For years, the idea that video games can't be turned into great movies or TV shows has been a stubborn myth. But with blockbuster hits like Super Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog lighting up theaters, and anime adaptations like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Castlevania earning critical acclaim, it's clear that the two mediums are a perfect match. Anime's ability to capture sprawling worlds, dynamic action, and deep character arcs makes it the ideal home for many beloved games. Here are five video games that are practically begging for an anime makeover.
'SoulCalibur'
When people talk about fighting games, they often mention Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter. But SoulCalibur deserves its own spotlight. This series brings together warriors from across time, all seeking the cursed sword Soul Edge to fulfill their desires—whether noble or selfish. The twist? The sword corrupts anyone who wields it, turning knights like Siegfried into the demonic Nightmare and pirates like Cervantes into monsters.
With its diverse cast—from samurai Mitsurugi to nunchuck-wielding Maxi—SoulCalibur is a goldmine for anime. The fight scenes could be breathtaking, and the quest for Soul Edge offers an epic story rivaling Lord of the Rings. A movie adaptation never took off, but an anime series could finally give this franchise the glory it deserves.
'inFamous'
The superhero genre has explored the moral cost of powers, and inFamous takes that idea to the max. The game follows bike courier Cole McGrath, who gains electromagnetic abilities after a mysterious device explodes. What makes it unique is the player's choice: take Cole down a hero's path or a villain's road, each with different consequences.
Given the popularity of shows like Invincible and The Boys, it's surprising inFamous hasn't been adapted yet. An anime studio could produce two parallel series—one for Cole's heroic journey, another for his villainous one—giving viewers the same moral choice as the game. It's ambitious, but so were the original games, and an adaptation should match that ambition.
'Metroid'
Nintendo has turned icons like Mario into blockbuster movies, and fans are eager for the next big adaptation. At the top of many lists is Metroid, a sci-fi series starring bounty hunter Samus Aran as she battles the deadly Metroids. The game shocked players by revealing Samus is a woman—a twist that made it legendary. Think Aliens, but with Ripley in power armor.
While Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto has dismissed a Super Smash Bros. movie, a Metroid anime is a natural fit. Producer Adi Shankar, who worked on Castlevania and Devil May Cry for Netflix, has expressed interest in bringing Samus to life. With its atmospheric worlds and intense action, Metroid could be the next great sci-fi anime.
'The Legend of Zelda'
Link's adventures in Hyrule are already epic, but an anime could take them to new heights. The series blends fantasy, puzzles, and a silent hero on a quest to save Princess Zelda from Ganon. Each game offers a unique take on the legend, from the cel-shaded beauty of The Wind Waker to the open-world wonder of Breath of the Wild.
An anime could explore the timeline's many eras, focusing on different incarnations of Link and Zelda. The action would be stunning, from sword fights to horseback chases, and the emotional depth of characters like Midna or the Champions would shine. It's a no-brainer for a series that already feels like an anime.
'Persona 5'
Persona 5 is already dripping with anime style, from its vibrant art to its turn-based combat. The game follows a group of high school students who become phantom thieves, stealing the hearts of corrupt adults by entering their minds. It's a stylish, story-driven RPG with themes of rebellion and friendship.
An anime adaptation could expand on the game's already rich narrative, diving deeper into each character's backstory and the moral dilemmas they face. The action sequences—summoning Personas and exploring palaces—would be visually spectacular. With the success of Persona 4's anime, a Persona 5 series feels like a matter of when, not if.
These five games prove that the marriage of video games and anime is a match made in heaven. Whether it's sword-fighting, superhero choices, or sci-fi bounty hunting, the potential for unforgettable stories is endless. Which one would you want to see first?
