It is no secret that video games have jumped from our screens to the big screen in epic style. What is more exciting? Some of these movies did not only entertain but brought millions of dollars, shattering box office records. Video game movies have managed to perfect action with jaw-dropping moves, and storytelling that would keep one at the edge of their seat, and bring magical worlds into the life of fans.
So, which ones made the biggest splash at the box office? Stick around because we are counting down the video game movies that turned into unstoppable global hits.
Sonic the Hedgehog
Going back to 2020, when Sonic the Hedgehog
zoomed into theaters, bringing to life the video game character for the first time. The film, starring Ben Schwartz as Sonic and Jim Carrey as the villainous Dr. Robotnik, raked in more than $300 million from around the globe and stood as the highest-grossing video game adaptation at the time.
The official trailer for Sonic The Hedgehog is here! pic.twitter.com/oPtG6dEqIL
— IGN (@IGN) April 30, 2019
Fans loved the humor and faithful presentation of the blue hedgehog in the movie and its success made way for more of these loved Sonic Hedgehog films in the future.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Back in 2010, a movie called Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
came onto the big screen bringing the fabulous video game to life, starring Jake Gyllenhaal as Prince Dastan. The film followed his quest to protect a mystical dagger that can reverse time. Despite a reportedly heavy production budget of around $150–200 million, the movie grossed over $300, making it quite the reach. Yes, it was no blockbuster, but it is certainly a notable entry in the field of video game adaptations.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010) pic.twitter.com/jz2ysHipO7
— MENA Visuals (@menavisualss) November 27, 2024
The Angry Birds Movie
The smash hit mobile game Angry Birds was featured in The Angry Birds Movie.
The plot follows a Red, a hot-headed bird with a knack for mischief, who teams up with Chuck and Bomb to uncover the pigs’ sinister plot and save their coveted eggs. The film’s humor and vibrant animation sat very well with fans around the world leading to a box office triumph and sequels lining up.
The Angry Birds Movie is in theaters in 3D on May 20, 2016! pic.twitter.com/KW0eC5bWPY
— Sony Pictures (@SonyPictures) July 18, 2015
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
raced into theaters, delivering a high-speed adventure that delighted fans. The film raked in over $190 million in US and Canada, taking it above the previous film. It banked a good $405 million worldwide, proving it to be one of the highest-grossing video game movies. Fans loved the film for its engaging storyline and faithful representation of the beloved video game character.
ICYMI: The first trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 revealed Knuckles, Tails, and Doctor Robotnik’s new, dastardly mustache. Check out the new images: (1/3) pic.twitter.com/Ie8dXdjCbK
— IGN (@IGN) December 31, 2021
Uncharted
The action-adventure film Uncharted
starring Tom Holland
in 2022 brought the much-loved PlayStation game series to the big screen. Here, Tom Holland played Nathan Drake and Mark Wahlberg took on the role of Sully, Victor Sullivan. Here, the young treasure hunter Nate teams up with Sully to find the lost treasure of the legendary Magellan expedition. Uncharted
became quite a box office hit, grossing about $407 million worldwide, which reportedly led to discussions of potential sequels and spin-offs.
tom holland as nathan drake in uncharted (2022) pic.twitter.com/lzAr0G4a4u
— karl (@themarvelparker) September 27, 2021
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
December 2024 saw Sonic the Hedgehog 3,
one of the fastest video game movies, zooming its way to the theaters with a thrilling high-octane adventure for fans. It collected over $420 million in box offices worldwide, placing it on the list of highest-grossing video game adaptations. The compelling performances of Keanu Reeves as Shadow the Hedgehog and Jim Carrey in his role as Dr. Ivo Robotnik added to the appeal and success of the film.
Super Shadow
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 pic.twitter.com/dNBTL9R4G1— Blaze Binges (@BlazeBinges) January 21, 2025
Rampage
2018s Rampage
brought the classic arcade game to life led by Dwayne Johnson. The movie follows a primatologist Davis Okoye, teaming with a genetically mutated gorilla named George, who helps him stop other monstrous creatures wreaking havoc across the U.S. Rampage was a success box office-wise despite mixed reviews, grossing over $400 million worldwide.
This was my fav arcade game as a kid. Today George is my best bud and we’re proud to give you our #RampageMovie trailer. #BigMeetsBigger 🦍🐊🐺 pic.twitter.com/JHcCevZ1bI
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) November 16, 2017
Warcraft
In 2016, the popular video game Warcraft j
umped onto the big screen, bringing the rich universe of Azeroth to life. Warcraft
did boast some fantastic visual effects and an obsession with lore, but its reception was lukewarm and uneven. Despite these setbacks, the film still managed to earn around $439 million at the global box office around the world. While it did not achieve blockbuster status in the U.S., its success abroad highlighted the global appeal of the Warcraft
franchise.
Warcraft movie official trailer is coming this Friday; new poster released: pic.twitter.com/HKLsTMH85T
— VGF (@VGFGamers) November 3, 2015
Pokémon Detective Pikachu
Coming to you from the bustling metropolis of Ryme City, where humans and Pokémon coexist, young Tim Goodman sets out to uncover the truth behind his father’s mysterious disappearance. Along with him is the adorable Detective Pikachu, a witty, coffee-loving Pokémon with a knack for sleuthing. As the duo explores the city’s secrets, they find themselves in a web of twists and a sinister plot that threatens the harmonious bond between humans and Pokémon.
Pikachu’s here to save the day! All-new Pokémon #DetectivePikachu trailer. https://t.co/VmX2mAAyKR
— Rotten Tomatoes (@RottenTomatoes) February 26, 2019
Pokémon Detective Pikachu
brings together humor, heart, and adventure in this captivating cinematic experience for fans and newcomers alike.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
In Super Mario Bros. Movie
, two Brooklyn brothers, Mario and Luigi, get transported to a fantasy Mushroom Kingdom. Upon reaching the place, they got separated, and so Mario teamed up with Princess Peach and Toad to rescue his brother and foiled the sinister plans of evil genius Bowser. This animated adventure not only pleased the fans but also became quite the box office sensation, grossing over $1 billion worldwide.
Here we go ! “The Super Mario Bros” animated movie trailer is online.pic.twitter.com/Nojs3JzScR
— Catsuka (@catsuka) October 6, 2022
Video game movies have come a long way! These adaptations proved how gaming stories can catapult fans to the big screen and rake in millions while doing so. There is action in these thrillers, heartwarming tales, and every film in this list delivered something unforgettable for both gamers and movie-lovers.
Which of these blockbuster adaptations is your all-time favorite? Did we miss any heavyweights that you think should be on the list? Let us know in the comments below!