The 30 Best Shows Based On Video Games To Binge Right Now

Finding great shows based on video games can be tough with so many options out there. Video game adaptations have grown into a major TV trend, with hits like “The Last of Us” and “The Witcher” leading the charge.

Our list of the 30 best shows based on video games covers everything from classic animations to fresh live-action series. From Geralt of Rivia’s monster-hunting adventures to Master Chief’s space battles, these shows will keep you glued to your screen.

Animated Series Based on Video Games

Video game shows have taken over our TV screens with amazing stories and cool characters. From epic battles to magical adventures, these animated series bring our favorite games to life with bright colors and fun plots.

Pokémon

Pokémon is the most successful video game adaptation in TV history, with 1,235 episodes since its debut. Ash Ketchum’s adventures through the Pokémon series have captured millions of hearts, earning a 7.6/10 IMDb rating.

Many fans express their dedication through a tattoo of a Pokémon character on their skin. The TV-Y7 rated show matches the spirit of the original 1996 role-playing game perfectly.

Gotta catch ’em all! became a phenomenon that spread Pokémania across the globe.

The franchise combines exciting battles with heartwarming friendship stories. Kids and adults alike watch Ash’s adventures through the regions, meeting legendary creatures and facing tough rivals.

The show brings the game’s creatures to life through colorful animation and engaging storylines. Each episode teaches values like teamwork, determination, and kindness while maintaining the core gaming elements.

Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic X stands as a beloved animated series that ran from 2003 to 2006. The show follows the speedy blue hedgehog and his friends through 78 action-packed episodes. Dr. Robotnik serves as the main villain, plotting schemes to take over the world with his robot army.

Chris Thorndyke, a human boy, helps Sonic and his pals adapt to Earth after they arrive through a mysterious portal. The series earned a TV-Y7 rating and scored 6.3/10 on IMDb.

The show brings fan-favorite characters like Tails, Knuckles, and Shadow the Hedgehog to life in exciting ways. Gerald Robotnik’s backstory adds depth to the evil doctor’s motives.

The Chaos Emeralds play a huge role as both Sonic and Dr. Robotnik race to collect them first. Each episode mixes fast-paced action with strong friendship themes that made the series special.

Sonic’s catchphrase “Gotta go fast” became a popular saying among fans during the show’s run.

The Legend of Zelda

The Legend of Zelda animated series brought Link and Princess Zelda’s adventures to TV screens in 1989. The show ran for 13 action-packed episodes, mixing fantasy elements with light humor.

Link’s catchphrase “Well, excuse me, Princess!” became a fan favorite among viewers. The Triforce of Wisdom played a key role in the plot, as Link protected it from the evil forces threatening the kingdom.

The series earned a TV-Y7-FV rating and scored 6.0/10 on IMDb, making it a decent watch for young fans. The show stayed true to many game elements while adding its own creative spin to the lore.

Kids enjoyed watching Link battle monsters and solve puzzles across various locations. Castlevania took a darker approach to video game adaptations, offering viewers a more mature storyline….

Castlevania

Moving from Zelda’s fantasy world, Castlevania brings darker themes and vampire-slaying action to our screens. Netflix’s animated series follows the Belmont clan’s fight against Dracula and his army of night creatures.

The show mixes gothic horror with stunning animation, earning praise from both fans and critics. Its latest spin-off, Castlevania: Nocturne, launched in 2023 with 16 gripping episodes.

Fans love how the series stays true to its video game roots while adding fresh storylines. The vampire killer whip, Alucard’s sword fights, and epic battles against Dracula feel straight from the games.

Nocturne scored 7.5 out of 10 on IMDb, proving that good video game adaptations exist. The TV-MA rating lets the show keep its mature themes and intense action scenes without holding back.

Kirby: Right Back at Ya!

Kirby: Right Back at Ya!” stands as a beloved animated series that brought Nintendo’s pink hero to TV screens in 2001. The show ran for 100 action-packed episodes, following the adventures of Kirby in Dream Land as he faces off against King Dedede and his monsters.

The series stays true to the video game’s core elements, showing Kirby’s signature copy abilities and his endless appetite for food.

