Television and gaming are two of the most powerful forms of entertainment today. Few things compare to the satisfaction of reaching the finale of a show you always knew would deliver, or finally taking down that boss you’ve been stuck on for days in a game you can’t put down.
Every so often, these two worlds collide, giving us video games based on beloved shows, or even better, TV shows inspired by iconic games. In recent years, we’ve seen a surge in high-quality video game adaptations, both animated and live-action, that have raised the bar for storytelling in both mediums.
What makes these adaptations stand out is how they stay true to the source material while carving out their own identity. They honor the games fans love while welcoming new audiences into the worlds we’ve been exploring for years.
Here are some of the best video game-inspired TV shows we’ve seen, and ones we highly recommend checking out.
Table of Contents
Castlevania/Castlevania: Nocturne
Netflix’s Castlevania series reimagines the classic gothic video game franchise with mature storytelling, striking animation, and emotionally complex characters. Centered on Trevor Belmont, Sypha Belnades, and Alucard, the show adapts Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse and Symphony of the Night into a rich narrative that explores grief, morality, and legacy. Dracula is no longer just a villain but a tragic anti-hero mourning the unjust loss of his human wife. With its brutal action, dark humor, and deep respect for the game’s lore, the series elevates a straightforward monster-hunting premise into something truly compelling for both longtime fans and newcomers.
Castlevania: Nocturne picks up the legacy centuries later during the French Revolution, following Richter Belmont and Maria Renard as they battle a rising vampire threat tied to apocalyptic prophecy. Drawing from Rondo of Blood and Symphony of the Night, Nocturne honors its source material while expanding the world with fresh characters, revolutionary themes, and a broader magical mythology. It maintains the gothic tone of the original series but introduces a new emotional core through Richter’s personal struggles and a more diverse, dynamic cast. Both shows demonstrate that video game adaptations can be faithful, stylish, and narratively rich, setting a new standard for the genre.
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Arcane
Arcane, based on League of Legends, is a groundbreaking animated series that transcends its video game roots through stunning animations, deep character development, and a gripping story of power, trauma, and class conflict. Set in the twin cities of Piltover and Zaun, it follows sisters Vi and Jinx as tragic events and opposing ideologies tear them apart. The show combines steampunk aesthetics with emotional storytelling, crafting a rich world that feels alive and immersive even to those unfamiliar with the game. Its painterly animation style, created by Fortiche, sets a new visual benchmark for animated TV.
Arcane is especially impressive in how it honors League of Legends lore without requiring any prior knowledge of the game. It expands on the backstories of iconic champions like Vi, Jinx, Jayce, and Viktor, adding complexity and humanity that deepens their in-game personas. Rather than serving as mere fan service, the show builds a compelling narrative that explores themes of identity, inequality, and the cost of progress. With its masterful worldbuilding and emotional weight, Arcane isn’t just a great video game adaptation; it’s one of the best animated series of the last decade.
Fallout
Fallout is a live-action series from Amazon Prime based on the iconic post-apocalyptic video game franchise of the same name. The show is a perfect mix of dark humor, retro-futurism, and brutal survivalism. Set in a nuclear-ravaged America, the show follows Lucy, a bright-eyed Vault Dweller, as she ventures into the harsh wasteland and crosses paths with Maximus, a Brotherhood of Steel soldier, and The Ghoul, a ruthless bounty hunter with a mysterious past. The series captures the tone of the games brilliantly, blending 1950s Americana with bleak dystopia, and delivers a fresh story that stays faithful to the franchise’s world.
Fallout deeply respects the source material without being confined by it. From Vault-Tec propaganda and mutated creatures to iconic factions like the Brotherhood of Steel and the Enclave, the show is packed with Easter eggs and lore that fans will recognize instantly. But it also introduces new characters and narratives that expand the universe in meaningful ways, making it accessible to newcomers.
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Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a Netflix original series set in the world of Cyberpunk 2077. It is a raw, emotional, and visually explosive anime that dives deep into the neon-lit chaos of Night City. The story follows David Martinez, a street kid turned mercenary, as he is pulled into the violent underworld of cyber-enhanced criminals known as “edgerunners.” Created by Studio Trigger, the show combines their signature high-octane animation style with a tragic coming-of-age story that explores themes of identity, loss, and the price of ambition in a tech-dominated society. It’s intense, stylish, and emotionally gutting, in the best way possible.
