Have you ever watched a film that gave you heart-stopping action and adrenaline-pumping energy? Did you feel like you are the main character navigating in that world? If you answered yes to both questions, then you must be living through the lens of video game movies!
Lots of video game adaptations have sprouted over the past years, with popular titles like Tomb Raider and Assassin’s Creed frequenting the list. However, these live action adaptations do not necessarily give off that animated feeling of being in a video game world.
Worry not, because we have some titles that aren’t actually based off game franchises but looks more video game-ish than the real video games-turned-films.
10 Ready Player One
As one of the most visually-appealing computer-generated movies of 2018, Ready Player One does not fall short on amazing graphics, special effects and animated stunts. From the storyline down to the characters and settings, it will make you think you are actually living through virtual reality goggles.
There has not been a detailed report for a sequel yet, but the film received high praises and good ratings from film critics and movie goers alike. If you’re looking for adventure-type, light drama movie to watch with fellow game lovers, this one’s your best bet!
9 Alita: Battle Angel
Anyone would expect for the Alita movie to be included in this list, as it should be. In the world of Alita: Battle Angel, cyborgs and humanoids rule the planet. Armed with special skills and specific abilities, these cyborgs fight for their lives for survival and acceptance.
The Motorball sports fest is the most exciting part of the film. Everyone is looking forward to it because of the action, adrenaline and Alita joining in for the first time. Based on the Japanese manga created by Yukio Kishiru, Alita: Battle Angel is a must-watch for both anime and gaming lovers!
8 Tron: Legacy
This is quite a movie on the older side of CGI-fests, but that does not mean it’s offers less. The visual effects are really great despite being released in 2010. The story follows the adventure of a young boy who dives into the real world of computer programs. How cool is that?
The neon-illuminated running and chasing scenes will make anyone feel a bit dizzy, but that’s what makes it unique and entertaining. This part is a sequel to the first Tron movie, so if you have time, better watch both and experience the thrill!
7 Ender’s Game
Asa Butterfield plays the young Ender,who is a genius destined to save the world from a foreboding space alien invasion. His unchallenged brainpower allowed him to join a space mission that involves fighting off Martian forces.
In this spectacular book adaptation, Ender’s Game offers a new plot twist for fans of this genre. During the time of its release, there were lots of young adult dystopian movies like The Hunger Games that appealed to the audience just because it has ‘game’ in the title. However, Ender’s Game has more of the video game vibes!
6 Wreck-It-Ralph
Have you ever wondered what it is like to live as a video game character? Well, in this movie, the audience is literally inside it. Join the adventures of Ralph and Vanellope as they navigate the wonders and horrors of the arcade world.
It’s not always fun and thrilling, because in some parts of the film you’ll see that there is also darkness and evil living within computer programs. You’ll also meet lots of familiar characters you grew up playing and watching like the Disney princesses, Sonic the Hedgehog and Sugar Rush.
5 Jupiter Ascending
When the first trailer of Jupiter Ascending was released, it looked more like a new and exclusive RPG game for consoles like PlayStation or Xbox. But when Channing Tatum appears it's clear that this is another science fiction romp from the Wachowski sisters.
The film delivered stunning visual effects that are reminiscent of those galaxy-themed movies from Marvel Studios. The fight scenes will leave you gasping for air as you think you’re in a TimeZone arcade playing some blinding, neon light-saturated game with your childhood friends.
4 Pacific Rim
What’s cooler than seeing giant alien robots fight enormous alien monsters controlled by two pilots using each of their brain hemispheres? This surprising film from Guillermo Del Toro is an action party where Jaegers, also known as ‘hunters’, come powered to life in this mechatronics-inspired blockbuster movie.
Some would say that the Jaegers can beat Autobots and Decepticons from Transformers because of their size alone. The fight scenes from between the Jaegers and Kaiju (the monsters in the movie) are amazing, and we also get to see from a pilot’s point of view because of the cool visual effects and camera work of the film.
3 Detective Pikachu
Everyone’s favorite childhood character comes to life in this amusing movie starring Mr. Deadpool himself, Ryan Reynolds, as Pikachu’s voice actor. Yes, that's right—and Reynolds really did justice on that part. Is there even anything he can’t do?
The story follows 21-year-old Tim Goodman , Pikachu, and their search for his missing private investigator father. Together, Tim and Pikachu go on an adventure, and this film is heavily saturated with CGI effects, so you’ll feel as if you’re playing Pokemon Go.
2 Pixels
What would happen if we all woke up one day and found out that video games have declared war against your country? Just picture Pac-Man, Galaga, and Donkey Kong smashing buildings and stomping on whatever they come across in the streets. How would we fight back?
Well, the United States government has always some bright ideas to counter crisis attacks, right? Hiring former arcade champions to stop these video game characters looks quite a brilliant solution. How else will those computer-generated enemies be defeated?
1 Sucker Punch
We’re saving the best for the last—at least the most gamely-structured movie dedicated to video game fan service loyalists. Girls in miniskirts fighting steampunk-dressed dragons in a Victorian-inspired asylum—this is what all our dreams are made of.
Those time jumps on locations and overarching hallucinations that still kept every character in the same timeframe is very clearly inspired by traditional video games. To make it more game-like, the protagonists must secure five things that will help them get out of the prison. Did someone say The Legend of Zelda?