In perhaps a surprise twist that no one saw coming, video game adaptations are not complete failures anymore. Yes, we'll always have our Netflix's Resident Evil or Paramount+ Halo, but there have also been some successes.
In preparation for the new year, we'll be talking about several video game films and television shows that we are most excited about. Which adaptations made our list?
A Minecraft Movie
Everyone seems mixed about next year's theatrical release of A Minecraft Movie. So much so that it seems the trailer has been better received than when the teaser dropped.
Almost everyone has heard of Minecraft but in case you haven't, the sandbox game, released in 2011, enabled players to create their own world stylized in 8-bit-like art. Over the years the game drew fans of practically all ages, spreading out into the merchandising world of toys and clothing.
Minecraft has a bit of lore itself from the green, slow-moving Creepers to the eerie Enderman and why it's important to have shelter before nightfall. Therefore Hollywood decided to create a film based on the game, starring Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Emma Myers, and Sebastian Eugene Hansen.
We cannot deny the world of Minecraft in both the teaser and trailer looks identical to the game but we're unsure if the film will be as successful as something along the lines of Barbie. Do you think it will be a box office hit or bomb?
Release date: April 4, 2025
Mortal Kombat 2
Who doesn't remember the epic Mortal Kombat video game series with a kick-butt theme song, violent graphics, and iconic characters? For those who grew up with Sega instead of Nintendo, like myself, Mortal Kombat was the closest thing to a violent video game at the time.
Nowadays it seems every Mortal Kombat video game release tries to outdo the previous game, by making attacks, powers, and fatalities as graphic, gruesome, gut-churning as possible. It's no wonder that film adaptations were made in the '90s.
The films were passable, but not memorable. Years passed and a new Mortal Kombat film graced the silver screens in 2021, to surprisingly great reviews by audiences.
Due to that success, we have Mortal Kombat 2 releasing next year, continuing the story. Will the sequel live up to expectations?
Release date: October 24, 2025
Five Nights at Freddy's 2
How do we begin to describe the overall frenzy of Five Nights at Freddy's? What started out as a simple horror game, very obviously inspired by the Chuck E. Cheese restaurant chain has transformed into an entire culture.
The game, released 10 years ago, remains just as popular and influential in terms of point-and-click horror games, having spurred an entire lore with multiple games, books, characters, a film, and of course tons and tons of merchandise. The game arrived at the perfect time for gaming channels on YouTube, not only providing channel growth and reaching a larger audience but also contributing to the game's popularity.
The premise revolves around you getting a job working overnight security at a family pizza restaurant Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. Very little details are provided, most of which via voice messages from your new boss. Trouble is the animatronics, who are far from enchanting, come to life, placing you in a life-or-death situation.
The film, released in 2023, starring horror movie legend Matthew Lillard and Josh Hutcherson of Hunger Games fame, was also greatly received by audiences but not so much with critics.
But there was no doubt a sequel was imminent. Can that sequel continue the creatively detailed story many of us remember so fondly, nightmares included?
Release date: December 5, 2025
The Last of Us Season 2
Who could have seen the success of The Last of Us coming? The Max live-action adaptation catapulted Pedro Pascal's fame even further and placed Bella Ramsey on the map of talented actors of the modern day.
Based on the popular video games of the same name, The Last of Us had big shoes to fill considering video game adaptations at the time were still struggling to make any sort of impact. Not to mention this would be another post-apocalyptic-themed story arriving as The Walking Dead was making its way out to bring in spinoffs.
The story follows anti-hero Joel Miller (Pascal) as he is tasked with delivering Ellie (Ramsey) to the rebel group the Fireflies in a world where quarantined zones are controlled by the government organization FEDRA, infected roam about the landscapes and other survivors can often prove to be the most dangerous of all. This leads to a father-daughter bond and proof that humanity doesn't end, even if the rest of the world does.
Thankfully the combination of the perfect cast, stellar writing, and cinematography contributed to several award nominations and a SAG Award win for Pascal. Although we are still waiting for an official premiere date, season 2 will be airing in 2025 much to the excitement - and fear - of fans.
Will season 2 follow The Last of Us Part II to a fault or will some major changes be made?
Release window: Expected to be Spring 2025
Devil May Cry
Last but not least is upcoming anime television show Devil May Cry, which will stream on Netflix in April 2025. The franchise it is based on has an extensive history, with the first game arriving way back in 2001.
Since then, there have been several follow-up games, including mobile games, with Devil May Cry: Peak of Combat reaching eager fans of the game in January 2024. The story follows demon hunter Dante, who loses both his mother and brother to the demon lord Mundus.
From there Dante meets new characters, both deadly and traitorous, while obtaining new weapons used to find his way to Mundus and seek his revenge. While the story is inventive and compelling, it takes a backseat to all of the action and fight sequences.
This isn't the first time Devil May Cry has made the jump from video games to other forms of media. 2007's Devil May Cry: The Animated Series consisted of one season, with talented English voice actors from the likes of David Wald, Luci Christian, Rob Mungle and Johnny Yong Bosch.
Will this new anime of the well-received video game be successful and lead to more than one season?
Release window: April 2025
Which 2025 video game film or television show are you looking forward to the most?