Video game adaptations have become increasingly popular, with films such as A Minecraft Movie being one of the biggest of the year. However, as adaptations focus on mainstream games, there is an untapped goldmine that the film industry needs to explore: horror. The Resident Evil franchise is infamous for its countless movie adaptations, most of which were not good, but most are entertaining at least.
However, more horror games other than Resident Evil deserve love from Hollywood. This list will feature ten games that deserve a feature film more than Resident Evil. Each game on here either has potential, story, atmosphere, critical acclaim, or some other aspects that could make for an excellent film, far superior to the Capcom franchise that has already received more than its fair share of opportunities on the big screen. Only games that do not have a movie will be featured.
10 ‘Dead by Daylight’ (2016)
Most of the games on this list are story-focused or at least have a single-player option, but Dead by Daylight is one of the few multiplayer games that could make for an entertaining movie. Players are trapped inside a gated area and must reactivate multiple generators to open the gate and escape. However, a slow but deadly killer prowls around the area, aiming to end everyone.
Dead by Daylight works best as a video game, but that isn’t to say a movie couldn’t work. Working on some other story, building up the lore, and giving the characters more things to do would be enough to create the base of a cinematic effort. This game is also famous for including some of the best horror movie villains of all time as special levels or killers, meaning this could be a way to bring together some of the best horror franchises.
9 ‘Fear & Hunger’ (2018)
Most of the games on this list are somewhat popular, and while Fear & Hunger is critically acclaimed and has a dedicated fanbase, its popularity doesn’t match other successful franchises. But that doesn’t mean anything for its quality, as players consider it one of the best survival horror RPGs. Players choose one of four characters who travel through an anachronistic dungeon in search of the mercenary leader.
A movie would be difficult, since the game doesn’t follow a dedicated story, and the visuals are quite out there and grotesque. Still, if they could somehow pull it off, this would be one of the best gory, dark, sadistic masterpieces. A Fear & Hunger film could have the four characters serve as the main cast, searching for the mercenary leader, with the common threats, bosses, and mechanics making their journey hellish.
8 ‘Outlast’ (2013)
YouTube viewers might recognize this game as it took over the platform, with every popular uploader playing this terrifying game. A freelance journalist decides to investigate a remote asylum deep in the mountains, expecting to find some dark secrets. However, the secrets prove too dark, as they try to kill the player, who must now learn everything they need to before escaping the isolated asylum.
Outlast has a fairly simple story, which makes it perfect to build upon and really focus on the fear and scary aspects. There is an Outlast movie in development, so fans hope it can live up to the game’s success. Since the movie isn’t out yet, it still qualifies for this list. There is a lot of potential for a grounded, low-budget, yet eerie film that can push the gore, fear, and violence.
7 ‘P.T.’ (2014)
Hideo Kojima is one of the most influential game designers and directors of all time, and one of his most underrated classics is P.T.. Originally a teaser for a bigger game, the overall project was canceled, leaving this small game unplayable. After awakening in a sealed room, the player needs to escape the haunted house while apparitions and eerie objects haunt them.
Kojima and Oscar-winner Guillermo del Toro both worked on this, and with two great storytellers creating this world, a movie adaptation is sure to succeed. The only problem is that the game is too short and isn’t popular enough, which gives other horror franchises with more substance a better chance. Still, the lore and dreadful moments would make a terrifying movie that would scare even the biggest horror buffs, especially if del Toro himself directed it.
6 ‘Amnesia: The Dark Descent’ (2010)
Horror games like Outlast and P.T. were some of the most popular on YouTube, but Amnesia: The Dark Descent started the trend. The protagonist wakes up only remembering his name, Daniel, but finds himself in the ominous Brennenburg Castle. He finds a note saying he erased his memory and needs to kill the Baron of the castle, adding to the mystery and horror.
