2026 Video Game Adaptations: Everything Coming to Screens Next Year
- Sagar Mankar
- 7 minutes ago
- 13 min read
After breaking box office records and winning critical acclaim throughout 2025, Hollywood's love affair with gaming franchises shows no signs of slowing down.
This year proved that video game adaptations have evolved from risky experiments into one of entertainment's most bankable genres, with titles like Minecraft Movie pulling in almost a billion dollars at the global box office.
On the streaming front, Fallout Season 2 has been earning near-perfect reviews as it continues expanding the beloved post-apocalyptic universe with deeper New Vegas lore. HBO's The Last of Us Season 2 maintained the prestige drama excellence of its predecessor with a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score, while Netflix found success with the stylish Devil May Cry anime adaptation and The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep, an animated feature that took viewers deeper into the franchise's rich mythology.
But if you thought 2025 was packed with gaming content, buckle up because 2026 is shaping up to be absolutely massive. From psychological horror to space-faring plumbers, here's your complete guide to every major video game adaptation hitting screens next year.
Return to Silent Hill - January 23
Kicking off 2026's adaptation lineup is Return to Silent Hill, which haunts theaters starting January 23. Director Christophe Gans returns to helm this sequel after delivering the visually stunning 2006 Silent Hill film, and this time he's adapting one of gaming's most beloved horror experiences: Silent Hill 2 from the PlayStation 2 era.
Jeremy Irvine, known for his role in War Horse, steps into the tormented shoes of James Sunderland, a man lured back to the fog-shrouded town by a letter from his deceased wife Mary, played by Hannah Emily Anderson. The film promises to dive deep into the psychological terror that made the game a classic, with James confronting guilt-ridden manifestations of his past as Silent Hill's reality shifts between the normal world and the rusting, decayed Otherworld.
According to production details, Gans co-wrote the screenplay with Sandra Vo-Anh and William Josef Schneider, putting significant effort into recapturing the industrial soundscapes of composer Akira Yamaoka and the oppressive fog-drenched aesthetics that defined the series. Filming took place across locations in Croatia and Belgium, with the production team blending practical effects—including actual Pyramid Head costume suits—with Industrial Light & Magic's visual effects wizardry to bring the game's nightmare creatures to life.
The supporting cast includes Robert Strange and Evie Templeton, alongside iconic Silent Hill figures like the terrifying Pyramid Head, the mysterious Maria, and troubled Eddie. Unlike the 2006 film which focused on the character Heather, this adaptation stays faithful to Silent Hill 2's narrative structure, reportedly including multiple endings that mirror the game's branching conclusion based on player choices.
With a $40 million production budget, the film targets the cult success of the 2006 adaptation, which grossed around $100 million worldwide.
Iron Lung - January 30
Just a week after Silent Hill emerges from the fog, another horror experience surfaces on January 30 with Iron Lung, marking a particularly unique entry in the gaming adaptation space. This project represents YouTuber Markiplier's (Mark Fischbach) directorial debut, adapting David Szymanski's 2022 indie horror sensation.
The game's premise is brilliantly claustrophobic: in the aftermath of an apocalyptic event called the "Quiet Rapture" where all stars mysteriously vanished, dooming humanity, the last survivors send a convict pilot into a blood ocean aboard the rusty Iron Lung submersible. Fischbach himself takes the lead role as the unnamed protagonist, tasked with photographing unspeakable horrors in the crimson depths while his communications with shadowy overlords glitch and fail.
The supporting cast brings gaming credibility with Troy Baker from The Last of Us, fellow YouTuber Jacksepticeye (Seán McLoughlin), Elsie Lovelock, and Caroline Rose Kaplan. The script reportedly stays faithful to the game's 90-minute tension-building experience, featuring pitch-black dives with no HUD interface, just the pilot, their claustrophobic submarine, and whatever biomechanical terrors lurk in the blood-red waters.
As per production details, Fischbach self-financed the project through his Unchained studio, shooting throughout 2025 with an emphasis on practical submarine sets and deep-sea visual effects that echo classics like Das Boot and Event Horizon.
Operating on a micro-budget, Iron Lung represents a passion project from a creator with over 10 million streaming followers who deeply understands what makes horror games tick.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie - April 3
Shifting dramatically from claustrophobic horror to cosmic wonder, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie launches into theaters on April 3, 2026, following up the phenomenon that was 2023's The Super Mario Bros. Movie. That first film's staggering $1.3 billion worldwide gross essentially revitalized the entire video game adaptation genre and proved that Illumination Entertainment had cracked the code for bringing Nintendo's beloved characters to life.
Directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic return to helm this sequel, which draws primary inspiration from the 2007 Nintendo Wii masterpiece that sent Mario on gravity-defying adventures across star-shaped planets. The core voice cast returns with Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as the scene-stealing Bowser, and Keegan-Michael Key as Toad.
New additions inject fresh energy into the expanding cast, with Brie Larson voicing a mysterious character heavily featured in trailers and Benny Safdie lending his voice to Bowser Jr., adding familial dynamics to the villain's storyline. Screenwriter Matthew Fogel's script promises to expand the Mushroom Kingdom into uncharted space realms, featuring the gravity-bending platforming sequences and collectible Power Stars that made the original game magical.
According to reports, Nintendo increased their creative involvement for this sequel, ensuring faithful representation of their IP. The November 2025 trailer showcased this commitment with dazzling planetary sequences, the celestial debut of fan-favorite character Rosalina, and adorable Luma companions fluttering through colorful nebulae.
Production wrapped in early 2026, with leaked concept art fueling speculation about cameos from Wario and Waluigi, potentially setting up an interconnected Nintendo cinematic universe. For longtime gamers, the film promises a nostalgic trip to one of Mario's most acclaimed adventures, complete with Easter eggs like the Comet Observatory and the game's signature gravity-flip mechanics.
With global marketing ramping up through Nintendo Direct presentations and anticipated Super Bowl commercials, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is positioned to launch 2026's box office into orbit. Critics and fans alike are buzzing about its potential to shatter records again, especially given Illumination's proven track record with family-friendly blockbusters like the Despicable Me franchise.
Mortal Kombat II - May 8
May brings the ultra-violent world of Mortal Kombat back to theaters on May 8, and fans have significantly higher hopes for this sequel after the first film landed with mixed results in 2021. That pandemic-era release managed to gross $84 million despite challenging circumstances, and now director Simon McQuoid returns with a bigger budget and lessons learned from the reboot's shortcomings.
Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema are betting big on this R-rated spectacle that expands the lore of Midway and NetherRealm Studios' iconic fighting game franchise. The plot picks up after the first film's events, with Earth's champions including Cole Young (Lewis Tan), Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee), Liu Kang (Ludi Lin), and Jax (Mehcad Brooks) facing an escalated interdimensional threat from Outworld emperor Shao Kahn, who's determined to conquer all realms.
The biggest addition to the roster is fan-favorite Johnny Cage, portrayed by Karl Urban fresh off his acclaimed run in The Boys. Other returning warriors include Kano (Josh Lawson) and Mileena (Sisi Stringer), while the bitter rivalry between Scorpion and Sub-Zero intensifies.
Screenwriter Jeremy Slater, known for The Umbrella Academy, has infused deeper mythology into the script, exploring realms like Edenia and character backstories tied to Mortal Kombat II, the 1993 arcade smash that introduced iconic fighters like Kitana, Baraka, and Reptile. According to production notes, filming wrapped in 2025 across Australian locations, with IMAX enhancements capturing the hyper-kinetic fight choreography delivered by the 87Eleven stunt team, the same crew behind the John Wick franchise.
The production received consultation from series co-creator Ed Boon and the NetherRealm Studios team to ensure authenticity, with comic tie-ins teasing new kombatants like Rain and Noob Saibot joining the roster.
Resident Evil - September 18
September 18 brings yet another attempt to crack the Resident Evil code, but this time there's genuine reason for optimism. Director Zach Cregger, fresh off the critically acclaimed horror hit Barbarian, is helming this complete reboot for Sony Pictures that takes the franchise in a dramatically different direction from both Paul W.S. Anderson's action-heavy film series and Netflix's recent attempts at adaptation.
This reboot serves as a prequel to the 1998 Raccoon City outbreak that started it all, focusing on a single protagonist rather than an ensemble cast. Austin Abrams from The Walking Dead stars as a hapless courier tasked with delivering a mysterious package right as Umbrella Corporation's experiments begin spiraling catastrophically out of control. He's joined by Paul Walter Hauser from Cobra Kai, Zach Cherry who broke through in Severance, and Kali Reis from True Detective.
According to details that have emerged, the film takes an intimate approach to Raccoon City's fall, echoing Resident Evil 2's survival tension with viral mutations, herb-mixing mechanics, and the paranoia that comes from limited resources and overwhelming undead threats. Unlike previous adaptations that went for blockbuster spectacle, Cregger is emphasizing character-driven horror with claustrophobic practical effects.
Filming wrapped in Prague during late 2025, with Constantin Film's production team emphasizing gore influences from legendary effects artist Tom Savini while consulting with Capcom to maintain lore accuracy.
