The great thing about games is that they offer us memorable characters; characters that seem all the more real given the level of interaction the player has with them. It is because of this that adapting popular game franchises to the big screen seems like a no-brainer. A way to expand upon the franchise, while making your mascot even more likable through his/her portrayal by an actor in a visual medium. The truth, thus far, has been far from ideal. The perfect balance between fan service and good movie making has yet to be reached. More often than not (much more often), film treatments of games fall short. For what reason is anyone’s guess. But there are always those games looking to break the mold, looking to defy expectation. Dozens of franchises seem ripe for the picking, all equally capable of smashing the convention that has for so long held true in the world of game-to-film transition. The ones that follow are some of the most ideal candidates, whether for their subject matter, characters, or plain old scope, as well as who I think should play the title character. Enjoy.
10. Splinter Cell
The movie that should have been already. Way back in 2005, with the release of Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, the game shipped with a teaser trailer. This teaser promised a Splinter Cell movie in the not so distant future. Fast forward four years, and a film has yet to appear. No one has been cast in the roll of Sam Fisher, and the project as listed as in development, with 2010 the year being aimed at for a release. That’s a damn shame, considering (especially recently) how great the characters and missions in the games are. The more recent entries have been very story driven, with Splinter Cell: Conviction looking to continue the trend. Here’s to hoping this actually happens sometime soon.
Ideal Sam Fisher: George Clooney
9. Halo
What a tangled web the Halo movie has become. A year or two ago, the film looked like a sure thing, with Peter Jackson producing, and Neill Blomkamp set to make his feature film directorial debut. However, after what Jackson describes as “studio politics”, the project lost funding, and went dark for sometime. That is, until rumors started cropping up that Steven Spielberg had recently become interested in the film, after reading Stuart Beattie’s script entitled “Halo: Fall of Reach”. And so, it looks like things are starting to pick up again for the film, and that can only be a good thing.
Ideal Master Chief: Steve Downes (voice)/ Some Big Dude (suit)
8. Professor Layton
Now with Professor Layton, I’m not really pushing for a live action flick. Rather, I hope to see an animated feature, which is already the case, with “Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva” set to release in Japan in December. Rather, I’m hoping for a speedy English Dubbing to make its way over here. Considering how well Curious Village and Diabolical Box are doing, I’d say that a film to cash in isn’t too much of a stretch.
Ideal Layton: The same guy as the game
or
Jack Layton, who looks like The Video Professor, John Scherer! Professor +Layton = Professor Layton!
7. Devil May Cry
Devil May Cry’s script would have to be one of cleverest ever written, and for a video game flick, that is no easy task. But, given how great a visual feast DMC is with it’s awesome enemies, “so cool it’s sickening” main character, and quirky dialogue, DMC deserves the big screen treatment. Besides, who wouldn’t want to see the Dante/ Virgil fight brought to life?
Ideal Dante: Tom Cruise (Is there a no name out there better suited? Probably, but Tom jumped to mind. He wouldn’t be terrible)
6. The Legend of Zelda
With a story as epic and as engaging as The Legend of Zelda’s, a feature film not being in existence already seems blasphemous, to say the least. Then again, it’s almost hard to picture after IGN’s April Fool’s joke a year (or two?) back. Honestly, I don’t think I can ever see the movie in the same light again. But I’d love to be proven wrong. Just hope they keep the Ocarina playing to a minimum. I didn’t come to see The Soloist: Zelda Edition! HERO OF TIME….FACE ME!!!!!
Ideal Link: Not this guy…
5. Kingdom Hearts
Interestingly enough, this fusion of Disney and Final Fantasy actually has one of the more compelling and interesting stories out there. To me, this flick could only be done in an animated fashion, and as such should be handled by the team behind Advent Children. This may seem like a no brainer, but seeing as how Kingdom Hearts 3 details aren’t likely to be coming for awhile, we need something to tide us over!
Ideal Sora: Haley Joel Osment (Obviously!)
4. God of War
If you’re talking about summer blockbuster, look no further than God of War. GoW’s cinematic approach, epic boss battles, and straight forward (yet compelling) story make this one an instant box office smash. Given the right team, this could be the visual spectacular we’ve all been waiting for. Wait…let’s call up James Cameron. After all, he specializes in making films that help us dream with our eyes open…or while awake….or whatever the hell it was. He makes revolutionary stuff! Let’s see it Cameron. I want something that’ll make my head explode in awe, while making me want to cry like it was Titanic all over again.
Ideal Kratos: William Goldberg!
Er….
William Goldberg!