A Star Warrior needs more than just courage – he needs a really big appetite! – Meta Knight

The show mixes humor with light-hearted action scenes that appeal to both kids and long-time Kirby fans. Each episode features Kirby learning new powers, making friends with the residents of Cappy Town, and protecting his home from various threats.

The English dub adds extra charm through its catchy theme song and memorable voice acting that captures the spirit of the games.

The Cuphead Show!

Moving from Nintendo’s pink hero to Netflix’s retro-styled sensation, The Cuphead Show! This animated series maintains its video game origins with stunning 1930s-inspired animation.

The show follows the wild adventures of Cuphead and Mugman across 36 action-packed episodes. The brothers face off against colorful foes in the spirit of classic cartoons.

The TV-Y7 rated series earned a solid 7.4/10 on IMDb since its 2022 debut. Fans appreciate how the show keeps the game’s charm while adding fresh stories. The animation style matches the game’s hand-drawn look exactly.

Each episode delivers plenty of laughs and thrills for both kids and adults. The voice acting brings these cup-headed heroes to life in ways the game never achieved.

Sonic Prime

From the colorful world of Cuphead, Netflix shifted gears to bring us another animated gem with Sonic Prime. The blue hedgehog races through multiple dimensions in this action-packed series that launched in 2022.

Dr. Robotnik’s latest scheme splits the universe into shards, forcing Sonic to fix the mess across 24 high-speed episodes.

The show spans three seasons with eight episodes each, mixing classic Sonic elements with fresh twists on familiar characters. Master Chief Petty Officer John-117 makes a surprise cameo in one episode, delighting fans of both franchises.

The series features stunning animation that captures Sonic’s trademark speed and attitude while exploring new versions of Green Hill Zone and the Mushroom Kingdom.

Japanese Anime Adaptations

Japanese anime studios have turned popular video games into stunning animated shows that bring our favorite digital heroes to life – from epic fantasy quests to gritty cyberpunk adventures, these series pack a punch with their unique art styles and gripping storylines that’ll keep you glued to your screen.

Final Fantasy: Legend of the Crystals

Final Fantasy: Legend of the Crystals stands as a rare gem in video game adaptations. This four-episode OVA series from 1994 takes place 200 years after Final Fantasy V, bringing fresh magic to fans who love Final Fantasy tattoos.

Each 30-minute episode packs stunning animation and epic battles that stay true to the game’s spirit.

The story follows Queen Lenna’s descendant as she fights to protect the Wind Crystal. I spent countless hours watching this series, and its blend of fantasy elements feels both nostalgic and unique.

The show mixes classic Final Fantasy creatures with new characters, creating an adventure that expands the original game’s universe. The art style captures the essence of early 90s anime while keeping the distinct Final Fantasy look that fans know and love.

Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike

Moving from magical crystals to epic sword fights, Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike brings fresh energy to anime game adaptations. Production IG crafted this stunning prequel to the popular RPG series in 2012.

The movie runs for 1 hour and 50 minutes, packed with intense action and rich storytelling.

A knight’s duty is to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

The story follows Flynn and Yuri as rookie knights in the Imperial Knights. They face deadly monsters and uncover dark secrets in their town. The animation stays true to the game’s art style while adding movie-quality effects.

Production IG’s team mixed traditional Japanese animation with modern techniques to create smooth fight scenes. The movie came out on December 3, 2012, and gave fans a deeper look into their favorite characters’ past lives.

Dragon Quest: Your Story

Tales of Vesperia set high standards for anime adaptations, and Dragon Quest: Your Story follows this legacy with its own unique charm. The 2019 Netflix film brings the beloved Dragon Quest V game to life through stunning 3D animation.

The 100-minute movie stays true to its source material while adding fresh elements for both new fans and series veterans.

The story packs plenty of action and heart into its runtime, earning a solid 6.5/10 on IMDb. Viewers follow the hero’s quest across a magical world filled with iconic monsters and memorable characters from the game series.

The film’s bright visuals and faithful recreation of Dragon Quest’s signature art style make it a must-watch for RPG fans.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners burst onto Netflix in 2022 with 10 action-packed episodes. The show takes place in Night City, a dangerous metropolis filled with cyber-enhanced humans and ruthless corporations.

