Game Over: 16 Video Game Movies That Should Have Stayed on the Console

1. Super Mario Bros. 1993，IMDB Rating: 4.2, IMDB Votes: 63441, ID: 0108255
Photo by mariocastle.it, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Super Mario Bros. (1993) is a bizarre and clunky adaptation that barely resembles the beloved video game. Despite its imaginative attempt, the film’s odd quirks and technical limitations make it a disjointed experience. The plot is convoluted, and the characters lack the charm of their pixelated counterparts. However, its sheer audacity and nostalgic value can make it a fun watch for those who appreciate campy cinema.
2. Street Fighter 1994，IMDB Rating: 4.1, IMDB Votes: 75863, ID: 0111301
Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Street Fighter (1994) is a chaotic mess that fails to capture the essence of the iconic game. The film’s over-the-top performances, especially by Raúl Juliá, provide some entertainment, but the predictable storyline and uneven pacing make it a tough watch. Despite its flaws, it has a certain charm that can be appreciated by fans of cheesy action flicks.
3. Doom 2005，IMDB Rating: 5.2, IMDB Votes: 119411, ID: 0419706
Photo by draco.pe.kr, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Doom (2005) is a lackluster adaptation that struggles to capture the intensity of the game. While Dwayne Johnson’s performance adds some excitement, the film’s slow pacing and wooden acting detract from the overall experience. The first-person shooter sequence is a notable highlight, but it isn’t enough to save the film from mediocrity.
4. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider 2001，IMDB Rating: 5.8, IMDB Votes: 220203, ID: 0146316
Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) is a fun, action-packed adventure that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Angelina Jolie’s charismatic performance as Lara Croft is the film’s saving grace, making up for its lackluster plot and over-the-top action sequences. It’s a guilty pleasure for fans of the video game and action genre.
5. Silent Hill 2006，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 245956, ID: 0384537
Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Silent Hill (2006) is a visually striking horror film that captures the eerie atmosphere of the game. The film’s unsettling imagery and haunting score create a genuinely creepy experience. However, its convoluted plot and lack of character depth may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied.
6. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time 2010，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 305921, ID: 0473075
Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010) is an entertaining yet shallow adaptation. The film boasts impressive visuals and action sequences, but its predictable plot and lack of depth prevent it from being truly memorable. Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance is commendable, but it isn’t enough to elevate the film beyond a standard action flick.
7. Max Payne 2008，IMDB Rating: 5.3, IMDB Votes: 130574, ID: 0467197
Photo by satyanash.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Max Payne (2008) is a stylish but ultimately disappointing adaptation. While the film captures the dark, gritty atmosphere of the game, its illogical plot and over-the-top direction detract from the overall experience. Mark Wahlberg’s performance is decent, but it isn’t enough to save the film from mediocrity.
8. Warcraft 2016，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 282083, ID: 0803096
Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Warcraft (2016) is a visually stunning but narratively flawed adaptation. The film’s impressive special effects and immersive world-building are overshadowed by its weak storytelling and lack of character development. Fans of the game may appreciate the attention to detail, but casual viewers may find it difficult to connect with the film.
9. Pokémon: Detective Pikachu 2019，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 184702, ID: 5884052
Photo by gwigwi.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Despite Ryan Reynolds’ charming performance as Pikachu, ‘Pokémon: Detective Pikachu’ struggles with a convoluted plot and inconsistent CGI. While it offers some laughs and nostalgia for Pokémon fans, the film ultimately falls short of delivering a coherent and engaging story, making it a disappointing adaptation of the beloved game.
10. Werewolves Within 2021，IMDB Rating: 6.0, IMDB Votes: 25656, ID: 9288692
Photo by fortworthreport.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

‘Werewolves Within’ is a quirky blend of horror and comedy that, while entertaining, lacks the depth and scares expected from a werewolf movie. The film’s emphasis on humor over horror results in a light-hearted mystery that doesn’t quite capture the essence of the game it’s based on.
11. Five Nights at Freddy’s 2023，IMDB Rating: 5.4, IMDB Votes: 100116, ID: 4589218
Photo by gameblast.com.br, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ brings the eerie atmosphere of the game to the big screen but falls into predictable horror tropes. While it has moments of tension and nostalgia for fans, the film’s lack of originality and depth makes it a mediocre adaptation.
12. Borderlands 2024，IMDB Rating: 0.0, IMDB Votes: 0, ID: 4978420
Photo by gameblast.com.br, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

‘Borderlands’ attempts to capture the chaotic energy of the game but is hindered by a disjointed plot and uneven pacing. Despite a star-studded cast, the film fails to deliver the same excitement and humor that made the game a hit.
13. Resident Evil 2002，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 291060, ID: 0120804
Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

‘Resident Evil’ offers a decent blend of horror and action, staying somewhat true to its game roots. However, its dated visuals and lackluster plot make it a less compelling adaptation, overshadowed by its more successful sequels.
14. Mortal Kombat 1995，IMDB Rating: 5.8, IMDB Votes: 125387, ID: 0113855
Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

‘Mortal Kombat’ is a nostalgic trip with its cheesy dialogue and over-the-top action. While it captures the essence of the game, the film’s poor plot and acting make it more of a guilty pleasure than a quality adaptation.
15. Hitman 2007，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 178770, ID: 0465494
Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

‘Hitman’ struggles with an incoherent plot and lackluster performances, failing to capture the stealth and intrigue of the game. Despite Timothy Olyphant’s efforts, the film falls flat as a compelling action thriller.
16. Need for Speed 2014，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 179383, ID: 2369135
Photo by popkult.blog.hu, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

‘Need for Speed’ tries to emulate the success of ‘Fast and Furious’ but ends up with a clichéd plot and underdeveloped characters. The racing scenes are thrilling, but the film lacks the substance to be a memorable adaptation.