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This article contains spoilers for 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' (2024). Tread with caution.
Film adaptions of video games have always had an infamous reputation. While it's a lot less prominent now, with more faithful and quality adaptions coming to theaters (just ignore Borderlands), like the recent Sonic the Hedgehog 3. But, if there's one thing that audience-goers can expect from most video game movies, it's a thrilling experience.
"Thrilling" doesn't always mean the film is going to be a good one. It simply means that the film evokes an exciting, anxiety-inducing and/or chuckle-inducing feeling within the viewers watching for most of the experience. Most video games being brought to the big screen are action/adventure ones, which pretty much guarantee an exciting experience in some way, shape or form. Whether the film is good overall? That's a different story.
10 'Rampage' (2018)
Directed by Brad Peyton
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
Based on the classic game franchise of the same name, 2018's Rampage received mixed reviews when it initially dropped in theaters. Audiences certainly liked it more than critics, which is a statement of the film's "thrilling factor". It's a ridiculous ride that takes the button-mashing destruction of the original, and transfers it to the action of the film.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson may be somewhat controversial among audiences; having a mixed resume of delivering quality films, he at least knows how to deliver some great action sequences. The same can be said about Rampage, featuring the star getting involved in the building-smashing entertainment at play thanks to the various monsters on screen.
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Rampage
Release Date April 13, 2018
Runtime 1h 47m
Writers Carlton Cuse , Ryan Condal
Budget 120 million
Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures
Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures
9 'Mortal Kombat' (1995)
Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson
Image via Warner Bros.
One of the most thrilling video game franchises of all time is easily Mortal Kombat. So, when Paul W.S. Anderson brought the series to film in 1995, the least that audiences could expect was some good action. With how the story was executed compared to the action, it is clear that the filmmakers behind the movie pointed their focus at the fight choreography before everything else.
The battles in Mortal Kombat are a lot of fun. While some have aged a bit with time, most still hold up, thanks to the work behind the stunt team on the film. The clear focus on action of the team may have caused a decline in the story, it allowed the project to be thrilling and has caused it to grow quite a cult following over the years.
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Mortal Kombat
1995's Mortal Kombat is the first attempt to translate the famous MK video game franchise to the big screen. It features Liu Kang, Sonya Blade, and Johnny Cage receiving help from Lord Raiden in order to defeat Shang Tsung and stop Outworld from defeating Earthrealm one final time. After a controversial sequel, the 2021 reboot started its story from scratch.
Release Date August 18, 1995
Cast Robin Shou , Christopher Lambert
Runtime 101minutes
Producers Lawrence Kasanoff , Robert Engelman
Budget $20 million
Studio(s) New Line Cinema
Distributor(s) New Line Cinema
Sequel(s) Mortal Kombat: Annihilation
8 'Sonic the Hedgehog 2' (2022)
Directed by Jeff Fowler
After the general success of the first Sonic the Hedgehog film, fans were hoping (especially given the post credits scene) for more inclusion of the mythos in the second film and even more of the high-speed action seen in the first. While it wasn't incredibly accurate to the games, the first movie captured the hearts of fans because it was clear that director Jeff Fowler understood the heart of the character. Many assume the lack of Sonic mythos in the debut film was due to the studio, so when Fowler got more freedom, he brought an even better second film.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 not only introduces both Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey) and Knuckles (Idris Elba), but items like the Master Emerald and Chaos Emeralds, as well. More lore meant more excitement for fans, but the action sequences took entirely to new heights, as well. Whether it be Sonic (Ben Schwartz) snowboarding down an avalanching mountain, going Super Sonic to take down Eggman (Jim Carrey) or traveling to a new part of the world, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is packed full of thrilling sequences.
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Sonic the Hedgehog 2
The iconic blue hedgehog is back in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, eager to prove himself as a hero. And when Dr. Robotnik escapes his prison, it seems he'll have his chance. This film introduces viewers to beloved characters Tails and Knuckles, in another mad dash for adventure.
