Who said that big screen adaptations of videogames always fail? Despite the fact that in the past some films based on popular games have left much to be desired, in recent years we have seen a series of productions that have broken that stereotype and have become true gems for moviegoers. fans.

From the hit animated series "Castlevania" on Netflix, to the action adventure "Tomb Raider" on the big screen, to the remake of "Mortal Kombat" there is something for everyone.

But, what are the most successful video game adaptations of all time? In this list, we'll introduce you to some of the best game-based movies and series that have captivated fans and received positive reviews on platforms like IMDb.

The Last of Us (2023) - IMDb: 8.9

This HBO Max series follows the plot of the video game of the same name, with Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey as Joel and Ellie, respectively. It has been lauded for its fidelity to the game and its emotionally impactful narrative.

The plot takes place in a post-apocalyptic world in which humanity has been devastated by a pandemic that turns people into violent and dangerous beings known as "infected".

The series follows the story of Joel, a smuggler who is hired to guard Ellie, a young girl immune to the disease, across the United States to find scientists who can find a cure. Throughout their perilous journey, Joel and Ellie face perilous obstacles and encounter other survivors who are sometimes more dangerous than the infected.

Castlevania (2017-2021) - IMDb: 8.3

This Netflix animated series adapts the plot of the Castlevania video game franchise, with Warren Ellis as the screenwriter. It has been praised for its animation, complex characters, and dark tone.

Follow the story of the last survivor of the Belmont clan, Trevor, as he tries to save the world from the curse of the vampire Dracula. In a land dominated by darkness and magic, Trevor joins the sorceress Sypha Belnades and the thief Alucard, son of Dracula, in their fight against the hordes of demonic creatures that infest the country and threaten humanity.

With their ability to cast spells and fight enemies, the trio faces a wide variety of dangers and struggles as they fight to free humanity from Dracula's tyranny. The series takes place over four seasons and features a high-quality 2D animation style and a dark and exciting narrative.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2020) - IMDb: 6.5

This live-action/animated film follows the adventures of the famous Sega character, with Jim Carrey as Dr. Eggman. Despite some mixed reviews, it has been generally well received by fans of the game and film critics.

In the movie, Sonic's character is sent from his home in another dimension to Earth by means of magical rings. Once on Earth, Sonic is discovered by police officer Tom Wachowski, who decides to help him escape the clutches of the evil Dr. Robotnik.

Together, Sonic and Tom embark on an adventure to retrieve the magic rings that will allow Sonic to return to his home and prevent Dr. Robotnik from capturing the little blue hedgehog to use his powers for his own evil purposes. Throughout the movie, Sonic and Tom become friends and discover the importance of having a home and protecting those they love.

Resident Evil (2002) - IMDb: 6.6

The 2002 Resident Evil movie is an adaptation of the famous video game of the same name. The plot follows a group of employees of the Umbrella Corporation, who investigate a mysterious viral infection that has taken control of their underground laboratory known as "the hive". When the team discovers that the infection has been intentionally released, they find themselves trapped in the hive's maze, fighting for survival against hordes of zombies and corporation-created monsters.

The main protagonist, Alice, one of the empLeading from Umbrella, she struggles to discover her past and how it is related to the disaster that is unfolding in the hive. With the help of other members of the team, including leader Rain, tech-savvy Kaplan, and mysterious soldier Matt, they attempt to escape the hive while battling dangers along the way.

The film is full of action and suspense, with unexpected twists and tense moments. Resident Evil became a box office success and is considered one of the most successful adaptations of a video game to the cinema.

Mortal Kombat (2021) - IMDb: 6.0

The film follows Cole Young, an MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter who is unaware of his true lineage, but who is destined to join a group of chosen warriors to fight in a mystical tournament known as Mortal Kombat. Cole seeks the help of other fighters, including weapons expert Sonya Blade, bounty hunter Jax, and charismatic con artist Kano, as they prepare to face off against Outworld warriors led by the fearsome Sub-Zero.

