The Last of Us pilot — out now on Disney+ Hotstar — was a tremendous showcase of breaking the video game adaptation curse, by putting faith in the source material's writing. The inclusion of Neil Druckmann — the writer of the original 2013 PlayStation game — coupled with Craig Mazin's (Chernobyl) filmmaking expertise on the HBO show, strengthened the belief in core fans that this could be special, and it did indeed deliver beautifully. While a good chunk of the pilot felt like a shot-by-shot remake, it was nuances in filming techniques that made it even more special. Scrambled eggs looked naturally pale yellow instead of orange. Characters could be seen actually eating their food instead of fiddling around with it. Above all, this being an HBO show, most shots were handheld, which only serves to pull you into the emotionally trembling psyche of the desperate survivors.
Despite bearing a similarly dystopian, post-apocalyptic setting as most zombie-killing pieces of media, The Last of Us show's writing, which help us relate to Joel's heartbroken state. The pilot was superbly well done, and it only gets us excited for the weeks to come!
That said, this HBO series wasn't the only piece of traditional media to nail a video game adaptation. So while we wait until every Monday for a new episode, here's a list of a few great movies and TV shows adapted from video games that you can watch or re-watch, to keep you busy.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 6u6w1m
Save for the Blade Runner-esque world-building — plagued with machines, sex, and body modification — Cyberpunk: Edgerunners runs almost separately from the actual video game, simply using the universe as a device to capture the underdog tale of a street kid, David. With Studio Trigger being involved as the animator for this one, we're presented with an exaggerated, dynamic art style that plays with bodily physics and benefits from its neon-lit colour palette.
For an anime of this calibre, it is certainly adult-oriented, featuring plenty of gore, bullets, and violence, in addition to a set of eccentric characters, who grow on you with time — posing questions within you on which side to root for. It also gave the once-tarnished new lease on life.
Watch the Trailer for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Studio Trigger is known for incorporating exaggerated art style in their works
Photo Credit: Netflix
Silent Hill (2006) 6h1s6q
Based on the popular horror game series first released in 1999, the first Silent Hill film was released in 2006, and closely follows the events and characters of the game, but with a few changes for cinematic improvements. While the movie explored far too many different horror themes and sub-plots including supernatural creatures and a strange cult, it has been largely praised for capturing the tone and feel of the video games it's based on.
Silent Hill F, 2 Remake, Return to Silent Hill Movie Announced: All Details
Sonic the Hedgehog 2c1p2v
Although the initial CGI designs of Jim Carrey as the antagonist Dr. Robotnik, as well as some neat throwbacks to the original Sonic games from the 1990s. It might silly at times, but fans of Sonic will be pleased nonetheless.
Sonic the Hedgehog Movie Review: Trying to Be Deadpool for Kids, but Missing Sonic's Appeal

The titular speedster is voiced by Ben Schwartz in the movie
Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures/ Sega
Arcane 275a5p
When it comes to extensive lore-building, no one holds a candle to Arcane.
This Arcane is deservedly a must-watch for both fans and novices in the franchise alike.
The Witcher series 5j333u
For fans of CD Projekt Red games.
The Witcher Review: Netflix's Game of Thrones Has More Magic and Beasts, but Less Oomph

Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher
Photo Credit: Netflix