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Video game movie adaptations are a dime a dozen these days. But a few stand out from the rest and have become some of the most influential films in recent years. Here are three films that helped get major franchises started.
Franchise-Worthy Films and Shows
Since House of the Dragon came out in late August, Game of Thrones fans have been huddled around their screens to catch the Targaryen action. Some have also bought George R.R. Martin’s book, Fire and Blood, to immerse themselves deeper in the story.
Media companies know how much people love these popular stories and have gone to impressive lengths to satisfy their viewers. Meanwhile, gaming companies have been doing exceptionally well with adaptations.
Some games are directly related to a film, like the action-adventure game Spiderman 2. On the other hand, some games are loose interpretations, like Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead, an online slots game inspired by characters like Indiana Jones and Lara Croft.
Many video games are based on successful movies or other entertainment franchises, but that isn’t always the case. Several widely popular video games have been adapted themselves into iconic films. Below is a list of some significant video-game-to-film franchises.
Resident Evil
The original Resident Evil game was released in 1996 and followed the story of a group of people trapped inside a mansion full of zombies. Resident Evil stood out from other traditional shooter games for its survival element. It pioneered the survival horror genre, which inspired many developers to create challenging, engaging games.
The first film in the franchise, Resident Evil (2002), was directed by Paul W. S. Anderson and starred Milla Jovovich as Alice, a member of an elite military unit who is sent to investigate the ruins of the Umbrella Corporation’s facility in Raccoon City. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $100 million worldwide, and had four sequels.
The Resident Evil franchise is known for its intense action sequences and graphic violence. It’s a cult classic for horror and dystopian fans alike.
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Tomb Raider
Coincidentally, the original Tomb Raider was also released in 1996. Gamers play as the archaeologist Lara Croft as she adventures through ancient tombs spanning the world, including Egypt, Greece, Peru, and the underwater city of Atlantis. Unlike Resident Evil, which relies on high-energy shootouts, Lara Croft featured intricate puzzles, sandbox exploration, and artifact collection.
In 2001, the game was adapted into a blockbuster hit, starring Angelina Jolie. The film is loosely based on the first two games in the Lara Croft series. It was a massive success, grossing over $270 million worldwide, and spawned two sequels.
Silent Hill
Inspired by Resident Evil’s survival horror genre, Silent Hill made waves with its creative use of graphics and plot endings. Released in 1999, gamers and developers alike have considered Silent Hill timeless for its storytelling, graphics, and sound design innovation.
There have been a handful of movies based on the franchise. The first, 2006’s Silent Hill, was directed by Christophe Gans and starred Game of Thrones’ Sean Bean, along with Radha Mitchell and Laurie Holden.
The film was a box office success, grossing over $100 million on a budget of $50 million. However, the film received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the atmosphere and visuals, while others criticized the plot and acting.
A sequel, Silent Hill: Revelation 3D, was released in 2012. Directed by Michael J. Bassett, the film starred Adelaide Clemens, Kit Harington, and Sean Bean (reprising his role from the first movie).
Like its predecessor, the film was a box office success but received mixed reviews from critics. Many felt that it didn’t live up to the original, but some did appreciate the darker tone and more faithful adaptation of the source material.
While the latest installment of the Silent Hill game was released in 2014, rumor has it that developers are working on an immersive sequel that will blend cinematic and gaming elements in daring new ways.
