In recent years, the silver screen has witnessed a remarkable surge in the popularity of game-related movies. From the thrilling adventures inspired by video games to the immersive experiences of board games and escape rooms, these cinematic creations have struck a chord with audiences worldwide. So, let’s delve into the fascinating world of game-related movies, explore the diverse genres they encompass, and uncover the reasons behind their undeniable appeal.
Movies which have been inspired by video games
The influence of video games on the world of cinema has been evident through the successful adaptations of beloved game franchises. Movies like 'Uncharted,' inspired by the popular action-adventure game series, follow the daring exploits of treasure hunter Nathan Drake as he unravels ancient mysteries. 'Hitman' brings the iconic stealth assassin Agent 47 to life, showcasing his deadly skills and intricate missions. 'Tomb Raider' introduces us to the fearless and resourceful Lara Croft as she embarks on thrilling archaeological expeditions.
Meanwhile, the epic fantasy realm of 'Warcraft' and the historical conspiracies of 'Assassin's Creed’ transport audiences to immersive worlds, blending rich lore and intense action. These films harness the existing fan base and captivate new audiences by delivering the similar experiences that made the games so popular.
Board game movies: fictional board games to the real-life board games
The immense popularity of the Jumanji franchise serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of board game-inspired movies. Originally introduced in 1995, the original Jumanji film starring Robin Williams captivated audiences with its thrilling blend of adventure and fantasy.
Decades later, the franchise received a fresh take with the release of 'Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.' This reboot cleverly transported the game into a video game console, resulting in a comedic and action-packed adventure that resonated with audiences of all ages.
The success of 'Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle' paved the way for a sequel, 'Jumanji: The Next Level,' further expanding the franchise's immersive world. The Jumanji films highlight how the enduring popularity of a board game can inspire not only a remake but also a successful continuation of the story, capturing the hearts and imaginations of new generations of moviegoers.
While Jumanji was a fictional board game in the 1995 film, it can now actually be purchased to play. Other movies which were created because of the popularity of a real-life board game, include Dungeons & Dragons. This popular fantasy role-playing game from the early 1970s has had a few film adaptations over the years including the recent ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves’.
Into bingo rooms & escape rooms: games which entertain viewers
Apart from video games and board games, other physical group games have also made their mark in the world of cinema. Escape rooms, for instance, have become a popular source of inspiration for thrilling movies. Films like 'Escape Room' and its sequel 'Escape Room: Tournament of Champions' delve into the intense and immersive experiences of participants trapped in elaborate puzzles and deadly challenges.
On the lighter side, the game of Bingo has found its way into comedy films such as 'Bad Grandpa' and 'Big Momma's House 2.' These movies inject humour and hilarity into the game, showcasing the unexpected and often outrageous situations that arise during bingo sessions when you’re given a random selection of numbers and playing in a room full of serious bingo players. The adaptation of these physical games onto the silver screen demonstrates their potential to entertain audiences through their unique blend of tension, humour, and interactive elements.
From poker to baccarat: the appeal of casino games on film
There are many casino games which have not only been available for gamblers to play but also for moviegoers to witness the rules and gameplay of various games. One film franchise which features a lot of casino games in the James Bond series as the 007 agent attends a lot of casinos during his missions. In ‘Casino Royale’, 007 takes part in a high-stakes game of Texas Hold ‘Em and in ‘Dr. No’ he is first introduced on-screen while playing a game of Baccarat.
There are many other casino game-related films which have been released over the years including 'Casino,' 'Croupier,' and 'Ocean's Eleven'. Each film is able to provide audiences with a glimpse into the intricate workings of casinos, the card dealers, the poker face of players, and how to play the game. Whether the film is set in a casino, or just briefly features a casino table game, casino games are just another popular type of game often seen on the big screen.