Operating with a roughly $60 million budget, the film is targeting the prestige horror market that's opened up in recent years with films like Midsommar finding both critical and commercial success. Fan excitement has surged following casting announcements, with many viewing this as the faithful adaptation that finally does justice to the survival horror roots that made Resident Evil a phenomenon.
Street Fighter - October 16
October 16 sees another legendary fighting game franchise return to live-action with Street Fighter, and in a remarkable turn of events, a single 46-second teaser at The Game Awards 2025 managed to transform this project from relative obscurity into one of 2026's most anticipated releases. That brief clip captured everything fans love about Capcom's legendary fighter franchise, which has sold over 50 million units since debuting in 1987.
Director Kitao Sakurai, known for Bad Trip and episodes of The Eric Andre Show, brings his action-comedy sensibilities to this Legendary Pictures and Sony production. The film centers on iconic rivals Ryu, played by Andrew Koji from Warrior, and Ken Masters, portrayed by Noah Centineo making a dramatic departure from his rom-com roots. The story brings these former training partners back together amid a global tournament orchestrated by the shadowy Shadaloo criminal organization.
Callina Liang embodies Interpol agent Chun-Li seeking vengeance, while Jason Momoa absolutely transforms himself as the feral Brazilian beast Blanka, his imposing frame and electric abilities promising to be a visual spectacle. The wrestling world contributes two major stars: Roman Reigns growls as the demonic Akuma, and Cody Rhodes brings military precision to fan-favorite Guile. Rapper 50 Cent rounds out the main cast as corrupt boxer Balrog, with David Dastmalchian in a supporting role.
Screenwriter Dalan Musson, who worked on the Twisted Metal TV series, has crafted a 1990s-era origin story that blends Street Fighter II's World Warrior tournament with street-level grittiness. According to production details, the film features Hadoken fireballs, Spinning Bird Kicks, and Psycho Power clashes brought to life through practical stunts enhanced by Weta Digital's visual effects wizardry.
Announced back in 2023, Capcom provided oversight to ensure character movesets translate faithfully from pixels to live-action, addressing concerns left over from past adaptation failures like the 1994 film despite Raul Julia's memorable performance.
With a budget exceeding $100 million, the studio is targeting both arcade nostalgia and broader mainstream appeal, supported by tie-in comics and mobile game crossovers. Fans have particularly praised the ensemble's physicality, from Koji's authentic martial arts background to Momoa's complete physical transformation for the Blanka role.
Angry Birds 3 - December 23
Closing out 2026's film slate on December 23 is The Angry Birds Movie 3, extending Rovio's slingshot saga that has already earned over $500 million across two films. Director John Rice returns after helming The Angry Birds Movie 2, bringing back the core voice cast including Jason Sudeikis as the explosive Red, Josh Gad as speedy Chuck, Rachel Bloom as Silver, and Danny McBride as Bomb. Anthony Padilla from Smosh joins as Hal.
Fresh voices inject Gen-Z appeal into the franchise with Walker Scobell from Percy Jackson, Lily James, Emma Myers from Wednesday, and Tim Robinson from I Think You Should Leave. In a move clearly targeting viral marketing, YouTube star MrBeast and Salish Matter have been cast in undisclosed roles that will almost certainly generate massive social media buzz.
The plot reportedly centers on a holiday-timed quest for Red and Chuck against either piggie/zombie foes or eagle invaders, blending the destruction physics that made the mobile game addictive with heartfelt character growth on Bird Island. The screenplay evolves the family comedy formula with action setpieces that mirror the game's catapult-launching mechanics and egg-heist antics that billions of mobile players know by heart.
Produced by Rovio Entertainment and Prime Focus, the animation has been upgraded through DNEG's work, promising enhanced feathery fluidity and more detailed environments. Positioning itself as Christmas counterprogramming, the film eyes family audience dominance similar to the first movie's $350 million global haul. For fans of the mobile game that has generated over 2 billion downloads, expect the return of Mighty Eagle wisdom and Leonard's scheming alongside the core flock's destructive problem-solving.
TV and Streaming Series Dominating 2026
While theatrical releases grab headlines, the small screen is equally packed with gaming adaptations that are generating serious buzz.
Fallout Season 2 wraps up its acclaimed run with a grand finale set in New Vegas dropping February 4, 2026. The season has been airing weekly episodes since late 2025, earning near-perfect reviews for deepening the franchise's post-apocalyptic lore while bringing fresh innovations to the wasteland. Macaulay Culkin's addition to the cast as a "crazy genius" character has been particularly well-received, adding unexpected depth to an already stellar ensemble.
