The greatest films to come out of Japan
The world of video games has long inspired Hollywood films and series. Some productions have been so successful that they inspired entire franchises, while others performed poorly at the box office and with critics. Still, adapting games into stories for the entertainment industry remains popular.
That’s certainly the case with 'The Last of Us,' which will premiere its second season on Max on April 13. Based on the second game in the 'Naughty Dog' franchise, the new season expands the post-apocalyptic setting and introduces key characters who play important roles in the story. In addition to familiar faces, the new season will feature newcomers such as Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, and Young Mazino.
In this gallery, revisit other films and shows inspired by the world of video games.
The hotly anticipated 'Super Mario Bros.' movie finally hit the big screen on April 5, 2023. During its opening weekend, it raked in US $377.2 million globally, and earned a further US$87 million from its second weekend in theaters. With the box office earnings surpassing US$500 million in just two weeks, it's officially the highest-grossing video game adaptation ever made. With a production budget of just US$100 million, which is half what the average Disney or Pixar movie costs, it's already a major financial success. The star-studded cast features Chris Pratt as Mario and Charlie Day as Luigi, with Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach and Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong. Comedy powerhouses Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, and Fred Armisen also played supporting roles.
In 2023, HBO released 'The Last of Us' based on the game, in which Pedro Pascal plays Joel and Bella Ramsey plays Ellie. The show has been a runaway success and came to its season one finale on March 12 after nine episodes. While the show has garnered much success among those who never played the game, those who have played the game are comparing the show to its original material to mixed results. Bella Ramsey previously warned in an interview with Vogue that the finale is, "going to divide people massively–massively," and that may indeed be because the show is incredibly faithful to the game. But many are arguing that the show, necessarily, has to compact so much of what made the game so appealing. The series was so well made that it was nominated for 24 Emmy Awards, with a leading eight wins at the 75th cerimony.
'Sonic the Hedgehog' is one of the most beloved video game characters of all time, first bursting onto our screens when Sega released the original game in 1991. Several animated series based on the character have been released over the decades, but the first live-action blockbuster hit cinemas in February of 2020. 'Sonic the Hedgehog,' starring Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic and Jim Carrey as the villainous Dr. Robotnik. Finally, the much-anticipated sequel, 'Sonic the Hedgehog 2,' was released on March 31, 2022. It packs even greater star power with Idris Elba joining the cast to voice the character Knuckles.
Tom Holland delivers a solid performance as Nathan Drake in this visually stunning adaptation of the popular video game series. In the 2022 film, the street-smart Drake teams up with seasoned treasure hunter Victor 'Sully' Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg) to search for a 500-year-old fortune.
While the film may lack the narrative depth of the games, it offers thrilling action sequences and stunning visuals. Fans of the 'Uncharted' franchise have had mixed reviews, with some appreciating the film's efforts to condense the games' references, while others found the character development lacking.
'Tomb Raider' (2018) is the third and latest movie based on the ballsy archaeologist Lara Croft. The remake starred Alicia Vikander as Lara.
Milla Jovovich played the lead role in the zombie franchise, which started in 2002 and released what was supposedly its installment, 'Resident Evil: The Final Chapter,' in 2016.
However, a reboot with a new cast and director was released in 2021. 'Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City' starred Kaya Scodelario and was directed by Johannes Roberts.
Thankfully, a reboot was released in 2021 that regained some pride for the franchise. 'Mortal Kombat' was released in cinemas and on HBO Max, becoming HBO Max's most successful film launch to date.
One of the most successful games in recent times was made into a super-production, signed by director Justin Kurzel, which divided opinion among fans.
The RPG online cult game was adapted in 2016 with a large budget by director Duncan Jones. The fantasy Medieval epic focuses on a war between men and orcs. Unfortunately, the movie was a flop in the US.
In 2010, a movie adaptation of 'Prince of Persia' was made. The game was popular for its incredible graphics, realistic movement, and playability. Unfortunately, 'Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time,' didn't do well. Even lead actor Jake Gyllenhaal, and director Mike Newell (from the 'Harry Potter' franchise) couldn't save it from the critics.
Jake Gyllenhaal plays a young prince in the movie, who helps his brother conquer a city. There, he finds a strange and beautiful sword, which gives its wearer the ability to travel in time.
The famous game got its screen adaptation in 2005. The story centers around a specially trained team which goes to Mars after a space station crew suddenly get their communication with Earth cut off.
The 2014 movie adaptation of the game came hot on the heels of the successful 'Fast and Furious' franchise. The racing game which inspired the production starred Aaron Paul ('Breaking Bad'). It was not as successful at the box office, but there's potential for a sequel.
This 2007 movie is about a highly skilled, bald, and well-dressed assassin. In the cast are Timothy Olyphant and bond girl Olga Kurylenko. A sequel was released in 2015.
See also: Celebrities who appear in video games
Video game franchises that inspired movies and TV series
'The Last of Us' is this week's big premiere!
MOVIES Games
The world of video games has long inspired Hollywood films and series. Some productions have been so successful that they inspired entire franchises, while others performed poorly at the box office and with critics. Still, adapting games into stories for the entertainment industry remains popular.
That’s certainly the case with 'The Last of Us,' which will premiere its second season on Max on April 13. Based on the second game in the 'Naughty Dog' franchise, the new season expands the post-apocalyptic setting and introduces key characters who play important roles in the story. In addition to familiar faces, the new season will feature newcomers such as Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, and Young Mazino.
In this gallery, revisit other films and shows inspired by the world of video games.