Top 10 Amazing Shows Based on Video Games

Video game movies typically suck. But what about TV shows? Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 TV shows based on video games.

For this list, we’ll be looking at the greatest television shows from past and present that are based on and around video games. We won’t be including “The Witcher” on this list — that’s an adaptation of Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels, not the video game series.

In October of 1994, a game called “Earthworm Jim” was released for both the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis. It proved a major success, and work immediately began on a television adaptation. Airing on Kids’ WB between September 1995 and December 1996, “Earthworm Jim” was positively received by fans and critics alike, who noted its distinct style similar to that of its source material. That stems from the involvement of Doug TenNapel, who also created the video game. Various aspects of the show, including its original characters, were also integrated into future entries of the series, including “Earthworm Jim 3D.” It’s a great companion to a fantastic series of video games.

Everyone knows Sonic. He’s one of the most iconic video game characters of all time. But did you know that he had two TV series airing around the same time? The more light hearted “Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog,” aired for over sixty episodes throughout 1993. Following that was the much darker “Sonic the Hedgehog,” lovingly nicknamed “SatAM” by its small cult fan base. While it may seem a little dated today, this still serves as a lovingly crafted Saturday morning cartoon that is far more mature and thematic than one would expect from a “Sonic” TV show. It took the “Sonic” trappings and crafted a universal and engaging story out of them, creating one of the best video game TV shows in the process.

Never mind the goofy title. “Kirby: Right Back at Ya!” is a surprisingly great, and surprisingly deep, Saturday morning anime. The series originally ran in Japan between 2001 and 2003, and it aired in North America between 2002 and 2006. Like all great cartoons, the show works as both children’s and adult entertainment. While it’s primarily aimed at children, adults can certainly appreciate various aspects of its production, including the animation, battle sequences, social satire, and allegorical stories. One certainly doesn’t need to be a devoted “Kirby” fan to enjoy this delightful anime.

This series isn’t adapted from a popular IP. Rather, it’s centered around the video game industry. “Mythic Quest” is like a spiritual successor to “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” as it was created by both Charlie Day and Rob McElhenney, along with “Sunny” writer and executive producer Megan Ganz. Starring McElhenney in the lead role, the series follows the employees of a video game development company, including the engineers, writers, and game testers. It’s like “The Office” mixed with “Silicon Valley,” serving as a hilarious glimpse into the behind-the-scenes office life of video game production and what it takes to stay on top.

This was a very popular game show that aired for five seasons and nearly three hundred episodes throughout the early ‘90s. It was created in response to a Nat Geo survey, in which it was revealed that a quarter of Americans couldn’t locate the Pacific Ocean on a map. The show saw 10 to 14-year-old children competing in various geography-related competitions in order to “locate” Carmen Sandiego somewhere in the world. It was a monumental ratings and critical success, winning five Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Art Direction and taking home the 1992 Peabody Award. Who knew education could be so much fun?

The “Persona” series of video games are incredibly popular, but this particular anime is based on the PlayStation 2’s “Persona 4.” Released back in 2008, the game received very strong reviews owing largely to its imaginative storytelling. The adaptation revolves around a teenager named Yu Narukami and his friends, who get involved in a mysterious murder case. They also discover a bizarre TV World and a unique power called “Persona.” It may only appeal to die-hard fans of the “Persona” series, but those who have played and loved the games will find more than enough to enjoy here.

The “Sonic” shows never seem to last very long, but they leave behind indelible legacies. This is the fifth TV show to be based on the “Sonic” IP but the first to be completely computer generated. The result is a visually wondrous piece of television, and by far the most visually appealing “Sonic” program. It also comes complete with a surprising amount of violence and some important themes, including concepts of gender equality. It was even nominated for a Teen Choice Award in 2017, indicating its more mature and intelligent audience. This is far more than just another kids’ show.

Serving as one of Netflix’s crowning achievements, “Castlevania” is a superb television series that richly expands the lore of its IP. The series is based primarily on “Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse,” although it also adapts elements of both “Curse of Darkness” and “Symphony of the Night.” The story primarily concerns a vengeful Count Dracula declaring war on the citizens of Wallachia. The series is richly told and superbly animated, offering up some of the most gorgeous and disgusting visuals in modern animation. It’s aimed squarely at mature audiences, proving that animation remains a legitimate form of adult storytelling.

This is yet another short-lived but critically adored anime based on a popular Japanese video game. It’s primarily adapted from the “Unlimited Blade Works” storyline of the adult visual novel “Fate/stay night,” and it concerns a magical battle for the Holy Grail involving reincarnated historical figures. The show comes complete with brand new scenes and some expanded lore, and it was subjected to some crazy hype owing to the popularity of the source visual novel. The adaptation proved a resounding success thanks to the gorgeous animation and rich character work. It’s worth watching for the animation alone, as this may be one of the most beautiful animes ever produced.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Animated Legal Procedural, Anyone?

Reboot of the Popular “F-Zero” Franchise

The Very First TV Series to Be Based On the Popular Mario IP

This anime has transcended its video game source, becoming one of the most popular and beloved franchises of all time. The success of this program cannot be overstated. It has aired over 1,000 episodes since its inception in April of 1997 - over one year after the Japanese release of “Pokémon Red and Blue.” Both the show and the video games complement each other wonderfully, with each essentially serving as an advertisement for the other, creating a perpetual loop of popularity and relevance. The show also helped popularize anime in both the North American and European markets. It remains incredibly popular to this day, proving that “Pokémon” is one of those once-in-a-lifetime pop culture extravaganzas.