Most Anticipated Video Game Adaptations Coming Out in 2023 & Beyond

With the success of HBO's The Last of Us TV Show and, more recently, the blockbuster hit that was The Super Mario Bros. Movie, video game adaptations are gaining a lot of traction. Now, more than ever, Hollywood is realizing the huge potential and wide appeal that successful video game adaptations can have. As a result, more and more are hitting our screens each year, with nearly every publishing studio aiming to land a successful video game adaptation.

Although it is a positive a lot of video game adaptations are in the works, it's also a double-edged sword because some are bound to fail. Honestly speaking, that's most likely to happen to the video game adaptations who are just looking to exploit more money from the franchise by offering up a lackluster Hollywood script that doesn't stay true to the game or its narrative. Take, for example, the Uncharted movie….. This is precisely why we've compiled a list of the best video game adaptations in 2023 and beyond. So you know which adaptations to look out for.

5. Gran Turismo

We're honestly surprised that PlayStation was able to get a Gran Turismo video game adaptation out before the likes of Xbox with their Forza Horizon series. Nonetheless, it's a huge win for PlayStation. What's more, the narrative behind the Gran Turismo movie looks quite intriguing too. Essentially, Gran Turismo video game players attempt to go professional by applying their skills in the real world, on actual asphalt.

What you may be surprised to know, is that the movie is actually based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, a teenage Gran Turismo player with dreams of becoming a real-life race car driver. He officially realized them in 2011 by debuting at the GT4 European Cup and has been racing around the world ever since. With all that in mind, we're actually looking forward to the Gran Turismo movie. We got high hopes it will be far better than what people expect.

Release Date: August 11, 2023

4. The Witcher: Season 3

Henry Cavill will reprise his role as Geralt of Rivia for the final time in The Witcher Season 3. That doesn't mean The Witcher tv show adaptation is coming to an end, but our stud protagonist will be getting a new look in season 4 with Liam Hemsworth. So, while the show isn't going away, our favorite actor/character will. Nonetheless, we get to see Henry Cavill one last time in The Witcher Season 3.

Although Henry Cavill hasn't disclosed why he is departing from the show, most of us believe it's because Netflix deviating from the originals story of the books, which is no longer honoring The Witcher's original writer, Andrzej Sapkowski's work. Since Cavill is an avid gamer himself, we feel this is most likely the reason for his departure. Nonetheless, The Witcher Season 3 will release in two parts. Episodes one through five will premiere on June 29, followed by episodes six through eight on July 27.

Release Date: June 29, 2023

3. Five Nights at Freddy's

Nobody could have predicted that a horror video game-based children's entertainment and food establishment with a mascot like Freddy Fazbear would become such a worldwide success. Since the initial single-player survival horror game was launched in 2014, it has become a worldwide phenomenon with numerous sequels, spin-offs, merchandise, and now its first official video game adaptation with the Five Nights at Freddy's movie.

Tom Hutcherson, most known for his role in the original Hunger Games film franchise, will be the one stepping into Freddy's lair in this movie. Just as the game sets it, he is the Freddy Fazbear's Pizza nightly security guard, and, well, you know the rest. Nonetheless, it's one of the more exciting video game adaptations that's arriving on our screens this year.

Release Date: October 27, 2023

2. Arcane: Season 2

Arcane, based on the MOBA League of Legends, is without a doubt one of the best video game adaptations we've ever seen. But don't take our word for it, let the average audience score of 4.9/5, and nearly 100% from IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes be the proof in the pudding.

What's so great about it, aside from the writing and animation, is that the people that helped bring this adaptation to life stayed true to the lore of the characters as described in the game. We just can't get enough of those intertwining character arches. Plus, they knew exactly what they were doing by playing on our emotions with a heartbreak warfare storyline between Jinx and Vi.

Nonetheless, Season 1 was a massive success altogether. Evidently, that's why fans are holding their breath for Arcane Season 2, which is still awaiting a release date. Either way, there's a strong argument for this being one of the best video game adaptations of all time. And we're hoping Arcane Season 2 will help cement that stature.

Release Date: TBA

1. Bioshock

Rumors about a Bioshock movie have circulated for the last couple of years. It's no surprise the narrative and setting would make for a killer thriller movie, so what's the hold-up? We're not exactly sure. Netflix has officially announced that they're working on the video game adaptation with Vertigo Entertainment and 2k, a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive Software. There just haven't really been any updates, or an official trailer since the announcement.

All we hope is that Netflix isn't getting cold feet. They have the tools, as well as the money, with the publishers to develop a true-to-self recreation of the original franchise. Maybe they're just really going over it with a fine-toothed comb? Nonetheless, while we have high hopes for the Bioshock movie, however, we won't rejoice until we see some solid footage of it in the works.

Release Date: TBA

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other video game adaptations that we should know about? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!