Hollywood hasn’t had the best track record when it comes to turning video games into feature-length films. Most of these adaptations have received the cinematic equivalent of a “Game Over” upon release, leading many to believe that a great video game movie is impossible.
The film industry has gotten more skilled at bringing games to the big screen in recent years, however, with Sonic the Hedgehog and Detective Pikachu being prime examples of the turnaround. Just as filmmakers got better at making superhero movies, they could start adapting more and more video games for cinemas the right way, and Digital Trends has put together a list of popular games that have not yet gotten the Hollywood treatment and would be perfect for theaters.
10. Star Fox
Star Fox centers around space pilot Fox McCloud and his titular team of mercenaries as they fight to protect the Lylat System from the evil scientist Andross. The franchise is famous for allowing gamers to control Fox’s Arwing and engage in cosmic dogfights straight out of Star Wars, and it would make for a thrilling and eye-popping animated film for the whole family.
Since Illumination has brought the Mushroom Kingdom to life with the upcoming The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the studio could try its hand at creating an animated space opera by adapting the cosmic adventure of Fox and his friends.
9. Dark Souls
Taking place in a grim fantasy world filled with monsters, Dark Souls follows the undead protagonist as they gather souls before being given the choice to rekindle the First Flame and save their realm from darkness.
Though each game leaves its plot and lore up to the gamer’s interpretation, this ambiguity can give filmmakers the freedom to fill in the blanks to make a unique film out of this acclaimed video game trilogy. At the same time, they can recreate some of the many boss fights that the franchise is known for (though hopefully, they won’t last as long).
8. Metroid
Metroid follows bounty hunter Samus Aran as she fights to stop the evil Space Pirates from using the titular aliens as biological weapons against the Galactic Federation. This has led to Samus repeatedly clashing against villains like the alien dragon, Ridley, and the monstrous supercomputer Mother Brain to decide the fate of the galaxy.
With such a dark atmosphere, frightening aliens, and thrilling battles, Metroid could make for a gritty and action-packed sci-fi film reminiscent of Aliens. Samus’ compelling backstory and killer battle suit can make her an action hero on par with Ellen Ripley.
7. Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order
Taking place between Episodes III and IV of the Star Wars saga, Fallen Order follows Padawan Cal Kestis as he fights against the Galactic Empire and Darth Vader’s dreaded Inquisitors while trying to revive the Jedi Order. Since Disney continues to expand the Star Wars universe with upcoming films and spinoff shows, including a Knights of the Old Republic film that’s seemingly in the works, Cal and his team could reappear in live-action in a continuation of their journeys across the galaxy.
And since the game has already been established as being part of the Star Wars canon, it could be the basis for a film following Cal and his team in their war against the Empire. Disney has already found the perfect leading man to portray Cal in Cameron …….