Video game fans, rejoice! Hollywood has been stepping up its game with live-action adaptations that bring beloved franchises from the console to your TV. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just someone who loves a good story, these video game inspired shows are sure to provide plenty of thrills, action, and nostalgia. Below, we’ll break down five binge-worthy series based on popular video games, all available to stream right now.
Being from Appalachia, Jester and I have been fans of Fallout 76 for years, so when we heard about the Fallout series, we couldn’t wait to dive in. And let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint! We’ll get into more of that, plus some high-octane action with Twisted Metal, another favorite of ours, and 3 other live action video game inspired shows that are absolutely must watch. Let’s start the countdown!
The Last of Us
First up, we have The Last of Us, a beautifully crafted video game inspired show that will tug at your heartstrings while keeping you on the edge of your seat. Based on the critically acclaimed video game, this show follows Joel, a hardened survivor in a post-apocalyptic world, as he escorts Ellie, a young girl immune to a deadly fungal infection, across the United States. It’s not just a journey of survival but one of moral dilemmas, loss, and hope. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey give standout performances that breathe new life into these iconic characters.
Interestingly, I added The Last of Us to our watchlist just from the previews, without even knowing it was a video game inspired show. It wasn’t until Jester told me that I realized it was based on a popular game. Even as someone who doesn’t play many video games, the story alone captivated me. This is one of those shows that appeals to a wide audience, whether you’re a gamer or not, with its deep character development and emotional weight.
Stars: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey
Seasons/Episodes: 1 season, 9 episodes
Fallout
This one is personal for us. Coming from Appalachia, we’ve spent countless hours roaming the post-apocalyptic version of West Virginia in Fallout 76. So when the video game inspired show dropped on Prime, we couldn’t wait to binge it. And let me tell you, it was worth the wait!
Set in a nuclear-ravaged wasteland, Fallout follows a group of survivors navigating quirky factions, dangerous landscapes, and the odd bit of dark humor. The Queen loved the fact that there’s a kick-ass female lead (which reminded her of watching Lori Petty in Tank Girl back in the day). The strong characters and world-building really drew us in, and Jester enjoyed getting more background on the Fallout universe, especially learning how people ended up in those iconic vaults. We both can’t wait for the next season to drop and explore even more of this video game-inspired show.
What’s great about Fallout is that it doesn’t rely solely on gaming knowledge to be enjoyable. The storytelling is so well done that even if you’re not a fan of the game, you can still appreciate the unique world-building, dark humor, and survival themes that run throughout the show.
Stars: Walton Goggins, Ella Purnell, Kyle MacLachlan
Seasons/Episodes: 1 season, 10 episodes
Twisted Metal
Twisted Metal is pure adrenaline on screen, just like the games. If you’re in the mood for action, chaos, and dark humor, this video game inspired show is perfect. It follows John Doe, a fast talking outsider, as he battles his way through a post-apocalyptic wasteland to deliver a mysterious package. The show is packed with high octane car combat, colorful characters, and a killer soundtrack that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
We loved, Twisted Metal and couldn’t get enough and that soundtrack was epic. The fast-paced action was one thing, but the characters made it truly memorable. Between the motormouth hero and the sadistic clown villain, every episode was a blend of excitement and dark laughs. Best of all the car’s name is Evelyn! It’s a must-watch for fans of the game or anyone who loves a thrill packed show.
Even if you’ve never played the Twisted Metal games, this video game inspired show delivers plenty of entertainment for action lovers and dark comedy enthusiasts alike. It’s another example of a video game inspired show that appeals to both gamers and non-gamers.
Stars: Anthony Mackie, Stephanie Beatriz, Thomas Haden Church
Seasons/Episodes: 1 season, 10 episodes
Halo
For fans of sci-fi action, Halo brings the long-running franchise to life in a big way. Set in the 26th century, this video game inspired show follows the legendary Master Chief, a Spartan super-soldier, as he battles the alien Covenant. The series delves into Master Chief’s complex relationship with the AI Cortana and explores the broader conflict between humanity and their extraterrestrial enemies.
While this one is still on our watchlist, the hype surrounding Halo is real. With stunning visuals and intense action sequences, it’s perfect for anyone looking to dive into a rich sci-fi universe. And with two full seasons available, it’s a solid choice for your next binge-watching marathon.
What’s particularly interesting about Halo is that it takes a well-known gaming franchise and expands on its lore in a way that’s approachable for new viewers. You don’t need to have played the games to get hooked on the intense action and intricate world-building.
Stars: Pablo Schreiber, Natascha McElhone
Seasons/Episodes: 2 seasons, 20 episodes
Resident Evil
Streaming on Netflix
Last but certainly not least, we have Resident Evil. This live action video game inspired show is set in the year 2036 and follows two sisters, Jade and Billie Wesker, as they return to Raccoon City, the epicenter of a deadly viral outbreak. As they uncover dark secrets from their past, they must battle terrifying cr eatures in a world overrun by chaos. If you’re a fan of survival horror and corporate intrigue, this video game-inspired show brings all the intensity and drama you’d expect from the Resident Evil franchise.
Though we haven’t yet started this one, it’s high on our list. The blend of horror, action, and character-driven storytelling promises to make it an exciting addition to any video game fan’s watchlist. Even for non-gamers, Resident Evil has a strong plot that stands alone as a gripping post-apocalyptic survival story.
Stars: Lance Reddick, Ella Balinska, Adeline Rudolph
Seasons/Episodes: 1 season, 8 episodes
Final Thoughts on These Video Game Inspired Shows
Whether you’re in the mood for heart-pounding action, dystopian worlds, or gripping sci-fi narratives, these video game-inspired shows offer something for every kind of viewer. While we’ve already devoured Fallout and Twisted Metal and are waiting for the next season to drop, the others are on our watchlist and we can’t wait to dive in. These series prove that video game adaptations are more than just fan service, they’re binge-worthy TV that stands on its own.
What’s particularly fun about these shows is that they’re accessible to everyone. Even if you’re not a gamer, the rich storytelling and strong characters are more than enough to keep you hooked. For someone like me, who doesn’t game as much as Jester does, these series are still incredibly engaging. So, grab some popcorn and fire up your streaming service of choice.
Which video game inspired show are YOU watching?
