Video Games Leap to the Big Screen and Streaming Services
The entertainment landscape is witnessing a burgeoning trend where beloved video games are being transformed into cinematic experiences and serialized narratives. Following the success of adaptations like The Witcher, Arcane, and Castlevania, as well as blockbuster movies such as Sonic and Super Mario Bros, the film and television industry is increasingly turning to the interactive world of gaming for inspiration. These adaptations have yielded a spectrum of results, from critically acclaimed hits that resonate with both gamers and non-gamers alike, to less favorable attempts that have not quite captured the essence of their source material.
As Hollywood delves deeper into the gaming universe, audiences are presented with a mixed bag of potential outcomes. The excitement for new adaptations is often tempered by the memory of past endeavors that didn’t quite hit the mark. Yet, the announcement of a live-action Pac-Man movie suggests that the industry’s appetite for such adaptations is far from waning. Whether these upcoming projects will join the ranks of their successful predecessors or fall into the category of well-intentioned misses remains to be seen.
(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)
2024 Movies and TV Shows Based on Video Games
The year 2024 is set to be an exciting one for fans of video game adaptations. With a lineup of both movies and TV shows, there’s plenty to look forward to. Here’s a list of the most anticipated releases:
Sonic Prime, Season 3
Release Date: January 11, 2024
Where to Watch: Netflix
The blue blur is back for a third season of high-speed adventures in Sonic Prime. While details are sparse, fans can likely expect more multiverse mayhem, with Sonic teaming up with alternate versions of his friends to tackle new challenges.
Halo, Season 2
Release Date: February 8, 2024
Where to Watch: Paramount+
Despite mixed reviews for its first season, Halo returns with a promise of more interstellar conflict and perhaps a glimpse of the titular ringworld. Fans are curious to see if the second season will address the criticisms of the first or continue to forge its own path in the Halo universe.
Fallout (TV Series)
Release Date: April 12, 2024
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Set a decade after the events of Fallout 4, the series will explore the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Los Angeles. The cast includes Ella Purnell as Lucy, a Vault Dweller, Aaron Moten as Brotherhood of Steel squire Maximus, and Walton Goggins as “The Ghoul”.
Borderlands (Film)
Release Date: August 9, 2024
Where to Watch: TBA
Directed by Eli Roth, this film adaptation of the popular game series Borderlands boasts an impressive cast including Cate Blanchett, Jack Black, Gina Gershon, Kevin Hart, and Jamie Lee Curtis. The film is expected to capture the game’s unique blend of irreverent humor and action.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Film)
Release Date: December 20, 2024
Where to Watch: Theaters, Paramount+
The third installment in the Sonic the Hedgehog film series is set to hit theaters at the end of the year. Following the warm reception of the first two movies, expectations are high for another entertaining round of Sonic’s cinematic escapades.
Sonic Prime, Season 3
Release Date: January 11, 2024
Where to Watch: Netflix
Season 3 of Sonic Prime is expected to continue the high-velocity hijinks of the world’s fastest hedgehog. While the specifics of the plot remain under wraps, it’s a safe bet that Sonic will be zipping through various dimensions, encountering alternate versions of his friends Tails and Knuckles, and facing off against new and familiar foes.
Halo, Season 2
Release Date: February 8, 2024
Where to Watch: Paramount+
The iconic video game franchise continues its foray into television with Halo‘s second season. The first season may have divided audiences with its bold narrative choices, including revealing Master Chief’s face and a rather unexpected display of his anatomy. However, the upcoming season promises to delve deeper into the lore of the Halo universe, potentially addressing some of the fans’ concerns and hopefully featuring the eponymous Halo itself.
Fallout (TV Series)
Release Date: April 12, 2024
Where to Watch: Prime Video
The Fallout TV series is poised to immerse viewers in the post-apocalyptic world a decade after the events of Fallout 4. Set against the backdrop of the ruins of Los Angeles, the series features Ella Purnell as Lucy, a Vault Dweller, Aaron Moten as Brotherhood of Steel squire Maximus, Walton Goggins as “The Ghoul,” Michael Emerson as an intense weirdo, and Chris Parnell as a cyclops. The show’s first trailer has sparked excitement and anticipation among fans of the franchise.
Borderlands (Film)
Release Date: August 9, 2024
Where to Watch: TBA
Director Eli Roth takes on the challenge of bringing the chaotic and colorful world of Borderlands to the big screen. With a cast that includes Cate Blanchett, Jack Black, Gina Gershon, Kevin Hart, and Jamie Lee Curtis, the film is expected to be a wild ride filled with the series’ trademark humor and action-packed sequences. The script, rumored to be as outlandish as the game’s own narrative, has fans eagerly awaiting to see how this adaptation will play out.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Film)
Release Date: December 20, 2024
Where to Watch: Theaters, Paramount+
The third entry in the Sonic the Hedgehog film series is set to race into theaters, with expectations riding high after the success of the previous installments. The films have been well-received, particularly among younger audiences, and the franchise is looking to continue its winning streak. While the plot details are under wraps, the teaser image featuring Shadow the Hedgehog’s feet suggests that fans can look forward to new characters and thrilling adventures.
Video Game Shows and Movies Coming in 2025 and Beyond
Looking further ahead, the pipeline for video game adaptations is full of exciting projects slated for release in 2025 and beyond. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
- A Minecraft film is in the works, aiming to capture the same family-friendly magic as the Lego movies, with stars like Aquaman and The Mandalorian attached, planned for 2025.
- The Last of Us Season 2 will bring more post-apocalyptic drama to HBO in 2025, continuing the story of Joel and Ellie.
- Amazon Studios and Sony are developing a God of War series, with Rafe Judkins (The Wheel of Time) as showrunner, though no casting announcements or release date have been set yet.
- Warhammer is coming to life with Henry Cavill both starring and producing the series for Amazon Studios.
- Netflix is diving into the dystopian world of BioShock with a film adaptation.
- The eerie narrative of Alan Wake is being adapted into a TV series by AMC.
- Horizon 2047 is a Netflix series based on the Horizon Zero Dawn game.
- A24 is turning the enigmatic Death Stranding into a film, which seems like a perfect match for the studio’s aesthetic.
- The Beyond Good and Evil movie was announced for Netflix in 2020, but there have been no updates since.
- An animated series based on PUBG is in development, from the executive producer of Netflix’s Castlevania.
- Mass Effect rights were acquired by Amazon in 2021, but further details are yet to be revealed.
- Netflix is developing both a live-action and an animated series for Assassin’s Creed.
- A Metal Gear Solid movie with Oscar Isaac as Snake is planned, with no set release date.
- The indie game Firewatch is being adapted into a movie, announced in 2020.
- Dead By Daylight is getting the cinematic treatment by Atomic Monster and Blumhouse.
- John Wick director Chad Stahelski is helming a Ghost of Tsushima movie.
- A film adaptation of Sifu is also in the works, by another John Wick creator.
- The sequel to the Mortal Kombat movie reboot, Mortal Kombat 2, will star Karl Urban.
- A live-action Pac-Man movie has been announced, raising both eyebrows and curiosity.
- The long-awaited Portal movie was announced about a decade ago, and fans are still waiting for its arrival.