The story follows David Martinez, a street-smart teen who becomes a mercenary called an “edgerunner” after losing everything. The series grabbed fans with its bold animation style and raw storytelling, earning an impressive 8.2/10 on IMDb.

The show stays true to Cyberpunk 2077’s gritty world while creating its own unique path. Viewers meet memorable characters like Lucy, a mysterious netrunner, and Maine, a tough crew leader who takes David under his wing.

The series mixes intense action scenes with deep emotional moments that hit hard. Its neon-soaked visuals and pulsing soundtrack perfectly capture the cyberpunk genre’s spirit.

Castlevania: Nocturne

Following the success of Cyberpunk’s animated series, Netflix brought another thrilling vampire saga to life. Castlevania: Nocturne stands as a fresh take on the beloved vampire-slaying franchise.

The series packs 16 action-filled episodes with a TV-MA rating, perfect for mature audiences seeking dark fantasy content.

The show scored a solid 7.5/10 on IMDb since its 2023 debut. Nocturne brings intense fatalities and gripping combat scenes straight from the Castlevania: Rondo of Blood game universe.

The story focuses on Richter Belmont’s quest against blood-thirsty vampires in a brutal French Revolution setting. Each episode mixes sharp dialogue with stunning animation that stays true to the original game’s gothic style.

Live-Action Shows Inspired by Video Games

Live-action game adaptations pack serious star power and epic production values, from Pedro Pascal battling infected in The Last of Us to Master Chief’s space battles in Halo – and if you love high-stakes action, you could claim a wealth of casino bonuses while waiting for the next episode to drop!

The Last of Us

HBO Max’s “The Last of Us” stands as a masterpiece in video game adaptations. The show follows Ellie and her protector through a post-apocalyptic America, earning 24 Primetime Emmy nominations and 8 wins.

The series grabbed an impressive 8.7/10 on IMDb, proving its appeal to both gaming fans and new viewers alike.

The 16-episode TV-MA rated drama brings the beloved video game to life with stunning detail. The January 15, 2023 premiere marked a new era for game-to-screen translations, mixing intense action with deep character stories.

The show stays true to its source material while adding fresh layers to the survival tale that made the original game so popular.

Halo

Paramount+’s Halo series brings Master Chief John-117 to life in an action-packed TV adaptation. The show follows the United Nations Space Command’s super-soldier as he fights against alien threats across the galaxy.

Pablo Schreiber stars as the iconic Spartan warrior in this live-action take on the beloved video game franchise. The series scored 7.3/10 on IMDb, proving its appeal to both hardcore fans and newcomers.

The show’s second season continues to explore the rich military sci-fi universe that gamers have loved for decades. Master Chief leads his team through intense battles while uncovering dark secrets about the UNSC and the mysterious Halo rings.

The production values shine with top-notch special effects and faithful recreations of weapons, vehicles, and alien species from the games. Fans of The Fall of Reach storyline will spot many familiar elements woven into this fresh take on the Halo mythology.

Twisted Metal

Moving from Master Chief’s battles to a darker apocalyptic world, Twisted Metal brings high-speed mayhem to TV screens. The Peacock series stars Anthony Mackie as John Doe, a fast-talking delivery driver who fights through deadly roads.

Sweet Tooth, the killer clown in an ice cream truck, stands out as the show’s scariest character.

The 11-episode series mixes dark humor with intense car combat scenes. Lance Reddick plays Raven, adding star power to this TV-MA rated show. Fans of the video game will spot familiar faces like Quiet and Agent Stone throughout the series.

The 7.3/10 IMDb rating proves this 2023 adaptation keeps viewers glued to their screens with its wild action sequences.

Resident Evil

Netflix’s Resident Evil series brings fresh blood to the zombie franchise. The show follows Albert Wesker and his twin daughters in New Raccoon City, 14 years after a deadly virus outbreak.

The eight-episode run mixes classic horror elements with modern storytelling tricks. Fans spot familiar faces like the Umbrella Corporation and deadly monsters from the video games.

The 2022 adaptation earned a 4.2/10 on IMDb, showing mixed reactions from viewers.

