky town infested with rats. It would be a gloomy movie, but one filled with action and emotion.
Far Cry 3
A Far Cry 3 movie has the potential to be an instant hit, with its storyline centring around friendship and what you would do to save the ones you love. Cast some actors that audiences will really feel a connection with, flaunt the extremely well-written antagonists that appear in the video game, and set the movie on a beautiful tropical island. There you have it, a great movie!
Returnal
Tasked with exploring an alien planet inhabited by terrifying creatures that won’t hesitate to viciously attack her, Returnal’s stoic protagonist Selene belongs in a live-action movie. Not only that, but the game’s soundtrack is already cinematic and memorable, and could surely be used if a Returnal movie was ever made.
The Evil Within
The Evil Within was created by the same person who created the Resident Evil series, so there is no reason why it can’t also make its way to the big screen. The game’s supernatural creatures and disturbing setting would be the perfect fuel for a gore-filled, action-packed horror movie, most likely rated for audiences 18 years or over.
Death Stranding
With Léa Seydoux, Mads Mikkelsen, and Margaret Qualley already voice acting in Death Stranding, it is one of those video games that already feels like a movie. Ultimately, all it would take to make Death Stranding into a feature film is a writer who could squash down the video game’s plot to fit within an hour and a half. Oh, and a lot of money, great set designers and incredible CGI artists.
Splinter Cell
The Splinter Cell games are already an adaption of Tom Clancy’s popular book series, so it only makes sense that they take the final step and become movies. Clancy’s books translated perfectly into games, with the infectious camaraderie between the characters getting you through the toughest of missions. These moments of intensity contrasted by moments of quiet would be superb in a cinematic setting.
Dead Space
The original Dead Space was released over 15 years ago, but it has had enough longevity and fan appeal for the developers to make a 2023 remastered version. The game’s hostile setting, bad-natured antagonists, and romance-based storyline would surely make it a good fit for cinema, as it truly has it all!
Just Cause
Just Cause was loved upon release for its unrealistic stunts but looked down on for its cheesy storyline and lack of plot substance. So, in effect, it’s just like many of the Hollywood action movies that have been released in the past decade or so. Seriously though, a Just Cause movie would be a lot of fun, especially if they went as full-on as the games do with the action sequences.
The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda is a truly beloved game franchise and, following the success of the Super Mario Bros. movie released in April 2023, there have been more calls for a proper Zelda movie. The rumour mill is in full swing, with some reports saying that a new Zelda film is in the works, and some reports denying that there were ever plans to bring a live-action Zelda to the big screen.
FIFA Street 2
FIFA Street 2 is the very embodiment of 2000s cool. Zane Lowe is the in-game radio DJ, the fashion is ridiculous, and you can rub shoulders with the likes of Beckham, Zidane, and the king himself, Eric Cantona. Now, how about a movie where a young kid in a rough area gets spotted playing footy on the street and goes on to make it big? It would be cheesy for sure, but also awesome.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Another Grand Theft Auto title that should have its own movie is Vice City, a game awash with great 1980s outfits, interesting characters and storylines, and an uncanny resemblance to the hit TV series Miami Vice. Just think of the nostalgic 80s classics that will make up the soundtrack. GTA Vice City 100% needs a movie.
Heavy Rain
Heavy Rain is already a cinematic game, filled with gloom-ridden cut-scene sequences and a storyline that keeps you invested from the first minute to the last. The story features four protagonists and the infamous Origami Killer, whose method of destruction is drowning enemies in bouts of heavy rainfall. It would certainly be interesting to see what an independent director could do with the concept.
Half-Life
Adapting Half-Life to the big screen would be a challenge, as it is predominantly a puzzle-based game. However, the concept of escaping a facility that has been overrun by aliens is an interesting one, and there will no doubt be many directors who are up to the challenge.
Destiny
Destiny is another game that explores a society shared by aliens and humans, but this time, the aliens bring gifts in the form of superhuman powers and immortality. All is not rosy though, as there are evil aliens who wish to destroy this peace and harmony that need to be stopped. Watching this chaos unfold at the cinema would be gripping, yet terrifying.
Portal
The Portal games are much loved, blending unique puzzles with dry humour from the sinister robot antagonists that follow you. It would be tough to transform this franchise into a movie as the playable protagonist never speaks, however, the games’ voice casts include Stephen Merchant, co-creator of popular sitcom The Office. So there is already a talented scriptwriter on board.
Control
Control is set at a government facility that holds so-called Altered Items, things that appear normal but have supernatural quirks. For example, there is a ‘Get well soon’ helium balloon that kills animals, and a fridge that has to be watched at all times otherwise it will kill people. These wacky items, and the backstories behind them, would make a compelling mystery sci-fi movie.
Kingdom Hearts
A Kingdom Hearts movie would instantly become popular, as it would involve uniting all the most loved Disney characters and putting them in a feature-length movie together. It would also inspire the imagination of young children, as the main character Sora is a young explorer who dreams of taking trips around the world and witnessing a breadth of different cultures.
Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid games are often rollercoasters, involving characters that start off good and stab you in the back later on, and vice-versa. The general formula for MGS involves players infiltrating military locations to stop the world from being destroyed by a huge weapon of some sort. A one-off Metal Gear Solid movie based around this formula would work brilliantly, as long as they didn’t follow it up with a string of sequels.
Shadow of the Colossus
Shadow of the Colossus is one of the most highly respected games of all time, despite it not necessarily being a household name. It’s full of mystery, in part because the developers have kept some backstory information and the reasons why the protagonist is motivated to kill 16 beasts close to the chest. Somewhere out there, there is a director who could pull off a Shadow of the Colossus movie.
Bully
Bully was Grand Theft Auto for the kids who didn’t have relaxed parents. Based in an English boarding school, Bully was all about causing trouble, using a slingshot accurately, and occasionally turning up to lessons. If Rockstar isn’t going to finish off that Bully sequel they started all those years ago, they could at least commission a feature-length Bully movie.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Modern Warfare 2 represents the Call of Duty franchise’s finest hour, piecing together a story full of hope, horror, and betrayal, with the most glorious ending anyone could have imagined. If Hollywood had to choose just one Call of Duty game to turn into a movie, it only makes sense for it to be this one.
Bloodborne
Bloodborne is primarily inspired by Victorian literature, including works from Bram Stoker and Edgar Allen Poe. The storyline is cryptic and you’re guaranteed to get at least a tiny bit frustrated in your quest to complete the game. Visually and aesthetically though, Bloodborne is stunning and could be translated into film very easily should a studio become interested.
SOMA
Be warned, SOMA’s plot may give you nightmares. A man involved in a car crash gets his brain scanned in an experimental medical procedure and wakes up in a different body at the bottom of the ocean, over one hundred years in the future. This layered, psychological horror plot is rich with questions of philosophy and bodily autonomy, making it ripe for adaptation into a thoughtful meditation on free will.
