Movies and Shows Based on Video Games

Last updated: April 10, 2026

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.

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Pokémon Poster Image

TV

Pokémon

age 6+

As much about marketing as it is imagination.

Cartoon Network , CW Kids' Animation (1998)

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Carmen Sandiego Poster Image

TV

Carmen Sandiego

age 7+

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

Netflix Kids' Animation (2019)

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Ratchet & Clank Poster Image

MOVIE

Ratchet & Clank

age 7+

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

April 29, 2016 2016 PG (94 minutes)

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Skylanders Academy Poster Image

TV

Skylanders Academy

age 7+

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

Netflix Kids' Animation (2016)

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The Angry Birds Movie 2 Poster Image

MOVIE

The Angry Birds Movie 2

age 7+

Funnier sequel still has silly action, potty humor.

August 13, 2019 2019 PG (96 minutes)

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The Super Mario Bros. Movie Poster: Lots of colorful Mario characters stand in front of the movie's title

MOVIE

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

age 7+

Colorful adventure is a bit more violent than the games.

April 5, 2023 2023 PG (92 minutes)

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The Super Mario Galaxy Movie movie poster: Mario leaps in front of a collage of other characters

MOVIE

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

age 7+

Peril, some scares in peachy video game sequel.

April 1, 2026 2026 PG (98 minutes)

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Wreck-It Ralph Poster Image

MOVIE

Wreck-It Ralph

age 7+

Game-themed movie mixes potty humor with strong messages.

November 2, 2012 2012 PG (108 minutes)

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Pokémon Detective Pikachu Poster Image

MOVIE

Pokémon Detective Pikachu

age 8+

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

May 10, 2019 2019 PG (104 minutes)

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Sonic the Hedgehog Poster Image

MOVIE

Sonic the Hedgehog

age 8+

Carrey lights up video game movie; peril, drinking.

February 14, 2020 2020 PG (100 minutes)

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Sonic the Hedgehog 2: Movie Poster

MOVIE

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

age 8+

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

April 8, 2022 2022 PG (122 minutes)

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The Cuphead Show! Poster Image

TV

The Cuphead Show!

age 8+

Throwback cartoon recipe adds a dash of sweetness; violence.

Netflix Kids' Animation (2022)

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A Minecraft Movie Poster: The characters stand on a slightly askew background, with minecraft structures/creatures near them

MOVIE

A Minecraft Movie

age 9+

Fun adventure has fights, action, some rude language.

April 4, 2025 2025 PG (101 minutes)

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Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Movie Poster: Sonic and Shadow face off

MOVIE

Sonic the Hedgehog 3

age 9+

Fun game-based threequel packs a more intense punch.

December 20, 2024 2024 PG (110 minutes)

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Jumanji: The Next Level Poster Image

MOVIE

Jumanji: The Next Level

age 10+

Charming sequel offers generational humor but can get dark.

December 13, 2019 2019 PG-13 (123 minutes)

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TRON: Legacy movie poster: Two people on light cycles race on a bright blue track

MOVIE

TRON: Legacy

age 10+

Visually dazzling techie reboot has peril, fighting.

December 17, 2010 2010 PG (125 minutes)

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Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle Movie Poster: Four people and a crocodile partially submerged in jungle river.

MOVIE

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

age 11+

Star-studded reboot is charming; some iffy stuff.

December 20, 2017 2017 PG-13 (119 minutes)

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Ready Player One Poster Image

MOVIE

Ready Player One

age 12+

Intense virtual reality adventure will dazzle '80s fans.

March 29, 2018 2018 PG-13 (140 minutes)

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Uncharted Poster Image

MOVIE

Uncharted

age 12+

Violence, language in too long game-based adventure.

February 18, 2022 2022 PG-13 (116 minutes)

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Free Guy Poster Image

MOVIE

Free Guy

age 13+

Likable video game comedy has guns, explosive action.

August 13, 2021 2021 PG-13 (115 minutes)

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