The series packs intense action scenes and scary moments that mirror the games’ survival horror roots. Lance Reddick plays Albert Wesker with a mix of charm and mystery. The story jumps between two timelines to show how the T-virus changed everything.

Zombie dogs, lickers, and other creatures from the games make terrifying appearances. The Witcher stands as another example of how video game stories can shine on TV screens.

The Witcher

The Witcher represents a successful video game adaptation. Based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels and the popular game series, this Netflix hit has earned an impressive 8.2/10 on IMDb.

The show combines magic, monsters, and medieval action into three gripping seasons since its 2019 debut.

The series follows Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter who travels across dangerous lands fighting creatures from Slavic folklore. Each episode features intense sword fights, political plots, and stunning visual effects that create Azeroth’s rich atmosphere.

Fans of the video game franchise will recognize familiar characters and storylines that stay true to the source material while creating fresh content for new viewers.

Upcoming and Recent Adaptations

The gaming world buzzes with excitement as studios roll out fresh adaptations of beloved video games – from post-apocalyptic adventures to classic puzzle games turned movies – making 2024 a thrilling year for fans to catch their favorite games on screen…

Read more to discover which shows you should add to your must-watch list!

Knuckles

Paramount+ brings fans a fresh spin-off series starring Idris Elba as Knuckles the Echidna. This six-episode action series drops on April 26, 2024, picking up right after the events of Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

Fans will see Dr. Robotnik’s former rival teach Wade Whipple the ways of an echidna warrior.

The show mixes action and humor as Knuckles guides Wade through intense combat training. Each episode promises wild adventures across familiar Sonic locations. Idris Elba’s return as the tough-but-lovable echidna builds on his popular movie role.

Fans of both classic Sonic games and modern adaptations will find plenty to enjoy in this latest addition to the franchise.

Fallout

Prime Video brings the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout to life on April 10, 2024. This fresh take on the beloved vault dweller saga marks a bold step into TV adaptation territory.

The show stays true to its gaming roots while crafting new stories in the nuclear wasteland. Based on early reviews, the series scores an impressive 8.6/10 on IMDb, proving its appeal to both fans and newcomers.

The creators pack this first season with intense action and dark humor that mirrors the game’s unique style. Viewers follow survivors as they navigate dangerous wastelands filled with mutants, raiders, and forgotten tech.

The show mixes practical effects with digital wizardry to create a realistic yet fantastical world that feels straight out of the games. Each episode builds on the rich lore that made Fallout games such huge hits with players worldwide.

Five Nights at Freddy’s

Five Nights at Freddy’s brings the hit horror game to life on streaming platforms and theaters. Josh Hutcherson stars in this chilling adaptation from Universal Pictures and Blumhouse.

The story follows a troubled security guard who takes a night shift at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. Inside the creepy restaurant, deadly animatronic characters come alive after dark.

The October 28, 2023 release stays true to the game’s core elements of survival horror. Fans will spot familiar faces like Freddy, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy stalking the halls. The movie mixes practical effects with digital animation to create realistic versions of the game’s iconic monsters.

Blumhouse Productions applies their signature horror style to this video game adaptation, making the jump-scares even more terrifying than the original game.

Gran Turismo

Gran Turismo brings the popular racing game to life in a fresh TV format. The show mixes real racing action with dramatic storytelling, much like its video game roots. Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions teamed up to create this high-speed adaptation that scored 7.0/10 on IMDb in 2023.

The series puts viewers in the driver’s seat through intense racing sequences and compelling character arcs. Racing fans will spot familiar tracks and cars from the game series, making this show a must-watch for both casual viewers and hardcore gamers.

The next show in our list takes us into the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout.

Tetris

The new Tetris series on Apple TV++ brings the classic puzzle game’s origin story to life. Taron Egerton stars as Henk Rogers, the Dutch video game designer who fought to secure the rights to Tetris.

The show mixes Cold War drama with the birth of one of gaming’s biggest hits. Viewers follow Rogers through tense negotiations in Soviet Russia and his partnership with Nintendo.

