Top Animated Series That Bring Video Games to Life!

Summary

More quality video game adaptations now exist, particularly in animated shows.
Some showrunners’ fandom of the games leads to accurate and visually appealing adaptations.
Series like Castlevania and Arcane display storytelling evolution and fresh direction.

In the past, it seemed like any attempt to adapt a video game was doomed to fail. But as time moved forward, higher-quality adaptations started appearing, especially in the realm of animated TV shows. As a follower who appreciates both video games and animation, I’ve witnessed how these adaptations have managed to connect gaming enthusiasts like me with a wider audience. From established video game franchises to recent blockbusters, they’ve proven to be a successful bridge between the two worlds.

It’s advantageous when some showrunners and animation studios are enthusiasts of the games they’re adapting, as this allows them to depict the narratives authentically without losing the appeal for the players. At the same time, they demonstrate their expertise in converting a game’s visuals, stories, and characters into their unique interpretations.

10. Pokemon Horizons: The Series

New Characters And Stories In The Pokemon World

Starting a fresh Pokemon series without Ash Ketchum might have been disastrous, but the new direction of “Pokemon Horizons: The Series” has already won over many viewers. It chronicles the journeys of Liko and Roy as they traverse the lands to unravel Pokemon enigmas.

Pokémon Horizons appears to address the storytelling concerns raised by fans regarding the original series, as it deviates from the same narrative formula. This new version offers more in-depth stories with character growth, even though it’s not extremely complicated. Fans are pleased to see that more attention is being given to Pokemon, making it an excellent choice for a family viewing experience.

9. DOTA: Dragon’s Blood

Studio Mir Continues To Be A Master Of Animation

Because it’s a MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena), the highly popular DOTA franchise doesn’t typically offer much of a narrative or background story. However, Netflix and Studio Mir have crafted a tale set within this universe titled DOTA: Dragon’s Blood. This series is rich with elements common to high fantasy stories – demons, magic, dragons, and more – and follows the journey of a knight as he embarks on a mission to save the world.

As a devoted fan, I must say that DOTA: Dragon’s Blood doesn’t exactly break new ground, but it masterfully breathes life into familiar storylines and concepts in a way only Studio Mir can. The series is brimming with exceptional voice talent like Yuri Lowenthal, Troy Baker, the late Tony Todd, Kari Wahlgren, and Josh Keaton, who bring their characters to vibrant life through their performances.

8. The Cuphead Show!

A Cartoon Series Based On A Cartoon Game

Given that Cuphead takes its inspiration from 1930s cartoons, it seems perfectly fitting for it to have a TV series called “The Cuphead Show!” where the characters Cuphead and Mugman embark on thrilling escapades. Frequently, Cuphead gets into mischief, leaving Mugman to either rescue him or find himself ensnared in Cuphead’s antics.

The entire show, “The Cuphead Show!”, is a heartfelt homage to timeless animated series such as “Looney Tunes”, “Popeye the Sailor Man”, and Disney cartoons. The characters are captivatingly designed and expertly animated, with narratives brimming with humor that will appeal to audiences of all ages, even including some witty jokes that may be a bit too sophisticated for younger viewers.

7. Pokemon

Ash Ketchum Was A Hero To Generations Of Kids

Between 1997 and 2023, the original Pokémon anime served as a cherished TV series for numerous generations, acting as an entry point into the popular, family-friendly role-playing game franchise. The show constantly evolved to align with each new game release, introducing fresh regions and Pokémon that Ash Ketchum and his companions encountered during their quest to surpass all others (a goal never truly achieved).

Over a span of twenty-six years, both kids and adults found delight in the world of Pokémon, even though its structure tended to be consistent. While there were some variations scattered across numerous seasons, many viewers concur that most episodes follow a similar pattern, giving the series a repetitive feel. Yet, it demonstrated convincingly that a television show derived from video games could indeed be of high quality.

6. Castlevania: Nocturne

The Sequel Series Keeps The Monster Hunt Going

Once you’ve completed the initial Castlevania series, enthusiasts can effortlessly transition to the subsequent series focusing on Richter Belmont, where he embarks on his personal vampire-slaying adventure. Castlevania: Nocturne might not be created by Adi Shankar, but it preserves the gruesome action, deep character development, and stunning animation needed to give a genuine sense of continuation.

