Top 20 Amazing Shows Based on Video Games
Welcome to WatchMojo and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 20 best shows based on video games. Adaptations based on novels like “The Witcher” won’t be included this time around. Beware of minor spoilers ahead. What’s your favorite video game adaptation on tv? Shout it out in the comments!
#20: “The Cuphead Show!” (2022)
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It was clear the creative team had done their homework when this animated show debuted. Cuphead, Mugman, and more were brought to life with the classic rubber hose animation style that the games were known for. The show also mirrored its source material by having fantastic music that got your toes tapping. And despite looking innocent on the surface, the episodes weren’t afraid to get dark. While the show managed to capture the spirit of the game, critics felt like it didn’t add enough to the unique world. The short episodes were knocked for emphasizing laughs instead of deeper narratives. Although the show wasn't flawless, “The Cuphead Show!” still had enough 1930s moxie to draw viewers in for a while.
#19: “Twisted Metal” (2023-)
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Since the games were fueled by pitch black humor, that same tone was brought to its wild tv adaptation. Throughout the show, we follow John Doe’s journey across a post-apocalyptic world full of dangerous enemies and wild cards. Almost all of his interactions alternate between being hilarious and grim. While the tone always kept us on our toes, the colorful cast of characters drew us further into this ruined world. The show also made sure to include plenty of vehicular carnage to mimic its gasoline covered roots. Additionally, the portrayal of iconic characters like Sweet Tooth was praised. While critics didn’t race to give the show top marks, enough fans tuned in to give “Twisted Metal” another high octane season.
#18: “The Super Mario Bros Super Show!” (1989)
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To say that this variety show was a little odd would be Bowser-sized understatement. During each episode, we’d see live-action versions of the Mario Bros. deal with plumbing related issues. Each installment also featured cartoon shorts that showcased characters from the Mushroom Kingdom and Hyrule. The resulting blend of live-action comedy and animated adventure gave us a truly unique video game adaptation. While Mario and Luigi aren’t the most three-dimensional characters, the duo is so charming that we couldn’t help but root for them. We also loved getting to see our favorite video game icons go on animated journeys outside our consoles. Every time we revisit the show, we’re filled with warm feelings and plenty of nostalgia.
#17: “F-Zero: GP Legend” (2003-05)
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After nearly dying in a horrible car crash, a detective named Ryu is revived in a futuristic world 150 years later. Shortly after waking up, he’s pulled into a world of vicious criminals and high speed driving. The premise paved the way for a series full of pulse-pounding races between high tech cars. Ryu also developed a fire forged bond with the legendary Captain Falcon himself. Although the show wasn’t fully shown to Western audiences, it got a full 51 episode run in other territories. The complex story is full of great twists and slick animation. Any fan of the F-Zero series should definitely give the show a shot to get some adrenaline fueled thrills.
#16: “Ace Attorney” (2016-19)
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If you like court procedurals but want a break from the usual formula, then this law themed anime is for you. The series focuses on up-and-coming attorney Phoenix Wright as he works to protect the innocent from persecution. Instead of having him simply stand and present the facts, the show breaks up the legal jargon with energetic animation and over-the-top reactions. We also get great recreations of unforgettable moments from the games. Although the inconsistent animation divided viewers, the series still managed to adapt an impressive amount of story with two seasons. We certainly didn’t object to the amount of “Ace Attorney” we got to see before the show came to a close.
#15: “MegaMan NT Warrior” (2002-06)
While there have been more than a few versions of the blue bomber over the years, this anime series focused on the character that lived in the Battle Network games. In this universe, Megaman’s a digital creation known as a NetNavi. He and his human partner Lan work together to overcome their rivals and enemies. Like the game series, the show’s Megaman uses battlechips to gain weapons and alter his body. This mechanic ensured that each fight was full of variety. Outside of the fun battles, the detailed plotlines and well thought out themes made “NT Warrior'' stand out. The great writing and action impressed longtime fans and franchise newcomers alike. We’re glad that this Megaman interpretation was brought online.