As the tournament date approaches, Cole discovers that his fighting abilities are more powerful than he imagined, leading him to understand the importance of his lineage and the need to fight the forces of evil to save the world. Land. The film is packed with epic fight scenes and battles full of blood and gore that will delight fans of the video game franchise.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie - IMDb: 7.1

The movie “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” tells the story of Mario and Luigi, two plumber brothers from Brooklyn who travel through a mysterious pipe to a magical new world while working in an underground fault. But when the brothers are separated, Mario must embark on an epic mission to find Luigi and rescue Princess Peach, captured by the evil King Bowser. On their way they will have to face an army of animated mushrooms before fighting their opponent.

Detective Pikachu (2019) - IMDb: 6.6

In the city of Ryme, Tim Goodman, a young man who aspires to become a Pokémon trainer, receives the news that his father, a prominent detective, has died in an accident. Arriving at his old house in the city, Tim meets his father's Pokémon partner, Pikachu, who surprisingly can talk and has a sarcastic nature.

Despite their differences, Tim and Pikachu decide to join forces to solve the mystery of Tim's father's disappearance. Together, they explore the streets of Ryme and delve into the world of Pokémon to uncover a conspiracy that could jeopardize the harmony between humans and creatures.

While investigating, Tim and Pikachu meet various Pokémon characters, each with unique abilities and personalities, and face dangerous enemies. Over time, they discover a surprising connection between Tim's father and the real target of the conspiracy. With his wits and the help of his friends, Tim and Pikachu fight to stop the evildoers before it's too late.

Silent Hill (2006) - IMDb: 6.5

The Silent Hill movie, based on the video game of the same name, follows the story of Rose, a mother desperate to find a cure for her daughter Sharon's strange disease. After following clues that lead to the abandoned city of Silent Hill, Rose and Sharon find themselves trapped in an alternate dimension inhabited by monstrous creatures and supernatural threats.

As Rose desperately searches for a way to find her daughter, she is forced to face the horrors of Silent Hill and discover the truth behind her dark history. The film combines elements of psychological horror and survival horror, creating an unsettling and disturbing atmosphere that lives up to the video game's source material.

Tomb Raider (2018) - IMDb: 6.3

This film follows Lara Croft, a young adventurer whose father disappeared years ago while investigating the mysterious tomb of Queen Himiko on a remote island in Japan. Determined to uncover the truth behind her father's disappearance, Lara ventures to the island and finds herself caught up in a dangerous and deadly search for the tomb.

With the help of an expert in the area and armed only with her intelligence, her agility and her indomitable spirit, Lara must face dangerous enemies, solve deadly puzzles and discover the secrets from the grave before they fall into the wrong hands.

Warcraft (2016) - IMDb: 6.7

The film tells the story of an epic conflict between two worlds. The peaceful and prosperous world of Azeroth is threatened by the invasion of orcs, who are fleeing their own world, Draenor, which is dying.

The orc leader, Durotan, and his pregnant wife try to find a way to save the people from him and make a home on Azeroth, but are tricked by the sorcerer Gul'dan, who plans to conquer and destroy Azeroth with the help of a dark portal.

Meanwhile, on Azeroth, King Llane Wrynn and the powerful human warrior, Lady Taria, join forces with the enigmatic and reclusive wizard, Medivh, and the fearless warrior Lothar, to fight the orc invasion. Thus begins an epic battle that will determine the fate of the two worlds.

Cyberpunk 2077: Edgerunners (2022) - IMDb: 8.3

It is a Netflix Original anime series set in the "Cyberpunk 2077" role-playing game universe. The series follows a group of young mercenaries known as "Edgerunners" who struggle to survive in a futuristic, technology-obsessed city controlled by major corporations.

The main character is a young man named "Kid", who joins the Edgerunners to escape his personal and financial problems. Along with his team, Kid embarks on dangerous missions and faces powerful enemies as he fights to maintain his integrity and uncover the truth behind a conspiracy that threatens to destroy all Edgerunners.

Many times, book lovers are excited to find out that their favorite work will be brought to the big screen. However, adaptations are not always as good as we hoped.

Sometimes they can even be pretty bad. Here's a list of the worst book-to-film adaptations, sure to make you wonder: how could they do something so bad?

Why do film adaptations of books fail?

