Although the idea of horror movies inspired by and based on video games has a bit of a negative stigma attached to it, recent additions to the genre in both mediums have come a long way. People are quick to bring up titles like the Super Mario Bros. movie and the Resident Evil series, but what about films like the recent Sonic the Hedgehog or Detective Pikachu? They may not be horror movies, but they're definitely better than the average video game film adaptation.
If there is one genre that could use a trip through the arcade, it's the realms of horror. Think about it, there are tons of horror titles in gaming, why haven't they been made into films?
Pac-Man
Before any eyes are rolled, consider the following. What is the basic premise of Pac-Man? The game is essentially about a character running through a maze being chased by evil spirits. That certainly sounds like it could have some horror flick roots.
Although some serious reimagining needs to take place, Pac-Man himself could be the hero to prevail against the undead. At least, it would be a new interpretation of the game.
Dead Space
How many movies are there about zombies in space? Granted, the Necromorphs seen in Dead Space are from from the average shambling corpse stalking its prey down a hallway, but seeing them on the big screen would definitely sell some tickets.
The game itself was one of the scariest experiences delivered to the PlayStation, there are few logical reasons why it wouldn't make a great monster movie. Now, who to cast as Isaac Clarke?
Dante’s Inferno
Although the video game got its own movie adaptation with Dante's Inferno: The Animated Epic, both the game and its source material lend itself to a fully-realized feature film with some of the most terrifying demons ever spawned.
The save-the-damsel-in-distress clot might need a bit of an overhaul, but the visuals, scale, and scares would be incredible. Not to mention, the nine circles of the Inferno will allow the filmmakers to be as gruesome and gory as they please.
Dark Souls Series
Speaking of things that are gruesome and gory, why not adapt the most frustrating, unfair, and thematically heavy video game of them all? Fantasy and horror are two genres that don't really mix as much in film as some would like, but, when they do, some serious masterpieces can happen.
Imagine what could be done if a Souls movie were brought to life. The medieval fantasy aspect would be hauntingly beautiful, but the monsters and mutilations would be splattering the camera left and right.
Bloodborne
One can't talk about the Souls series without mentioning Bloodborne. As popular as the works of H.P. Lovecraft are, it's a wonder a film equivalent to the gothic horror game hasn't been created already.
Just imagine a film following a leather-clad hunter through the monster-infested streets. There would be more than enough jump-scares and action to satisfy and a hardcore horror hound. Get Guillermo del Toro on the project, and it will be an absolute winner.
Diablo
Yet another adaptation that would be perfectly at home in the dark fantasy genre is Diablo. The best way to go about this film would be something along the lines of a demon-slaying Fellowship of the Ring. In all honesty, would that really be such a bad idea?
Gather a team of Heroes, send them on a quest to defeat the ultimate evil, give them various weapons to combat horrific monsters, and let the mayhem begin. It's as simple as that.
Call of Duty: Zombies in Spaceland
While the series might be more famous for it's "Nazi Zombies" game mode, the bombastic and ridiculous horror-movie-inspired levels in Call of Duty: Infinite's "Zombies In Spaceland" would make for an awesome horror comedy that would rival the likes of Zombieland.
Whether it's live-action or animated is entirely up to the studio in charge of adapting it, but, either way, there's a lot of fun to be had in this concept—especially if there's a cameo from David Hasselhoff.
Mortal Kombat
Although there's already a new Mortal Kombat adaptation in the works, one can't deny that it has some horror movie potential. It's one of the goriest and gruesomest games in the history of the medium, why not make it a glorious bloodfest on film, as well?
It would have to lose a few of the series more tongue-in-cheek comedic elements, but a Kung Fu horror movie is entirely possible given the right direction and script. Honestly, who wouldn't want to see a few more realistic Fatalities?
Until Dawn/The Dark Pictures Series
Until Dawn and it's spinoff series, The Dark Pictures, were both heavily inspired by horror movies in the first place, so why not go full circle and make them into movies? The games already have a sprinkling of well-known character actors like Rami Malek and Peter Stormare, making the transition to the big screen almost seamless. Provided the right director and writer are in charge, things could get scarier when player control is taken away.
Bioshock
Although it's been ages since we've heard anything from the game's developers, a film based on the steampunk horror sensation that is Bioshock would be inspired. Even if it's something like a prequel or reimagining, a survival horror feature set in the ruined underwater labyrinth of Rapture would be nothing short of chilling.
With his hulking mass, helmet, and drill, how has Big Daddy not become a standout slasher character yet? It's more than just a missed opportunity at this stage.