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12 Movies like The Super Mario Bros. Movie for The Video Game Fans

June 27, 2023
Movies like The Super Mario Bros. Movie

More and more video game adaptations have been popping up lately, due in equal parts to the insane popularity of video game franchises, and the increasing respect given to video games now as a creative medium. From TV series like The Last of Us, The Witcher, and now movies like The Super Mario Bros Movie and Assassin’s Creed, fans of these franchises have been spoiled silly with a lot of content for them to enjoy. If you’re in the same boat as those who enjoyed this movie, then here are 12 movies like The Super Mario Bros. Movie for you to watch.

The Super Mario Bros Movie stars some highly recognizable voices like those of Chris Pratt, who plays Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy, Seth Rogen, and Keegan Michael Peele, the movie is quite the star-studded affair, and gives us an origin story about Mario and Luigi, who find themselves in the center of a battle between the Mushroom Kingdom and the Koopas. This movie is a colorful adventure from start to finish, and while critics might have had some gripes with its storytelling and aspects of its writing, casual moviegoers were completely in love with this thrilling turtle-filled adventure.

List of Movies like Super Mario Bros

  1. The Angry Birds Movie 2
  2. Sonic The Hedgehog 2
  3. Detective Pikachu
  4. Mortal Kombat
  5. Tomb Raider
  6. Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within
  7. Uncharted
  8. Resident Evil: The Final Chapter
  9. Silent Hill
  10. Warcraft
  11. Need For Speed
  12. Ratchet and Clank

1. The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019)

The Angry Birds Movie 2 is another adaptation of a popular video game franchise similar to movies like The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Produced by Sony Pictures Animation in collaboration with Rovio Animation, this is the sequel to 2016’s The Angry Birds Movie. It’s another helping of adventures, hijinks and battles, but this time the birds team up with the pigs to foil a super villain’s plans.

In unfamiliar territory for video game adaptations, The Angry Bird Movie 2 actually got generally favorable reviews from critics and even more enthusiastic ones from regular movie-goers. As at the time of its release, it was the highest reviewed animated video game movie on Rotten Tomatoes. If that doesn’t tell you that you have to see this movie, what will?

2. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022)

Another video game movie sequel that was even better received than its initial effort, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 features the eccentric Jim Carrey as Dr Robotnik, who having been defeated in the first part, returns with a new partner-in-crime named Knuckles, forcing Sonic the Hedgehog on an adventure round the globe in order to stop him again.

Jim Carrey is as hilarious as ever in his live action role amongst his CGI counterparts. Sonic the Hedgehog 2, similar to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, is a family-friendly feature movie with lots of humor and some charm added in the mix. Check it out if this is more of your jam.

3. Detective Pikachu (2019)

POKEMON: Detective Pikachu turns the expectations on its head by completely changing genres from the usual action-adventure, to a more mystery sleuth detective style of film a la Sherlock Holmes. One of the most recognizable fictional characters of all time, Pikachu is in this movie assisting a boy named Tim, whose Detective dad goes missing out of nowhere.

With a hugely surprising premise, and the technical and writing chops to actually pull it off, the creators of POKEMON: Detective Pikachu pull off something new and fresh. Add in some great action set pieces and striking visuals, and we have one of the better video game movie adaptations we’ve seen in recent time, if you somehow missed this and like films similar to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, then check this out.  

4. Mortal Kombat (2021)

Who doesn’t love a good, fun Mortal Kombat movie adaptation? That’s what we get from the 2021 released Mortal Kombat. The plot is centered on an MMA fighter named Cole Young, who finds himself fighting for his life, after being hunted by the fearsome Sub-Zero. To help him defeat his pursuer and fulfill his ultimate legacy, fighters like Liu Kang and Lord Raiden train him in preparation for battle.

Fans of the Mortal Kombat will absolutely like this adaptation, and will get treated to a good helping of fan service, and get to feast their eyes on some fun fighting sequences, and downright insane gore. This is the complete opposite in tone to movies similar to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, but a good watch all the same.  

Also Read: Shows like The Last Of Us

5. Tomb Raider (2018)

A legendary video game heroine, Lara Croft makes her way to yet another movie adaptation, and the first since the Angelina Jolie movies. This movie is a reboot of the now all too familiar story. Lara embarks on a journey to a mythical island off the coast of Japan in search of her adventurer father.  

