Video games are one of the fastest-growing media, becoming extremely profitable and more prestigious. As more and more people play video games, the movie studios hope to bring them to the big screen, as seen with hits like A Minecraft Movie and Sonic the Hedgehog. However, they have an untapped goldmine of sci-fi video games waiting to deliver their renowned stories and immersive worlds on the silver screen.
Star Wars is often considered the greatest sci-fi franchise of all time, and while a video game adaptation isn’t likely to be greater, it may be able to come close to its greatness. This list will feature ten sci-fi video games that could be excellent movies, almost as good as the best. From their stories to immersive worlds to their potential, these ten games could make a new home in the movie theaters. No games with a movie adaptation already will be included.
10 ‘Metroid Prime’ (2002)
Nintendo is entering the movie game following the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie with a live-action The Legend of Zelda. While they have other, more popular franchises, Metroid is the next one that should get a movie adaptation. This series follows Samus, an intergalactic bounty hunter who explores planets and discovers their history, usually while fighting some sort of external or ancient threat.
At one point, there was supposed to be a Metroid movie, and while it never came to fruition, now is a better time than any. Metroid Prime is considered the best game in the franchise, moving to 3D and providing a more immersive and explorable world. The story isn’t anything special, but the fascinating world, lore, and history would make for an intriguing movie that would be an entertaining sci-fi action watch. Like the best Star Wars films, Metroid is full of sci-fi wonder, mixed with a heavy dose of galactic dread that echoes the Alien franchise.
9 ‘Detroit: Become Human’ (2018)
Most people don’t assume video games have a good story since the focus is mostly gameplay, but Detroit: Become Human proves that sometimes the main attraction is the story. In this game where every choice matters, players work their way through three stories about androids, one who enjoys her freedom and newfound sentience, one who tries to free other androids, and one who hunts down sentient androids.
This game made a name for itself with its narrative, and the character of Connor, who hunts down sentient androids, was a clear standout. This emotional clash of duty, purpose, and freedom is a fascinating playthrough and would translate well into a film, making for a cerebral sci-fi in the vein of Blade Runner. Detroit: Become Human is a cinematic game, using its visuals and many cutscenes to tell a beautiful story, meaning it is perfect for a movie. If anything, it’s weird it isn’t a movie already.
8 ‘Bioshock’ (2007)
While this list said it wouldn’t feature any games that already have a movie adaptation, Bioshock‘s film isn’t out yet — and considering how long it’s been in development, it might never see the light of day. This classic franchise takes players underwater into a failed utopia. The protagonist must maneuver through this hellscape to find and kill the leaders of the underwater city, but twists, turns, and horrors await him at every corner.
The Bioshock movie is still going forward, and fans hope it will be as good as the game, because if it is, it could be one of the best video game adaptations ever made. The eerie world and political story are among the best in video games, and could translate well to a film if they pace it well and maintain the revolutionary plot twist. The only reason Bioshock ranks this low is because it isn’t entirely a sci-fi game, but close enough to make it on here.
7 ‘Portal 2’ (2011)
Everyone is waiting for Valve to release a new game, but that doesn’t seem to be happening any time soon, so the next best thing is a movie adaptation of their best game, Portal 2. Following two test robots at a mysterious corporation, they test out each level and gimmick until they realize a daunting truth, prompting them to try and escape.
One of Star Wars‘ best aspects was its visuals, and a Portal movie could utilize similar filmmaking techniques and innovative technology to push the boundaries of adapting this classic. A movie would have to work wonders considering the gameplay is the best part, but the lore and story are there. All the director needs to do is harness the innovation of the games into their filmmaking. Portal 2 is widely considered among the best games of all time, meaning it’s prime material to make a sci-fi movie as impactful and revolutionary as A New Hope.
6 ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ (2020)
On release, Cyberpunk 2077 was a buggy mess and one of the worst gaming disasters in modern history, especially considering the anticipation. However, years later, the team would build and improve upon its many flaws, making it one of the best video games of the 2020s. It follows the protagonist in the infamous Night City, where crime is the only honest way to make a living.
