Let’s be honest—when most hear “movie-based video game,” they automatically think of glitchy disasters, clunky controls, and cash-grab flops. It’s a category that’s more commonly associated with disappointment than joy. But now and again, a game bucks the trend. Some are enjoyable. A couple is even superlative—so superior, that they overshadow the films they’re based on. Here’s a top 10 countdown of 10 movie tie-in games that didn’t just manage to steer clear of disaster—they succeeded.
10. X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Who would’ve believed one of the worst-received X-Men movies would get its own kickass game, though? Wolverine is an all-out action romp, chock full of vicious combat and gallons of blood (finally!). Sure, you still have to battle that weird “Barakapool” iteration of Deadpool, but the gameplay is well worth it. As Giant Bomb explains, it’s a rare gem that allows you to experience the raw power of Logan’s rage.
9. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Revenge of the Sith ended the prequels on dark, dramatic terms, and the tie-in game similarly so, with lightsaber duels that, amazingly, feel rewarding. And one of the highlights? A vs. mode in which you can match characters such as Obi-Wan and Anakin (or, not impossible, Darth Vader with Force lightning) against one another. It’s not Jedi Survivor, but it brings a good deal of force-fueled enjoyment.
8. Spider-Man 3
Yes, the film provided us with Emo Peter Parker and “dig on this,” but the game took a different path, developing secondary characters and villains such as Lizard and Scorpion. It’s not A-list Spidey, but it provided enough crime-fighting and swinging to satisfy the fans. And cruising around in New Goblin’s glider? Unexpectedly enjoyable.
7. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Although critics weren’t kind to it all those years ago, this third game in the Potter franchise has stood the test of time better than anyone might have guessed. The combination of collectible cards, traditional book characters such as Peeves, and unsettling run-ins with Dementors is a wondrous little time capsule. Unlike the more hurried later games, it’s an unambiguous gem.
6. Fantastic Four (2005)
The film may have been a flop, but the game did something right: abilities that feel like they’re powerful. You can switch between teammates, string together sweet combos, and wreak havoc the way Marvel’s First Family is supposed to. With respectable review scores from Game Informer and Gamezone, it showed that even bad movies could create half-way decent games.
5. Aladdin (Sega Genesis)
This one’s nostalgia gold. Developed during a time when Disney still believed in real developers, Aladdin was a platformer’s dream—tight control, smooth animation, and the movie’s charm intact. Even years after it’s been out, it still stands. If you’re a ’90s child, there’s a good chance this title took up residence in your Sega cartridge slot.
4. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers & Return of the King
Re-living the classic battles of Middle-earth never gets old, and these two games provided that possibility. From Helm’s Deep to Pelennor Fields, you played as Aragorn, Legolas, or Gandalf, cutting down Orcs and gaining experience points along the way. They weren’t only enjoyable—they were an extension of the movies.
3. Batman Begins (GameCube/PS2/Xbox)
Before the Arkham series knocked everybody’s socks off, Batman Begins crept up and provided a good old-fashioned stealth-action experience. With voice acting from the film’s cast and the focus on fear as a gameplay element, it did an excellent job of placing you in the cowl and cape. It even included some Batmobile levels for good measure.
2. Spider-Man 2
This is the one that revolutionized the genre—literally. Spider-Man 2 established the high bar for superhero open-world games, letting players web-swing through Manhattan in a way they’d never experienced before. Web-swinging remains incredible to this day, and it pioneered many of the features that have since become de rigueur in contemporary Spidey games. If you know, you know.
1. GoldenEye 007
The legend. The classic. The one that popularized multiplayer FPS on consoles. GoldenEye 007 is not merely an excellent movie tie-in—it’s one of the most significant games ever created. Even with its out-of-date graphics and awkward controls by modern standards, it remains enjoyable to revisit and has a place of nostalgia in gaming history.
While most film tie-ins end up in the video graveyard, these 10 titles show that lightning can indeed strike. Some were cult classics, others changed genres—but all did what is impossible for most tie-ins: they transcended the usual curse of the tie-in. So when you spot a movie tie-in game next time, perhaps try it out… it could surprise you.