Upcoming Movies That Were Inspired by Video Games
Big-screen game adaptations used to be something fans sat through, not celebrated. That mood has shifted. The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Uncharted, and the Sonic the Hedgehog films showed studios that games are not niche curiosities. They revealed how huge these story worlds already are. The next wave of adaptations is bigger, bolder, and spread across almost every genre.
The Symbiotic Relationship Between Games and Cinema
Franchises like The Witcher, Assassin’s Creed, Resident Evil, and Tomb Raider have all crossed from console to screen, proving that interactive stories can work in a traditional, two-hour format. Such adaptations bring beloved characters to viewers who may never touch a controller, especially when the best games’ narratives and lore are translated in keeping with the original interactive hit titles.
A major film release can send players flooding back to the source game, lifting spending and sales across console, PC, and mobile. For example, the first Minecraft movie (yes, there’s another on the way!) caused a wide ripple effect. Following the film’s release, in-app purchases on mobile jumped a significant 44% in revenue. Console game sales climbed 35%. Across platforms, active users rose 9% on mobile and 41% on console.
The traffic runs the other way as well. Mobile games especially borrow from big film brands, from puzzle titles built around Marvel heroes to racers inspired by Fast & Furious or strategy spinoffs of Pirates of the Caribbean. The casino gaming space has particularly embraced this trend, with video slots based on Jurassic Park, Game of Thrones, and other blockbusters filling the online lobbies of the best casino apps. While these titles often feature in platforms that include sign-up offers or welcome bonuses, the adaptations themselves focus more on recognisable branding and short-session gameplay than overt marketing. Additionally, video slot adaptations typically bundle dozens of movie-licensed games that mix Hollywood gloss with quick-hit play.
Dark Fantasy, War Epics, and Samurai Drama
At the prestige end of the most anticipated releases sits Elden Ring. A24 is partnering with Bandai Namco on a live-action take, with filmmaker Alex Garland writing and directing. George R. R. Martin (Game of Thrones), who helped shape the game’s lore, is on board as a producer. These are all signs signalling a dense, director-led vision of the Lands Between rather than a simple hero’s journey.
Nintendo and Sony, in partnership, are going just as big with The Legend of Zelda. The film is a live-action fantasy adventure co-produced by both companies, with Wes Ball directing. Currently, the release is dated for 2027.
After much delay, Call of Duty is finally moving ahead at Paramount. Apparently, the goal is to create a larger-than-life, character-driven war film built on one of the biggest-selling game franchises in history. Activision has tapped Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan and Lone Survivor director Peter Berg to co-write and produce, with Berg also set to direct.
Along with the recent release of sequel Ghost of Yosei on console, Samurai drama is making a comeback with the Ghost of Tsushima. Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions have appointed Chad Stahelski, who directed John Wick. Stahelski has spoken about an all-Japanese cast and Japanese-language track, leaning into the game’s Kurosawa roots as it follows Jin Sakai’s shift from honour-bound samurai to stealthy “Ghost” during the Mongol invasion.
Family, Animation, and Stylish Racing
The next two sequels were to be expected because of their prior box office successes.
Firstly, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 keeps Sega’s blue mascot racing ahead. Paramount has dated the release of the next Sonic franchise title for March 2027. Reportedly, producers are teasing story beats from Sonic CD and new live-action versions of fan-favourite characters.
Also, based on the box office success of the first adaptation, Legendary’s sequel to Pokémon: Detective Pikachu is currently in active development. Portlandia co-creator Jonathan Krisel is set to direct, and fans can expect Ryan Reynolds back as the voice of Pikachu. While there is still no firm release date, the studio keeps stressing that the project is alive.
Then there is OutRun, Universal’s spin on Sega’s 1986 arcade racer. Michael Bay is attached to direct, with Sydney Sweeney starring and as well as producing. Early reports point to a glossy, music-driven car movie built around coastal roads, speed, and mood more than dense lore.
Horror and Apocalypse
Horror is a genre that naturally lends itself to be adapted for the impact of the silver screen, and there are quite a few upcoming titles.
Capcom’s new Resident Evil reboot is dated for September 2026. Weapons filmmaker Zach Cregger directs a fresh story about a courier, a sinister package, and mutated creatures, rather than another trip through Raccoon City. The pitch combines grim body horror with Cregger’s offbeat humour.
Indie title, The Mortuary Assistant, has already wrapped shooting, and is currently in post-production with Jeremiah Kipp directing stars Willa Holland and Paul Sparks. This story seeks to expand the game’s occult embalming scares. Shudder plans a 2026 release.
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 is closer still, due in cinemas in December 2025. Emma Tammi returns to direct for Blumhouse and Universal. Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, and Matthew Lillard are back as the infamous animatronic nightmares.
All eyes are on Return to Silent Hill, based on Silent Hill 2, as the team promised the most faithful big-screen visit to the foggy town yet.10 years after the first movie, the sequel brings back director Christophe Gans and composer Akira Yamaoka. Filming has wrapped, and a January 2026 US release is planned.
Sony’s Days Gone rounds out the apocalypse slate. PlayStation Productions and Vendetta Productions have hired Oscar-nominated writer Sheldon Turner to adapt the biker survival game. He has called the film a “love ballad to motorcycle movies”, with Outlander star Sam Heughan linked to the role of drifter Deacon St. John as he rides through a Freaker-infested Pacific Northwest.
Conclusion
From cosy mascots to cursed towns, game worlds are pushing deeper into cinema. If studios keep treating the source material with respect, this wave of adaptations may finally break the old “bad game movie” curse for good.