Devil May Cry Season 2 arrives on Netflix May 12, 2026, following the massive success of the first season that premiered this past April. Produced by Adi Shankar, who previously delivered the acclaimed Castlevania adaptation, and animated by the talented Studio Mir, this season focuses on the complex rivalry between demon hunter Dante and his twin brother Vergil. The stylish action and faithful character work from season one has fans eagerly anticipating this continuation.
God of War begins production this March in Vancouver for Prime Video, with a two-season order already locked in. Ronald D. Moore, the legendary showrunner behind Battlestar Galactica's reboot, has taken the reins for this adaptation of the 2018 Norse saga focusing on Kratos and his son Atreus. While the series likely won't premiere until late 2026 or possibly 2027, the pedigree behind the cameras has fans cautiously optimistic that this adaptation will do justice to one of PlayStation's most acclaimed franchises.
Among Us has completed production for its animated series featuring voice talent from Patton Oswalt and Randall Park, with fans currently waiting for final confirmation on which major streaming platform will host the "impostor" chaos. The timing couldn't be better given the franchise's continued popularity and the "Year of the Impostor" marketing push. Expect an announcement regarding the premiere date and streaming home sometime in mid-2026.
Major Announcements from 2025
While 2026's slate is impressively packed, 2025 saw a flurry of new adaptation announcements that signal the industry's continued investment in gaming IP. These projects are in various stages of development, with most targeting 2027 releases or beyond.
Helldivers 2 got the live-action film treatment announced at CES 2025 on January 6. Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions are co-developing this project following the game's massive 2024 success. Director Justin Lin has been teased as a potential helmsman for this action-comedy centered on "super earth" democracy wars, complete with the game's satirical edge and cooperative chaos.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 received an unusual pre-game launch adaptation announcement on January 30. Story Kitchen and Sandfall Interactive are developing a live-action film based on this Xbox RPG featuring turn-based combat and a paint-themed curse mechanic. It's rare to see adaptations greenlit before the source game even releases, showing how confident studios have become in the adaptation model.
Sifu landed at Netflix, with Story Kitchen and the 87Eleven stunt team producing. T.S. Nowlin penned the script for this martial arts revenge tale, with John Wick creator Chad Stahelski serving as producer. Given Stahelski's track record with kinetic action choreography and the game's brutally satisfying kung fu combat, expectations are sky-high.
Split Fiction sparked a bidding war won by director Jon M. Chu, with Sydney Sweeney attached to star in this adaptation of the hit indie game. Zombieland writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick are handling screenplay duties, announced March 20.
OutRun revs up at Universal with Michael Bay producing and Sydney Sweeney starring in this arcade racing adaptation announced April 21. The high-speed thriller promises to capture the aesthetic and adrenaline of Sega's legendary racing game.
Elden Ring might be the most exciting announcement of the year, revealed May 22. A24 and director Alex Garland are teaming up to adapt FromSoftware's open-world masterpiece, with George R.R. Martin producing alongside his involvement in the game's lore. This combination of talent has fans dreaming of a prestige fantasy epic.
Call of Duty officially confirmed its long-rumored film adaptation on September 2, with creative team details following October 30. Paramount and Activision tapped Taylor Sheridan and Peter Berg to co-write and direct this modern military operations thriller as part of a multi-year deal.
The Medium brings psychological horror to screens via Coin Operated, with IT and Annabelle writer Gary Dauberman handling the script for this dual-reality thriller announced July 30.
Death Stranding expands beyond film into an animated series titled "Isolations" for Disney+, announced November 13. Kojima Productions and director Takayuki Sano are crafting a new hand-drawn 2D story set in the universe, targeting a 2027 premiere.
Additional productions that began filming in 2025 include The Mortuary Assistant, a horror film directed by Jeremiah Kipp and starring Willa Holland, and Watch Dogs, which started shooting in July under director Mathieu Turi with Tom Blyth and Sophia Wilde leading the cast.
Delayed but Not Forgotten
Several major projects initially rumored for 2026 have been officially pushed to 2027 to ensure production quality meets expectations. The Legend of Zelda live-action film now targets March 26, 2027, while Sonic the Hedgehog 4 races toward March 19, 2027. A24's Death Stranding film remains slated for sometime in 2027, separate from the Disney+ animated series.
Other projects were announced years ago, like Assassin’s Creed Series and Life is Strange TV Series, but are now moving forward, while some are still in the early concept stage. These games are:
A24's Overcooked
Roblox's Grow a Garden
Amazon's Life is Strange TV Series
Bioshock
Just Cause
Magic: The Gathering
Vampire Survivors
Ghost of Tsushima Anime
Which one are you most excited about? Personally, I’m a big Nintendo fan and can’t wait for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Let me know your pick, share your thoughts in the comments, and follow Gaming Amigos on X, Bluesky, and Google News.