Top 10 Best Animated Movies Based on Video Games

Based on the eccentric puzzle adventure series, this film follows Professor Layton and his apprentice Luke Triton. The two answer a call for help from a famed opera singer, only to find themselves in a high-stakes competition. The prize? The secret of eternal life. Fans of the franchise will be delighted to see how this entertaining adaptation stays true to its roots. The film integrates new and familiar characters, recognizable tunes, and, of course, thought-provoking puzzles. These riddles and mysteries play a large role in the story and allow the audience to see the dynamic duo in action. While watching, you might even feel like you’re playing a “Professor Layton” game yourself!

This sci-fi horror film isn’t for the faint of heart. “Downfall” serves as a brutal and gory prequel to the first “Dead Space” video game in an effort to expand its plot. The film takes place on the USG Ishimura mining ship as it transports an alien artifact with a fatal influence. What ensues is a wave of paranoia induced violence, reanimated corpses, and a whole lot of blood! The animation does not shy away from the gore. 3D assets and art references from the first game were used to capture the dark and graphic nature of the franchise. While it isn’t for everyone, “Dead Space” will appreciate the straightforward, body-slashing flick as a great companion piece to the game.

This anime captures the spirit and nostalgia of early “Sonic” video games. Set in the world of Planet Freedom, Sonic and his friends must once again thwart Dr. Robotnik’s plans and face off against his newest creation, Metal Sonic. Though the English dub wasn’t well received, it does feature a fast-paced plot, action-packed sequences, and great soundtrack. The artists were given an extensive budget, and the film was also praised for its colorful, clean, and expressive art style, with action scenes that truly capture Sonic’s sense of speed.

Horrors beyond imagination lie within this dark fantasy. Based on the video game of the same name, this 90 minute animation follows an ex-crusader as he travels through the nine circles of Hell to reunite with his beloved fiancee. While the plot is rather straightforward, the film is elevated through the use of flashbacks, the blending of action and horror genres, and the interchanging animation styles. “Dante’s Inferno” was created through the vision of several directors and animated by numerous production studios, spanning a few countries. While ambitious, the film has received criticism for its inconsistent art styles. Despite this, there’s no denying that the collaboration led to a surreal, imaginative, and gore-filled telling of this tale that fans of the source material can appreciate.

Whether you’re a seasoned fan or this is your first introduction to the Megami Tensei franchise, we recommend this unique anime film series. Over the course of four movies, we follow Makoto Yuki as he discovers the supernatural phenomenon known as the Dark Hour and works to rid the world of its creatures. Overall, the films stay faithful to the source material, taking the story straight from the main campaign of the “Persona 3” video game. But, as it turns out, taking an 80 hour RPG and condensing it into 90 minute segments isn’t as easy as you’d think. As a result, the series does have some pacing issues. Nevertheless, the films remain entertaining with stunning animation.

Not many video game adaptations can boast both commercial and critical success, but this anime from 1994 sure can. The action packed film follows talented fighter and wanderer, Ryu, whose talents are sought after by evil mastermind M. Bison. Along the way, the essence of the games shines through. Just about every character from the franchise makes an appearance, leading to memorable martial arts sequences. These scenes are praised by fans for their crisp, fluid animation and realistic portrayal. Many fans of the franchise argue that this is the best film adaptation of the game series and we’d have to agree. Its success paved the way for several video game adaptations after its release.

This loveletter of an anime is widely considered a faithful representation of its source material. In the film, Bayonetta, a shapeshifting witch capable of summoning demons, faces angelic monsters as she tries to rediscover her identity. Fans may notice the events, character designs, and lore are taken almost directly from the first “Bayonetta” game. Many cast members even reprised their original roles in the English dub. The film rightfully received praise for its beautiful, high quality animation, intense action, and bountiful fan service.

While “Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within” featured beautiful animation, its story fell flat, and it’s “Advent Children” that takes our entry here. Developed as a way to expand upon the franchise’s universe, the film takes place two years after the events of “Final Fantasy VII.” Former mercenary, Cloud Strife, returns in this story to rescue infected children who have been kidnapped. The movie received a lot of criticism for its lack of accessibility to those who aren’t familiar with the franchise. Despite this, “Advent Children” ranks high on our list for its incredible transfer of the “Final Fantasy” soundtrack and its surreal action sequences. Not to mention, its stunning computer animation is second to none.

Fans of the “Resident Evil” series who feel that the live-action films have left something to be desired, look no further. This CGI animated film is a refreshing take on the franchise - a “Resident Evil” movie that actually feels like a “Resident Evil” game. The story follows Leon Kennedy as he investigates and attempts to stop the use of Bio-Organic Weapons in the Eastern Slav Republic. The film manages to stay faithful to familiar characters, and highlight its hair-raising, dangerous monsters with compelling action sequences. Though this animation lacks in blood and gore, the visuals and shifting camera perspective manage to capture the dark, atmospheric nature that the games are known for.

While the “Animal Crossing” franchise has grown in popularity and found great success in its charming, comforting game-play, this cute animation has remained a hidden gem. Preserving the theme of the games, the story follows a young girl who moves to Animal Village where she forms new friendships and discovers her own dreams. The slice of life style story, in combination with the lovable characters from the games, makes for a wholesome film. Additionally, the iconic music and cute, colorful animation style accurately represent the games’ aesthetic. Though the animation was only released in Japan, fans have taken to translating the movie into English, attesting to the love and popularity of the franchise.