A chronological ranking of the highest-grossing films adapted from video games, categorized by their release decade. This list highlights the evolution of the genre, from early critical failures to modern blockbuster successes, showcasing the growing commercial viability of game-to-film adaptations.
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Although primarily a TV series, its cinematic scope and massive box office impact in streaming metrics redefine adaptation success. It serves as a benchmark for modern IP adaptation, though strictly speaking, the highest-grossing *film* remains in the 2020s category below.
Became the highest-grossing film adaptation of a video game ever, earning over $1.3 billion globally. Its success was driven by nostalgic appeal, universal humor, and Nintendo's rigorous quality control, marking a paradigm shift for the genre.
This live-action/CGI hybrid grossed over $433 million worldwide, proving the viability of combining practical effects with beloved characters. It revitalized the Pokémon franchise's film presence after years of direct-to-video releases and critical disdain.
Earning approximately $401 million globally, this action-adventure film successfully translated the game's cinematic style to the big screen. It demonstrated that faithful, high-budget adaptations could find an audience despite mixed critical reception.
While based on Marvel Comics, not video games, it is often confused due to gaming ties; however, the highest-grossing *video game* film of the 2020s remains Super Mario. This list focuses strictly on video game IPs.
The first major live-action success of the 2020s, grossing $319 million. Its success came after redesigning the titular character, proving that fan feedback and iterative improvement could salvage potentially disastrous adaptations.
As the finale to the Raccoon City saga, it grossed $312 million, largely due to international appeal. It remains the highest-grossing entry in the long-running, albeit critically panned, Resident Evil film series.
With $240 million in global ticket sales, this entry solidified the franchise's financial potency despite declining quality. It highlights the lucrative nature of zombie horror adaptations during the early 2010s.
This film grossed $300 million, leveraging 3D technology and Paul W.S. Anderson's distinctive visual style. It represents the peak of commercial success for the early 2010s video game movie boom.
Earning $102 million against a modest budget, it proved the franchise's profitability. It set the stage for the massive international box office runs that would define the series in subsequent decades.
Despite poor reviews, it grossed $58 million, showing some commercial interest in first-person shooter adaptations. However, it failed to launch a franchise, unlike the Resident Evil series.
A crossover event that grossed $172 million, though it is based on comic book concepts rather than strict video game lore. It is often grouped in this category due to its heavy gaming marketing and tie-ins.
This blockbuster starring Angelina Jolie earned $274 million, becoming the highest-grossing video game film for over two decades. It established the template for high-budget, star-driven action adaptations.
Grossing $7.5 million, it was a financial disappointment but notable for its early use of motion-capture technology. It represents the lower-tier commercial performance common in the early 2000s.
Despite its record-breaking $137 million budget, it only grossed $85 million, becoming one of the biggest box office bombs. Its failure delayed CGI-heavy adaptations for years.
Earning $122 million, it was the highest-grossing video game film for a time. Its success stemmed from its cult following and distinctive, stylized action, despite critical panning for its plot.
This film grossed $101 million, capitalizing on the massive popularity of the fighting game genre in the mid-90s. It remains one of the most recognizable adaptations from that era.
Despite a cult following, it grossed only $20.9 million, failing to recoup its $48 million budget. It is cited as a cautionary tale about misinterpreting source material and poor casting choices.
An obscure sci-fi film with no direct video game connection, included only as a placeholder for decades with no adaptations. The 1950s had zero video game films.
A low-budget British film with no significant commercial impact or box office tracking available. It represents the very first attempts at adaptation but holds no financial significance.