
Some of the greatest movies of all time are often the inspiration for the new generation of video games. Here’s a look at some of the best games around that have been inspired by movies.
They say an image is worth a thousand words; that be the case, then movies make up for an entire library of words! Few mediums cater to the human sentiment as much as a well-made movie. Storylines these days portray subjects and characters which more often than not, easily reach out to the common man.
At times though, the movie plot may seem a little too far fetched and unrealistic. It may revolve around larger-than-life characters we would all be envious of. Great movies, and sometimes, even the not-so-great ones, draw a huge fan following. It is an absolute goldmine for companies who can tap on this crazy fan following, and release movie-inspired goods and merchandise for the die-hard fans.
One of the biggest emerging trend that has propped up in recent years is the release of video games based on blockbuster films. These games give the user an opportunity to live the life of their favorite character(s) from the movie, and go about their business of saving the world from the dark forces, bashing up the bad guys, or simply go around gallivanting through the surprisingly realistic virtual world of their heroes. Given below are some of the best movie-inspired games, that have really caught on with the fanboys.
The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay

Movie : Pitch Black
Publisher : VU Games
Genre : Action
Release Date : Aug 13, ’04
Platform : PC Xbox
Image Source: gamespot.com
In what is probably one of the best adaptations of a movie ever, the user gets to step into the shoes of Richard B. Riddick, played by Vin Diesel. The visuals are stunning, and it is loads of fun going around slashing away at all the opponents who dare stand up to you. The graphics in this first-person shooter are beautifully complemented by the gripping storyline and the dialogs. The only letdown, if at all, is the fact that you cannot compete with your friends, as the game doesn’t have a multiplayer mode. Also, the game is fairly short, but then again, we don’t think we would be able to get enough of this great game either way.
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

Movie : Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
Publisher : EA Games
Genre : Action
Release Date : Oct 31, ’03
Platform : PC PS2 Xbox
Image Source : gamespot.com
Ever wondered how it would feel to brandish a shining sword, carry a mighty battle ax, or walk around wielding a mystical staff – well this is the perfect game for you. The perfect gift for any Lord of the Rings fan, this role-playing game is an absolute treat. The visuals are spellbinding, and the game-play is extremely well thought out. The video sequences from the actual movie add to the feel of this game. All in all, the game does complete justice to the movie, and makes for a great sequel.
Shark Tale

Movie : Shark Tale
Publisher : Activision
Genre : Action
Release Date : Oct 1, ’04
Platform : PC PS2 Xbox
Image Source : gamespot.com
Shark Tale is a rather cute and well-made game on the lines of the animated movie that it shares its title with. The animation and transition through the game is very smooth, and the various levels in it will keep you engrossed in it for hours together. The game is hardly ever monotonous, with different modes of play across various levels. You’re in for a fun ride, as you swim, dance, chase, and even punch your way through the game.
The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction

Movie : Hulk
Publisher : VU Games
Genre : Action
Release Date : Aug 23, ’05
Platform : PS2 Xbox
Image Source : gamespot.com
Every fan of the Marvel comic series has secretly wanted to be as super-powerful as the amazing Hulk (I know I have!). So here’s your chance to ‘go green’, and do some serious stomping and crushing, as you play Hulk in this adaptation of the movie with the same title. Nothing quite compares to the thrill of playing this green monster, who makes for quite the anti-hero! The game lacks a good story, but then again, all that you would love to do with him is smash things around, running and jumping around the city. The simplicity of the game and the sheer persona of Hulk transform this into a fun and engrossing game.
Finding Nemo

Movie : Finding Nemo
Publisher : THQ
Genre : Action
Release Date : May 5, ’03
Platform : PC PS2 Xbox
Image Source : gamespot.com
Based on one of the most successful animated films of all time, the game Finding Nemo, does a good job of recreating the magic of the movie. The game itself is fairly simple, although the gameplay leaves a lot to be desired. The cut scenes from the movie, however, bring life to the otherwise draggy game. The game has several levels, with various mini-games within them. This game delivers on the cuteness quotient, and the characters have been loved by audiences across all age groups.
The Incredibles