Cyberpunk 2077 would fit under any medium, as it already has a critically acclaimed anime spin-off, which won anime of the year. However, a big-budget movie could explore the world even more, focusing on a single story that could be the best modern cyberpunk film. The game already has household names, meaning Keanu Reeves can reprise his role and make this a billion-dollar sci-fi blockbuster like the most recent Star Wars movies.
5 ‘Stellaris’ (2016)
Most of the games on this list are AAA popular titles, but sometimes, the lesser-known indie games are among the best; such is the case with Stellaris. This strategy game has players controlling an interstellar civilization where they must explore, colonize, and manage their region. Interacting with new civilizations, languages, threats, wars, natural disasters, trade, and diplomacy are all in a day’s work in this game.
As a strategy game about building a colony, fans might not think there is a dedicated story. However, through scripted and emergent events, players develop stories in their world, making every playthrough a new immersive experience. This means writers can make any story they want, using the civilizations and mechanics to build a riveting story about whatever they please. The potential is endless, which is what makes Stellaris such a compelling option for a movie adaptation. Political and galactic dynamics are at the core of Star Wars, and Stellaris would be a perfect successor to that approach.
4 ‘Prey’ (2017)
Prey revived the Predator franchise in a big way, but that isn’t the Prey this list is talking about. Instead, this 2017 sci-fi horror video game, where the protagonist, Morgan Yu, investigates a space station where a research specimen, Typhon, has escaped. It can transform into inanimate objects, meaning everything is a hazard in this game.
Prey is one of the scariest and most immersive sci-fi games ever, with players needing to worry about every little object, having no time to take it easy. The story is easy to replicate, and a film version with superb directing could add tension to every little scene or item. Sci-fi horror movies are usually incredible, and it’s bizarre that Star Wars has never attempted to introduce some horror elements to its world. Prey would be a perfect replacement if only a studio gave it a chance.
3 ‘Death Stranding’ (2019) and ‘Death Stranding 2: On The Beach’ (2025)
It was only a matter of time until Death Stranding got a movie adaptation, and fans will be able to see it in theaters sometime in 2027. But again, since it isn’t out yet, this game still qualifies for this list. After a cataclysmic event rendered the Earth desolate, the protagonist must travel across America, carrying supplies to places and reconnecting them with the rest of the country via wireless communication networks.
Hideo Kojima has produced some of the best video game stories of all time, to the point where the gameplay isn’t always the best and cutscenes last for hours. But that is precisely why two movies, adapting each game, would make for a perfect duology worthy of surpassing the best Star Wars titles. Seath Stranding 2 is a 2025 Game of the Year candidate, improving on the flow of the story with emotional beats and profound meaning. With engaging world-building and a powerful story, this movie could be an Oscar nominee.
2 ‘Outer Wilds’ (2019)
Not to be confused with The Outer Worlds, but Outer Wilds is another sci-fi game that many fans may not have heard of. Players are stuck in a 22-minute time loop that ends in a supernova, but each time they get to explore the world around them and the many strange phenomena. By piecing together ancient ruins about the time loop, players hope to end it by learning the truth and origin.
Time-loop movies are nothing new, but most don’t have the imaginative world and mechanics that Outer Wilds presents, which would translate perfectly to the big screen. The story and gameplay progression are flawless and could make an engaging film if done correctly. The sense of discovery and innovation alone make this a project that more people need to experience, even if it is in movie format.
1 ‘Mass Effect Trilogy’ (2007-2012)
There are many famous sci-fi video games, but the definitive one in the genre is arguably Mass Effect, which wowed players with its immersive story over a now-iconic trilogy. Commander Shepard leads a team of soldiers who fight against machines known as Reapers, which aim to destroy the entire galaxy.
Mass Effect is supposedly receiving a TV adaptation, which may be better as it will cover more of the vast universe and story, but a trilogy of blockbuster films with a massive budget would be spectacular. The premise is familiar, but the intricacies of the world-building are stellar, from the details of every alien race to the lore behind the main antagonists. Indeed, the plot is one of the best in video games, particularly in its use of choices and their impact on the story. Out of all the entries on this list, Mass Effect has the most similarities with Star Wars, sharing a similar DNA and approach to real-life issues.
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