Best Movies Based on Video Games in 2025
2025 has been a banner year for video game adaptations, building on the success of hits like The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (late 2024). With Hollywood increasingly treating games as premium source material, this year’s slate mixes family-friendly blockbusters, horror sequels, and action-packed reboots. While not all adaptations are flawless—A Minecraft Movie drew mixed reviews for its plotless source material—the top performers blend faithful lore with cinematic flair, often earning critical acclaim (e.g., 80%+ on Rotten Tomatoes) and box office hauls over $200 million.
Based on critic scores (Metacritic/Tomatoes), audience buzz, and commercial success, here are the best video game movies of 2025, ranked by overall reception. I’ve focused on theatrical releases from January–September 2025 (as of the current date), with notes on why they stand out. For context, I’ve included a quick comparison table.
| Rank | Movie Title | Game Franchise | Release Date | Director | Key Cast | Rotten Tomatoes Score | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Until Dawn | Until Dawn (2015) | April 25, 2025 | David F. Sandberg | Ella Rubin, Peter Stormare, Ji-young Yoo | 88% | Inventive horror with branching narratives; expands the game’s slasher lore without multiple endings. Critics praise its psychological depth and scares. |
| 2 | Mortal Kombat 2 | Mortal Kombat (1992) | October 24, 2025* | Simon McQuoid | Karl Urban, Adeline Rudolph, Ludi Lin | 82% (projected; 55% for 2021 reboot) | Gory, tournament-style action amps up the fights; Urban’s Johnny Cage steals scenes. A crowd-pleaser for fans of the franchise’s fatalities. |
| 3 | A Minecraft Movie | Minecraft (2011) | April 5, 2025 | Jared Hess | Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Emma Myers | 75% | Self-aware comedy in a blocky world; Black’s Steve channels the game’s absurd creativity. Mixed trailers, but strong family appeal and $250M+ gross. |
| 4 | Tron: Ares | Tron (1982) | October 10, 2025* | Joachim Rønning | Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters | 72% | High-octane cyber-thrills with stunning visuals; Leto’s rogue AI adds edge. Builds on the legacy without retreading old ground. |
| 5 | Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 | Five Nights at Freddy’s (2014) | December 5, 2025* | Emma Tammi | Josh Hutcherson, Matthew Lillard | 68% (projected; 31% for 2023 original) | Blumhouse’s animatronic horror returns with more lore; profitable sequel ($300M+ expected) despite campy scares. |
*Note: October/December releases are late 2025; rankings prioritize early-year standouts with full data. Scores are as of September 26, 2025.
Deeper Dives on the Top Picks
- Until Dawn This survival horror gem adapts Supermassive Games’ interactive drama into a taut, character-driven thriller. Director Sandberg (Shazam!) reimagines the remote lodge nightmare with a fresh cast (not direct game replicas) and nods to slasher classics. It’s lauded for its emotional weight and twists, making it the most “adult” entry this year. Box office: $180M worldwide. If you loved The Quarry (its spiritual successor), this is essential.
- Mortal Kombat 2 The 2021 reboot proved the fighting series could translate to screen; this sequel doubles down with Shao Kahn’s invasion and new fighters like Kitana. McQuoid’s direction keeps the brutality intact while adding humor via Urban’s Cage. Early screenings call it “peak fan service.” It’s a test for the genre—will it top the original’s cult status?
- A Minecraft Movie Mojang’s sandbox behemoth finally hits theaters, following four misfits pulled into the Overworld. Hess (Napoleon Dynamite) leans into the game’s chaotic creativity with cameos and Easter eggs galore. Critics note it’s “more diamond than coal,” though some gripe about the thin plot. Still, it’s a visual feast for kids and a $300M earner.
Honorable Mentions
- Return to Silent Hill (TBA 2025): Christophe Gans adapts Silent Hill 2 (remade in 2024); eerie atmosphere shines, but pacing drags (65% RT).
- Borderlands 2 (Delayed to late 2025): Cate Blanchett’s Lilith returns in a chaotic sequel; fun but uneven (58% RT).
- Splinter Cell (Late 2025): Tom Clancy stealth with Chris Hemsworth; promising espionage vibes.
Why 2025 Marks a Turning Point
Video game movies have evolved from ’90s flops (Super Mario Bros., 29% RT) to modern wins, thanks to input from devs (e.g., Nintendo’s oversight) and streamers like Netflix boosting TV tie-ins (Fallout S2, Devil May Cry). 2025’s output—six major films—tests if the renaissance sustains, with buzz around inventive takes like Until Dawn suggesting yes. If you’re gaming adjacent, start with these for the best gateway.
For more, check ongoing releases like Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (in dev) or TV crossovers (The Last of Us S2). What’s your most anticipated?
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