Video game adaptations have come a long way from being Hollywood's punching bag. Now, they're dominating both the big and small screens, with franchises like Sonic and Mario breaking box office records, and streaming platforms investing heavily in game-based series. Prime Video's Fallout is a prime example, reimagining Bethesda's post-apocalyptic world with Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy at the helm, and a cast that includes Walton Goggins and Ella Purnell. But Fallout isn't the only game-to-screen success story—Peacock's Twisted Metal has quietly become a breakout hit that's giving Fallout a run for its money.
For those unfamiliar, Twisted Metal is inspired by the cult-classic vehicular combat games. Like Fallout, it takes bold creative liberties with its source material, painting a picture of a United States plunged into anarchy after a mysterious event called "The Fall." The series stars Anthony Mackie as John Doe and Stephanie Beatriz as Quiet, and it has quickly become one of Peacock's most-watched shows. If you're looking for a binge that matches Fallout's entertainment value, Twisted Metal is your next obsession.
A Perfect Blend of Chaos and Comedy
What sets Twisted Metal apart is its ability to capture the series' signature mix of pitch-black humor and over-the-top violence. Take, for instance, a scene in the Season 1 episode "3RNCRCS," where John Doe encounters the psychotic clown Sweet Tooth in the ruins of Las Vegas. While brutally beating John, Sweet Tooth takes a moment to play Sisqo's "Thong Song" and sings along, and the two even bond over it. It's absurd, hilarious, and exactly the kind of tonal tightrope that Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick—known for their work on Deadpool and Zombieland—walk with ease.
The cast is another major win. Mackie brings a mix of humor and vulnerability to John Doe, a man struggling to piece together his lost memories. Beatriz is his perfect counterpart as Quiet, a mysterious drifter who slowly opens up to John. But the real scene-stealer is Sweet Tooth, a character who is both witty and terrifying. The physicality comes from Samoa Joe, while Will Arnett provides the voice, resulting in a presence that's unpredictable and utterly captivating. It's a performance that rivals Walton Goggins' Ghoul in Fallout.
Season 2 Goes Full Video Game
While Season 1 was a hit, Season 2 is where Twisted Metal truly hits its stride. The story now revolves around the Twisted Metal tournament, hosted by the enigmatic Calypso (Anthony Carrigan). The prize? A wish granted to the winner. Racers like Sweet Tooth and the mysterious Dollface (Tiana Okoye) will stop at nothing to claim victory. Showrunner Jonathan Michael Smith explained to IGN how the tournament arc allowed for a richer ensemble, saying, "They all have inner lives and inner wishes and a reason for them to exist. And I think we do that even better this season."
Season 2 has been met with even more critical acclaim than its predecessor, and a third season is already in the works, with Mark Hamill joining the cast as Pope Charlie Kane, Sweet Tooth's father. If Twisted Metal continues on this trajectory, it's poised to remain a standout in the video game adaptation genre.
For fans of Fallout who are hungry for more post-apocalyptic action with a twist, Twisted Metal is a must-watch. And if you're in the mood for other action-packed binges, check out our list of the best action movies since 2020. Or, if you're looking for something else on Peacock, Train to Busan and its sequel are arriving this October. And for those who appreciate a good horror classic, Jeff Goldblum's The Fly lands on Peacock this October.
So, whether you're a die-hard fan of the games or just love a good post-apocalyptic romp, Twisted Metal delivers on all fronts. It's unhinged, it's violent, and it's an absolute blast.
