Learn from video game movies

What do Sonic, Mario, and Pikachu have in common?

Each of these iconic video game characters had a video game movie that became a fan favorite and broke the box office records!

So this week on VoiceTalks by Voice123, we’ll look at what AV directors and producers can learn from the best video games of all time!

The best video game movies of all time

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

This film made history as the highest-grossing video game film of all time. Featuring Chris Pratt as Mario and Jack Black as Bowser, Super Mario Bros. stayed true to its nostalgic roots with exceptional voice acting, vibrant visuals, and a compelling narrative.?

Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

Sonic the Hedgehog used a mix of live-action and CGI animation techniques to create a video game adaption that was an instant hit. With Jim Carrey’s comedic brilliance as Dr. Robotnik and Ben Schwartz’s energetic Sonic, this film raked in $319.7 million. So, memorable voice talent can add a sonic boom to your AV projects.

Detective Pikachu (2019)??

What do you get when you mix Ryan Reynolds with a beloved Pokémon character? A successful Pikachu movie that grossed over $450 million! Reynold’s humorous voice over and the vibrant visual style created an iconic installment in the Pokémon franchise.?

Gran Turismo (2023)?

Based on a true story, Gran Turismo is about more than fast cars—it’s about dreams, realism, and breathtaking game-like visuals that mirror the heart-pounding world of Gran Turismo. The film’s realistic race sequences, combined with incredible performances from David Harbour and Orlando Bloom, produced an inspiring film.

Mortal Kombat (2021)??

For fans of the iconic Mortal Kombat franchise, this reboot didn’t pull any punches. From Scorpion’s fiery battles to Sub-Zero’s icy brutality, the film captured the game's essence while using innovative VFX techniques to elevate action sequences and enhance the story.?

The best video game TV shows??

Let’s not forget the streaming screens. The Last of Us (2023) took the gaming world by storm with Pedro Pascal’s gripping performance and intense world-building, winning Best Video Game Adaptation at the 2023 Game Awards. Netflix’s Arcane: League of Legends had a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, proving that animated TV shows can deliver rich character development and heart-pounding action.

Tips for video game movie projects

1. Cast the right voice talent: Iconic characters need voices that embody their spirit. It’s not just about matching; it’s about elevating the performance. Check out Voice123’s AV hiring guide for more info on how to find the right voice!

2. Stay true to the source material: Fans are loyal to the core storyline, so if you deviate too much, you may risk losing fans. That’s why it’s important to balance capturing the game’s essence with expanding the narrative.

3. Prioritize visual impact: Stunning effects keep audiences glued to the screen. Make your visuals, VFX, CGI, and animation a priority to recreate those immersive game worlds and showcase new layers.

4. Harness emotional storytelling: Like Detective Pikachu and The Last of Us, emotions drive audience engagement. Give your characters relatable struggles and personal journeys to create that essential connection with the viewers.

5. Incorporate strategic world-building: Whether you’re expanding on an existing universe like Sonic or introducing new environments like Gran Turismo, balance world-building with character development. Immersive, well-designed settings help the audience fully experience your story.

Don’t Forget:

The best video game movies capture the depth, emotion, and excitement of iconic video games. At Voice123, we connect AV creators with talented voice actors who can elevate your project.

Search professional voice actors today!

Until next time, get inspired to go from console to cinema!

Chris

Content Lead at Voice123