It's thrilling when a video game jumps out of the screen and onto the big screen, especially when it brings chills and thrills. Imagine settling in, the lights dim, and the room goes silent, except for the eerie soundtrack that signals you're about to be scared out of your wits.
We're not just talking about jump scares or creepy background music; these are stories that have haunted gamers and are now ready to reach out from behind your TV screen.
So grab your popcorn, but stay comfortable. You might find yourself on the edge of your seat as we explore five of the best horror movies that started their eerie journey as video games.
Dead Rising: Watchtower
Release Year: 2015
"Dead Rising: Watchtower" tells the story of Chase Carter, an ambitious reporter, and Jordan, his camera operator. They find themselves in trouble when people who survived a previous zombie attack become zombies. Chase and Jordan must now fight to stay alive while trying to discover more about the outbreak.
The movie tries to capture the game's mix of crazy antics and journalism. It's full of government conspiracies, a wide variety of imaginative zombie-fighting tools, and the kind of humor that players recognize from the games.
For those who love video games, every part of "Watchtower" is enjoyable because it brings in many aspects from the games, such as the ticking clock, the focus on reporting, and the unhinged characters.
Detention
Release Year: 2019
In 1962, in Taiwan, a group of students was part of a secret book club led by their advisor. Suddenly, the advisor disappears without a trace, and the students' hunt for answers takes them to a world filled with ghosts and spirits.
While "Detention" might not be as famous as "Resident Evil" or "Silent Hill, (mentioned ahead)" it is praised as one of the best film adaptations of a video game. The movie doesn't just present Asian psychological horror; it also brings to light the region's troubled past, making for a profound and striking film that comes across as an odd yet fascinating trip.
The movie is deeply touching and manages to weave a compelling story that expands on the narrative of the video game it's based on. The scenes taken directly from the game fit in naturally and add meaningful depth to the story.
Resident Evil: Apocalypse
Release Year: 2004
In the "Resident Evil" film, Alice finds herself in a Raccoon City hospital, now crawling with zombies. She's in a race against time to escape the city before it's destroyed by a nuclear strike.
The original "Resident Evil" movie may have focused its scares in a cramped mansion similar to the iconic Spencer Mansion from the games. However, "Apocalypse" takes the terror to the streets of Raccoon City, mixing horror with intense action. The result is an adrenaline-fueled movie packed with nods to the game that will thrill any fan.
This movie gives us the most faithful screen versions of Jill and Nemesis, two of the game's most memorable characters, who look as if they've stepped right out of the game world. And Alice? She's tougher than ever, making this one of the most enjoyable "Resident Evil" movie adaptations.
Silent Hill
Release Year: 2006
Radha Mitchell plays Rose, a mother who takes her daughter to a seemingly peaceful town named Silent Hill. But when an accident leads to her daughter's disappearance, Rose discovers that Silent Hill harbors deep and dark secrets. As she searches through the misty town, she realizes it's a place like no other.
"Silent Hill" stands out as a top-notch horror video game movie adaptation and goes beyond that to excel in movie adaptations overall. This film offers more than just a story; it offers an immersive experience that remains true to the game it comes from.
The film's music is hauntingly beautiful, creating a feeling of solitude that complements the eerie setting perfectly. Fans of the game will appreciate how the infamous monsters have been brought to life on screen, embodying a chilling menace that even newcomers can appreciate.
While the film adapts the game's storyline with some changes, these alterations contribute to a larger, more unique message that fits well within the world of "Silent Hill."
House Of The Dead
Release Year: 2003
A group of college friends head to an isolated island for a rave, only to have their party crashed by a horde of hungry zombies.
Starting this list with Uwe Boll's "House of the Dead" might raise some eyebrows, but there's something about its sheer absurdity that makes it a must-watch. It's the kind of movie that's so poorly done it swings right back around to being entertaining, with a side of over-the-top zombie chaos.
Certainly, the movie makes some odd choices, like splicing in actual gameplay footage for scene transitions, but amidst all that, it does have parts that are quite fun to watch.