#14: “Dragon's Dogma” (2020)
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At the start of this grim fantasy series, a man named Ethan was living happily with his wife and comrades. But everything changed when a sinister dragon appeared, killed everyone he loved, and stole his heart. Ethan’s dramatic encounter with the beast drove him to do whatever it took to slay his sworn enemy. Before confronting his ultimate nemesis, Ethan kept us entertained by fighting all kinds of monsters. He and his pawn combating evil while using many of the same techniques seen in the original game. Admittedly, the heavy tone of the show may not be for everyone. But those willing to give it a shot will find a haunting tale of a fantasy world whose residents struggle not to succumb to darkness.
#13: “Earthworm Jim” (1995-96)
In October of 1994, a game called “Earthworm Jim” was released for both the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis. It proved a major success, and work immediately began on a television adaptation. Airing on Kids’ WB between September 1995 and December 1996, “Earthworm Jim” was positively received by fans and critics alike, who noted its distinct style similar to that of its source material. That stems from the involvement of Doug TenNapel, who also created the video game. Various aspects of the show, including its original characters, were also integrated into future entries of the series, including “Earthworm Jim 3D.” It’s a great companion to a fantastic series of video games.
#12: “Sonic the Hedgehog” (1993-94)
Everyone knows Sonic. He’s one of the most iconic video game characters of all time. But did you know that he had two TV series airing around the same time? The more light hearted “Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog,” aired for over sixty episodes throughout 1993. Following that was the much darker “Sonic the Hedgehog,” lovingly nicknamed “SatAM” by its small cult fan base. While it may seem a little dated today, this still serves as a lovingly crafted Saturday morning cartoon that is far more mature and thematic than one would expect from a “Sonic” TV show. It took the “Sonic” trappings and crafted a universal and engaging story out of them, creating one of the best video game TV shows in the process.
#11: “Kirby: Right Back at Ya!” (2002-06)
Never mind the goofy title. “Kirby: Right Back at Ya!” is a surprisingly great, and surprisingly deep, Saturday morning anime. The series originally ran in Japan between 2001 and 2003, and it aired in North America between 2002 and 2006. Like all great cartoons, the show works as both children’s and adult entertainment. While it’s primarily aimed at children, adults can certainly appreciate various aspects of its production, including the animation, battle sequences, social satire, and allegorical stories. One certainly doesn’t need to be a devoted “Kirby” fan to enjoy this delightful anime.
#10: “Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?” (1991-95)
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This was a very popular game show that aired for five seasons and nearly three hundred episodes throughout the early ‘90s. It was created in response to a Nat Geo survey, in which it was revealed that a quarter of Americans couldn’t locate the Pacific Ocean on a map. The show saw 10 to 14-year-old children competing in various geography-related competitions in order to “locate” Carmen Sandiego somewhere in the world. It was a monumental ratings and critical success, winning five Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Art Direction and taking home the 1992 Peabody Award. Who knew education could be so much fun?
#9: “Persona 4: The Animation” (2011-12)
The “Persona” series of video games are incredibly popular, but this particular anime is based on the PlayStation 2’s “Persona 4.” Released back in 2008, the game received very strong reviews owing largely to its imaginative storytelling. The adaptation revolves around a teenager named Yu Narukami and his friends, who get involved in a mysterious murder case. They also discover a bizarre TV World and a unique power called “Persona.” It may only appeal to die-hard fans of the “Persona” series, but those who have played and loved the games will find more than enough to enjoy here.
#8: “Sonic Boom” (2014-17)
The “Sonic” shows never seem to last very long, but they leave behind indelible legacies. This is the fifth TV show to be based on the “Sonic” IP but the first to be completely computer generated. The result is a visually wondrous piece of television, and by far the most visually appealing “Sonic” program. It also comes complete with a surprising amount of violence and some important themes, including concepts of gender equality. It was even nominated for a Teen Choice Award in 2017, indicating its more mature and intelligent audience. This is far more than just another kids’ show.
