Games That Deserve Their Own Movie or TV Show

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Games That Deserve Their Own Movie or TV Show

Published Jun 14, 2026, 11:30 AM EDT

Stephanie Watel is a Contributing Writer at DualShockers who has been covering games professionally since 2022. She specializes in guides and reviews, with additional experience writing lists and features across RPGs, horror games, cozy sims, action games, open-world RPGs, JRPGs, and indie titles.

Before joining DualShockers, Stephanie contributed to GameRant, IGN, MovieWeb, Pro Game Guides, Twinfinite, and Prima Games. Her work has covered major releases, underground sleeper hits, and indie games across a wide range of genres. Stephanie holds a B.A. in English, including studies in journalism.

If you spoke to the average gamer about a decade or so ago about the current state of "videogame movies", you'd likely get a cynical snark and remark about how the prospect of bringing games to the big screen has tried and failed too many times to count. It's an entirely fair point, as most of the attempts back in the early 2000s were definite misses.

You had the infamous flops like Doom and BloodRayne, while the early iterations of the live-action Resident Evil and Tomb Raider franchises did their best to hold up a new genre that was doing its best to become worthwhile. They brought in decent box office returns, arguably thanks in large part to the talents of Milla Jovovich and Angelina Jolie respectively, but nothing to write home about all while being decimated by critics alongside nearly every other similar project. From one attempt to the next, audiences weren't convinced, and the so-called videogame movie genre pretty much fizzled out before it really got its feet on the ground.

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However, some years later, with the movie industry undergoing some dramatic shifts, we've suddenly gotten a sort of videogame movie renaissance. The sheer number of films that have been released in the past few years, even in the past 12 months alone, is remarkable to say the least. From the big blockbusters like Super Mario Bros and Minecraft down to indies like Markiplier's self-funded Iron Lung, along with live-action renditions of Exit 8, Five Nights at Freddy's, and even The Backrooms. That's not even including award-winning games like The Last of Us, Devil May Cry, and Fallout that have since made it to the small screen as full-length series shows.

Even more projects are in the pipeline in the months and years to come, and with audiences fully embracing this renaissance that seems to finally be hitting the nail on the head with its creative approach to videogame movies, there are even more IPs that I'd vouch for getting their own chance in the silver screen spotlight.

10 Lethal Company

The Best Meme Horror Movie About Space Capitalism?

As indie games continue to creatively dominate the industry, one niche of them that's grown especially popular in the last few years undoubtedly is online co-op games. Spearheaded by the likes of Among Us, these trendy IPs usually feature an especially simple premise with unique but easy-to-understand gameplay, coming together in an experience that just...well, clicks. All without the need for realistic graphics or a gazillion bells and whistles, just the right amount of soul and creativity.

One prime example is Lethal Company, which dropped pretty much out of nowhere right before Halloween in 2023. This hilariously fun galactic survival horror game puts you in the shoes of an anonymous, space-suited worker for an off-screen, ruthless enterprise known simply as the Company. Your one and only job is to collect scrap for said Company from various moons, each with their own biome and dangerous alien critters that range from terrifying to just utterly ridiculous. If you fail to meet your scrap quota, out into the endless void of space you go. While it's very much a dark humor take on the absurdities of corporate capitalism, at its core, it's just a fun cosmic adventure that creates its own absurdity and has since spawned countless memes and parodies from the player community.

This particular kind of absurdist horror could definitely spawn into its own movie that mixes the perfect amount of horror and humor, following a troupe of Company workers from one moon to the next. It could closely mimic the game in keeping the workers "faceless", save for some expert voice acting, or potentially create its own protagonist, if done right. As long as supply drops give us that infamous ice cream truck jingle that's all but synonymous with the game.

9 Replaced

Give Us Cyberpunk John Wick

Coming back again to the indie genre, a more recent example that could and should definitely get a chance at the big screen medium is Sad Cat Studios' cyberpunk sleeper hit Replaced. Its plot centers around Warren, the architect of a groundbreaking AI known as R.E.A.C.H., and how his creation becomes warped into an all-seeing weapon of control and surveillance rather than the more selfless purpose it was originally intended for.

