Hollywood has a habit of turning specific genres into massive cultural touchstones. For years, video game movies attempted to reach this status with varying levels of success. While many early adaptations were clumsy and missed the mark—though we still have a soft spot for 1994's Street Fighter—the landscape is changing.
Recent hits like The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Uncharted, and the Sonic the Hedgehog series have proven there is massive box office potential here. However, while production moves swiftly on some projects, many others remain trapped in the lowest levels of development hell.
Below is a deep dive into the video game movies that could be showing at your local cinema in the future. Please note that if a project lacks an attached release date or isn't a sequel, it may never actually be made.
Upcoming Video Game Movies with Release Dates
Elden Ring
An Elden Ring movie is officially in development at A24. The project will be written and directed by Alex Garland, known for Ex Machina, Annihilation, and Civil War. Additionally, Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin—who helped develop the game's lore—is serving as a producer.
Scheduled to hit cinemas in 2027, the film has already confirmed an impressive cast:
- Kit Connor (Warfare)
- Ben Whislaw
- Tom Burke
- Havana Rose Liu
- Sonoya Mizuno
- Jonathan Pryce
- Ruby Cruz
- John Hodgkinson
- Jefferson Hall
- Emma Laird
- Peter Serafinowicz
Sonic the Hedgehog 4
Following the massive profitability of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, a sequel was inevitable. Paramount has announced that Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is racing into theaters on March 19, 2027, though specific details remain under wraps.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
After the smash-hit success of the first film, a sequel is officially on the way. Currently scheduled for April 2026, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will adapt the classic 2007 Wii title and features the return of several cast members from the original movie.
The Legend of Zelda
A live-action Legend of Zelda movie is currently slated for a release date of March 26, 20 7.
New Projects and Animated Adaptations
Helldivers
Announced at CES 2025, Helldivers is one of two projects in development through Sony and Columbia Pictures. The film acts as a spiritual successor to Paul Verhoeven's Starship Troopers, set in a future where humanity worships "managed democracy." Director Justin Lin, who helmed the Fast and Furious franchise, is attached to the project.
Untitled Death Stranding Animated Movie
Alongside a live-action feature, an "adult-targeted" animated Death Stranding movie is in early development. Writer Aaron Guzikowski (Prisoners) is working on the screenplay, aiming for a tone similar to Predator: Killer of Killers.
Films in Production or Post-Production
The Mortuary Assistant
Unlike many others on this list, production on this indie horror adaptation has already kicked off. Jeremiah Kipp will direct the film, which stars Gossip Girl and Arrow actress Willa Holland. The project aims to serve as a companion piece that expands upon the game's lore.
Watch Dogs
After more than 10 years of waiting, filming for the Ubisoft open-world franchise finally began in July. Directed by Mathieu Turi (The Deep Dark), the film stars Tom Blyth and Sophia Wilde. Principal photography wrapped in September, and the project is now in post-production.
Expanding the Cinematic Universe
Death Stranding
Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding features a fascinating, eerie universe where rain can be a death sentence. Following an announcement in 2022, A24 revealed a partnership with Kojima Productions in December 2023 to bring this world to life. Kojima intends to use this project to build a larger Death Stranding film universe.
Call of Duty
The massive Call of Duty franchise is finally heading to the big screen via Paramount. The studio has expressed a commitment to honoring the brand's distinctive style and narrative. While it is still early in development, Paramount has recruited heavyweight writers, including Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan.
