Video game adaptations have seen many hits and misses over the years. No cheat code is needed for the latest adaption, Borderlands, based on the Gearbox Software video game series.
Directed by and co-written by Eli Roth, the 2024 film hits theaters nationwide today and stars Cate Blanchett as Lillith a sci-fi action comedy. Shot on a budget of around $110 to $120 million, the Lionsgate-distributed film has an ensemble cast featuring Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Édgar Ramírez, Ariana Greenblatt, Florian Munteanu, Gina Gershon, and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Click here for the official Borderlands trailer
Before you go out to theaters to check out the latest video game adaptation to get the big screen treatment, you can stream these 8 movies and shows, below.
Resident Evil (2002)
The first big-screen adaptation of the Resident Evil video games took inspiration from the first two installments in the series. The Paul W.S. Anderson-directed picture stars Milla Jovovich as Alice, who joins a group of Umbrella Corporation commandos as they try to stop the spread of the T-virus. Shot on a budget of $33 million, the film was a financial success grossing over $103 million at the box office, spawning five sequels.
Where to Stream Resident Evil: DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Sling
Pokemon Detective Pikachu (2019)
Before Ryan Reynolds made his return to the big screen as Deadpool, the comedic actor starred as the mascot of Pokemon in Detective Pikachu. The adaptation of the video game of the same name was the first live-action film in the long-running Pocket Monsters franchise. Directed and co-written by Rob Letterman, Detective Pikachu grossed over $450 million at theaters and became the highest-grossing video game adaptation ever. The record would stand for nearly four years until the release of the next film on our list.
Where to Stream Pokemon Detective Pikachu: Netflix
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
The mascot of Nintendo was able to de-throne Pokemon’s mascot at the theaters when The Super Mario Bros. left Brooklyn for the Mushroom Kingdon. The adventure comedy starred Chris Pratt as Mario with an ensemble cast of Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, and Fred Armisen. The first movie on our list to cross the billion mark at the box office, Super Mario Bros. raked in $1.362B on a $100 million budget. The animated film is expected to get a possible spin-off and a sequel film by 2026.
Where to Stream Super Mario Bros.: Netflix
Twisted Metal (2023-Present)
When Peaco*ck announced that they were finally making a series based on the Twisted Metal. Many fans were excited to see an adaptation to the vehicular combat Playstation game series. Since its launch on Peaco*ck, the half-hour live-action comedy has been applauded for its humor and character adaptations. The cast includes Anthony Mackie, Stephanie Beatriz, Joe Seanoa (Samoa Joe), Will Arnett, Thomas Haden Church, and Anthony Carrigan. The series was renewed for a second season but the release date hasn’t been announced yet.
Where to Stream Twisted Metal: Peaco*ck
The Angry Birds Movie (2016)
The first movie on our list to be based on a mobile app, the Angry Birds got their big stream treatment in an animated comedy. The feature directorial debut of Clay Kaytis and Fergal Reilly featured voicework from Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Kate McKinnon, Sean Penn, Tony Hale, Keegan-Michael Key, Bill Hader, and Peter Dinklage. The film led to a series and another theatrical release Angry Birds 2 (watch on DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, FX).
Where to Stream The Angry Birds Movie: Netflix
Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
Sonic the Hedgehog debuted on the big screen in the 2020 film of the same name. Starring Ben Schwartz (as the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog), James Marsden, and Jim Carrey, the Jeff Fowler-directed picture was North America’s highest-grossing video game adaptation after its theatrical run. The popularity followed out the theater as it was the most-watched at-home release for three straight weeks. In 2022, a sequel film, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (watch on Paramount+) cruised into theaters. Over time, Sonic has been one of the most popular video game series since the first game debut on the Sega Genesis. The Blue Blur’s popularity even led to the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog (watch on Paramount+) series that ran for 65 episodes and other adaptations.
Where to Stream Sonic the Hedgehog: Paramount+
The Last of Us (2023-Present)
The HBO Original series is an adaptation based on the Naughty Dog video game franchise of the same name. The post-apocalyptic drama stars Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller and Bella Ramsey as Ellie. The first season was a massive hit and anticipated so much that Episode 5 had to be aired earlier than planned. Season 2 is expected to stream in 2025, with Pascal and Ramsey’s characters returning with new cast members: Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Isabela Merced as Dina, Young Mazino as Jesse, Ariela Barer as Mel, Tati Gabrielle as Nora, Spencer Lord as Owen, and Danny Ramirez as Manny.
Where to Stream The Last of Us: Max
Mortal Kombat
Fighters have finished their opponents in the Midway Game series Mortal Kombat since 1992. Over the years, there have been many adaptations, and fans of the franchise can find two live-action films (Mortal Kombat (1995) & Mortal Kombat (2021)); an animated film (Mortal Kombat Legends: Cage Match); and two shows (Mortal Kombat: Legacy and Mortal Kombat: Conquest) streaming on Max at the link, below.
Where to Stream the Mortal Kombat Collection: Max
Borderlands Trailer
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