Release Date April 8, 2022
Runtime 122 minutes
Writers Josh Miller , John Whittington , Pat Casey
Budget $90–110 million
Studio(s) Paramount Pictures
Distributor(s) Paramount Pictures
Prequel(s) Sonic the Hedgehog
Franchise(s) Sonic the Hedgehog
7 'Pokémon Detective Pikachu' (2019)
Directed by Rob Letterman
Image via Legendary Entertainment
Audiences already knew it was going to be thrilling to see the Pokémon franchise brought to live-action, in general, but they were definitely blown away when they flocked to theaters in 2019. This was one of the first films, next to Sonic the Hedgehog, that many note as the beginning of the end for the "video game movie curse" because of its wonderful quality. A lot of this quality came from a very thrilling ride.
Not only is the film full of joy because of how absolutely hilarious it can be, but it also has some amazing Pokémon action that could only be found in a movie from this franchise, which is something many audience members had never seen before. Pokémon Detective Pikachu has the likes of gigantic Torterra taking the ground out from beneath the crew, Mewtwo (Rina Hoshino & Kotaro Watanabe) taking on the world in the final battle and Aipom chasing down Pikachu (Ryan Reynolds) and Tim Goodman (Justice Smith). All of this made for some amazing sequences.
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Detective Pikachu
Ace detective Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, prompting his 21-year-old son, Tim, to find out what happened. Aiding in the investigation is Harry's former Pokémon partner, wise-cracking, adorable super-sleuth Detective Pikachu. Finding that they are uniquely equipped to work together, as Tim is the only human who can talk with Pikachu, they join forces to unravel the tangled mystery.
Release Date May 10, 2019
Runtime 104 minutes
Budget 150million
Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures
Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures
Franchise(s) Pokemon
6 'Tomb Raider' (2018)
Directed by Roar Uthaug
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
Unfortunately, 2018's Tomb Raider was a massive disappointment for not just fans, but general audiences and critics everywhere. The story and writing behind Tomb Raider is not great, but the action is vastly exciting and, thankfully, the performance by Alicia Vikander is genuinely wonderful.
While it wasn't received well, the direction from Roar Uthaug is very reminiscent of the classic Indiana Jones films and while, of course, Tomb Raider doesn't nearly live up to that franchise, it serves the sequences very well. Even though fans of the series were quite disappointed, they took solace in the fact that the action felt similar to the games.
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Tomb Raider
Release Date March 16, 2018
Director Roar Uthaug
Runtime 118 minutes
Writers Geneva Robertson-Dworet , Alastair Siddons , Evan Daugherty
5 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' (2023)
Directed by Aaron Horvath
Image via Universal Pictures
In 2023, The Super Mario Bros. Movie opened to massive success, which was a huge win for video game fans. It was funny, heartfelt and had loads of exciting action sequences that could only be found in a movie like The Super Mario Bros. Movie. With visuals that are electric, performances that are fun and unique locations and items from the world of the Mushroom Kingdom, it's a thrilling ride and a sure classic.
There's combat between the likes of Mario (Chris Pratt) and Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen), a sequence inspired by Mario Kart, Luigi (Charlie Day) is captured by Bowser (Jack Black) and the pacing of the story is fast but in a good way. Fans, parents and kids alike fell in love with the film because of how absolutely entertaining it is.
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A plumber named Mario travels through an underground labyrinth with his brother Luigi, trying to save a captured princess.
Release Date April 5, 2023
Director Aaron Horvath , Michael Jelenic
Runtime 92 Minutes
Writers Matthew Fogel
Studio Universal Pictures, Illumination, Nintendo
Website
Characters By
Producer
Production Company
Sfx Supervisor
Budget $100 Million
Studio(s) Illumination Entertainment
Sequel(s) The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2
4 'Warcraft' (2016)
Directed by Duncan Jones
Image via Universal Pictures
Warcraft is not a great movie, according to critics. This movie, however, has a similar reputation to the likes of Rampage, in which audiences liked it far more. With a critic rating of 29% on Rotten Tomatoes and an audience score of 76%, fans clearly found a ton of love in seeing the game they love brought to live-action.
