The pilot episode of The Last of Us, now available on Disney+ Hotstar, successfully breaks the curse of video game adaptations by staying true to the source material’s writing. With the involvement of Neil Druckmann, the writer of the original PlayStation game, and Craig Mazin, known for his work on Chernobyl, the HBO show has gained the trust and excitement of dedicated fans, and it doesn’t disappoint. While much of the pilot feels like a faithful recreation, it’s the subtle nuances in filming techniques that make it truly special. The attention to detail is evident in the natural coloring of scrambled eggs and the portrayal of characters actually eating their food. Additionally, the frequent use of handheld shots enhances the immersive experience and captures the emotional turmoil of the survivors.
Despite sharing a dystopian, post-apocalyptic setting common in zombie-themed media, The Last of Us stands out for its focus on the human aspect. The heart of the story lies in the relationship between Joel, a hardened survivor portrayed by Pedro Pascal, and Ellie, a teenage girl played by Bella Ramsey. Their bond, evolving into a father-daughter dynamic throughout the video game, is effectively portrayed in the show through minor changes in the writing, allowing viewers to empathize with Joel’s grief. The pilot episode is exceptionally well-executed and leaves us eagerly anticipating the upcoming episodes.
However, The Last of Us isn’t the only successful video game adaptation in traditional media. As we eagerly await each new episode of the HBO series, here is a curated list of great movies and TV shows adapted from video games that you can watch or re-watch to keep yourself entertained.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Despite its Blade Runner-esque world filled with machines, sex, and body modification, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners tells a unique underdog story centered around David, a street kid. The anime series, with the involvement of Studio Trigger, showcases an exaggerated and dynamic art style that plays with physics and embraces a neon-lit color palette. This adult-oriented anime delivers plenty of gore, bullets, and violence, along with a cast of eccentric characters that will make you question which side to support. It also offers a fresh perspective on the once-controversial game, Cyberpunk 2077.
Watch the Trailer for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Studio Trigger is known for incorporating an exaggerated art style in their works
Photo Credit: Netflix
Silent Hill (2006)
The first Silent Hill film, released in 2006, closely follows the events and characters of the popular horror game series. Although it introduces some cinematic improvements and incorporates various horror themes and sub-plots, such as supernatural creatures and a strange cult, the movie successfully captures the atmospheric tone of the video games it’s based on.
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Sonic the Hedgehog
Despite the initial CGI design controversy, the final Sonic the Hedgehog movie provides an enjoyable live-action adaptation of the beloved video game character. James Marsden and Jim Carrey deliver excellent performances, and the movie includes nostalgic references to the original Sonic games from the 1990s. While it may have its silly moments, Sonic fans will find satisfaction in this adaptation.
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The titular speedster is voiced by Ben Schwartz in the movie
Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures/ Sega
Arcane
Riot Games, known for their extensive lore-building, presents Arcane, a visually stunning series set in the world of League of Legends. While watching a standard League of Legends game may seem trivial to outsiders, Arcane delves into the captivating origin story of orphaned sisters Vi and Jinx, amidst the conflicts of the city of Piltower. The series explores themes of duality and showcases a mesmerizing watercolour-themed, steampunk aesthetic. With its gripping storyline and electrifying soundtrack, Arcane is a must-watch for both fans and newcomers to the franchise.
The Witcher series
Now is the perfect time for Henry Cavill fans to catch up on his role as Geralt of Rivia before the release of season 3 on Netflix. Although The Witcher series is not a direct video game adaptation, as it is based on the original novels by Andrzej Sapkowski, it serves as a companion piece that further expands the lore of the CD Projekt Red games. Liam Hemsworth will take on the role of the mostly silent monster hunter, Geralt, as he embarks on a journey to understand the complexities of Ciri’s powers, portrayed by Freya Allan. The series offers an abundance of magic and fantastical creatures while maintaining its own unique allure.
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Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher
Photo Credit: Netflix
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Basant Kasayap is an entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to Bollywood to regional cinema, she offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