#7: “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” (2022)
In a future where people can enhance their bodies with implants overnight, corporations and criminals fight for power and influence. After the young David Martinez becomes a part of this contentious world, he fights to claw his way up before his enemies can knock him down. But the abundance of tech he uses to get stronger slowly causes him to lose his mind. The series does an excellent job at raising serious questions about society’s reliance on technology. Additionally, the show’s full of fleshed out characters that each follow their own complex moral guidelines. And when the show’s not making us think, it keeps us glued to the screen with gorgeous and gruesome fight scenes. “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” definitely did justice to its source material.
#6: “Fallout” (2024-)
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Around 200 years after a worldwide nuclear war, a woman named Lucy is forced to emerge from the safety of an underground vault and cross a post-apocalyptic hellscape to save her father. During her journey, she teams up with a wannabe knight in shining armor and does her best to avoid a gun-slinging Ghoul. All three characters are brought to life with incredible acting performances. Although they all live in an incredibly bleak world, the series is full of laugh-out-loud scenes and lines. While the show could’ve adapted a singular game narrative, it went the extra mile by adding new characters, concepts, and conflicts. The resulting show felt familiar to fans of the franchise and contained plenty of surprises that kept everyone hooked.
#5: “Castlevania” (2017-21)
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Serving as one of Netflix’s crowning achievements, “Castlevania” is a superb television series that richly expands the lore of its IP. The series is based primarily on “Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse,” although it also adapts elements of both “Curse of Darkness” and “Symphony of the Night.” The story primarily concerns a vengeful Count Dracula declaring war on the citizens of Wallachia. The series is richly told and superbly animated, offering up some of the most gorgeous and disgusting visuals in modern animation. It’s aimed squarely at mature audiences, proving that animation remains a legitimate form of adult storytelling.
#4: “Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works” (2014-15)
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This is yet another short-lived but critically adored anime based on a popular Japanese video game. It’s primarily adapted from the “Unlimited Blade Works” storyline of the adult visual novel “Fate/stay night,” and it concerns a magical battle for the Holy Grail involving reincarnated historical figures. The show comes complete with brand new scenes and some expanded lore, and it was subjected to some crazy hype owing to the popularity of the source visual novel. The adaptation proved a resounding success thanks to the gorgeous animation and rich character work. It’s worth watching for the animation alone, as this may be one of the most beautiful animes ever produced.
#3: “Arcane” (2021-)
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Instead of trying to recreate the arena combat of “League of Legends”, this adaptation explored the world of its source material through the eyes of a few compelling characters. Since we were so invested in the stories of Vi, Silco, Jinx and many more, we didn’t care what side of the moral spectrum they fell onto. We simply wanted to see what happened to them next. Outside of outstanding character work, the incredible animation and stellar action scenes helped put “Arcane” in a league of its own. Not only did it break viewership records, but the series also earned an Emmy during its first season. We have a feeling that “Arcane” will go down in history as a legendary show.
#2: “The Last of Us” (2023-)
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A decade after a post-apocalyptic video game blew players away, the television adaptation of the story took the world by storm. Set in a world where a fungal infection turned humans into monsters, the show follows the jaded Joel escorting an immune girl named Ellie. Viewers praised Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey respectively for their nuanced portrayals of the main characters. The show also received acclaim for deviating from the narrative to create riveting new storylines. While fans debated if every scene translated perfectly to live action, the series received universal praise for its makeup, tone, and production design. Its numerous accolades have earned “The Last of Us” the reputation of being the best live-action video game tv adaptation yet.
#1: “Pokémon” (1997-)
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This anime has transcended its video game source, becoming one of the most popular and beloved franchises of all time. The success of this program cannot be overstated. It has aired over 1,000 episodes since its inception in April of 1997 - over one year after the Japanese release of “Pokémon Red and Blue.” Both the show and the video games complement each other wonderfully, with each essentially serving as an advertisement for the other, creating a perpetual loop of popularity and relevance. The show also helped popularize anime in both the North American and European markets. It remains incredibly popular to this day, proving that “Pokémon” is one of those once-in-a-lifetime pop culture extravaganzas.
