Best Video Game Movies & TV Shows

Video game adaptations can be hit or miss. But with features like thrilling action, exciting role-playing, and thought-provoking storylines, there's no denying that games make great source material. Whether they're based on popular video games, or video games are central to the plot, we've rounded up our favorite movies and TV shows that are sure to please gamers and non-gamers alike. Good news: These picks run the gamut of gaming genres, from kid-friendly animal seekers to suspenseful treasure-hunting. Are video game adaptations still too mature for your kid? Check out Movies Based on Books or TV Shows Based on Books for a wider range of recommendations.

Pokémon Poster Image
TV

Pokémon

age 6+

As much about marketing as it is imagination.

Network: Cartoon Network, CW (1998)
The Angry Birds Movie 2 Poster Image
MOVIE

The Angry Birds Movie 2

age 7+

Funnier sequel still has silly action, potty humor.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
Carmen Sandiego Poster Image
TV

Carmen Sandiego

age 7+

Globe-trotting thief's action-packed origin story.

Network: Netflix (2019)
Ratchet & Clank Poster Image
MOVIE

Ratchet & Clank

age 7+

Video game-based sci-fi adventure is fun but forgettable.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)
Skylanders Academy Poster Image
TV

Skylanders Academy

age 7+

Toy-inspired adventure series a fun pick with broad appeal.

Network: Netflix (2016)
Wreck-It Ralph Poster Image
MOVIE

Wreck-It Ralph

age 7+

Game-themed movie mixes potty humor with strong messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2012)
The Cuphead Show! Poster Image
TV

The Cuphead Show!

age 8+

Throwback cartoon recipe adds a dash of sweetness; violence.

Network: Netflix (2022)
Pokémon Detective Pikachu Poster Image
MOVIE

Pokémon Detective Pikachu

age 8+

Family-friendly mystery will be most fun for Pokémon fans.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
Sonic the Hedgehog Poster Image
MOVIE

Sonic the Hedgehog

age 8+

Carrey lights up video game movie; peril, some drinking.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
Sonic the Hedgehog 2: Movie Poster
MOVIE

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

age 8+

Game-based sequel levels up the positive messages; peril.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
TRON: Legacy Poster Image
MOVIE

TRON: Legacy

age 10+

Techie reboot is visually dazzling but short on story.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2010)
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle Poster Image
MOVIE

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

age 11+

Star-studded reboot is charming; some iffy stuff.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)
Jumanji: The Next Level Poster Image
MOVIE

Jumanji: The Next Level

age 11+

Charming sequel offers generational humor but can get dark.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
Ready Player One Poster Image
MOVIE

Ready Player One

age 12+

Intense virtual reality adventure will dazzle '80s fans.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
Uncharted Poster Image
MOVIE

Uncharted

age 12+

Violence, language in too long game-based adventure.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
Free Guy Poster Image
MOVIE

Free Guy

age 13+

Likable video game comedy has guns, explosive action.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
Arcane Poster Image
TV

Arcane

age 14+

Stunning video game adaptation has violence, some language.

Network: Netflix (2021)
Castlevania Poster Image
TV

Castlevania

age 14+

Arresting anime adaptation has over-the-top brutal violence.

Network: Netflix (2017)
Werewolves Within Poster Image
MOVIE

Werewolves Within

age 15+

Some blood, language in quirky, funny horror-whodunit.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
halo poster
TV

Halo

age 16+

Violent, mature take on sci-fi video game expands saga well.

Network: Paramount+ (2022)