Book-to-film adaptations can fail for a variety of reasons, from unnecessary changes to the wrong casting choices. To be successful, filmmakers must be faithful to the original plot and pay attention to important details in the book. 

Below we list the keys that make an adaptation a failure:

1. Fidelity to the book: Sometimes filmmakers stray too far from the original plot to accommodate their own creative vision. However, this can have a negative impact on the film if fidelity to the book is not maintained.
2. Unnecessary changes : When filmmakers make unnecessary changes to the plot or characters from the original story, fans of the book may be offended and the film may lose its fan base.
3. Wrong casting : The cast of a film is a crucial part of its success, but when the characters do not resemble what is described in the book, it can lead to a disconnect among movie fans. book and movie.
4. Running Time: Some book adaptations try to pack too much into a movie, which can result in a rushed plot and poorly developed characters. On the other hand, if a movie stretches too long in an attempt to cover the entire book, it can result in a boring movie.
5. Lack of attention to detail: Fans of books love details, and when a movie leaves out or changes important details, it can be very disappointing. This may include the removal of characters, changes to the plot, or the removal of key scenes.
6. Over-commercialization : Sometimes book adaptations are over-commercialized and lose focus on the quality of the film. Studios focus on making a blockbuster movie instead of telling a good story, which can result in a mediocre movie.
7. Format differences: Books and movies are different formats, and what works in one may not work in the other. Some stories just don't lend themselves well to the big screen.
8. Unrealistic expectations : Sometimes fans of the book have unrealistic expectations of the film adaptation. They expect every detail in the book to translate to the screen, which may be impossible to do on film.

What are the worst book-to-film adaptations?

"Fifty Shades of Grey" (2015) - IMDb: 4.2

The best-seller by E.L. James hit the big screen in 2015, with actor Jamie Dornan as Christian Gray and actress Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele. But the film failed to capture the chemistry between the book's characters, and was criticized for a lack of plot substance. The dialogues seemed straight out of the book and the characters seemed boring. In addition, the film was classified by many as boring and unexciting.

"The Cat in the Hat" (2003) - IMDb: 4.0

Dr. Seuss is one of the most beloved children's book authors of all time, so it's no wonder Hollywood wanted to bring his books to the big screen. However, "The Cat in the Hat" is one of the worst adaptations of a children's book. The film starring Mike Myers as the cat was criticized for its crude humor and unnecessary adult content. It also deviated significantly from the original book, which left many fans disappointed.

"Eragon" (2006) - IMDb: 5.1

"Eragon" is the adaptation of Christopher Pao's book lini about a young orphan who discovers a dragon egg and becomes a dragon rider. Despite the fact that the book was very popular, the film was a box office flop and was criticized by fans for its lack of fidelity to the source material. The script and special effects also left a lot to be desired, making the movie dull and unexciting.

"The Golden Compass" (2007) - IMDb: 6.1

Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy is a masterpiece of young adult literature, but the film adaptation of the first novel, "The Golden Compass," was a huge disappointment. The film was criticized for its lack of fidelity to the original book, the removal of key scenes, and the simplification of the plot to appeal to a younger audience. The acting of the actors was also criticized and the film did not have the expected success at the box office.

"Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" (2010) - IMDb: 5.8

Rick Riordan's book series about a teenager who discovers he is a demigod and has to save the ancient Greek world from destruction was a natural choice to bring to the big screen. However, the film failed to capture the essence of the book, and was criticized for the removal of major characters and significant plot changes. Furthermore, the performances of the main actors were criticized for not fitting with the image readers had of the characters.

"The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" (2005) - IMDb: 6.7

Douglas Adams' satirical sci-fi novel about an ordinary man who is swept up on an intergalactic adventure was made into a movie with a huge cast, including Martin Freeman, Zooey Deschanel and Alan Rickman. However, the film received criticism for its lack of pacing and incomplete adaptation of the story.

"The Scarlet Letter" (1995) - IMDb: 5.3

Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic novel about adultery in puritanical New England society was adapted for the big screen several times, but the 1995 version starring Demi Moore was criticized for its exaggerated tone and for significantly changing the original story.

