Movies based on video games have a reputation for being bad—the likes ofBorderlandsandAssassin’s Creedmake that hard to deny. Rather than wasting time with them, you should instead turn your attention to TV, where there are some genuinely great video game adaptations.
Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or you’ve never picked up a controller, these shows are well worth watching and are available to stream now.
2024 - present
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15
Status
Ongoing
Why settle for one video game adaptation when you can have fifteen inSecret Level? Each episode of this animated show is based on a different video game world, likeMega Man,Spelunky, andUnreal Tournament.
The episodes are only short—some as brief as eight minutes—so you will whizz through them in no time, but there’s no shortage of creativity on show.
Amazon Prime Video
Episodes inSecret Levelare based onThe Outer Worlds,Honor of Kings,Pac-Man, and more.
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TheTomb Raiderfranchise has had varioussemi-decent movie adaptationsover the years, but the series is perhaps at its best with Netflix’s animatedThe Legend of Lara Croftshow. It’s based in the same timeline as the 2013 reboot games, with Hayley Atwell voicing the title character.
There are not only plenty of action-packed thrills across the globe-trotting adventure, but the show also does a nice job at exploring Lara and her relationship with her past.
Netflix
The excellent Hayley Atwell lends her voice to this great portrayal of the iconic Lara Croft.
There’s never a bad time tostart playing theFalloutgames, but don’t feel obliged to do so before watching the show. This superb adaptation is set on an Earth transformed by nuclear bombs—and the radiation is just one of the troubles those above ground have to deal with.
Ella Purnell’s Lucy, however, dwells underground in a supposedly safe vault, until her life is turned upside down. The show nails drama, comedy, and action with ease, and you’ll find it hard to resist binging.
Time in the wastelands has never been more fun than in this excellent adaptation.
2021 - 2024
2
18
Ended
Arcanedidn’t appeal to me at first because it’s based onLeague of Legends, a game I’ve never played, but the rave reviews and impressive animation drew me in. I’m glad I took the plunge because it’s one ofthe best Netflix original shows. WhileArcaneis undoubtedly a joy for fans of the game, it works as a standalone experience too.
Set against the unrest between a city’s rich topside and deprived underbelly, it tells the story of two sisters caught in the conflict. The punchy visuals are great, as are the voice acting and music.
It’s a shame we’re not getting any more of this slick show, but the two seasons are stellar.
2023 - present
9
The Last of Usis one of the greatest video games of all time, so the idea of a TV adaptation was both exciting and concerning—could it live up to the hype? Thankfully, it most certainly did; the post-apocalyptic drama received wide acclaim and won plenty of awards.
After a fungal infection has taken over the world and made it a dangerous place, Pedro Pascal’s hardened Joel is tasked with transporting Bella Ramsey’s young Ellie across the country. It’s a gripping tale which is due to get even more emotional in the second season (if the wait is proving tough, there aresimilar shows toThe Last of Usto tide you over).
Max
Tender and tense in equal measures,The Last of Usis a triumph.
These shows prove that video game adaptations can work. There are plenty more on the way, too. Sony is leading the pack, with the likes ofGod of WarandGhost of Tsushimacoming to the small screen, joining the ranks ofPlayStation games with perfect movie and TV tie-ins.
