Summary
- Best cinematic games merge film techniques with gameplay for engaging experiences.
- Baldur's Gate 3 & Hellblade impress with realistic motion capture & engaging narratives.
- Uncharted 4 & Red Dead Redemption 2 blend solid cutscenes with gameplay for cinematic masterpieces.
Video games can be a versatile art form, able to tell stories and offer entertainment in different ways. While some focus on gameplay mechanics, others draw inspiration from cinema, using deeper narratives, distinct camera angles, and well-planned cuts to attract players’ attention. This mix of gameplay with other visual elements creates unique experiences for those who play.
So, the best cinematic games are the ones that merge film techniques with the fun of video games. It isn’t about copying movies, but about how these elements blend into gameplay so the game stays engaging, whether through narratives or by involving participants in memorable moments.
10 Baldur's Gate 3
A Cinematic Experience That Takes RPGs To Another Level
Baldur's Gate 3
- Released
- August 3, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Despite its robust mechanics and detailed combat strategies, Baldur’s Gate 3 surprises with a cinematic experience worthy of big names in the genre. Much of that comes from top-tier motion capture, which delivers realistic facial expressions and engaging voice-acting performances, creating narrative moments that hold players’ attention from the start.
The grand story also stands out, with well-directed scenes that highlight complex dialogue and epic moments, like when Dame Aylin is freed from captivity. It’s a perfect combination of refined storytelling and stable gameplay, a rare balance in RPGs, turning Baldur’s Gate 3 into something close to the finest cinematic productions.
9 Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Ninja Theory Created A Great Cinematic Experience With This Game
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
- Released
- August 16, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
Set in Scotland at the end of the 8th century, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is one of the best cinematic games made so far, largely due to the performers’ motion-capture work. Melina Juergens, who plays the main character, brings Senua to life through facial expressions and lines that convey the character’s emotional weight.
The cinematic feel is enhanced by other technologies like binaural audio, which makes the voices in the protagonist’s head seem real and enhances player's immersion. These techniques shape a visceral kind of storytelling about a character sinking deeper into madness in each new chapter.
8 Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
Nathan Drake’s Final Chapter Delivers One Of The Best Cinematic Games
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
- Released
- May 10, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Language, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Adventure
Inspired by movies like Indiana Jones, Uncharted has never hidden its tribute to films. Yet the fourth entry best uses cinematic techniques in a game. While following the conclusion of Nathan Drake’s story, participants witness sequences that look like they were taken straight out of a film.
The game’s pacing also mirrors Hollywood’s best works, balancing action scenes with parts centered on character development. Thanks to this blend of gameplay and solid cutscenes, Uncharted 4 stands as an example of how to create a movie-like experience.
7 Ghost Of Tsushima
Sucker Punch Pays Tribute To Classic Samurai Films With This Game
Ghost of Tsushima
- Released
- July 17, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
Akira Kurosawa is a well-known figure in Japanese cinema, responsible for some of the greatest samurai films ever made and Ghost of Tsushima draws a lot from that source. Sucker Punch’s open-world release is one of the best movie-inspired games, offering an adventure that appeals to fans of Japanese cinema and to those who enjoy action and historical settings.
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So, Ghost of Tsushima matches what one would expect from an Akira Kurosawa production, blending an epic samurai story about personal vendettas, honor, and carefully choreographed combat scenes, just as the director used to depict in his classic works. The game also includes Kurosawa Mode, which changes elements like the color palette to black and white to imitate the style of Japanese cinema, making the overall experience even better.
6 Detroit: Become Human
A Narrative Filled With Choices For Players
Detroit: Become Human
- Released
- May 25, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
Quantic Dream’s titles have always had a cinematic focus, giving participants a story full of choices and a strong narrative, without complex gameplay. However, Detroit: Become Human is one of the studio’s best releases inspired by movies, providing a unique cinematic experience.
This cinematic game explores a near future where technology has advanced to the point that androids are part of daily life. Through the perspective of three distinct characters, players follow a narrative that adapts to their decisions, leading to a story with plenty of tension. It impresses movie fans with the quality and intensity of its scenes.
5 Alan Wake 2
Sam Lake Uses Different Film Techniques In This Title
Alan Wake 2
- Released
- October 27, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
Alan Wake 2 redefines immersion by blending live action with ultra-realistic graphics, creating a cinematic experience that feels like an overlap of reality and nightmare. Sudden transitions between real footage and rendered scenes strengthen the surreal atmosphere, making players question what is real. This hybrid approach elevates it to one of today’s most impressive examples of cinematic art direction.
Its narrative also unfolds with visual methods like double exposure and abrupt cuts, portraying psychological horror in a striking way. The use of live action isn’t just a stylistic choice; it’s also a narrative tool that heightens the game’s dreamlike, unsettling mood. Alan Wake 2 doesn’t just draw from cinema; it embraces it and transforms it into something new.
4 Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns Of The Patriots
Kojima Created One Of The Longest Cutscenes For This Game
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
- Released
- June 12, 2008
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Crude Humor, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Stealth
Hideo Kojima stands as one of the most respected developers in the video game industry, known for a passion for cinema and the way he applies cinematic techniques in his games. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is among his best cinematic games, featuring a prologue cutscene that lasts around 70 minutes, a length similar to a movie.
Beyond that extended sequence and the impressive animation quality, the entire game feels like a movie production. Dramatic camera angles, refined lighting, and visuals typical of major films turn everything more absorbing. The narrative also feels like a Hollywood epic, with twists and memorable characters.
3 Death Stranding
Famous Actors Turn This Into One Of The Best Cinematic Games Ever Made
Death Stranding
- Released
- November 8, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Action
After showcasing a love for cinema in Metal Gear Solid, Kojima pushed boundaries further in Death Stranding, offering a surreal mix of storytelling and film-like presentation. Sweeping shots of Sam traveling through desolate landscapes alternate with calmer moments that explore the plot in more detail, producing a cinematic structure.
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On top of Hideo Kojima’s techniques, Death Stranding is known for its cast of Hollywood actors, including Norman Reedus and Mads Mikkelsen, who give strong performances. The game also has many cutscenes, like any other game made by Hideo Kojima, adding to its cinematic experience.
2 The Last Of Us Part 2
A True Masterpiece From Naughty Dog
The Last of Us Part 2
- Released
- June 19, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
Like the first installment, The Last of Us Part 2 carries a cinematic approach throughout, presenting a layered story of revenge focused on Ellie and Abby. This action-adventure from Naughty Dog offers a blunt look at the limits a person must reach to stay alive under extreme conditions.
Though it remains a video game with strong gameplay, The Last of Us Part 2 shines most through its artistic direction, relying on common film camera work. While exploring Ellie and Abby’s motives, participants see the story told through continuous shots and intense action sequences. The excellent motion capture adds life to every character, giving them high-quality expressions and performances.
1 Red Dead Redemption 2
Arthur Morgan’s Journey Is The Best Cinematic Game Ever Made
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Released
- October 26, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
Arthur Morgan’s path across the American Old West is a leading example of how a video game should build its storytelling, also resulting in one of the best cinematic games around. Rockstar’s work is flawless here, with intriguing characters and breathtaking landscapes that boost the game’s overall quality.
The main highlight of Red Dead Redemption 2 lies in Arthur Morgan’s story, which examines loyalty and redemption. As the plot advances, he questions his own choices and the values of his gang. It is a journey with strong scenes - like the talk with the nun in Saint Dennis - and a powerful ending that closes Arthur’s story in a masterful way, especially for those who chose a path of high honor.
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