The March 31, 2023 release captures the high-stakes business deals behind the beloved brick-stacking game. The series reveals the real-life thriller aspects of bringing Tetris from behind the Iron Curtain to millions of players worldwide.

Each episode builds tension like perfectly placed Tetris blocks, making this adaptation a must-watch for gaming fans.

Best Video Game-Based Web Series

Web series based on video games pack tons of action into short episodes – from Mortal Kombat: Legacy’s dark fights to Sonic Boom’s fast-paced adventures, these shows bring your favorite characters to life in fresh ways that’ll make you want to watch more.

Mortal Kombat: Legacy

Mortal Kombat: Legacy brings raw combat and deep storytelling to YouTube fans. The series features 19 action-packed episodes that explore the origins of fighters like Sub-Zero, Scorpion, and Kano.

Director Kevin Tancharoen created this gritty take on the famous fighting game in 2011, earning a solid 7.6/10 IMDb rating.

The show mixes real martial arts with special effects to capture the game’s brutal spirit. Each episode reveals different character backgrounds, showing how they became legendary warriors.

Fans love seeing their favorite fighters come to life through intense battles and personal drama. The series stays true to the game’s core while adding fresh twists to keep viewers hooked.

Tekken: Blood Vengeance

Moving from the gritty world of Mortal Kombat, Tekken: Blood Vengeance offers fans a different take on fighting game adaptations. This CGI animated film packs intense martial arts action into its 92-minute runtime.

The story follows Ling Xiaoyu and Alisa Bosconovitch as they investigate the mysterious Jin Kazama. The film scored 5.8/10 on IMDb after its July 26, 2011 release.

The movie blends classic Tekken elements with fresh plot twists. Each fight scene shows off the signature moves fans love from the games. The animation brings familiar faces like King Koopa to life with sharp detail.

The story stays true to the game’s core while adding new layers to the Mishima family drama. Fans praise its faithful recreation of the fighting styles and character personalities from the original games.

Sonic Boom

Sonic Boom brought fresh energy to Cartoon Network in 2014 with its unique take on Dr. Ivo “Eggman” Robotnik’s schemes. The show ran for 104 action-packed episodes, scoring a solid 7.0/10 on IMDb.

Fans loved the show’s mix of comedy and adventure, featuring Sonic’s team battling robots across colorful landscapes.

The series stood out from other Sonic shows by adding new character designs and modern humor. Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles got updated looks while keeping their classic personalities that made them famous.

The show mixed slapstick comedy with fast-paced action scenes that kept viewers glued to their screens. Speaking of action, let’s check out some iconic nostalgic shows that shaped gaming history.

Iconic Nostalgic Shows Based on Video Games

The 80s and 90s brought us amazing cartoon shows from our favorite video games. These classic shows mixed fun stories with familiar characters like Mario, Luigi, and Princess Toadstool, making them perfect for both kids and grown-ups who loved the games.

Pac-Man

Pac-Man burst onto TV screens in 1982 with 36 action-packed episodes that brought arcade magic to life. This bright yellow hero munched his way through mazes while running from colorful ghosts, just like in the famous video game.

Kids loved watching Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, and their family tackle new adventures each week.

Rated TV-G, this family-friendly show scored 6.0/10 on IMDb by mixing classic gaming elements with fun cartoon storytelling. Much like Super Mario Bros and Sonic the Hedgehog, Pac-Man proved video game characters could star in their own TV shows.

Fans enjoyed seeing their favorite maze-runner face off against Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde in fresh ways beyond the arcade cabinet.

Donkey Kong Country

Donkey Kong Country burst onto TV screens in 1997 with its unique blend of computer animation and classic Nintendo charm. The show ran for 40 episodes, following the adventures of Donkey Kong and his pals as they protected their precious Crystal Coconut from King K.

Rool. The series stood out for its mix of slapstick humor and catchy musical numbers that kids and adults both loved.

The show earned a solid 6.7/10 on IMDb, proving its appeal went beyond just fans of the games. Mario and Luigi made guest spots in several episodes, linking the show to the broader Nintendo universe.

The series took the core elements from the games – bananas, mines, jungles, and barrels – and turned them into fun weekly stories that kept viewers coming back for more.

The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!

