Continuity and iteration are familiar concepts in the gaming industry, where sequels often dominate the release landscape. This trend is particularly evident in the best video game adaptations of 2025, with many entries being second seasons of previously successful adaptations. Unlike the anticipated offerings of 2024, this year’s collection of live-action adaptations has also seen some noteworthy theatrical releases, albeit with creative interpretations that may surprise audiences.
Adaptation, by its very nature, is not merely about replicating the aesthetic, setting, or narrative of the original game. Instead, it involves translating these elements into a different medium through innovative approaches, even if some of these choices spark debate among fans. The diversity of this year’s gaming adaptations spans genres, from family-friendly entertainment to horror and post-apocalyptic narratives, showcasing a rich variety of storytelling.
5. Until Dawn
Distributor: Screen Gems / Sony Pictures Entertainment
Translating Supermassive’s choice-driven cinematic horror hit, Until Dawn, to the big screen posed a unique challenge. Without the interactive element that defines the game, there was a risk of it devolving into yet another teen slasher flick. However, the adaptation has managed to maintain its essence while offering a fresh perspective.
In another notable adaptation, the transition of Mojang’s iconic game into a live-action film initially seemed fraught with potential pitfalls. Yet, director Jared Hess, known for his cult classics like Napoleon Dynamite, alongside Jack Black, has infused A Minecraft Movie with a distinct personality that sets it apart from typical CGI-laden fantasy adventures. While the film may take its time establishing the real-world context and features an underdeveloped female cast, it truly shines once it ventures into the Overworld, capturing the playful irreverence of the game. The film’s ability to resonate with both young fans and those unfamiliar with the franchise has led to enthusiastic audience reactions, prompting Warner Bros. to embrace ‘meme-a-long’ screenings reminiscent of the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Another standout is Fallout Season 2, which has surprised many by its rapid turnaround, arriving just over a year after the first season. This installment shifts the narrative to New Vegas, paying homage to one of the series’ most beloved entries. It serves as a heartfelt tribute crafted by fans for fans, featuring iconic elements such as Deathclaws and Mr. House, while Walter Goggins’ portrayal of a Ghoul continues to captivate audiences. Flashbacks revealing the events leading to the nuclear apocalypse add depth to the story, enhancing the overall experience.
On HBO Max, the adaptation of the first half of The Last of Us Part 2 has stirred mixed reactions among fans. While many anticipated the emotional weight of the narrative, the adaptation’s approach has sparked discussion, particularly regarding the timing of certain plot revelations. Directed and co-written by Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann, one episode stands out for its emotional intensity, though it may not quite reach the heights of Season 1’s acclaimed episode, Long, Long Time. Nevertheless, the chemistry between Bella Ramsey’s Ellie and Isabela Merced’s Dina provides a bright spot amid the harrowing journey from Jackson to Seattle, leaving viewers eager for what lies ahead in Season 3.
