Video games based on popular movies, books, and other franchises have become increasingly common. While many of these ‘tie-in’ games haven’t been very good, some have actually become classics, featuring beloved characters and epic stories. Despite the reputation for being quickly made to coincide with releases, a few stand out as truly great. We’ve put together a list of what we think are the best licensed games of all time.
It would have been simple to fill this list with games from just one franchise, like all Star Wars or Spider-Man titles. But to keep things diverse, I’ve chosen only one game per series. So, you won’t see multiple games from the same franchise here – I’ve selected what I believe is the best representative from each.
10) The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction
Without a doubt, The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction remains the best Hulk video game ever made. It brilliantly captures the feeling of being the Hulk, letting you rampage through a detailed city – jumping between buildings, tossing objects, and generally causing massive destruction, both as part of the story and just for the fun of it. You can even throw people incredibly high into the air! It’s an incredibly satisfying power fantasy, and it’s a shame we’ve never seen a sequel, remaster, or remake. Very few games have made you feel like a superhero, especially one as powerful as the Hulk.
9) Mad Max
Despite coming out shortly after the hit movie Mad Max: Fury Road, the Mad Max video game is surprisingly overlooked. You play as Max Rockatansky, seeking a quiet life in a post-apocalyptic world, but quickly find himself battling ruthless bandits. To survive, Max relies on tough melee combat, strong guns, and a customizable vehicle he can build up and improve. Sadly, the game came out around the same time as the popular Metal Gear Solid V and suffered a difficult development process, which meant it didn’t get the attention it deserved.
Despite not being widely known initially, this game has gained a dedicated following and is now considered a hidden treasure. It stands out for its incredibly satisfying car combat – you can either smash into opponents or systematically tear them apart with a harpoon. It’s a truly unique experience, and it’s unfortunate that we’ll likely never see another game like it.
8) X-Men Origins: Wolverine
It’s unusual for a bad movie to inspire a truly great video game, but that’s exactly what happened with X-Men Origins: Wolverine. The game actually made the 2009 movie seem better, delivering another fantastic Marvel gaming experience. Taking cues from the fast-paced, brutal combat of games like God of War, players control Wolverine as he fights through his early adventures with intense, visceral action – enemies are literally ripped apart. What’s really unique is that Wolverine also gets damaged – he’s shot, slashed, and his clothes tear – but his healing factor quickly repairs everything.
As a huge Marvel fan, I was totally surprised when they let Raven Software create a really mature, M-rated game! It felt like a big shift, considering most Marvel games are kept pretty tame. And honestly, I think it might have opened the door for Insomniac’s Marvel’s Wolverine to be as dark and gritty as the trailers suggest – that game is still a ways off in 2026, but I’m excited to see where they go with it!
7) The Simpsons: Hit and Run
The Simpsons: Hit and Run is a beloved game originally released for the PlayStation 2. Players could roam around areas of Springfield as members of the Simpson family, experiencing a funny and over-the-top storyline. The game took inspiration from the popular Grand Theft Auto series, letting you steal cars, engage in comical fights (mostly kicking opponents while they were down), and lead police on exciting chases. Many fans consider it the best Simpsons game ever made and continue to hope for a remake.
6) Alien: Isolation
Finally, the Alien franchise got the video game it always needed with Alien: Isolation. This scary, first-person survival game puts you in a desperate fight for survival as you’re stalked by a clever Xenomorph. You have to use all your wits to avoid it – hiding, fighting when you can, and creating diversions to sneak past. The developers at Creative Assembly didn’t stop there, though. They also included other enemies, like androids, which give you opportunities for more straightforward combat and keep the gameplay fresh.
The game perfectly captures the retro-futuristic visual style of the original movie. It’s not only a top-tier horror game, but also one of the best video games ever made based on a licensed property. Best of all, after a long wait, Alien: Isolation is getting a follow-up.
5) Marvel’s Spider-Man
It’s important to remember that Spider-Man 2 (2004) paved the way for the incredible success of Marvel’s Spider-Man. Insomniac Games learned from earlier titles – specifically, how to create enjoyable web-swinging and a lively open world filled with smaller crimes – and used those lessons to build a polished and exciting game. It’s a common saying, but it really does capture the experience: this game truly makes you feel like Spider-Man, with its dynamic combat, smooth movement, and engaging story.
Insomniac’s Spider-Man took a bold risk with its story, even initially facing resistance from Marvel when it killed off a popular character. The emotional core of the game lies in the devastating consequences for Peter Parker and his relationship with Otto Octavius, leading to several heartbreaking moments where Spider-Man’s victories come at a great personal cost. Ultimately, Marvel’s Spider-Man delivers the satisfying gameplay players want alongside the compelling narrative expected from a Spider-Man story.
4) Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
By the time BioWare created Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, they were already known for fantastic games like the original Baldur’s Gate. However, Knights of the Old Republic really cemented their reputation. It remains one of the greatest sci-fi role-playing games of all time – a bold statement considering they later created the Mass Effect series. The game masterfully tells the story of a character balancing the forces of good and evil, and it brought the Star Wars universe to life in a way no game had before. Players experience both the grandeur and the darkness of this galaxy, becoming a key part of its ongoing story.
Everyone is hoping the remake of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic lives up to the original, which fans absolutely love. Any significant changes or mistakes could cause a major backlash. It remains to be seen how the remake will be received.
3) The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Even after nearly 11 years, The Witcher 3 is still considered one of the greatest role-playing games of all time. Though the games have become more well-known than the original books they’re based on, they remain officially licensed. The Witcher 3 really boosted the popularity of the book series, offering a captivating story centered on Geralt and Ciri, a detailed and immersive open world, and some of the best quests – both main and side – ever created in the RPG genre. There are reports that more content is coming for The Witcher 3 with new DLC planned for 2026. This sets a high standard for future games from CD Projekt Red, including the upcoming The Witcher 4.
2) Batman: Arkham City
Many still consider Batman: Arkham City the best Batman game ever made. Arkham Asylum was groundbreaking, introducing the excellent combat system and featuring incredible performances from Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy. However, Arkham City took everything to the next level. By expanding the game world from the confined asylum to a large section of Gotham City, it allowed for a bigger, more complex story with compelling villains like Hugo Strange, Ra’s al Ghul, and a particularly memorable take on The Joker.
The Joker is fatally ill and manages to infect Batman with his blood, creating a desperate situation where the two enemies are equally vulnerable. Now, Batman must work with the Joker to find a cure before it’s too late for both of them. But that’s not all – Batman also has to contend with other threats, including Hugo Strange’s plan to eliminate all the prisoners at Arkham, and the ongoing schemes of villains like Hush, Two-Face, and the Penguin. This is a legendary Batman story made even more impactful by its groundbreaking gameplay.
1) GoldenEye 007
Many consider GoldenEye to be the best video game ever made based on a movie license. This Nintendo 64 game is so beloved that its impact might even be greater than the James Bond franchise itself. While it shows its age now, it was a groundbreaking achievement when it first came out. GoldenEye expertly builds on the story of a fantastic James Bond film, offering complex levels, engaging first-person shooter gameplay that felt revolutionary on a console controller, and a multiplayer mode that remains iconic to this day.
Though many excellent shooters existed at the time, GoldenEye was incredibly influential and helped shape the genre for years to come. Its lasting impact solidifies its place as one of the greatest video games ever based on a movie.
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2025-12-29 23:13