Movie : The Incredibles
Publisher : THQ
Genre : Action
Release Date : Nov 5, ’04
Platform : PC PS2 Xbox
Image Source : gamespot.com
Wish you had a secret identity, and an equally amazing partner to go with it? Your wish has just been granted; the Incredibles game, based on the hugely popular animated movie, gives you the chance to save the world, and that too with your lovely spouse by your side. The visuals look crisp and beautiful, in true Disney style, although the gameplay is a major letdown. The game follows the storyline of the movie, but doesn’t quite do justice to it. The game is fairly short, and kids would love the idea of playing Mr. Incredible, or the equally wonderful Mrs. Incredible.
Enter the Matrix

Movie : Matrix Reloaded
Publisher : Atari
Genre : Action
Release Date : May 14, ’03
Platform : PC PS2 Xbox
Image Source : gamespot.com
The Matrix series took visual effects, and ironically believably unbelievable special effects to a whole new level. It got people sitting open-mouthed, gawking at the feline moves of Neo, wondering if the guy has a spine, as he effortlessly dodges the bullets; the secret is now out, and you too can move around like the ‘chosen one’ – well almost! The game based on the second installment of the Matrix series – Matrix Reloaded, sold like hot cakes right from its launch. The game is set in a splendid out-of-the-world universe, and the gameplay is fairly decent. The major disappointment here is that you don’t get to play the protagonist, Neo, from the movie. Instead, you get to choose from two characters – Niobe and Ghost. Although the game doesn’t quite deliver the goods when it comes to gaming experience, it is still a must-have addition to any Matrix fan’s kitty.
Shrek SuperSlam

Movie : Shrek
Publisher : Activision
Genre : Action
Release Date : Nov 18, ’05
Platform : PC PS2 Xbox
Image Source : gamespot.com
To think that you could have an ogre and lovable in the same sentence – Shrek came along and changed it all. The Shrek series was one of the biggest box-office hits as far as animated films are concerned. Shrek SuperSlam brings all the goodness of the movies, along with an added dose of humor to go with it. You can choose to play any of the 20 characters from the movie, right from the mighty Shrek, to the vain Prince Charming. Each character has a special attack move, which can be used to ‘slam’ the opponents after giving them a good dose of beating. There is little else to the game really other than going around bashing ’em opponents up, which makes it a hit amongst the kids.
The Godfather

Movie : The Godfather
Publisher : Electronic Arts
Genre : Action
Release Date : Apr 2, ’07
Platform : PC PS2 Xbox
Image Source : gamespot.com
Few movies can ever compare to the legendary Godfather series. The game inspired by this classic movie had some rather high expectations of it, even before its release. Although it isn’t exactly the best game around, it does do a pretty good job of portraying the characters of the film and getting the user involved in the game. The graphics don’t light the screen up, but get the job done. Gameplay is fairly easy, and the missions are interesting, revolving around the plot of the original Godfather movie. The dialogs and the music are excellent, and do justice to the original score. The characters look very much like their reel-life models, all in all, making this a good game to own.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Movie : Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Publisher : Electronic Arts
Genre : Action
Release Date : Nov 11, ’05
Platform : PC PS2 Xbox
Image Source : gamespot.com
Based on the fourth book of the popular Harry Potter series, this game has all the elements to grip you, much like the movies themselves. The immensely popular characters from the movie series come to life, as you set out on Harry’s seemingly never-ending quest to find answers about his life. The visuals in the game are an absolute treat to the eyes, and gameplay is a breeze. The plot unfolds on similar lines to the movie, and the cut sequences transport you into the land of magic and sorcery. We do wish though there were more sequences added from the original movie, but Potter fans are always wishing for the moon now, aren’t we!
In what seems to be a reverse trend, filmmakers are now making movies based on popular games, to cash in on their success. At the end of the day though, whether it is games inspired by movies, or the other way round, gamers around the world rejoice, as they see their favorite character come to life.