Edgerunners captures the soul of Cyberpunk 2077 while telling its own story. The series doesn’t require knowledge of the game to be impactful, but for fans, it’s full of familiar locations, slang, tech, and even cameos that connect directly to the game’s world. It expands the universe without feeling like a side story. This is Night City at its most personal and tragic. With its unforgettable characters, brutal narrative, and stunning visuals, Edgerunners separates itself from any ol’ anime and even earns several awards as a result. The series also reignited interest in the game during a time when it was suffering. The show is currently in production for a second season.
Pokémon
Pokémon, one of the most iconic and enduring video game adaptations of all time, transformed a simple creature-collecting RPG into a global cultural phenomenon. The original animated series follows Ash Ketchum and his partner Pikachu as they travel from region to region, battling Gym Leaders, encountering legendary Pokémon, and forming lifelong friendships. With its blend of adventure, humor, and heart, the show captured the imaginations of audiences worldwide, especially kids, by making the dream of becoming a Pokémon Trainer feel real and attainable.
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The Last Of Us
HBO’s The Last of Us is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, worldbuilding, and character-driven drama. Set in a post-apocalyptic America ravaged by a fungal outbreak, the series follows hardened survivor Joel and a teenage girl named Ellie as they journey across the country in search of hope and purpose. With standout performances from Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, the show elevates an already powerful narrative into something even more intimate and affecting.
The Witcher
The Witcher, inspired by the hit fantasy RPG series and Andrzej Sapkowski’s original novels, brings the monster-filled world of the Continent to life with a gritty, mature edge. The show follows Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster hunter known as a Witcher, as he navigates a world plagued by political turmoil, magic, and moral ambiguity.
With multiple timelines, rich lore, and complex characters like Yennefer of Vengerberg and Princess Ciri, the series seamlessly blends sword-swinging action with emotional depth, exploring what it means to be human in a world where monsters often disguise themselves as humans. Despite the behind-the-scenes turmoil and the recasting of lead actor Henry Cavill, the show is still highly rated and was, at one point, one of Netflix’s most successful projects.
Devil May Cry
The Netflix adaptation of Devil May Cry delivered on its promises, bringing the beloved franchise to life in a way that resonated with both longtime fans and newcomers alike. From capturing Dante’s quirky, charismatic personality to presenting a simple yet engaging storyline, the show hit many of the right notes. Its blend of stylish action, dark humor, and over-the-top gore made it a standout entry in the world of animated adaptations. While not without flaws, such as the underdevelopment of certain characters, it still did enough to justify excitement for a second season.
Halo
Halo is a live-action TV show based on the iconic sci-fi video game franchise. The show brings the epic battles between humanity and the alien Covenant to the small screen with cinematic scale and emotional depth. Centered on the legendary Spartan soldier Master Chief, the show explores not just the high-stakes war for humanity’s survival, but also the personal struggles behind the armor: identity, loyalty, and sacrifice. With cutting-edge visual effects and expansive worldbuilding, Halo aims to capture the grandeur and intensity that made the games a cultural phenomenon.
The series introduces new perspectives and characters alongside fan favorites, weaving in the deep mythology of the Forerunners, Spartans, and the Flood. While some creative liberties were taken, the show remains rooted in the core themes of heroism and humanity’s fight against overwhelming odds. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, Halo offers an immersive experience that brings the beloved universe to life in bold, fresh ways. The show only managed two seasons before being cancelled, but they were a really fun two seasons.
Gangs Of London
Gangs of London is a gripping crime drama inspired by the video game series of the same name, though it quickly establishes its own intense and gritty identity. The show dives deep into the violent underbelly of modern-day London, exploring power struggles between rival criminal families after the sudden assassination of the city’s most powerful crime lord. With brutal action sequences, complex characters, and intricate plotting, the series paints a raw, unflinching portrait of loyalty, betrayal, and survival in a city ruled by gangs.
Its stylish direction and intense storytelling have earned it praise as one of the best crime dramas of recent years, proving that video game adaptations can deliver hard-hitting drama beyond the realm of fantasy and sci-fi.
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