Some gamers love complaining and remarking on how good old times were. However, even they have to admit that in terms of TV shows and movies based on video games, we’ve made an incredible improvement. In 2025, numerous new and returning productions based on digital adventures will hit cinemas, TV, and streaming services. Here’s a list of video game adaptations that are particularly worth noticing.
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Castlevania: Nocturne Season 2
- Premiere day: January 16
- Distribution: Streaming (Netflix)
Season 2 of Castlevania: Nocturne continues the saga of Richter Belmont and his allies as they confront a growing vampire cult during the French Revolution. The season introduces deeper character development and intense action sequences. Richter, alongside Alucard and Annette, battles the cult’s leader, Erszebet Bathory, who seeks godhood through the Egyptian goddess Sekhmet. Meanwhile, Maria and Juste Belmont face personal struggles and revenge-driven conflicts.
My only problem with Castlevania: Nocturne is that the gap between the premiere season’s finale and the new chapter was so big that I barely remembered the plot and minor characters have slipped my mind completely.
Devil May Cry
- Premiere day: April 3
- Distribution: Streaming (Netflix)
The Devil May Cry animated series brings the iconic hack-and-slash franchise to life. Created by Adi Shankar and animated by Studio Mir, the show follows Dante, a charismatic and wise-cracking demon hunter, as he battles supernatural forces with his signature dual pistols and sword. Known for its blend of gothic themes, action-packed sequences, and Dante’s irreverent humor, the series promises a thrilling and visually stunning experience. With eight episodes in its first season, it aims to capture the essence of the series while introducing it to a new audience.
A Minecraft Movie
- Premiere day: April 4
- Distribution: Movie theaters
The upcoming Minecraft Movie brings the uber-popular video game to life in a live-action adventure. Directed by Jared Hess, the film follows four misfits—Garrett (Jason Momoa), Natalie (Emma Myers), Dawn (Danielle Brooks), and Henry (Sebastian Hansen)—who are transported through a portal into the Overworld, a cubic realm of imagination. Guided by expert crafter Steve (Jack Black), they must master this world, face challenges like Piglins and Zombies, and rediscover their creativity to return home. With humor, action, and a vibrant setting, the movie promises a fun, family-friendly experience.
I’m worried about the movie’s quality. However, I suppose it’s going to be a box office hit because Minecraft is a phenomenon that magically pulls millions of kids around the world. Even children who are not gamers yet love Minecraft, thanks to Lego sets, magazines, and other gadgets.
Until Dawn
- Premiere day: April 25
- Distribution: Movie theaters
The Until Dawn movie is a standalone horror story inspired by the 2015 video game, which has recently received a remake. Directed by David F. Sandberg, it stars Ella Rubin, Michael Cimino, Odessa A’zion, Ji-young Yoo, Belmont Cameli, Maia Mitchell, and Peter Stormare, who also appeared in the game. The plot follows Clover and her friends as they search for her missing sister in a remote valley, only to be trapped in a time loop where they face different terrifying threats each night. The film expands on the game’s mythology while introducing new characters and a fresh narrative.
According to creators, every loop is inspired by another horror subgenre. I must admit that it sounds pretty intriguing.
The Last of Us Season 2
- Premiere day: April
- Distribution: TV (HBO) and streaming (MAX)
The first season of The Last of Us was a blast. Season 2 continues the post-apocalyptic journey of Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey). It is set five years after the first season. The protagonists have settled in Jackson, Wyoming, enjoying a fragile peace within a thriving survivor community. However, a violent event disrupts their lives, propelling Ellie on a relentless quest for justice. The season introduces new characters like Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), Dina (Isabela Merced), and Jesse (Young Mazino) while exploring themes of revenge and the emotional toll of survival.
The Last of Us Part II has been one of the most polarizing video games. I’m curious how the series will handle the key elements that upset many fans.
Mortal Kombat 2
- Premiere day: October 24
- Distribution: Movie theaters
Mortal Kombat 2 continues the saga of Earthrealm’s warriors as they prepare for the Mortal Kombat tournament against Outworld. Directed by Simon McQuoid, the film introduces new characters like Johnny Cage (Karl Urban), Kitana (Adeline Rudolph), and Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford), alongside returning warriors, including Liu Kang (Ludi Lin) and Scorpion (Hiroyuki Sanada). The first movie’s protagonist, Cole Young (Lewis Tan), also returns. I found this character to be one of the lowest points of Mortal Kombat, so I hope this time he gets more interesting or gets sidelined.
On the other hand, Karl Urban, as Johnny Cage, seems like a jackpot. Hence, I’m quite optimistic.
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
- Premiere day: December 5
- Distribution: Movie theaters
The chilling tale of haunted animatronics continues. Directed by Emma Tammi, the film sees the return of Josh Hutcherson as Mike Schmidt, Elizabeth Lail as Vanessa, Piper Rubio as Abby, and Matthew Lillard as William Afton. Based on the second game in the series, the story delves into the eerie mysteries of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, introducing new animatronics and expanding the supernatural lore. With its roots in Scott Cawthon’s iconic video game franchise, the sequel promises more suspense and terror.
Critics panned the 2023 release of Five Nights at Freddy’s, but the audience gave it a pretty solid User Score of 7.8 on Metacritic. I wonder if the sequel will be less polarizing.