'Five Nights at Freddy’s 2' has arrived. Get ready for other video game adaptations to be excited about

The sequel to the chilling animatronic horror film Five Nights at Freddys is set to hit theaters this weekend, returning with stars Josh Hutcherson, Piper Rubio, and Matthew Lillard, joined by newcomers Mckenna Grace and Wayne Knight. The first film, released in 2023, drew heavily from the fan-favorite survival video game series, and now the franchise continues to expand.

Video game adaptations are becoming increasingly influential in Hollywood, with some suggesting they may rival superhero films as the dominant intellectual property in entertainment. Recent successes such as the 2023 Super Mario Bros. Movie and this years Minecraft Movie have proven that these adaptations can achieve massive box office results. Not every adaptation hits the mark, howevermovies like 2022s Uncharted, 2018s Tomb Raider, and last years Borderlands received criticism for failing to capture the essence of their source games. Still, successful adaptations generate significant returns and encourage more projects in this space.

Upcoming Video Game-Based Films

Return to Silent Hill (January 23, 2026)

The survival horror franchise returns with a sequel directed by Christophe Gans, who helmed the 2006 Silent Hill. Based on the 2001 game Silent Hill 2, the story follows James Sunderland (Jeremy Irvine) as he is lured back to the eerie town by a letter from a past love. Additionally, a new Resident Evil movie, directed by Zach Cregger, is planned for 2026.

Super Mario Bros. Galaxy (April 3, 2026)

Following the success of the first film, Chris Pratt returns as Mario, joined by Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, and new cast member Brie Larson as Rosalina, promising another colorful adventure in the Mushroom Kingdom.

Mortal Kombat II (May 8, 2026)

Karl Urban stars as Johnny Cage, a washed-up actor drawn into a high-stakes cross-realm tournament that could determine Earths fate.

Street Fighter (October 16, 2026)

This live-action adaptation brings together a new ensemble cast including Noah Centineo, Roman Reigns, Orville Peck, Eric Andr, 50 Cent, and Jason Momoa for a fresh take on the iconic fighting game series.

The Angry Birds Movie 3 (December 23, 2026)

The feisty birds return for a third installment, featuring a new voice for the little bird character, Psalm West, just in time for the holiday season.

Untitled Minecraft Sequel (2027)

After the first Minecraft Movie broke box office records, a sequel has been greenlit with director Jared Hess returning. Original cast members, including Jason Momoa and Jack Black, will reprise their roles.

The Legend of Zelda (2027)

A live-action adaptation of the legendary video game franchise is scheduled for 2027. Directed by Wes Ball of the Maze Runner series, the film will bring the epic adventures of Link and Zelda to the big screen.

Pokmon: Detective Pikachu Sequel (TBA)

Pikachu returns in a follow-up to the 2019 live-action film Pokmon: Detective Pikachu, which featured Ryan Reynolds voice performance. Details on the returning cast remain uncertain.

God of War Ragnarok (TBA)

Amazon Studios is developing a TV series adaptation of the acclaimed game God of War Ragnarok, with two seasons ordered. The series will follow Kratos and his son Atreus as they navigate Norse mythology in a quest inspired by the 2022 game.

Author: Jackson Miller