It’s high time that filmmakers understood the need for quality material when it comes to adapting video game series into movies, and recent times have indicated just this with a few well-received films being released. With Sonic the Hedgehog proving to be a critical success, it makes sense to check out where it is positioned in the best-ever rankings for video game movies.
Since there have only been certain movies that have had significant acclaim, you’ll find quite some “rotten” films on this list. However, we’re also going to be pointing out the positives in these films, and here are the 10 best video game movies according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2017) - 37%
All the events from the previous films come to a head as Alice and her allies put on one last stand to fight Albert Wesker and put an end to his diabolical plans. However, things take an unexpected turn as the situation escalates.
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter did go some way in finishing off the constant cliffhangers the series was known for, and is for those who like a bullet-heavy feature, as it relies on the action aspect to pull in viewers, rather than letting some quality storytelling do the talking.
Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time (2010) - 37%
When a prince lays siege to a city he’s been told has plans to overthrow his kingdom, he learns he’s been deceived by his uncle who seeks the Dagger of Time. Framed for his father’s death, the prince bands together with unlikely allies to use the dagger and turn back time.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time got more bad publicity than it deserved, being a film that was thoroughly enjoyable due to the special effects and the remarkable chemistry between the cast. However, we do understand the criticism when it comes to the inaccurate portrayal of history and the whitewashing of the characters.
The Angry Birds Movie (2016) - 43%
Outcast birds in a colony dominated by happy-go-lucky personalities find out their temper can come in handy when they are attacked by a group of no-good pigs. As they team up, they discover surprisingly effective abilities.
It might sound as if it isn’t possible for a ridiculous premise such as this to be entertaining, and while the film indeed is very ridiculous, there’s no doubt that The Angry Birds Movie is indeed a good watch for some family fun.
Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001) - 45%
In a last-ditch effort to combat an alien race that has taken over the world, two scientists come up with a solution that could see humans return out of hiding. However, their quest is challenged by people of their own race.
Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within can be seen as one of the earliest attempts to make video game films out to be serious ventures; however, it ended up proving that these movies do need some level of breezy charm for them to be fun. While this film does hit some important points well, critics deemed it to be too much on the serious side.
Mortal Kombat (1995) - 47%
An unlikely trio bands together to enter a tournament in order to prevent an evil sorcerer from threatening the world. During their mission, the heroes form a closer bond as their tribulations become harder to overcome.
Mortal Kombat initially had far worse reviews when it came out, but the film has aged well due to the cheesy graphics and laughable acting becoming something of a novelty act. Nowadays, it’s a guilty pleasure movie that entertains by accepting its goofiness.
Rampage (2018) - 51%
A pathogen from space crash lands on Earth in separate locations, where its effects mutate three animals into monsters that wreak absolute havoc. With one of these monsters being an albino gorilla from a zoo, his primatologist sets out to bring his friend back and stop the rampage.
With The Rock, what you see is what you get, and he delivered another one of his trademark performances as Rampage is a brainless blockbuster flick that requires you to avoid thinking. Once you do that, the film turns out to be a fun affair.
Tomb Raider (2018) - 52%
In order to locate her long-missing father, Lara Croft sets out on a perilous journey where she comes across men who would stop at nothing to gain access to a hidden location with a deadly mystery. To keep her father’s memory alive, Lara faces this danger head-on.
Tomb Raider will always be appreciated for being that film based on a video game which finally avoided objectifying the female lead. Instead, we had a genuine story about a hero who deeply loves her father and has a taste for adventure. However, the meandering pace of the film did throw some off.
Sonic The Hedgehog (2020) - 63%
A talking hedgehog with extraordinary powers of speed is stranded on Earth when escaping the evil Dr. Robotnik. Now pursued by the villain, Sonic goes in hiding while befriending a human who ends up helping him in his quest to locate his lost rings.
Sonic the Hedgehog has been lauded for the performances of the cast, particularly that of Jim Carrey. It has also been positively received for being a film that listened to the fans, as Sonic’s earlier disastrous design was changed into an appearance fans loved. The story complements the character to be a fun-filled romp that will please the family-friendly audience.
Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019) - 69%
A talking Pikachu teams up with an ex-Pokémon trainer and a tenacious reporter as the group seeks answers for mysterious disappearances and an explanation for the Pikachu’s abilities. This leads to a bigger situation where the world of Pokémon is threatened.
Pokémon Detective Pikachu is one of those films that leaves you wanting more, and we’re certainly hoping for other Pokémon to join the fun in follow-ups. With a lovely voice performance by Ryan Reynolds, and a touching story about the importance of family, this was one video game film that had all kinds of heart.
The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019) - 73%
Faced with no other choice, the birds have to team up with their rivals in the green pigs as a bigger threat could potentially wipe out both of their kinds. As expected, the two factions can hardly get along despite their new partnership.
The Angry Birds Movie 2 is unprecedented when it comes to critical acclaim for a video game movie, as the film came dangerously close to the “Certified Fresh” tag on the site. It was met with a majority positive reception due to the slapstick comedy fitting well with the film’s premise, something that appealed even to older audiences.