The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! premiered on TV screens in September 1989, bringing Mario and Luigi’s adventures to life. The show ran for 65 exciting episodes, mixing live-action segments with colorful animation.

Mario and Bowser’s battles entertained kids, earning a 6.3/10 rating on IMDb.

The TV-Y7 rated series cast pro wrestler Lou Albano as Mario in the live segments. These parts showed the Mario brothers running their plumbing business in Brooklyn. The animated sections followed Mario and Luigi through the Mushroom Kingdom, where they fought to save Princess Toadstool from evil forces.

Each episode combined entertaining stories with catchy songs that fans still remember today.

Dungeons & Dragons

Dungeons & Dragons burst onto TV screens in 1983, bringing fantasy adventures to Saturday mornings. This animated series ran for 28 episodes and scored an impressive 8.1/10 on IMDb.

Kids followed six friends who got transported to a magical world through a theme park ride. Each episode mixed action, drama, and light humor while staying true to the tabletop game’s core elements.

The show earned its TV-Y7 rating by balancing kid-friendly content with genuine thrills and stakes. Fans loved watching Hank, Eric, Diana, Presto, Sheila, and Bobby face off against classic D&D monsters and villains.

Their guide, Dungeon Master, helped them survive deadly challenges while teaching valuable lessons about teamwork and bravery. Many viewers still consider this series one of their favorite childhood shows, appreciating its mix of fantasy adventure and moral storytelling.

Honorable Mentions

These classic shows missed our main list but still pack a punch with their unique takes on beloved games – check out our full guide to learn more about each one!

Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm

Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm brought the brutal fighting game to TV screens in 1996. The animated series ran for 13 episodes filled with combat and action, featuring fan-favorite fighters like Kung Lao and Shang Tsung.

The show combined classic Mortal Kombat lore with new storylines created specifically for TV.

The series earned a TV-Y7 rating, making it kid-friendly while maintaining the spirit of the games. Fans rated it 6.0/10 on IMDb for its blend of martial arts action and story depth.

The show distinguished itself by focusing on the heroes working as a team to protect Earth from various threats, instead of the traditional tournament format from the games.

Street Fighter: The Animated Series

Moving from the intense combat of Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter brought its own brand of martial arts action to TV screens in 1995. The animated series ran for 26 high-energy episodes, mixing arcade-style fights with comic book storytelling.

Each episode packed plenty of punches, kicks, and special moves that fans loved from the games.

The TV-Y7 rated show earned a modest 5.7/10 on IMDb, but it stayed true to the spirit of arcade gaming. The series featured Ryu, Ken, Guile, and Chun-Li fighting against M. Bison’s evil Shadaloo organization.

Fans of super smash bros style combat got their fill of hadokens and sonic booms in every episode. The show mixed serious storylines with lighter moments, making it perfect for both kids and grown-up Street Fighter fans.

Doom: Annihilation

Doom: Annihilation hits screens in 2019 as a direct-to-video action horror film. The movie follows a group of space marines who face deadly creatures on a Martian base. This sci-fi adaptation stays true to the game’s core elements with demon-fighting action and space marine battles.

The film runs for 97 minutes but scored only 3.6 out of 10 on IMDb.

The movie brings gunmen of the apocalypse vibes but fails to match the excitement of the original games. Its basic plot and standard action scenes left many fans wanting more from this beloved franchise.

The film shows space marines using classic weapons from the game series. Yet, it misses the mark on delivering the intense horror-action mix that made Doom famous.

Tomb Raider

Tomb Raider stands out as a thrilling animated series that brings Lara Croft’s adventures to life. The show stays true to the game’s core elements while adding fresh storylines that keep fans glued to their screens.

Netflix’s 2024 adaptation features stunning action sequences and deep character development that rivals popular shows like Arcane and The Walking Dead.

I’ve spent countless hours watching Lara Croft cosplay fans recreate iconic moments from both the games and the show. The series takes bold steps to expand the Tomb Raider universe with new characters and plot twists.

Each episode packs intense archaeological mysteries and supernatural elements that match the high-stakes energy of the original games. The show’s success proves that video game adaptations can work well on streaming platforms.

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