Studios are treating video game movies with far more care now, and the difference shows. Instead of quick cash-ins, the new wave of adaptations comes with bigger worlds, better writing, and filmmakers who clearly understand what made these games popular in the first place. Audiences can feel that shift, which is why people talk about these releases months before they arrive. The excitement isn’t forced; it comes from seeing familiar game worlds finally given room to breathe on the big screen.
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These adaptations are fun experiences within the realm of video game adaptations.
The upcoming video game adaptation lineup covers a wide range of genres, so fans of everything from horror to family-friendly movies get something. Anyone who has spent hours with a controller in hand can look at these films and instantly recognize pieces of the worlds they loved. It’s also worth mentioning that the second season of the popular Fallout series is expected to start airing from December 17, 2025, so fans can go check it out as we look at some of the most exciting video game movies to drop between now and the end of 2026.
Five Nights At Freddy’s 2
Expected Release Date: December 5, 2025
- The story picks up just over a year after the first film, with Abby sneaking out to reconnect with Freddy and the animatronics to uncover dark secrets about Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza.
- Goes deeper into the true origins of the haunted restaurant, promising more hidden horror and lore than before.
This sequel picks up where the first left off, bringing in a new night guard alongside familiar faces as the animatronics become more unpredictable and sinister. Instead of relying purely on jump scares, it builds tension through quiet, creepy moments, squeaky joints, flickering lights, and the eerie echo of a child’s laugh, making the pizzeria feel more haunted than ever.
Five Nights At Freddy’s 2 also deepens the mystery around the company behind the robots, hinting at dark secrets and emotional grudges. Visually, it tries to mix the glitzy stage presence of the animatronics with dirty, shadow-filled backrooms, creating an unsettling contrast. Fans can expect Five Nights At Freddy’s 2 to be a bit scarier than the first installment. The movie is expected to be released on December 5, 2025, in North America and the UK.
Return To Silent Hill
Expected Release Date: January 23, 2026
- James Sunderland goes back to Silent Hill, where he hopes to find his lost love.
- The film is based loosely on Silent Hill 2, bringing both familiar and new monstrous visions while exploring deep psychological horror.
Return to Silent Hill brings the story back to the eerie town that fans know from the games, but the movie keeps the focus on one man trying to understand why he has been called there. The tone of the movie doesn’t deviate from that of the Silent Hill games; it’s slow, emotional, psychological, and mysterious.
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The focus of the movie stays on the main character’s emotional state as he tries to understand why he was brought back and what the town is trying to show him. People who like horror that plays with ideas of memory, grief, and surrealism, and who love a spooky atmosphere will find this movie interesting. It’s scheduled for release on January 23, 2026.
Mortal Kombat 2
Expected Release Date: May 8, 2026
- The Champions of Earthrealm come together to defend their realm from Outworld.
- Larger, more brutal tournament conflict.
Mortal Kombat 2 raises the stakes from the first movie by expanding the conflict between Earthrealm and Outworld and by testing the loyalties of the fighters. Of course, the story brings back familiar heroes and adds new fighters who upset old alliances, so the action feels like it has real personal cost.
The movie’s tone tries to keep the franchise’s savage edge while adding more dramatic beats about trust and betrayal among the fighters. Those who enjoy high-energy, violent battles will find this sequel louder and riskier than the first movie, with a larger scope that hints at bigger wars to come. Mortal Kombat 2 is expected to drop on May 8, 2026, rather than May 15 as previously announced.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Expected Release Date: April 3, 2026
- Mario, Luigi, Peach, and other Mushroom Kingdom friends embark on a space-faring adventure inspired by Super Mario Galaxy.
- The film brings back the main voice cast (Chris Pratt as Mario, etc.) And features classic Mario creatures, along with new ones and a cosmic storyline.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is set to open in theaters on April 3, 2026, and Universal Pictures will distribute it worldwide through Illumination and Nintendo’s partnership. The movie takes Mario into outer space and treats each planet like a bright, condensed level from the game. It sends Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad across strange, fantastical worlds to rescue Bowser and face his son, Bowser Jr.
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For viewers who love the game series, the film offers plenty of nods and visual Easter Eggs. The movie keeps the light, family-friendly tone of the Mario franchise while also providing quick emotional moments that make the characters feel warm and real.
Resident Evil
Expected Release Date: September 18, 2026
- This is a fresh reboot of the Resident Evil film series from Zach Cregger, the director of the 2025 horror hit Weapons.
- The film follows a medical courier navigating a viral outbreak in a story that evokes the classic survival horror from the games.
If nothing changes, Resident Evil will be in theaters on September 18, 2026. The reboot takes a smaller, more focused approach to the story by following a group of survivors trapped during a fast-spreading viral outbreak. The movie embraces the pressure of being stuck in tight spaces with limited time and almost no help.
Instead of big, over-the-top battles, the movie is more about danger in close, with dark hallways, blocked exits, power failures, and situations where any nearby person might already be infected. For long-time RE fans, the film will likely plant familiar seeds and references, while for newcomers, it offers a lean, intense horror movie.
Street Fighter
Expected Release Date: October 16, 2026
- The movie is the latest reboot of the Street Fighter franchise with some of big Hollywood stars (like Jason Momoa and 50 Cent) joining the cast.
- It promises intense martial arts action and a return to familiar fighting game rivalries.
This new adaptation takes the World Warrior circuit and gives it a mix of old-school charm and modern energy. The story takes place in the early ’90s, which gives the movie a retro vibe akin to the early Street Fighter games it is based on. Outside the fighting tournament, a criminal group operates behind the scenes, turning the fighters’ journey into something more than just a simple competition.
The cast is made up of actors, wrestlers, and comedians, creating surprising chemistry that fits the game’s mix of strong personalities. Expect to see stars like Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji, Jason Momoa, David Dastmalchian, Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson, and many more. The film was supposed to be released in March 2026, but was pushed to October 16, 2026, due to distribution issues.
Angry Birds 3
Expected Release Date: December 23, 2026
- It’s expected to continue the animated franchise’s comedic and adventurous tone.
- Voiced by some big stars, including Tim Robinson, Emma Myers, Mr. Beast, and Keke Palmer.
Angry Birds 3 takes the birds and pigs on a bigger adventure than before. A new danger forces both sides to work together, creating plenty of funny, awkward moments as old enemies try to act like teammates. The film will likely maintain the silly humor and fast-paced slapstick that made the series popular, but the scale is much larger. Instead of staying on their islands, the characters travel to new places, attempt daring missions, and get caught in chaotic chases.
The animation is smooth and lively, filled with bright colors and clever visual jokes. The returning voice actors help maintain the familiar charm, while new voices like Mr. Beast add fresh energy. As a holiday release, it aims to deliver a warm, light comedy with plenty of heart and a lot of feathers flying just in time for Christmas 2026.
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Big screen adaptations, such as A Minecraft Movie and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, excel at accurately capturing the look and feel of the video games.