15 Best Horror Movies Based on Video Games

Horror video games have been frightening players since the ’90s, and filmmakers have long tried to translate that fear to the screen. Adaptations run the gamut from faithful recreations of a game’s mood and imagery to movies that borrow only a title. When they work, they capture the atmosphere and iconography that made the originals memorable; when they don’t, the connection can feel superficial.

Five Nights at Freddy’s began as a 2014 indie hit and became a 2023 film starring Josh Hutcherson, co-written by series creator Scott Cawthon; critics were mixed, fans reacted positively, and the movie did exceptionally well at the box office. Until Dawn’s film outing shares almost nothing with the original game beyond its name: the wendigo returns, but the characters differ and a time loop concept replaces the game’s structure, earning mixed to above-average reviews.

Some adaptations stay closer to their roots.

horror movies, video games, game adaptations, five nights, josh hutcherson, scott cawthon, until dawn, wendigo, time loop, box office