For a long time, video game movies were a bit of a laugh. Yes, they had big stars and even larger money, but they never seemed to get it right. Fans often felt let down, asking how the makers could miss the mark of their loved games so much. But now? Things look up. From the fun hit The Super Mario Bros. Movie to HBO’s beloved The Last of Us, new tries at film are hitting the spot. So, what’s changed? What makes some pop while others flop? Here are five big tips to make video game movies work—and why they’re key now.
5. Pick Animation and True Looks
Let’s face it—some games are not made for real life. Their worlds are too strange, too bright, too magical to turn real without losing their charm. That’s where drawing comes in. As Geeks Under Grace notes, drawing often shows the game’s style better than real film can. Take The Super Mario Bros. Movie—it crushed it with how it looked; something fans had hoped for years.
Even Sonic the Hedgehog, mixing real and drawn, had to fix things after the so-called “Ugly Sonic” mess. It was clear: fans want their heroes to look good, and if not, they will say it. Drawings don’t just keep the look—they keep the magic.
4. Bring In the Game Makers
Want a true game world? Get the minds that made it. Studios see that getting the original game makers is not just nice—it’s smart. When Mario’s maker, Shigeru Miyamoto, helped make The Super Mario Bros. Movie, it showed. The place, the vibe, and the folks were all real because the guy who made them helped out.
It’s true for The Last of Us as well. Neil Druckmann, who wrote and led the game, helped make the show with Craig Mazin. The outcome? A show that praised the game and touched its heart. In short: when the real minds help out, fans feel it.
3. Keep the Game’s Soul
You don’t need to keep every task, subquest, or big boss—but you must honor what made the game great to start with. The best movies get this. They take the game’s main ideas—its feel, its bonds, its deep bits—and bring them to life on screen.
As Number Analytics says, the key is finding “the heart of the game” and showing it off well. Miss that? Fans see it. Just ask anyone who saw the Doom movie, wondering why monsters turned into zombies. Or why Resident Evil went from scare to full action mayhem. These changes are not just sad—they hurt. Honor the game, and fans will be there.
2. Choose the Best Type
Not all games fit into a two-hour movie. Some tales are big, rich, and focus on folks. They need time. That’s why long shows like The Last of Us, Arcane, and Castlevania did well. With more time to show deep worlds and people, these series can show the games correctly. As Geeks Under Grace points out, shows often fit better for game films than movies do.
On the other side, games with simple plots—like Sonic or Mario—work better in a short, neat way. The point? Don’t stuff a long game into a short film. Fit the story to the type, not the other way.
1. Put People and Worlds First
All the hidden bits and cool sights mean little if viewers don’t care about the folks. The top films focus on the tale and soul. Whether it’s the deep bond between Joel and Ellie or the fun mess of the Mushroom Kingdom, it’s the folks (and the spots) that stay with us. ECG Productions says it well: “Taking time to know the characters is key to any story’s success.” Without this heart, you’re just watching scenes with no tie. Make viewers care, and they’ll stay—even if they have never played the game.
We’re at a great time for video game films—an era much-awaited. The best work by staying true to their roots. They get the right people, use the right ways, and share the right tales. Studios that do this are turning doubters into fans. And the fans? They come in big numbers. Because when a game film hits just right, it’s not just fun. It feels like coming home.