Video games are still a very new artistic medium. Frequently, we see them pull from multiple sources. One of the bigger influences on games has definitely come from the film industry. A lot of great games seem to be built around ideas that were first introduced in films.
Now, while there are some truly excellent tie-in games, we are going to avoid those for this list. We aren't including adaptations here either. We are looking for films that are one step removed from these notable video games. We assure you, there are plenty of movies that go great with the games you love without having to fall back on games that have direct connections to movies.
Updated October 11th by James Kennedy: It is that spooky time of the year. We don't know about you, but our two favorite things to do during Halloween time is to watch scary movies, and play spooky games. That is why we are coming at you with three ghastly game and movie pairs. Each of these hair-raising entries play off each other in fun ways. If you like these games, we imagine you may just get a kick out of the movies we have paired with them. And vice versa, of course.
13/13 The Descent, House Of Ashes
The Descent is a modern horror classic. Known for its dark, claustrophobic setting, it is a movie very intentionally built to get under your skin. The Descent’s caverns are as dank and hopeless as the situation its protagonists find themselves in. It also has some fantastic monsters. While House Of Ashes doesn't have the same unrelenting focus on horror, its setting often hits a lot of the same notes.
This is especially true once you descend deeper into the bowels of the cavernous undergrounds of House Of Ashes' subterranean setting. There is a lot more intrigue here, and it is a game that has a number of slower moments. But during the more horror-centric scenes, there are a lot of aesthetic parallels to The Descent. So, if you are a House Of Ashes fan, we think you should check out The Descent. Both will have you itching for a shower by the time you are through with them.
12/13 Dog Soldiers, Resident Evil Village
If you aren't familiar with Dog Soldiers, it is the tale of a military squadron having to barricade themselves in a farmhouse out in the middle of nowhere as they are fighting back the advances of a group of ravenous werewolves. Who would have ever thought a Resident Evil game would share parallels with a film like that one?
Yet, Resident Evil Village has a number of set-piece moments that feels like they could have been taken straight from a videogame adaptation of that same 'furrious' werewolf flick. Scenes where you barricade yourself in a farmhouse and try to ward off packs of werewolves. Once you move past the first section of the game, the parallels fade into the rearview. However, during those first few sections? Yeah, the connection feels pretty strong. If Resident Evil Village had you howling with joy, we think Dog Soldiers could be your jam.
11/13 Dawn Of The Dead, Dead Rising
If there is one thing that is readily apparent, it is that the makers of Dead Rising were fans of Dawn of the Dead. And who isn't? It is one of the most influential zombie movies ever made. But while this is a film that is, at times, dark and grisly, it is also surprisingly playful. Who could forget the scene where they pie a zombie in the face? That's just some good ol' fun!
And that is what Dead Rising was really able to capture: that manic energy (with just a tinge of absurdity). Unlike the games that would follow it, Dead Rising still has its fair share of horror, but more than anything it seems like a game that wanted to deliver the Mall experience from Dawn of the Dead. And that it does. Brilliantly. If you are a fan of Dead Rising, and haven't checked out Dawn Of The Dead yet, we suggest you do. You may just find a movie that you can really sink your teeth into.
10/13 Alien, Dead Space
Dead Space is very clearly a game that was designed around the same feeling of isolation that the first Alien movie depicted so brilliantly. So, it goes without saying that fans of Dead Space who haven't seen Ridley Scott's masterpiece are doing themselves a grave disservice.
While Dead Space certainly kicks off a little quicker than Alien, it does a lot of similar things with darkness and solitude that Alien does. Both know how to pace their horror. They both know how to ratchet up the tension. It is one thing to scare people with a monster; it is another to frighten through the lack of a monster. That is something both of these experiences do so well. After you watch the movie, you could then follow it up with the excellent Alien Isolation. This list isn't about game adaptations, but that one is so damn good that it deserves a nod!
9/13 Raiders of the Lost Ark, Uncharted
Uncharted changed the way big-budget video games are made. The incredibly likable depiction of Nathan Drake—and his captivating "treasure hunting" adventures—charmed players. It is probably fair to say that a large amount of that success is owed to the charisma of the game's lead.
Well, if you have skipped over Raiders of the Lost Ark, but are a hardcore Uncharted fan, you will find a movie that delivers on nearly all the same elements. Uncharted wouldn't likely exist if it wasn't for the Indiana Jones movies. And while they are a little on the old side at this point, these movies have absolutely withstood the test of time.
8/13 Enter The Dragon, Mortal Kombat
Enter the Dragon is a martial arts film that features a ragtag group of martial artists battling on an island in a tournament. It isn't a secret that Mortal Kombat was heavily influenced by Enter the Dragon. However, it isn't just Mortal Kombat; so many of the Bruce Lee knockoff characters in fighting games seemed to use Enter the Dragon's version of Bruce as their direct inspiration.
Fans of the violent fighting game will most certainly find something to love here, as Bruce Lee's masterpiece is itself a fairly brutal movie. However, every fighting game fan owes it to themselves to watch Enter the Dragon. It is safe to say that fighting games wouldn't be the same if Enter The Dragon had never been made.
