Adapting a blockbuster movie into a video game sounds like a no-brainer for studios looking to cash in on a built-in audience. But all too often, these projects are rushed out the door with little care for quality, resulting in experiences that frustrate players and tarnish the source material. While classics like GoldenEye 007 prove it's possible to do it right, the history of movie tie-ins is littered with disasters. Here are the absolute worst video games based on movies, ranked.
10. Batman Forever (1995)
Batman has starred in some of the greatest superhero games ever, thanks largely to the Arkham series. But before that, there was Batman Forever for the SNES—a game that tried to mimic Mortal Kombat's digitized live-action sprites, resulting in a jarring visual mess. The controls are cryptic and confusing, turning what should be a simple platform brawler into a frustrating puzzle. Players often get stuck on the very first level, wondering what went wrong.
9. Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
The movie Wreck-It Ralph was a love letter to video games, so a tie-in game should have been a slam dunk. Instead, the Wii version is a tedious slog filled with cheap visuals and repetitive gameplay. The story follows Ralph and Felix as they clean up Cy-Bugs across arcade worlds, but the laughably bad PowerPoint cutscenes and clunky platforming do a disservice to the film's charm. Even worse, the entire game can be beaten in less time than it takes to watch the movie.
8. Dragonball Evolution: The Game (2009)
Based on one of the most reviled movies of all time, this PSP fighting game is technically better than the film—but that's an incredibly low bar. The single-player mode is a joke thanks to terrible enemy AI that lets you spam the same strong attack to win. While the online multiplayer might have offered some fun, the game's lack of depth and respect for the Dragon Ball franchise makes it a forgettable entry in a genre full of great fighters.
7. Rambo: The Video Game (2014)
Modern technology should have allowed for a thrilling Rambo game, but this rail shooter is a train wreck. It recreates scenes from the first three films with ugly visuals and repetitive on-rails gameplay. The entire experience can be completed in a fraction of the time it takes to watch the movies, and it lacks any of the energy or impact of Stallone's iconic action hero. It's a baffling misfire that leaves players wondering what could have been.
6. Catwoman (2004)
Based on the infamous Halle Berry movie, this action-adventure game tries to channel Tomb Raider but fails on every level. A terrible camera, obnoxious combat, and annoying controls make it a chore to play. The plot is surprisingly different from the film, but equally terrible. The game also inherits the movie's problematic aesthetic, with an overly sexualized Catwoman design that ignores the character's true strength. It's a low point for superhero gaming.
5. Back to the Future (1989)
This NES tie-in is infamous for its confusing gameplay and poor design. Players control Marty McFly as he collects clocks and avoids enemies, but the controls are so unresponsive that even simple tasks become frustrating. The game's graphics are bland, and the music is grating. It's a classic example of a movie tie-in that completely misses the spirit of the source material.
4. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Widely blamed for the video game crash of 1983, E.T. for the Atari 2600 is legendary for all the wrong reasons. The game's confusing objectives, repetitive gameplay, and poor graphics made it a commercial and critical disaster. Millions of unsold cartridges were buried in a New Mexico landfill, cementing its place in gaming infamy.
3. Superman 64 (1999)
This N64 game is often cited as one of the worst games ever made. Players fly through rings in a bland, empty world, with terrible controls and a camera that makes navigation a nightmare. The game's lack of any real Superman-like action or excitement is a massive disappointment for fans of the character.
2. Charlie's Angels (2003)
Based on the movie starring Cameron Diaz, this game is a shallow, repetitive beat-'em-up with awful voice acting and glitchy gameplay. The levels are boring, the combat is mindless, and the whole experience feels like a cheap cash grab. It's a perfect example of how not to adapt a film into a game.
1. Ride to Hell: Retribution (2013)
Though not a direct movie tie-in, this game is based on a planned film and is widely considered one of the worst games of all time. Its clunky controls, terrible story, and offensive content make it a painful experience. It's a cautionary tale of what happens when a game is rushed to market with no regard for quality.
These games prove that even the most beloved movies can't save a poorly made tie-in. For every GoldenEye 007, there are dozens of these disasters. If you're looking for more entertainment train wrecks, check out our list of the worst TV shows ever. And for a palate cleanser, dive into the most jaw-dropping video game plot twists.
