Movies and video games have always had a pretty natural relationship. Give players a famous character, a recognisable world and a soundtrack they already know, and there is an instant connection. This year, many movie-inspired games stand out by offering more than just familiar names, providing unique experiences that invite players to explore new ways to enjoy their favourite films.
For slot fans, Ted Megaways is hard to overlook. Based on Seth MacFarlane's foul-mouthed teddy bear, the Blueprint Gaming release uses six reels and up to 117,649 ways to win. Its Thunder Buddies free spins feature an unlimited progressive multiplier, while the game has a 96.03% RTP and a maximum win of 50,000x. It has become one of the best slots online for movie fans who want a familiar comedy with plenty of action.
There is plenty more choice on the reels. Jurassic Park brings Spielberg's iconic dinosaur adventure into slot form, with a T-Rex Alert feature and five different dinosaur free spins modes. Meanwhile, Beetlejuice Megaways takes Tim Burton's 1988 comedy-horror and turns it into a six-reel game with up to 248,832 ways to win. Its free spins feature an unlimited win multiplier, making the famous ghost with the most feel right at home on the reels.
If you would rather control the action directly, there is a huge selection of video games based on familiar films. GoldenEye 007 remains an important example, putting players in the role of James Bond across a series of espionage missions. Its multiplayer mode also helped set a standard for future first-person shooters, while the familiar music and characters evoke nostalgia, creating a comforting connection for fans.
For something more supernatural, Ghostbusters: The Video Game lets you become a new member of the ghostbusting team. Released in 2009, it sends players into New York with ghost-hunting equipment and captures the films' humour. The original cast members also provided their voices and likenesses, adding another connection to the movies.
More recent releases have taken things even further. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order puts players in the shoes of Cal Kestis, a young Jedi trying to survive after Order 66. With exploration, combat and RPG elements across different planets, it offers a much deeper experience than simply recreating scenes from the films.
Then there is Hogwarts Legacy, which takes players into the Harry Potter universe with an original story set in the 19th century. Available on multiple platforms, you can attend classes, learn spells, interact with magical creatures and brew potions while exploring the famous wizarding world.
Movie-inspired games work best when they offer more than a familiar name. The strongest examples take something audiences already love and turn it into a unique experience, sparking curiosity and excitement for new adventures. Whether that means spinning through a Jurassic Park slot, battling ghosts or exploring Hogwarts, there is plenty for film fans to discover this year.