The narrative isn’t anything to write home about, but filmmakers could spice it up with some original content while keeping the innovation and scares intact. Adding a better mystery could make the story even better, and with some nifty film techniques, the chilling ambiance, striking originality, and thoughtful themes can be maintained; after all, many of the best horror movies ever are mysterious throughout. Amnesia is a classic game, and it deserves some sort of revival.
5 ‘Soma’ (2015)
Like Amnesia, Soma is another game by Frictional Games on this list, proving the studio has a knack for great horror titles. Following the protagonist who finds themselves in an underwater research facility, they must explore the desolate area to learn about its history and how to escape. However, android creatures with personalities hunt him down, making sure he doesn’t find the truth.
Soma is an unrelenting, intense horror story that is one of the best and scariest in the genre, making it a perfect game to adapt to a live-action film. More fans need to experience the overwhelming anxiety this game presents, not to mention the in-depth lore with tons of fascinating details and plot points. It may not be as popular as other titles on here, but Soma is a masterpiece waiting to be a movie.
4 ‘Alan Wake’ (2010) and ‘Alan Wake 2’ (2023)
The sleeper Game of the Year candidate in 2023 was Alan Wake 2, a sequel to the popular game Alan Wake. In the first one, the titular protagonist investigates the disappearance of his wife while experiencing the events of his novel. The second game has him trapped in an alternate reality, with the only way of escaping being to write a new story that sees him escape in the end.
It may make more sense as a TV show, but no one will pass up the opportunity for a bigger budget, especially considering the heights an Alan Wake movie could soar to. As one of the most cinematic video games with a great story, the material is already there, and any studio could easily adapt these two games into a successful duology. Regardless, the Alan Wake franchise is itching to bring its story to the big screen.
3 ‘BioShock’ (2007)
BioShock is a pioneer and legend, mixing mystery, horror, and adventure to create one of the best games of all time. A BioShock movie is currently in development, but since it isn’t out yet, this game can feature on this list. Crash landing by a mysterious lighthouse with a blurry purpose, the player must navigate Rapture’s treacherous politics to find and kill their leader, hoping to end this nightmare.
BioShock isn’t entirely a horror game, but it uses many similar elements and will scare the crap out of players, more than making it eligible for this list. The elusive story, eerie atmosphere, and plot twist are all among the best in video game history, coalescing to create a once-in-a-lifetime narrative that movie fans also need to experience. The political plot and profound insight are also bound to make for a thought-provoking movie.
2 ‘Inside’ (2016)
Playdead is a beloved game studio that has made some of the best indie horror games, but as players tirelessly await their next title, maybe a movie of their most popular game will tide them over. Inside follows a boy escaping the clutches of evil in a dystopian world, moving from one nightmarish scenario to the next until he is free.
Inside doesn’t have a direct story, but fans can piece together what is happening, and that is the brilliance of the narrative. It may be challenging to translate into a movie, but it has the potential to be one of the most atmospheric and immersive horror films of all time. The growing sense of doom and the expanding world and lore is a fascinating playthrough, and the lack of dialog is another eerie touch that works so well.
1 ‘Silent Hill 2’ (2001)
Silent Hill is one of the most significant horror game franchises in the world, so much so that the first game already got a live-action movie. However, the second and more acclaimed game has yet to have a film, meaning it is eligible for this list. Silent Hill 2 follows a widower going to the titular town after receiving a letter from his dead wife.
Since there is already a planned film for Silent Hill 2 in 2026, all fans can do is pray, but they aren’t too optimistic about it. Regardless, Silent Hill 2 is one of the best horror games of all time, and its story, vibe, and characters need more exposure. The director says it will be faithful, and if so, this horror movie could change the way video game adaptations work. The narrative was inspired by countless iconic works that blend to create a distinct horror game that is one of the best ever.
Silent Hill
- Release Date
- April 21, 2006
- Runtime
- 127 minutes
- Director
- Christophe Gans
NEXT: 10 Video Games That Could Be Adapted Into Extremely Successful Movies, Ranked
