There is a perception that very few video game adaptations achieve commercial success. To some extent, this opinion is fair and fact-based. However, movies like “Warcraft” and “Super Mario Bros.” show that it is possible for game-inspired films to become the highest-grossing. Thus, the latter has even crossed the billion-dollar rainbow line to become the highest-grossing video game movie of all time, breaking several records just a week after its release. In turn, the film “Warcraft” takes an honorable second place, having collected just under half a billion.
If you love games that have been made into movies, “Warcraft” is a good option to start with. Although game fans admit that the storyline of the film is weak, watching the movie is still a good way to start your gaming journey. As you move further and progress in the game, more raids and challenges are open to you. If you feel insecure and are not ready for tough encounters, then you can always complete raids with the help of a WoW raid boost. Get the best loot in the game and let professional gamers work up a sweat for you. In the meantime, let’s look into the five highest-grossing video game adaptations that will definitely make you a video gamer.
#5 — Uncharted (2022)
Fans of the enormously successful “Naughty Dog” game series were skeptical of the casting selections from the start, but let's be honest: it wasn't as horrible as some made it out to be. As Nathan Drake and Victor "Sully" Sullivan, Tom Holland, and Mark Wahlberg had tremendous on-screen chemistry. Furthermore, there's no doubt that the film was entertaining.
Take it as an adventure movie with some amazing action sequences, comedy, and a good old yo-ho pirate storyline, if that helps. Music from the games, as well as an appearance by Nolan North (Nathan Drake's voice actor), were excellent extras. Uncharted ended on a cliffhanger, and if done well, the potential for a spectacular sequel there. This pirate adventure grossed $407 million on a $120 million budget.
#4 — Rampage (2018)
Dwayne Johnson has a long history of appearing in action films. Over the years, he's done more than we can count, introducing notable contributions to the franchise, such as the “Fast and Furious” series, “San Andreas,” “Jumanji” flicks, and “Skyscraper.” In 2018, he co-starred with Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Naomi Harris, and others in the action-packed video game adaptation “Ramage.”
The film follows an Albino Western Lowland Gorilla who becomes infected after a canister crashes lands and explodes in his enclosure. So, if you're looking for a King Kong-style adventure film, “Rampage” is a strong choice. It made $428 million on a budget of around $120-140 million.
#3 — Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019)
Ryan Reynolds plays an adorable fluffy Pikachu in a live-action “Pokémon” film. Who would have believed it would work? But it actually worked! And when the first trailer was released, folks were ecstatic. The Pokémon looked great; the tale was intriguing, and we were all eager to see Charizard in all his fiery glory on the big screen. And Mewtwo, of course!
“Pokémon: Detective Pikachu” includes a slew of fan favorites, with Greninja, Charmander, Psyduck, Cubone, Snorlax, and even a herd of Bulbasaurs. The movie recounts the adventure of the aforementioned team on a quest to discover the latter's missing father, with a focus on Pikachu and Tim Goodman (Justice Smith). The anticipation and enthusiasm around his film paid off commercially, as it grossed $433 million against a budget of $150 million.
#2 — Warcraft (2016)
Until recently, Duncan Jones' “Warcraft” maintained the number one slot until the film “Super Mario Bros” knocked it off. This film demonstrates that just because a movie goes well at the box office does not guarantee that it will do well with everyone who sees it. It did, however, set a milestone by becoming the first video game adaptation to gross more than $400 million worldwide.
The movie follows characters from the most popular MMORPG on their quest to restore peace to Azeroth. However, it is not as straightforward as it appears. Whether you like the final product or not, it's visually spectacular, with some great CGI and character design tossed in for good measure. The film was extremely successful in China, but significant box office earnings were expected in the United States. Thus, the film has not yet earned franchise status, but fans of the game have not given up hope for a sequel. It's worth mentioning that the film grossed $439 million against a $160 million budget. That’s impressive, agree?
#1 — The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
Many people were taken aback by the “Super Mario Bros.” movie. Those who felt it was just another failure were proven wrong on multiple levels. When the initial teaser trailer was released, everyone focused on two lines. But after seeing the film tonight, we can say that it much exceeded our expectations.
The music, artwork, Easter eggs for different years of games, and yes, even the voice acting by Charlie Day (Luigi), Anya Taylor-Joy (Princess Peach), and others were all fantastic. In addition, the song “Peaches” by Jack Black was a hilarious addition. Overall, he performed admirably and was a huge success. With a $100 million budget, it has grossed $1.3 billion to date, making it the first and only video game movie adaptation to break the billion-dollar mark.
Now You Have What to Watch!
In the world of video game movie adaptations, the journey from console to cinema screen has been a tumultuous one. Yet, these top-grossing films have defied the odds, proving that captivating storytelling, exceptional casting, and a nod to the source material can result in blockbuster success. From “Uncharted” to “Super Mario Bros.,” these cinematic adventures have delighted audiences and shattered records, showcasing the boundless potential of the video game industry in the world of film. As pixels continue to transform into profits, we eagerly await the next epic installment in this ever-evolving crossover saga.