3. Bioshock
Now here’s where we get serious. Bioshock has possibly one of the most interesting, and most horrifying, stories ever told in a game. The visceral experience that you, as a player, were put through over the course of that title led many to call it one of the best games ever made; an instant classic. So, it seems only fitting that the beautiful world developed in Bioshock be given the movie treatment. Think about it. Big Daddies, Splicers, ANDREW RYAN. All woven together in a two and a half hour masterpiece that has you leaving the theater awe-struck. Let’s face it. If the currently planned Bioshock film doesn’t happen, there will be mutiny.
Ideal Jack: Whoever
Ideal Andrew Ryan: Timothy Dalton/ Digitized Orson Welles with Shimerman’s voice
2. Uncharted
Never in my life has a games script surprised nor delighted me as much as Uncharted: Drakes Fortune. This game just exudes charm, and very nearly seems to be the perfect game to be made into a movie. And thankfully, it most likely will be. Nathan Drake is the modern day Indiana Jones, so it seems only fitting that he become a big screen icon like the man in the hat. Listen, if they can make two Tomb Raider flicks, an Uncharted film doesn’t seem to be asking much.
Ideal Nathan Drake: Nathan Fillion
1. Metal Gear Solid
According to IMDB, Hideo Kojima will indeed be helming a Metal Gear Solid film. As many fans have known for years, MGS will be a major pain in the ass to actually make into a movie…but no one cares. All that matters is that the story be told, in some way, shape, or form, on the big screen. Does it get more epic than Metal Gear Solid? I don’t think so. And this is coming from someone who isn’t all too big a fan of the games. Trust me, this needs to happen. It just does. So that idiots like me, who can’t grasp the crazy plot that is the MGS franchise, can get a nice, three hour summary. And the two sequels sure to follow. Make it happen!
Ideal Snake: Christian Bale (Introducing us to a much angrier Snake. Don’t move that light! It might be the last thing you do)
Well there you have it. Are there other games that need movie treatments? Sure. But These are ones that are desperately in need of them, right now. Have some other games that need to be turned into movies? Shoot us a comment below with your thoughts. Who knows, maybe we’ll do a follow up list with your suggestions.
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Worst list ever.
I would love to see all of these movies made.
Me too
Jack Layton IS a professor. He instructs at York University part-time.
Why doesnt anyone say David Hayder for Snake? looks just like him and its the voice actor! DO IT!
Hi all…
I am playing games on pc and i like to know more about gaming…
I like this article because it’s provide lot’s of fun and knowledge…
r4
Bale coul never be Snake NEVER
isnt it BILL goldberg?
anyway nice list!:D
lol, great article ! ^_^
Christian Bale as Snake is also my choice. Great article
Ian W.
Bill is short for william
Any would be great, but I don’t think I’ll ever give Tom Cruise money again. He’s just too much of a freak with his wealth going to a Scifi religion.
Kurt Russell should play old Snake, Snake was based on his performance of Escape from New York
half-life!
Seems like the person who made this list has only been playing video games for a year or two.
I think there is a god of war in the works.
with BRETT RATNER.
PLease stop this.
@MIke
Most of these have been around for more than a year or two…
Gary Oldman as Gordon Freeman. ‘Nuff said
I think Metroid would be a good movie to make this list has no bad ass women leads.
Don’t think they could pull off a Kingdom Hearts movie. But a live-action Final Fantasy movie, that I would see!
Somebody needs to get cracking and start writing treatments for these and submit them here http://www.movietreatments.com/ Especially Metal Gear Solid, I think Christian Bale would be awesome as Snake, and the storyline would be great also.
The Witcher
Make it happen.
What a horrible list.
American McGee’s Alice would probably top mine, though it would never happen.
did any one else notice that Nathan Fillion was holding the sniper rifle from Halo?
Gears of War would be the sickest movie ever. There are so many tight characters to follow.
The darkness would be a great horrer flick. also a solid comic. or maby tetris the movie as done by national lampoon guys… the older one’s …
Clock Tower would be another good one
@ Andrew
You’re either a gay gamer or lonely gamer? Which one is it?
Christian Bale is too skinny to be Snake. His jawline doesn’t match either.
David Hayter, the voice actor for Snake, would probably be a better choice.
Also MGS movies should be made as a trilogy.
This list is seriously lacking in some of the meatier gaming entries.
How could Half-Life(1 & 2) not be included? Or Fallout? How about the Monkey Island series? Metroid? GTA: Vice City? All big names that have potential to be huge if made well.
I will say I wholeheartedly agree with the idea of Nathan Fillion as Nathan Drake. But… Tom Cruise as Dante? Goldberg as Kratos? No and NO.
i think they need to make 007 GoldenEye for 64 into a movie… oh wait..
there needs to be a Battletoads movie. no question. it would without a doubt be the best movie ever made
The only good idea on this is list is Uncharted.
