Here are five video game movie adaptations that were successful
From Mario and Sonic to Pokémon and Lara Croft, here are five video game movies that have helped change the reputation of the genre.
Five of the most successful video game movie adaptations
For years, video game adaptations were synonymous with critical disappointment, but the genre has entered a new era.
Zach Cregger's Resident Evil has become the latest example, with audiences and critics praising the film for capturing the thrills of actually playing a survival-horror game.
From Mario and Sonic to Pokémon and Lara Croft, here are five video game movies that have helped change the reputation of the genre.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
Mario and Luigi finally received the big-screen adventure Nintendo fans had been waiting for with the 2023 animated The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
The film transported familiar elements from the games into a colourful Mushroom Kingdom adventure and became a huge box-office success, taking more than $1.3 billion worldwide.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
Before video game adaptations became a regular part of Hollywood's blockbuster calendar, Angelina Jolie brought one of gaming's most recognisable heroines to life in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider in 2001.
Jolie played the globe-trotting archaeologist and adventurer, recreating the character's trademark action, athleticism and exploration from the Tomb Raider games.
Sonic the Hedgehog franchise (2020 - )
The blue blur successfully outran the so-called video-game movie curse, with the Sonic the Hedgehog films becoming a major family franchise following the original picture's release in 2020.
The 2024 third instalment was particularly well received, earning an 86 per cent Tomatometer score and a 95 per cent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019)
Pokémon: Detective Pikachu helped prove that a video-game adaptation could appeal beyond its existing fanbase.
Ryan Reynolds provided the voice of the wisecracking Pikachu, with Justice Smith playing teenager Tim Goodman as they investigate the disappearance of Tim's father.
Uncharted (2022)
Tom Holland stepped into the shoes of treasure hunter Nathan Drake for 2022's Uncharted, alongside Mark Wahlberg as Victor 'Sully' Sullivan.
The movie was met with mixed reviews by critics but proved to be a commercial success.