Threatened by the corporate entity he originally worked for and forced into hiding outside the metropolis Phoenix-City, the twist is that his creation takes control of his body to help him survive being hunted by enemies in every shadow. Alongside that is the beautiful backdrop of a fascinating, futuristic 1980s alternate America, with settings that change from serene, rural fields to the cold depths of corporate monoliths.

Its almost nostalgic sci-fi mystique mixed with the thrills and tension of hostile encounters around every corner and John Wick-esque combat would, I think, definitely make for a superb film adaptation. An eerie, action-packed cyberpunk sci-fi thriller in the same vein as something akin to Blade Runner, and the game already has an incredible soundtrack to boot. On top of that, with AI becoming an ever-more present influence in our daily lives, it would also be a poignantly relevant tale to see on the big screen.

8 Blue Prince

A Puzzle in a House That's a Puzzle

While videogame movie adaptations in this new renaissance noticeably tend to lean mostly into action, horror, and nostalgic childhood IPs (cue the Mario Bros cinematic universe), one particular genre that you likely wouldn't think of for a big screen experience is puzzles. Finding a meaningful story within a puzzle game is certainly not something you'd normally expect, much less one that can be transferred to screen.

However, that's where Dogubomb's Blue Prince manages to break the mold just enough. The plot behind it centers around a young man named Simon, who's set to inherit the vast Mt. Holly Estate from his deceased uncle. However, to secure his inheritance, he must find his way to Room 46, which supposedly shouldn't exist. That's where the puzzle mechanics of the game come in, as you must literally draft a path to that room in the mansion that almost functions like a dynamic liminal space, all within the span of a day. If that day lapses, you'll be forced to start over completely.

Granted, there's surprisingly much more to the lore beyond a simple tale of a strange inheritance from a rich family. As you explore the depths of the estate, you'll discover more history about Simon's family, the realm they reside in known as Fenn Aries, fascinating airship technology, and seemingly endless political strife that drove his family apart. The backstory overall is surprisingly rich and full of intrigue, all while you hurry to solve a puzzle that breaks the boundaries of reality.

This is one game that I'd especially love to see get a chance at an on-screen adaptation, if only to prove that it doesn't need guns and explosions and jumpscares to be entertaining and memorable.

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7 Dave the Diver

Aquatic Adventures and Sushi Drama!

While the dramatic and action-packed videogame IPs are usually what grab the spotlight first in terms of big-screen adaptation possibilities, there are plenty of more light-hearted, whimsical and adventurous ones that should get a spot at the table. Or, in this case, a seat at the sushi counter.

MINTROCKET's Dave the Diver is a ridiculously charming, addictive, and colorfully vibrant deep-sea exploration RPG that takes the familiar formula of cozy farm simulators and flips it on its head in pretty much all the best ways. You're put into the nautical flip flops of Dave, diver extraordinaire, and embark on all manner of adventures around your tropical home at the Blue Hole. While a good chunk of it consists of routine underwater expeditions, there's also your nighttime gig of running a beachside sushi restaurant with the spoils you've brought in, a splash of actual farming, and more. On top of it all, the overarching story takes you down into the furthest depths of the Blue Hole, where Dave discovers some truly fascinating sights, including an ancient civilization that's not necessarily abandoned.

Many films that follow stories under the sea tend to pursue a darker, more ominous tone, something that Subnautica would probably do, for instance. However, Dave the Diver would be a more light-hearted tale that's still not without its thrills, mystery, and even a bit of action, all perfectly mixed with the charm and wit of the game's more casual aspects. Top that with its unique roster of characters such as premier sushi chef Bancho (who's getting his own prequel game), and Cobra, your main comrade out on the water. All in all, given its original aesthetic and style, it would probably do best as an animated feature, and as long as Momo is in it, I'd consider it a done deal.

6 Pacific Drive

Not Your Average Roadtrip

Movies about cars are certainly nothing new, as are videogames about cars. Or at least, where cars serve as a core element that helps drive a story, literally and figuratively. However, what if you mix in some post-apocalyptic, atmospheric horror that toes the line between paranormal and cosmic, all hidden deep inside the dense and foggy forests of the Pacific Northwest?

