The Super Mario Bros. Movie, based on Nintendo’s unforgettable Mario video game series, was released worldwide earlier this month. Written by Matthew Fogel and directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, the film is a collaboration between Universal Pictures, Nintendo, and Illumination.
The voice cast includes Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, and Fred Armisen, and the film has received praise from both critics and audiences.
Following the disappointment of the 1993 live-action film Super Mario Bros., Nintendo has managed to win over both critics and audiences with their new Mario movie. Grossing over $878.1 million worldwide, the film has become the highest-grossing film of 2023 and has broken records for the largest opening weekend and highest gross for an animated film.
As the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie continues to be discussed, JustWatch has revealed the most popular game adaptations in movies and series based on their recent research.
JustWatch Announces the Most Popular Game Adaptations: Movies and Series
According to data released by JustWatch, Uncharted tops the list of the most popular game adaptations in movies. Directed by Ruber Fleischer, the film is based on the eponymous video game by Amy Hennig. The series stars Tom Holland as Nathan Drake, along with Mark Wahlberg, Antonio Banderas, Sophia Taylor Ali, and Tati Gabrielle in the cast.
The top ten most popular game adaptation movies are:
- Uncharted
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Pokemon Detective Pikachu
- Resident Evil
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2
- Tomb Raider
- Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
- Mortal Kombat
- Warcraft
- Rampage
In the list of most popular game adaptations in series, Netflix’s Arcane: League of Legends takes the lead. Adapted exclusively for Netflix by Christian Linke and Alex Yee, the animated action-adventure series is set in the fictional universe of Riot Games’ legendary game, League of Legends. The series focuses on two sisters, Vi and Jinx.
- Arcane
- The Last of Us
- Halo
- Castlevania
- Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
- The Cuphead Show!
- Resident Evil
- DOTA: Dragon’s Blood
- Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness
- Carmen Sandiego
Note: The data was compiled on April 19, 2023, based on JustWatch’s popularity scores.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes a game adaptation successful?
A successful game adaptation usually has a well-written script, strong characters, an engaging storyline, and stays true to the spirit of the original game. High-quality visuals and sound, along with a talented cast, also contribute to the success of a game adaptation.
Why are game adaptations popular?
Game adaptations are popular because they allow fans of the original games to see their favorite characters and stories brought to life on the big screen or in a series format. These adaptations often have a built-in fan base, which can help boost their popularity and reach a wider audience.
What challenges do filmmakers face when adapting video games into movies or series?
Filmmakers may face challenges such as staying true to the source material while creating a compelling story, capturing the essence of the game world and its characters, and managing fan expectations. Additionally, it can be challenging to balance the interactive elements of a game with the passive experience
