5 Video Game Movie or TV Adaptations That Need to Happen

At present, it’s quite trendy to see video games being turned into movies or TV shows. Titles like The Last of Us, Super Mario Bros., Sonic the Hedgehog, Fallout, and numerous others have been transformed for both big and small screens recently. In the coming days, we can expect The Legend of Zelda, God of War, Metal Gear Solid, among others, to follow suit.

Similarly to how numerous comic books are adapted for movies and TV series, a vast array of video games also hold potential for this transformation. While not every game is suitable for such an adaptation, the increasing number of adaptations suggests a significant audience interest. Consequently, these popular video games could be prioritized for consideration in the realm of film and television production.

5. Call of Duty Zombies

Let me share an idea with you: There’s a fantastic tale hidden within the mythology of Call of Duty Zombies. Over the recent updates, it has become complex and tangled, but there’s a captivating and intriguing plot that can be extracted.

In terms of this concept, it might be best to conclude the narrative at Black Ops III, as that seems to have been the appropriate choice for Treyarch initially. Revolution serves as an excellent conclusion, and a skillful writer could effortlessly streamline the content, resulting in a compelling adaptation.

Given the presence of zombies and fantastical elements, an animated approach might be more fitting, especially if crafted with a distinctive style. While the games’ animation is remarkably lifelike (albeit somewhat outdated), it would benefit from a more exaggerated or cartoonish aesthetic to truly differentiate itself. Live-action could also work effectively, though.

4. Grand Theft Auto

It’s quite astonishing that the popular video game series Grand Theft Auto, renowned as one of the most iconic in the gaming world, hasn’t been turned into a movie or other form of media yet. Its fame extends beyond gamers; even those who have never held a controller are familiar with its name.

In addition, there are numerous directions they could take with GTA. They might choose any of the five (soon-to-be six) mainline installments or other games. Alternatively, they could follow the model set by Fallout and create an original tale within this world. Regardless of the path chosen, it’s evident that a gripping crime thriller or compelling character drama could be developed here. It seems that Rockstar is merely holding onto this potential.

3. Super Smash Bros.

Is it likely that a movie adapted from a fighting game would be enjoyable? It seems unlikely. Could it succeed by merging the established or upcoming franchises that have made their mark on the big screen, such as Sonic the Hedgehog, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, The Legend of Zelda, and Metal Gear Solid? Absolutely not.

There’s a possibility that a movie based on Super Smash Bros. could still materialize, though it wouldn’t necessarily need to adhere to any specific universe or boast exceptional quality. Given the Mortal Kombat films as a point of reference, the standards might not be particularly high. Moreover, utilizing Nintendo characters would likely simplify matters by avoiding complications related to licensing and rights. Such a film would undoubtedly be an entertaining spectacle, but it may well remain a dream for now.

2. Fortnite

If it’s possible to create a movie based on Minecraft, then it’s plausible that they could also make one for Fortnite. Granted, the Minecraft movie (officially titled so) wasn’t particularly good and didn’t adhere to the game’s minimal narrative, but a Fortnite film might still be possible.

Over several chapters, up until Chapter 5, there was a consistent narrative revolving around the Zero Point. This narrative, similar to the Call of Duty: Zombies film, demands an exceptionally talented writer to extract the crucial elements that maintain the storyline of the Fortnite island and its entire lore.

In another scenario, they might create a film featuring Fortnite characters and iconic locations in a battle royale-style game, where a team of four characters compete to survive and ultimately win. While this concept may seem somewhat simplistic, a more imaginative mind could certainly develop an engaging storyline around it.

1. Red Dead Redemption 2

The most compelling video game narrative ever created should reach as many people as possible, and Red Dead Redemption 2 is a strong contender for that title. However, it only tells half the story, making it ideal for adaptation into a two-season television series. The question remains whether production studios will choose to produce one prequel or present the story chronologically.

Regardless of the circumstances, it’s astounding that no filmmakers or studios have taken on the task of adapting the Red Dead Redemption series so far. Given its extensive use of cutscenes, which is a rarity in gaming, it seems like an adaptation would be seamless. Moreover, the narrative is straightforward and flexible enough to be translated into various formats without losing its essence.

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2025-08-09 23:42