Cue Pacific Drive, an unexpected survival horror sleeper hit that dropped in 2024 courtesy of newcomer Ironwood Studios. This game drops you on the fringes of the Olympic Exclusion Zone, or what used to be Washington's Olympic Peninsula. It's since been ravaged by decades of government-sanctioned experiments that, despite their "best", most ambitious efforts, led to catastrophic consequences. These produced otherworldly anomalies, many that continue to terraform the environment, leaving it unstable and dangerous to get close to, much less drive through.r

However, that doesn't stop you, a notably faceless protagonist, and your curiosity from bringing you into the depths of this crater of government secrets. As you traverse the volatile landscapes of the region, your primary means of survival is a hardy relic of a station wagon, which you can reinforce and outfit with all manner of gadgetry. The journey is an ominous and lonely one, save for the voices over your radio who guide you. The game's mechanics are a clever amalgamation of different genres, dipping into post-apocalyptic sci-fi, survival horror, roguelite elements, managing resources, and base building. At its core is your ability to drive and survive whatever the exclusion zone throws at you, literally, all accompanied by a superb vocal soundtrack.

While it would be one of the more unique projects to tackle from a filmmaking standpoint, it would be easy enough to put a face to the game's protagonist and recreate this eerie roadside adventure. With his lifetime passion for sci-fi tales reflected in movies like War of the Worlds, Super 8, and Disclosure Day, it's something that could definitely come to life with a Spielberg flair.

A Mythical and Enchanting Coming of Age Story

With indie adaptations gaining as much traction at the box office as mainstream classics, there's room for so many possibilities when it comes to adapting games with more abstract or artistic stories. If something as conceptually simple as The Backrooms can do it with liminal space, then why not a whimsical tale about an adorable guardian spirit in an endangered forest?

Moon Studios first introduced us to Ori and the Blind Forest over a decade ago, and yet its incredibly emotional and enchanting story resonates with players all these years later. While its setting and characters are entirely mythical, the story and messages within it are every bit as poignant and relatable. The game follows Ori, a young guardian spirit of Nibel Forest who, despite the misfortunes he comes across, must find a way to save the forest from a catastrophe, namely the source behind it. The adventure takes you through numerous beautifully drawn backdrops with non-duplicated assets, which altogether makes for one of the most exceptionally-crafted metroidvanias in recent years. Half the time, the feeling that you're traversing through a painting rather than a level in a game is undeniable.

Bringing this nearly one-of-a-kind gaming experience to the big screen would, I think, be one of the more unique and exceptional choices. Not to mention, the game designers themselves spoke of drawing inspiration from beloved childhood films such as The Iron Giant and the works of Studio Ghibli. Reciprocating that influence would bring it full circle in an endearing way. Even better, a movie could tie in both this game and its direct sequel, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, with narrative ease, to help encompass Ori's true, entire journey.

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I understand the irony in spotlighting one of the most beloved and simultaneously the most copium'd high fantasy franchises in the industry. It's hard to deny that if Bethesda bigwig Todd Howard came forward with an Elder Scrolls feature film or short series ahead of the sorely-awaited Elder Scrolls 6, the torches and pitchforks would come out in droves, to put it lightly. All the same, as well as the Fallout series has been doing with critics and audiences alike, it's left me wondering how something like The Elder Scrolls would fare in the same medium.

The Elder Scrolls is Bethesda's fiercely beloved open-world fantasy RPG series that first gained real popularity around the release of its third installment, Morrowind, in the early 2000s. From that point, the trajectory for the series was headed straight for the stars (not subtle foreshadowing for Starfield), as its success continued with Oblivion, and then eventually Skyrim. By then, The Elder Scrolls had become a household name, and it expanded even further into an online multiplayer space that continues getting updates over a decade later. Of course, the shadow of Skyrim's successor continues to loom over the franchise, as the wait to see who will follow in the footsteps of the Dragonborn continues.

That aside, the prospect of an Elder Scrolls film or limited series would undoubtedly be a challenging one with all its high fantasy elements, from dragons to Khajiits to magic, but it would no less deserve a chance on screen. While the focus here has been mainly on movie adaptations, I'd sooner vouch for a limited series akin to what Fallout miraculously pulled off. It would give Elder Scrolls' vast universe room to grow with some original characters and a worthwhile storyline, and I think Todd would have fun with it just as he did with Lucy Maclean and The Ghoul's adventures.