The rest would be stupid nerd movies with LOLCGIEXPLOSIONS.
Because nerds are stupid.
@ova
Yeah, The Darkness actually would be a great flick…great suggestion!
@Joe
Yup, that’s from Fillion’s visit to Bungie for some hands on time with ODST a month or two ago.
Tekken needs a bloody cgi movie. Hmm what else another Mortal Kombat would also like a Prince of Persia movie. Final Fantasy has to be my all time favorite game though. Ive gotten so hooked into them at some points I hadnt eaten or sleeped for days just absorbed in playing. At the end of Final Fantasy Crisis Core I felt so bloody crushed.
Devil May Cry has always had painfully terrible scripts and cheesy cutscenes. It’s part of the charm of the series, such as it is, and I doubt it would transcribe well to film. Though I would find it hilarious if real actors had to try to do DMC 1′s “Fill your dark soul with LIIIIIIIIIIIIIGGGGGHHT!” scene.
That said, this list overall seems to be “Here’s some of my favorite games, I think they would be cool in movie format!” rather than specifically considering the actual virtues and drawbacks of the series for the big screen.
For example, the Metal Gear series is pretty much already a series of movies, with half hour cutscenes and five minute segments of game, at least MGS 1 and 2 were – haven’t played sequels beyond that; however, as an feature film, it’s number of plot ‘twists’ wouldn’t actually work, because in the duration of a typical movie there simply isn’t enough time for that much exposition, even if it was a really long LOTR style film. You’d have to cut out 60%+ of the game, and then you’d just have some mercenary/soldier named Snake running around killing shit and doing impressive things with little relation to the plot of the games, maybe injected with a virus that will kill them if they don’t succeed and some high tech toys… i.e. you’d have Escape from New York/LA. Those movies already exist, and remaking them seems a little pointless.
I’m always worried about games becoming movies because there is that fear that they will ruin it – but those were some great examples.
Yea, I can see a Bioshock movie working though, if the right cast is chosen and the director knows what he is doing.
They just recently brought Bioshock back into production(they sidelined it to try and cut down on the $160 Million price tag it was originally gonna use). They also replaced Director Gore Verbinski(Pirates of the Caribbean) with pretty much a nobody in Juan Carlos Fresnadillo(he made 28 Weeks Later), Gore is still signed on as Producer though. The reason for the switch at Director is cause they will be filming Bioshock in another country and Gore is to tied up with Pirates of the Caribbean 4 to do that.
There is also a Prince of Persia coming out next year starring Jake Gyllenhaal.
I personally would love to see a MGS and Splinter Cell movie.
Why not make a live movie of FFVII? Also I think Michael Biehn could have played Solid Snake seeing as he is the inspiration for the boxart of the NES version of Metal Gear which was years before David Hayter came along.
Ian W.
Second Sight should be on this list!!! That story is crying for a screenplay and movie adaptation. If Blomkamp and Jackson don’t get Halo back, they should consider this, after they complete a series of District 9 sequels of course!
I third Half-Life!
Whomever said American McGee’s Alice – there is a script and some forward progress. Google it.
Where is Duke Nukem!?
It’s uncanny how similar Tom Cruise is to the concept art of Dante, but I think he’s a little too short to play that character. Christian Bale as Snake will be interesting
I think they need to remake the RE trilogy to actually FOLLOW the video game plot lines. The stories of RE1, RE2, and RE3:Nemesis would be perfect as a trilogy, but Hollywood just had to f*ck it up. SO BAD.
May I introduce you to Chrstian Bale in Rescue Dawn? This could be a still from Bale as Big Boss in Metal Gear Solid 3:
http://z.about.com/d/movies/1/0/v/Y/N/rescuedawn3.jpg
Half-Life series needs to be made into a movie.
Evidently the author is strictly a console gamer since Half-Life is missing from the list.
@CitizenLand
I believe Half-Life 2 has been released multiple times on consoles.
eric bana as solid and liquid, can handle accents, isn’t growling and bat shit crazy
@brian fellows
I wouldn’t hate Bana as Liquid, actually.
Hi all…
I am playing games on pc and i like to more about gaming…
I like this article because it’s about gaming…
r4 kaart
Vincent Cassel would be a better Snake.
this is going to seem like a strange idea but i think kelsey gramer would be great as andrew ryan hes got the fight sort of voice and would only be physicly present in one scene so it doesnt matter that he doesnt look like ryan
What about GTA and Sait’s Row?
That the Half Life series aint suggested is just silly.
I am playing games on my pc and mobile.
People will never forget characters like Mario. Luigi.
My favorite game character is Daxter from Jak & Dakter. He is funny a litle annoying gets all the chicks and is fun to play as.