"The Time Traveler's Wife" (2009) - IMDb: 7.1

Audrey Niffenegger's novel about a man who inadvertently time travels and his wife who must deal with the consequences was a bestseller and was made into a movie with Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana. However, the film was criticized for being boring and for failing to capture the emotional complexity of the novel.

"The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising" (2007) - IMDb: 4.7

Susan Cooper's novel about a boy who discovers he has magical powers and must save the world from darkness, was adapted for the big screen in 2007. However, the film was criticized for its significant plot changes and for not capturing the mysterious and magical atmosphere of the novel.

"A Wrinkle in Time" (2018) - 4.2/10

Madeleine L'Engle's novel about a girl who travels through time and space to find her father missing from her, was made into a movie with a huge cast, including Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling . However, the movie was criticized for its lack of cohesion and for failing to capture the magic and emotion of the novel.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the magical world of film adaptations of books! The relationship between literature and cinema has always been close, sometimes complicated, but always full of expectations and conflicting emotions.

How do some movies manage to capture the essence of a book and take it to new heights? What elements make an adaptation a success both for fans of the original work and for movie lovers? You will be surprised how some films manage to captivate the audience with their fidelity to the source material, wise casting, masterful direction and screenplay, and other elements that make a book well adapted to the big screen. .

When a book you love becomes a movie, it's inevitable to feel a mixture of excitement and fear. Will it live up to your expectations? Will it capture the essence and magic of the original literary work? Fortunately, there are times when the stars align and a film adaptation manages to not only meet, but exceed the expectations of book fans and movie lovers alike.

But what elements make a book well adapted to the big screen?

1. Fidelity to the original material: A good film adaptation respects the essence and plot of the book on which it is based. Fans of the book appreciate when the film captures the essence and key elements of the original story, keeping the characters, dialogue, and events in line with what is described in the written work.
2. Proper choice of the cast: The cast is a crucial element in adapting a book to a film. The actors chosen to play the characters in the book must be able to capture their personality, emotions, and distinctive traits. A good casting choice can bring characters to life on screen in a compelling and authentic way.
3. Successful direction and script: Direction and script are key elements in a successful adaptation. A talented director can capture the essence of the novel and bring it to the big screen in a striking and visually appealing way. The script must be faithful to the book, but it must also be adapted to the film format, condensing the plot and dialogue so that they work in the limited time of a film.
4. Proper selection of visual elements: A good film adaptation must also take care of the visual elements, such as art direction, production design, cinematography, and visual effects. These visual elements can help recreate the world of the book on screen and immerse the viewer in the story in a powerful and visually appealing way.
5. Capturing the gist and tone of the book: Each book has its own gist and tone, and a good film adaptation should be able to capture it. Whether the book is drama, comedy, science fiction or romance, the film must be able to maintain the same tone and narrative style that makes it special.
6. Respect for the author's vision: Book fans appreciate when a film adaptation respects the original author's vision. This involves maintaining the integrity of the plot, characters, and themes that the author sought to convey in his written work. A successful adaptation respects and values the author's vision, even if necessary changes are made to adapt it to the film format.
7. Innovation and creativity: Although fidelity to the source material is important, it is also necessary for a film adaptation to have its own identity and bring innovation and creativity. A good adaptation can present new interpretations of the characters, changes in the narrative structure or in the visual approach, which bring freshness and originality to the known story.

"The Godfather" (1972) - IMDb: 9.2

Based on Mario Puzo's novel of the same name, "The Godfather" directed by Francis Ford Coppola is considered one of the best book-to-film adaptations in history. The film captures the saga of the Corleone family and their involvement in the world of organized crime with masterful direction, unforgettable performances, and an exceptional script. Coppola manages to capture the richness of the characters and the complexity of the novel's plot on the big screen, making it a movie classic.

"The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" (2001) - IMDb: 8.8

This epic film directed by Peter Jackson is the first installment in the trilogy based on the work of J.R.R. Tolkien. The film achieves a visually stunning and emotionally impactful adaptation of the story of the Fellowship of the Ring in their fight against the evil Sauron. Jackson faithfully recreates the world of Middle-earth created by Tolkien, with an exceptional cast and cutting-edge special effects, making it one of the most successful and acclaimed book-to-film adaptations.

