Most exciting upcoming movies based on video games

Studios treat video game movies with much more care now, and the difference shows. Instead of quick cash-ins, the new wave of adaptations comes with bigger worlds, better writing, and filmmakers who clearly understand what made these games popular in the first place. Audiences can feel that change, which is why people are talking about these releases months before they arrive. The tension is not forced; it comes from seeing familiar game worlds finally given room to breathe on the big screen.

Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft, a zombie in Resident Evil, and Sonic the Hedgehog

8 Best Movies Based on Video Games, Ranked

These adaptations are fun experiences in the realm of video game adaptations.

The upcoming video game adaptation covers a wide range of genres, so fans of everything from horror to family-friendly movies will have something. Anyone who has spent hours with a controller in hand can watch these movies and instantly recognize elements of the worlds they loved. It is also worth mentioning that the second season of the popular Fall-out series is expected to start airing from December 17, 2025, so fans can go check it out as we look at some of the most exciting video game movies to release between now and the end of 2026.

Five Nights at Freddy's 2

Expected release date: December 5, 2025

  • The story picks up a little over a year after the first film, with Abby sneaking out to reconnect with Freddy and the animatronics to reveal dark secrets about Freddy Fazbear's Pizza.

  • Delves deeper into the true origins of the haunted restaurant and promises more hidden horror and lore than before.

This sequel picks up where the first left off, bringing in a new night watchman alongside familiar faces as the animatronics become more unpredictable and sinister. Instead of relying solely on jump scares, it builds suspense through quiet, eerie moments, squeaky joints, flickering lights, and the eerie echo of a child's laughter, making the pizzeria feel more haunted than ever.

Five Nights at Freddy's 2 also deepens the mystery surrounding the company behind the robots, hinting at dark secrets and emotional grudges. Visually, it tries to mix the glitzy stage presence of the animatronics with dirty, shadow-filled back rooms, creating an unsettling contrast. Fans can expect Five Nights at Freddy's 2 to be a little scarier than the first part. The film is expected to be released on December 5, 2025 in North America and the United Kingdom.

Back to Silent Hill

Expected release date: January 23, 2026

  • James Sunderland returns to Silent Hill, where he hopes to find his lost love.

  • The film is loosely based on Silent Hill 2providing both familiar and new monstrous visions while exploring deep psychological horror.

Return to Silent Hill brings the story back to the eerie city fans know from the games, but the film keeps the focus on a man trying to understand why he's been called there. The tone of the film does not deviate from that of the film Silent Hill game; it is slow, emotional, psychological and mysterious.

Return to Silent Hill_ X scenes from the game that must be in the movie

Return To Silent Hill: 9 scenes from the game that must be in the movie

The upcoming film Return to Silent Hill will be a direct adaptation of Silent Hill 2, and these scenes are the most important to include.

The focus of the film remains on the protagonist's emotional state as he tries to understand why he was brought back and what the city is trying to show him. People who like horror that plays with ideas of memory, grief and surrealism, and who love a ghostly atmosphere will find this film interesting. It is scheduled for release on January 23, 2026.

Mortal Kombat 2

Expected release date: May 8, 2026

  • The Champions of Earthrealm gather to defend their realm from Outworld.

  • Bigger, more brutal tournament conflict.

Mortal Kombat 2 raises the stakes from the first film by expanding the conflict between Earthrealm and Outworld and by testing the fighters' loyalties. Of course, the story brings back familiar heroes and adds new fighters that shake up old alliances, so the plot feels like it has a real personal cost.

The film's tone tries to maintain the franchise's wild edge while adding more dramatic beats about trust and betrayal among fighters. Those who enjoy high-powered, violent battles will find this sequel louder and riskier than the first film, with a larger scale hinting at bigger wars to come. Mortal Kombat 2 expected to drop on May 8, 2026, rather than May 15 as previously announced.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

Expected release date: April 3, 2026

  • Mario, Luigi, Peach and other Mushroom Kingdom friends embark on a spaceship adventure inspired by Super Mario Galaxy.

  • The film brings back the main cast (Chris Pratt as Mario, etc.) and features classic Mario creatures, along with new ones and a cosmic story.

The Super Mario Galaxy movie is set to hit theaters on April 3, 2026, and Universal Pictures will distribute it worldwide through Illumination and Nintendo's partnership. The movie takes Mario into space and treats each planet as a bright, condensed level from the game. It sends Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad across strange, fantastic worlds to rescue Bowser and meet his son, Bowser Jr.

Mario sleeping in the movie Super Mario Galaxy (2026)

Things that can ruin the Super Mario Galaxy movie but lighting can be avoided

Is it the right call for Mario to go to space?

For viewers who love the game series, the film offers plenty of nods and visual easter eggs. The film maintains the light, family-friendly tone Mario franchise while providing quick emotional moments that make the characters feel warm and real.

Resident Evil

Expected release date: September 18, 2026

Resident Evil

  • This is a new reboot of Resident Evil film series from Zach Cregger, the director of the 2025 horror hit Arms.

  • The film follows a medical courier navigating a viral outbreak in a story that evokes the classic survival horror of the games.

If nothing changes, Resident Evil will hit theaters on September 18, 2026. The reboot takes a smaller, more focused approach to the story by following a group of survivors caught in a rapidly spreading viral outbreak. The film embraces the pressure of being stuck in tight spaces with limited time and almost no help.

Instead of big, over-the-top battles, the film is more about danger in close quarters, with dark corridors, blocked exits, power outages and situations where someone nearby may already be infected. For a long time RE fans, the film is likely to plant familiar seeds and references, while for newcomers, it offers a lean, intense horror film.

Street Fighter

Expected release date: October 16, 2026

  • The film is the latest reboot of Street Fighter franchise with some big Hollywood stars (like Jason Momoa and 50 Cent) joining the cast.

  • It promises intense martial arts action and a return to familiar fighting game rivalries.

This new adaptation takes the World Warrior circuit and gives it a mix of old-world charm and modern energy. The story takes place in the early 90s, giving the film a retro feel similar to the early days Street Fighter game it is based on. Outside of the fighting tournament, a criminal group operates behind the scenes, turning the fighters' journey into something more than just a simple competition.

The cast consists of actors, wrestlers and comedians, creating surprising chemistry that fits the game's mix of strong personalities. Expect to see stars like Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji, Jason Momoa, David Dastmalchian, Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson and many more. The film was supposed to be released in March 2026, but was moved to 16 October 2026 due to distribution issues.

Angry Birds 3

Expected release date: December 23, 2026

  • It is expected to continue the comedic and adventurous tone of the animated franchise.

  • Voiced by some big stars, including Tim Robinson, Emma Myers, Mr. Beast and Keke Palmer.

Angry Birds 3 takes the birds and pigs on a bigger adventure than before. A new danger forces both sides to work together, creating plenty of funny, awkward moments as old enemies try to act as teammates. The film will likely retain the goofy humor and fast-paced slapstick that made the series popular, but the scale is much larger. Instead of staying on their islands, the characters travel to new locations, undertake daring quests and get caught up in chaotic hunts.

The animation is smooth and lively, filled with bright colors and clever visual jokes. The returning voice actors help maintain the familiar charm, while new voices such as Mr. Beast brings new energy. As a holiday release, it aims to deliver a warm, light comedy with lots of heart and lots of feathers flying in time for Christmas 2026.

Shared image of WarCraft, A Minecraft Movie and The Super Mario Bros. Movies

8 best video game movies with game-accurate footage, ranked

Big screen adaptations, such as A Minecraft Movie and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, excels at accurately capturing the look and feel of video games.

Leave a Comment