David Hayter already IS Snake, so he should continue to BE Snake.
Splinter Cell and Bioshock are really the only two that would work well… And where the hell is Half Life?
shenmue would be a good movie.
the storyline is already there..
prolly the only game i haven’t skipped the cut screen(even tho you couldn’t)
We need a darkness movie , get keanu up there and have him act @ Jackie Estacado the notorious gunslinger, mobster, devil
Halo? MGS? Are you kidding?
There’s no way that a movie could catch the spirit of Zelda either. It’d be either too fairy or too LARPish.
Fallout 1&2, American McGee’s Alice, Splinter Cell and Bioshock would do though.
Deus Ex (1, of course, not the sequel) should made a great movie too and, naturally, Half Life 1 & 2.
Kurt Russell would of made a good Sam Fisher back in the days of Soldier
snake? snaakkee?!?! SNAAAAAAAAKKKEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!
wait
MGS4?
you want a game that had eight hours of cut scenes to have a movie?
@Fred
Would it not make sense that a more cinematically oriented game is better suited to movie treatments then, say, a game with very few cutscenes?
Plus, I never specifically mention MGS4. I’d prefer it to start at MGS1, like it should.
I think Bale would need to man it up more to be as awesome as Solid Snake.
I would like to see most of these. +1
It has already been suggested, but the collective Half-Life series really could do well as a film adaptation. I’ve heard it before and I agree, Hugh Laurie from House could probably pull off a serious role as Gordon Freeman.
Half LIfe/Half LIfe 2 shoudl be made into movies, however, they shouldnt necessarily have gordon freeman as the protagonist.
rather, they need to have perhaps the supporting characters form the half life universe, which would help to bring depth to the games and the stories and make the universe more believable. otherwise, gordon freeman would be the same cliched protagonist, and if he spoke, well, it would ruin the specialness of the games, and if he didnt, it would be awfully boring.
halo movie-dont have it revolving around master cheif. again, draw from the halo universe and its supporting characters, like halo ODST did recently (the story for HAlo ODST is probably the best out of all of the halo games).
Man, I love all these choices, they are brilliant games that would be awesome movies as well. I would fund every single one of these movies because you know, I’m awesome.
@Anonymous
Thank you for calling attention to my severe lack of intelligence, on the basis of my personal preferences. That is a totally valid and understandable point, and I’m glad you took time to think it out.
Well done!
No half-life movie!??
No, no, no, no oh god no. I would not want to see games ruined by them turning them into crappy movies.
It would lose too much of the fascination if you were to remove the playable aspect of the game, and then you would have to be limiting the time down to a 2 hour movie, so you have to cut out so much of the plot.
Movies to video games are always bad, I’m sure the the reverse would be too.
@eric
You’re position is unfortunately the most common, because of the let-downs that are most past “game to film” adaptations.
Luckily, I think all of those mentioned above could be done quite adequately, with little to no trimming of the story. If you eliminate the gameplay sections of most of these (with the exception of perhaps Kingdom Hearts and Metal Gear), you are left with quite comprehensed storie4s already, which would have no trouble making the jump to the screen.
While I certainly respect your trepidation, I can’t help but feel that one of these films is bound to break the mold and be successful, and well-liked.
@Anonymous
Never said you were wrong
Fallout 3. It has a great storyline, interesting characters, an awesome setting, plenty of action, and lots of blood and guts. I would go see it!
i want to c a metroid movie
there already is a Metal Gear Solid Movie, and even when Kojima makes his I doubt it’ll be any better than this.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_Gear_Solid:_Philanthropy
To be honest, I wouldn’t mind a few of these games to become films and watch them. I have fond memories of them and wouldn’t mind just seeing their familiar faces in a different perspective. We all have our own games where we would pay hell out of our own pockets just to see it. For example, I wouldn’t believe how much I would pay just to see a full film out of that Legend of Zelda April Fool’s video.
Metal Gear: Christian bale will be perfect for snake, he even
has the dark-deep-rough voice to prove it.
God of War: They must get a cooler guy for kratos, he just doesn’t do
it. He looks too common, like a wresteler.
Unchanted: He has the right look, but does he have the attitude?
+ They should bring out a movie were lara craft and drake
colide.
Devil May Cry: Couldn’t get a better actor(Tom Cruise). Shave him and
give him white hair and he’l do the job perfectly
Splinter Cell: Goerge Clooney looks too soft and doesn’t look the
part. I think Paul Walkers would play the perfect
part(give him dark hair, 5 o’clock shadow, and he has
the body to prove it.)
Unchanted: I Take that back, thay should use David Boreanaz for drake
instead of nathan.