A lot of this must have to do with the great and sometimes brutal action brought forth. Orcs, humans and dozens of others came to fight and the filmmakers did a wonderful job throwing them at each other. The visuals are also very well done, bringing the World of Warcraft universe to life in a genuinely excellent manner.
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Release Date June 10, 2016
Director Duncan Jones
Runtime 123 minutes
Main Genre Fantasy
Character(s) Anduin Lothar , Garona Halforcen , Medivh , Llane Wrynn , Khadgar , Durotan/Antonidas , Orgrim , Blackhand , Karos , Gul'dan , Draka , Moroes , Lady Taria Wrynn , Callan , Varis/Caged Frostwolf , Compound Guard , Grommash Hellscream , Draenei Mother , King Magni , Aloman , Warrior , Officer #1 , Officer #2 , Officer #3
Writers Duncan Jones , Charles Leavitt , Chris Metzen , Jesse Wigutow
3 'Uncharted' (2022)
Directed by Ruben Fleischer
Although there was a lot of controversy thanks to the casting of Tom Holland as Nathan Drake, there is a lot to love about Uncharted. It's not perfect, no, but there is a plethora of scenes that are so visually entertaining and exciting that it cannot be denied that the film is super entertaining. While they may not be exactly like they are in the video games, the dynamic between the two main characters is fun to watch, as well.
The action sections of the project are unique, thrilling and very well executed. Whether it be a bar fight, Nathan and co. falling from a cargo plane in a car or the battle on a pirate ship flying through the sky, Uncharted has so many sequences that are incredibly memorable. To many fans' pleasure, Uncharted 2 is officially in the works at Sony Pictures Entertainment.
2 'Mortal Kombat' (2021)
Directed by Simon McQuoid
Image via Warner Bros
While the movie was ripped by critics, it found a lot of love in general audiences and fans alike. The 2021 Mortal Kombat movie has something the 1995 iteration did not: the visual effects of the modern era. Director Simon McQuoid brought the action sequences to life in an incredibly thrilling manner. The powers at play of characters like Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim) are brought to life perfectly by CGI and make the experience even more interesting.
The scenes that bring the iconic fights from the game franchise to life are exciting, interesting and keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Aside from critics, people loved it so much that there's a sequel coming next year by the same team. If that's not proof enough that the film is, at the very least, exciting, then there isn't enough.
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Mortal Kombat
Release Date April 23, 2021
Runtime 110 minutes
Characters By John Tobias, Ed Boon
Production Company Broken Road Productions, New Line Cinema, Atomic Monster Productions
Studio(s) Atomic Monster Productions , Broken Road Productions , New Line Cinema
Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures
Sequel(s) Mortal Kombat 2
1 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' (2024)
Directed by Jeff Fowler
Image via Paramount Pictures
It's not even been a week since Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was released, and it's already sweeping the nation. An awesome ride was already promised at the end of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 when it was revealed that the next film would include the one and only Shadow the Hedgehog (Keanu Reeves), but audiences had absolutely no idea the film they were going to receive.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 did pretty much everything fans wanted it to: adapting the Sonic Adventure 2 storyline, bringing far more drama to the table than the past two films, using the iconic song "Live and Learn" by Crush 40 and teasing both Metal Sonic and Amy in the post-credits scenes. There are videos all over the internet of theater reactions that are extremely reminiscent of Avengers: Endgame. It's a thrilling ride that has fans cheering all over the planet.
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Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is the sequel to the 2022 comedy-adventure movie that featured the Blue Blur and his companions on an adventure to stop Dr. Robotnik from taking over the world. The new film sees the new antagonist Shadow the Hedgehog, arriving to cause trouble for the newly formed trio of heroes, Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, as they adjust to their earthly lives.
Release Date December 20, 2024
Runtime 109 Minutes
Writers Pat Casey , Josh Miller , John Whittington
Studio(s) Sega Sammy Group , Original Film , Marza Animation Planet , Blur Studio
Distributor(s) Paramount Pictures
Prequel(s) Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Franchise(s) Sonic the Hedgehog
NEXT: The 10 Best Sonic the Hedgehog Transformations, Ranked
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