What are Live Action Video Game Movies
Live action video game movies is self explanatory and based on popular IP turning into film. The first video game live action adaption was Super Mario Bros in May 28,1993. The starts Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo as Mario Bros. Although, it was considered one of the worst films of all time from critics. In 2023, The Super Mario Bros Movie was a huge hit and destroys 1992 film. Nintendo and Illumination makes a great team and can’t get that Jet Black Bowser song “Peaches” out of my head. Due to that success, there is a sequel called “The Super Galaxy Movie” coming in April 1, 2026. That’s animation but live actions there are some good and worst live action movies out there. I will be counting down on the worst and good live action video game movies.
5. Five Nights at Freddy’s – ScottGames
Five Nights at Freddy’s is based on horror point n click video game developed by Scott Cawthon. The movie starts Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail and Matthew Lilard. Mike and Vanessa discovered abandoned Pizzeria called “Freddy Fazzbear’s Pizza”. When Mike gets a job at Pizzeria on the first movie, animatronics comes to life. Mike and other character discovered there are children trapped inside these animatronics. Sequel expands from Mike to Vanessa having dreams about William Afton along with encountering her friend Charlotte. In my opinion, both movies were not good but faithful to the source material. Check out the video (below) about my review on the movie. But it good to see Chica, Toy Bonnie and others in the movie. Five Nights at Freddy’ is available now on digital/DVD/Bluray.
4. Mortal Kombat – NetherRealms Studios
Mortal Kombat is based on fighting game developed by Netherrealm Studios. The original movie was released in August 18, 1995 and directed by Paul Anderson. Film’s storyline is based on the first game, where Lui Kang (Robin Shou) enters to Mortal Kombat tournament to avenge his brother death in the hands of Shang Tsung (Carl-Hiroyuki Tagawa). I had fond memories watching this movie as a kid but sequel was poorly done with cheesy CGI effects. Fast forward to today, Mortal Kombat (2021) was resurfaced and upcoming 2026 sequel featuring Karl Urban as Johnny Cage. Although Mortal Kombat Annihilation was a flop, the franchise made a serious comeback. Mortal Kombat movie is available to buy on Dvd/Bluray.
3. DOA: Dead or Alive – Koei Tecmo
Mindfire Entertainment
Dead or Alive is based on a fighting game developed by Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja. The film follows a runaway ninja named Kasumi enters a tournament hosted by Dr. Victor Donovan to find her missing brother. All of your favorite characters from game appear such as Tina Armstrong, Ayame and Ryu Hayabusa (Ninja Gaiden). There is some fanservice which the game is known for in this movie but still fails. The movie is directed by Corey Yeun also starts Jamie Pressly, Devon Aoki and Eric Roberts. I remember playing DOA back in 90s and watching this movie. It was kind of weak in my opinion but could been better. DOA: Dead or Alive movie is available on DVD/Bluray.
2. Ace Attoney – Capcom
Nippon Television Network
Ace Attoney is based on visual novel game developed by Capcom. The film is based off the first game Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney and it was released in February 12, 2012. Takashi Mike is the director of the film and starts Hiroki Narimiya, Takumi Saitoh along with Mirei Kiritani. I remember watching this movie and had a good time with it. I had to put this movie as neutral because it ever good or bad in my opinion. Also, I am a huge Ace Attorney fan and want to see how it faithful to the source material. Although they skipped some cases in the first game and focus on DL-6 case. There is some humor in the movie and cheesy effect that doesn’t fit in live action form. Anways, I had you check this movie out and available on DVD/Bluray.
1. Sonic The Hedgehog – Sega
Original Film, Marza Animation Planet and Blur Studio
Sonic The Hedgehog is based on platformer developed by Sega. The movie is considered one of the best video game live action adaptations of all time. Jeff Fowler did amazing job capturing the blue blur on the big screen. The films starts Jim Carry, Ben Schwartz, Jason Marsden along with other cast. My all time favorite is Sonic the Hedgehog 3 with Keanu Reeves as Shadow The Hedgehog. I did a review on the movie, feel free to check it out. Ben Schwartz and Jim Carry nail the role along being a joy to watch. I am hoping for a Sonic and Mario Crossover one day. Sonic The Hedgehog movie trilogy is available now on DVD/Bluray.
Closing and Mentions
There is some good ones like Detective Pikachu, Street Fighter and Resident Evil (2002). As far worst one is A Minecrafr Movie, Borderlands and Double Dragon. Will there any other good or worst live action video game movies in the near future? Only time will tell but animated movies are not bad at all, what are your thoughts on live action video game movies? Let me know in the comment below and thank you for reading this blogpost and tune into the next one.
