If you went to the movies in 2026, you likely saw a film based on a video game. From families flocking to the blockbuster Super Mario Galaxy to niche horrors like Iron Lung becoming must-see events, and surprises like the Resident Evil comedy, the year is wrapping up as a pivotal period for this type of adaptation.
This trend is set to accelerate. This week, a flurry of news confirms that Hollywood is in the midst of a gold rush for video game film rights. It's no longer just about announced projects that never materialize: many already have confirmed release dates stretching into 2028.
Among the most ambitious projects is A24's Elden Ring, which, with a $200 million budget, is the production company's most expensive film and is being treated as a major event. But the list is long: The Legend of Zelda, Sonic the Hedgehog 4, Call of Duty, Helldivers, a new Minecraft movie, and much more. Netflix is also in the game with a live-action PUBG series produced and directed by Donald Glover.
The box office success of adaptations like Sonic the Hedgehog and critically acclaimed series like The Last of Us and Fallout have demonstrated the potential of these properties. With the superhero film phenomenon on the decline, video games could become the new wellspring of stories for a film industry in search of new franchises.
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