"Schindler's List" (1993) - IMDb: 8.9

Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film is based on the novel by Thomas Keneally and tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved more than a thousand Jews during the Holocaust. The film is considered a masterpiece of cinema, with masterful direction, exceptional performances, and powerful storytelling. Spielberg manages to capture the essence of the book in a moving way, portraying Schindler's bravery and sacrifice in his fight against Nazi oppression.

"The Silence of the Lambs" (1991) - IMDb: 8.6

This film directed by Jonathan Demme is based on the Thomas Harris novel of the same name. The film is a psychological thriller that follows FBI agent Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of the infamous cannibal psychiatrist, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, to catch a serial killer known as Buffalo Bill. "The Silence of the Lambs" is a successful adaptation that has been acclaimed for its direction, script, performances, and chilling atmosphere. Jodie Foster's performance as Clarice Starling and Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter have been particularly praised, and the film has become a classic thriller.

"Forrest Gump" (1994) - IMDb: 8.8

This film directed by Robert Zemeckis is based on Winston Groom's novel of the same name. "Forrest Gump" is a dramatic comedy that follows the life of Forrest Gump, a man with an intellectual disability, but with a pure heart and an uncanny ability to be present at key moments in American history. The film is known for its memorable script, which includes many iconic dialogues and situations. Tom Hanks shines in the title role, and the film has been hailed for its emotional narrative and inspiring message about life and love.

"Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" (2001) - IMDb: 7.6

This hit film directed by Chris Columbus is the first adaptation of the popular book series written by J.K. Rowling. The film introduces viewers to the magical world of Hogwarts and follows the adventures of Harry Potter, a young wizard destined to defeat the evil Lord Voldemort. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" captures the magic and enchantment of the novel, with its imaginative art direction, stunning special effects and a talented cast bringing iconic characters from the series to life.

"A Clockwork Orange" (1971) - IMDb: 8.3

Directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on Anthony Burgess' novel of the same name, it tells the story of a young man named Alex DeLarge, played by Malcolm McDowell, who leads a gang of violent youths in a dystopian future in England. Alex and his group commit acts of ultraviolence, but after being captured and subjected to a behavioral reconditioning experiment, Alex becomes a tool of social manipulation.

"Pride and Prejudice" (2005) - IMDb: 7.8

This film directed by Joe Wright is based on the classic novel by Jane Austen. The film tells the story of the Bennet sisters and their search for love and marriage in 19th century England. Keira Knightley shines as Elizabeth Bennet, an independent and determined young woman, while Matthew Macfadyen plays Mr. Darcy, a proud and reserved aristocrat. The film has been praised for its faithful adaptation of the tone and style of Austen's novel, as well as its impressive art direction and period costumes. "Pride and Prejudice" is an enchanting romantic film that has gained a huge following and has become a modern classic.

"Fight Club" (1999) - IMDb: 8.8

It is a movie directed by David Fincher based on the novel of the same name written by Chuck Palahniuk. The film follows the story of an anonymous protagonist, played by Edward Norton, who suffers from insomnia and finds himself trapped in a meaningless and monotonous life. He meets a mysterious man named Tyler Durden, played by Brad Pitt, and together they form a secret club where men can vent their aggression and frustration through physical fights.

As the protagonist is drawn deeper into Tyler's dark and chaotic reality, the line between reality and fantasy begins to blur. The story takes an unexpected turn when the protagonist discovers that Tyler is not who he seems to be, and he finds himself involved in a plot of conspiracy and chaos.

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" (2012) - IMDb: 8.0

This film directed by Stephen Chbosky is based on his own novel of the same name. The film follows the story of Charlie, an introverted and outcast teenager who finds friendship and belonging in a group of older students. The film addresses themes of adolescence, identity, friendship and love in a moving and authentic way. Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller star in the film, and their performances have been praised for their portrayal of the complex and emotionally resonant characters. "The Perks of Being Invisible" is a faithful and emotional adaptation that has been acclaimed for its realistic and candid portrayal of youth.