In this instance, the narrative for Belmont unfolds amidst the tumultuous era of the French Revolution, blending it with chilling gothic undertones to establish a potent ambiance and introduce formidable antagonists. Among the esteemed lineage of Belmonts, Richard Belmont truly shines, and the masterful storytelling in “Castlevania: Nocturne” further develops his character, surpassing any previous portrayals within the game series.

5. Tomb Raider: The Legend Of Lara Croft

The Closest Thing To A Fourth Tomb Raider Game

In this adventure, I find myself embodying the iconic character of Lara Croft, as portrayed by Hayley Atwell, in the enthralling world of Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft. This thrilling tale seamlessly blends elements of Indiana Jones’ archaeological escapades with the high-stakes espionage of Mission: Impossible. Packed with action, suspense, humor, and a touch of mythology, it promises an exhilarating ride. My character, Lara, is on a mission to conquer her past demons while battling a secretive terrorist group by unearthing ancient artifacts of mystical power.

For new viewers, a gripping animated show awaits, and enthusiasts of the “Tomb Raider” video games will find it particularly appealing due to its confirmation as a canonical sequel to “Shadow of the Tomb Raider.” Hayley Atwell imbues Lara Croft with both charm and grit, yet she also skillfully portrays the tender and fragile aspects of her character, significantly enhancing her evolution throughout the series.

4. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Night City Is Expanded Even More With New Characters

Prior to the incidents involving character V and Keanu Reeves’ Johnny Silverhand in Cyberpunk 2077, the animated series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners centers around a budding criminal navigating the treacherous streets of Night City. This character relies on his cybernetic enhancements to endure within a merciless underworld. Rather than attempting to mirror the vast narratives and content from the game, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners presents a unique tale that unfolds within the same universe.

Studio Trigger’s storytelling has earned high praise for offering an immersive plot, accessible even for newcomers, yet rich with details and references that will delight fans of Cyberpunk 2077. The criminal underworld theme, which adds intrigue to the game, is still present, and some argue that the characters in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners surpass those found in the original game.

3. Castlevania

The Series That Saved The Vampire Franchise From Hibernation

When Konami appeared unconcerned about developing a fresh game in their iconic series, the Netflix Castlevania animated series brought a revitalizing breeze, staying true to the games’ mythos yet adding new layers. The narrative unfolds Dracula’s war against humanity for his wife’s vengeance, and Castlevania explores both protagonists and antagonists in depth, revealing that they are more intricate than their initial portrayals might suggest.

As a passionate film enthusiast with a soft spot for gaming classics like Castlevania, I’ve been captivated by the four-season journey that feels tailor-made for fans like us. The series was born out of Adi Shankar’s fervent love for these games, having grown up battling vampires in the digital world himself. This dedication translates beautifully on screen, with beloved characters such as Trevor Belmont and Alucard gracing our screens. Yet, it doesn’t forget about casual viewers who just want to immerse themselves in a gripping tale of bloodshed and vampiric violence – the quintessential elements of a riveting anime.

2. Arcane

Social Commentary And Steampunk Fantasy Make An Ideal Combo

Few anticipated that a show based on League of Legends would evolve into one of the gloomiest character-focused fantasy series, but Arcane certainly achieved this. In just two seasons, Arcane has established itself as a contemporary classic with its distinctive visual aesthetic and narrative addressing real-world themes like classism.

The show centers around a conflict between two prominent urban areas: the privileged and affluent inhabitants of Piltover and the struggling working class in Zaun. Enhanced with steampunk motifs, captivating characters, and substantial representation for the LGBTQIA+ community, this series delivers an epic tale that began and ended just as powerfully.

1. Devil May Cry

Silly, Strange, And Super-Violent, Just Like The Games

The latest venture by Adi Shankar is titled “Devil May Cry“, and it serves as a prequel to the popular action video game series known for its over-the-top combat. This new project offers an opportunity for longtime fans, who might have reservations about adaptations, to enjoy a fresh take on the story. Lucky for them, the narrative of “Devil May Cry” games isn’t convoluted, and neither is this series. It revolves around a mercenary, who is both half-demon and half-human, battling demons to save the world.

The musical backdrop of heavy metal tunes and deliberately corny dialogue makes Devil May Cry feel like a grand tribute to films and video games from the 2000s era. Much like Castlevania, it is also overflowing with intense action scenes that are punctuated by adequate drama and character development, keeping viewers hooked.

2025-04-15 03:56