3 Barotrauma

Are the Real Monsters Outside or Inside?

The film industry is no stranger to underwater horrorscapes, as the mystery and the unshakable terror of what lies miles below a vast, impossibly dark ocean continues to captivate audiences and players alike. However, we've seldom gotten to see these sorts of eerie tales pulled from game IPs, some of which have encapsulated the terrifying experience of an underwater excursion in the best way possible. Granted, that streak broke recently with Mark Fischbach's (Markiplier) self-funded and directed adaptation of the beloved indie horror game, Iron Lung, which released this year to massive fan acclaim.

Those efforts could get pushed further with another sleeper hit in the underwater horror niche called Barotrauma. This 2D co-op submarine simulator dropped back in early 2023 to widespread acclaim thanks to its weirdly nostalgic experience that's as nightmarish as it is absurd. With humanity driven into the depths of Europa's frigid and irradiated oceans, submarine life is all there is to hold onto. The game hilariously incorporates elements such as ragdoll physics and leaves the script at the door, meaning all decisions surrounding your survival are entirely in your hands. You have to learn to stand up to your unruly neighbors along with the otherworldly monstrosities lurking just outside the hulls of your vessel.

Bringing this undeniably unique gaming experience to the big screen would be a truly memorable feat, in my opinion. It's a horror story at its core with plenty of other elements that would make it stand out compared to others in the genre.

2 Stray

A True Meowsterpiece on Screen

Wholesome stories through the eyes of an equally wholesome four-legged animal are ones that don't come along too often, and that makes them all the more memorable when they do. One such game that definitely left an impactful pawprint or two on me was BlueTwelve Studio's debut indie IP, Stray.

Per its name, Stray's atmospheric and emotional journey follows a stray orange cat who gets separated from their family while exploring ruins outside a walled city, and must traverse the cyberpunk'ish, dystopian metropolis within those walls in order to reunite with them. The dystopia in question is aesthetically a bit softer around the edges compared to other similar games, but isn't without its poignant moments of brutality, loss, and grief. With humans noticeably gone, the sentient robotic servants left behind opted to survive, though they still face an everpresent threat from a strange and dangerous bacteria that devours human and robot alike. The player's perspective as a cat conveys a sort of "outside looking in" experience, though that changes as the journey takes you deeper into the city and has you bond with a new companion.

A film following the events of Stray would definitely need to be approached in a unique way, given that it's a cat who doesn't portray any anthropomorphic traits that you'd typically see from an animal protagonist. They don't talk nor have an inner monologue, walk on two legs, or otherwise act in any human-like way. They are and remain a wild animal from the start of the story to the end, and that's not easy to pull off theatrically without special effects. It's hard to say what exactly the best approach would be, but nonetheless, Stray would be absolutely deserving of a chance to retell its story on screen.

1 Final Fantasy X

Imagine Zanarkand in IMAX

The Final Fantasy anthology still stands as one of the most beloved and fascinating game franchises in industry history, and for good reason. Each main title provides an entirely unique story and universe, with countless characters that are memorable, infamous, timeless, and even paradigms of what fictional characters can and should be. While not every single title in the franchise has hit the mark with players, given that the earliest ones are far older and easier to miss with younger generations, there are still a few that stand out universally across the gaming medium.

While it's always up for debate in the community, it's hard to argue that perhaps the best possible example of this is Final Fantasy X. First debuting in 2001, it not only signaled an incredibly dramatic shift in how Final Fantasy games would be presented, but it was by and far the best iteration to herald that change. Even a staggering 25 years later, FFX remains an absolute staple in the franchise, and a so-called "gateway" title for many newcomers. It still features one of the best stories ever depicted in gaming, with not just one but multiple masterfully crafted character arcs. It's full of magic, whimsy, romance, political and religious subterfuge, both light-hearted and satirical humor, and just about everything in between that you could want in a full-fledged adventure.

Just from a technological standpoint, it would certainly be one of the most ambitious prospects ever put onto the screen. However, if there's any title in the Final Fantasy franchise that deserves an adaptation, this is it.