While Alice Vikander might not still be the face we remember first, when we think of Tomb Raider, Vikander actually puts on a good and convincing performance as Lara Croft, in all her vin-swinging glory, If you’re looking something with more of an edge in comparison to movies like The Super Mario Bros. Movie, then you’ve got to check this out.

6. Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001)

Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within is a CGI action-adventure film based on the popular Final Fantasy video game series. Featuring voice acting from Alec Baldwin, Donald Sutherland and a host of other talents, the plot is centered on scientists Aki Ross and Doctor Sid, and their effort to free Earth from the rule of a mysterious alien race.

Despite setting the bar in terms of visuals for what computer animation could look like, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within was actually a box office bomb, debuting with just $85.1 million when compared with its $137 million budget. Still, this is a supremely impressive visual spectacle that still holds well by today’s standards. If you like movies like The Super Mario Bros. Movie, you’ll no doubt take something away from watching this.

7. Uncharted (2022)

Before Naughty Dog dipped their hands into the TV world with The Last of    Us, they also tried their luck with the movie adaptation of their blockbuster franchise, Uncharted, a game that completely revolutionized the action-adventure video game genre. Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg are enlisted to play Victor Sullivan and Nathan Drake respectively as they adventure round the world in hunt for $5 billion in treasure.

A quick paced adventure movie in a similar vein with films like The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Uncharted was praised for its well put together action sequences, and despite lukewarm critic reviews, the movie went on to make over $400 million in theaters off of a $120 million budget, making it a commercial success.

8. Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016)

The sixth installment of the Resident Evil, The Final Chapter was released in 2016, and was slated as the final film in this version of the movie universe. The plot is centered around Milla Jovovich’s Alice and her friends, who have been betrayed, and have to defend themselves against the wrath of the Umbrella Corporation.

The same as movies like The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter was hugely successful in the box office, earning $312 million off of a $40 million budget, closing things off on a high. Same as the previous entries in the franchise, this is a chaotic and action-packed movie that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

9. Silent Hill (2006)

Things get scary… and silent in the next recommendation on our list. Silent Hill is not a colorful adventure as seen in movies like The Super Mario Bros. Movies, rather it is a dour, gray, dull affair, centered on a woman who takes her daughter to a place known as Silent Hill, with the purpose of keeping her alive at all cost.

The property of video game publishers Konami, Silent Hill only came to fruition after a five year wait for an approval from Konami to acquire the film rights. Regarded as one of the most visually appealing video game movies and one of the most visually appealing movies of that era period, it’s sure to keep you enthralled and a little bit unsettled throughout its runtime.

10. Warcraft (2016)

Based on the popular online MMO, World of Warcraft, Warcraft is centered on the kingdom of Azeroth and the legendary warrior Anduin Lothar, played by Vikings’ Travis Fimmel, who together with the king of Azeroth and the powerful wizard Medivh unite to stop a threat from the orc shaman known as Gul’dan.

Filled with loads of visual thrills, similarly to films like The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the movie is filled with interesting easter eggs and bits of fan service for true fans of the World of Warcraft video game series. If you’re one of those, and haven’t checked out this movie, there’s only one question for you. Why?

11. Need for Speed (2014)

Aaron Paul, fresh off the critically acclaimed TV show Breaking Bad, makes his blockbuster debut in Need for Speed, as Tobey Marshall, a mechanic who races in an underground racing circuit. After being betrayed by a certain Dino Brewster and sent to jail due to those actions, Tobey is back from jail with only one thing on his mind… revenge.

Although a live action adaptation, Need for Speed is still similar to movies like The Super Mario Bros. Movie in terms of its wide-spanning adventure and fun action sequences. The movie made over $200 million at the box office, from a $66 million budget, keeping with the theme of most of our list, with movies absolutely smashing it at the box office.

12. Ratchet and Clank (2016)

The final video game movie adaptation on our list similar to movies like The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Ratchet and Clank is based on one of the most celebrated games of the PlayStation, PlayStation 2 and now PlayStation 5 era. This animated movie is premised on the story of Ratchet, an orphaned lombax and his trusty sidekick, a little robot named Clank.