7/13 Pirates Of The Caribbean, The Secret Of Monkey Island
A quick-witted, fast-talking, eccentric pirate, who no one takes seriously, goes on an epic swashbuckling adventure that brings him into conflict with an infamous ghost pirate? Which property did we just reference there, Monkey Island or Pirates Of The Caribbean? Obviously, we were referencing both.
There are a lot of shared concepts between the Pirates of the Caribbean movies and the Monkey Island games. While Monkey Island is, of course, sillier, Pirates of the Caribbean definitely isn't far off in some of its scenes. There are also more than a few tips of the hat to Monkey Island in the Pirates movies. As soon as you see Captain Jack Sparrow rowing a coffin in a swamp, you know you are watching a movie made by Monkey Island fans.
6/13 Unforgiven, Red Dead Redemption
Unforgiven is a Clint Eastwood western film; one that deals with a former outlaw looking to claw back a little bit of redemption. It is an excellent, somber take on the western genre. And has more than a few similarities to everyone's favorite Wild West-style video game: Red Dead Redemption.
While the plots are wildly different, both stories are introspective, character-driven affairs. Both stories strip back the fantasy of the Wild West and instead focus on the harsh realities of what it meant to have lived as an outlaw. Or more specifically, to have lived long enough to regret it.
5/13 Crying Fist, Fight Night Champion
Fight Night Champion is the one boxing game that really tried to tell a story. And, for the most part, it succeeded. Andre's story in Fight Night Champion is a captivating tale of success, betrayal, and redemption. Now, when it comes to boxing movies, most people probably think of the Rocky films. These are, for the most part, uplifting tales that espouse hard work and dedication. And while some of those movies are fantastic, they don't make for a great parallel for Fight Night Champion.
Crying Fist, on the other hand, is a movie that really nails that redemptive element. It tells the story of two men trying to put their lives back together. One of them has always been a punk, but through boxing, he is able to find some form of dignity. The other is a washout loser, looking for one more chance to do things right. It is a great film, and one of the best boxing movies ever made. If you loved Fight Night Champion, you may just find that Crying Fist is a one-two punch of emotionally riveting storytelling and satisfying boxing action.
4/13 Streets Of Fire, Final Fight
Streets of Fire is an eccentric, off-beat action film. It isn't an all-time classic, but it is a super fun movie, and it feels like an authentic '80s time capsule. It also has one hell of a soundtrack. What makes this movie more notable, however, is how much Final Fight took from it. And given what an important game Final Fight was for the genre, that will forever tether Streets of Fire to the beat 'em up genre of games.
Once you see that one of the common goons you fight in Final Fight is based on a character played by Willem Dafoe in Streets of Fire, you will never be able to look at the game the same again. If you are a hardcore Final Fight fan this movie is an absolute delight.
3/13 Vampire Hunter D, Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night
Vampire Hunter D and Castlevania both came into existence roughly around the same time. Both series have a lot in common, but that is probably because they draw from similar places of inspiration. With Castlevania Symphony of the Night, however, some more Vampire Hunter D influence definitely got in there. Alucard has a lot in common with D.
One thing is for certain, at this point Vampire Hunter D works as an intertext for Castlevania Symphony of the Night. Fans of the more modern Castlevania games owe it to themselves to track down this gothic classic. Don't be surprised if this vampire anime sucks you in.
2/13 Willow, Guardian Heroes
Guardian Heroes is an excellent fantasy beat 'em up for the Sega Saturn. It is action-packed and uses its fantasy-theming to help create an enjoyable, lighthearted adventure. This goes for the other fantasy beat 'em ups like the Dungeons And Dragons arcade games and Dragon's Crown as well. These games are an absolute delight, and they never take themselves too seriously. While there are a lot of great fantasy movies, most of them have a heavy focus on slow-burn world-building. That doesn't make for a great parallel to Guardian Heroes.
Willow, on the other hand, is a movie that is far more interested in adventure than its peers. It is also off-beat and funny! Unfortunately, it feels like we are witnessing Willow being slowly lost to time, which is a huge shame, as it is one of the best fantasy movies to emphasize that more lighthearted approach to adventure. But don't worry, Willow isn't a farce! Despite having a greater emphasis on levity than most of its peers, Willow still has horrifying scenes that will haunt your dreams. If you long for a fantasy film that is a little less Stoic and self-serious, then we think Willow will do the trick.
Hey, it looks like things are looking up for Willow. We are getting a new series soon! Willow fans rejoice! Now there is even MORE of a reason to give this one a watch!
1/13 Juno, Night In The Woods
Night In The Woods and Juno don't have particularly similar plots. However, when it comes to themes, they both have a lot in common. Juno is the story of a young woman who is having to rapidly enter adulthood due to an unplanned pregnancy. It is a movie about coming to terms with the harsh realities of growing up.
Both Juno and Mae from Night In The Woods are flawed, likable, relatable characters. However, while both properties have compelling leads, the strongest shared element is how they balance an endearing sense of humor while also telling a story that has weight behind it. If you haven't seen Juno, we really can't recommend it enough. Especially if Night In The Woods resonated with you.