Together, they join an intergalactic group known as the Galactic Rangers, and are tasked with stopping an evil alien villain known as Chairman Drek from using a dangerous invention to take over the universe. Cliché premise aside, Ratchet and Clank can be downright hilarious at times, and the chemistry between the titular characters is great to watch.

Honorable Mentions

Here are a list of movies like Super Mario Bros that didn’t make it, which you can also check out:

  1. Max Payne (2008)
  2. Street Fighter (1994)
  3. Wing Commander (1999)
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When Lost aired over a decade ago, its successful narrative created a pop culture impact and changed the landscape of television. If you are a fan and want to watch shows like Lost then you can have a look at this list we made just for you.

Lost

The hugely successful television series Lost aired in 2004. The premise, as we know, deals with a group of people surviving a commercial passenger plane crash on a remote island. The show masterfully explores supernatural and sci-fi elements on this mysterious south Pacific island. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu8iDynwNc

The use of cliffhangers at the end of each episode of Lost kept the viewers on the edge of their seats, desperately craving for the next episode to come. Even though it's a large ensemble cast, most of the characters receive a justifiable personal arch. Lost was inspired by the movie Castaway and became one of the most expensive pilots to be shot at the time! Lost continues to be appreciated for its originality in storytelling and dynamic character arcs. 

List of TV Shows Like Lost

  1. The Leftovers
  2. Manifest
  3. Lost Room
  4. Twin Peaks
  5. The Prisoners
  6. Battlestar Galactica
  7. The New People
  8. Flight 29 Down
  9. Fringe
  10. Alcatraz
  11. Under the Dome
  12. Dark

1. The Leftovers (2014)

IMDB ratings: 8.3/10

Cast: Carrie Coon, Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Margaret Qualley

Creator: Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta

The director of Lost, Damon Lindel also created a supernatural drama series called The Leftovers. The show begins 3 years after an unexplainable global event called ‘Sudden Departure’  where almost 2 per cent of the population, nearly 140 million people, disappear. The Leftovers isn't about WHY people are gone, it's about how the ones who remain dealt with their loss, people often try to comfort themselves with dreams, angels, gods, or even death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLT3YUALJno&t=8s

The Leftovers will leave you with so many questions but beyond words, you have to feel it and savour its unanswered questions to find peace. The Leftovers is an incredible television series that starts incredibly well but loses its way by the series's end. I have to say though, Carrie Coon has brilliant moments in the end. The Leftovers is so weird, fragmented and nonsensical at times that it reminds me of Lost. If you are looking for shows like Lost, I recommend that you give The Leftovers a try.

2. Manifest  (2018) 

IMDB ratings: 7.1/10

Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and J.R. Ramirez 

Creator: Jeff Rake


The Manifest is a supernatural drama show about a bunch of people who discover that they lost 5 years of their lives when they landed in New York after their aeroplane faced severe turbulence. All the people on the plane were presumed to be dead. Now, these people have to find a way to adjust themselves to a new life around their loved ones. Mild spoiler! They learn their loved ones and the rest of society is not as they left it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1hNAIzkQWY

I found that the show’s premise was very intriguing and the actors give a very convincing performance. The narrative details of the show, however, in my opinion, are a bit sloppy and inconsistent. The writers surely have room for improvement but their concept is incredibly thrilling. Every episode of Manifest keeps you on your toes. Manifest has completed 3 seasons up until now and continues to be on air. Manifest is a pretty good choice if you want to watch TV shows like Lost.

3. Lost Room (2006)

IMDB ratings: 8.1/10

Cast: Peter Krause, Julianna Margulies and Peter Jacobson

Creator: Christopher Leone, Laura Harkcom

This lesser-known show The Lost Room is an American Sci-fi television miniseries which only had 3 episodes of 90 mins each and no follow-up seasons. The show was based on a very unique idea where the room in question (known as the ‘Lost Room’) and the objects in the said room had supernatural powers. This strange room is set in a 1960s motel along the iconic U.S. Route 66. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfWrECLnFYU

One day the protagonist (Peter Krause) Joe Miller’s daughter disappears inside the room. Joe, with the help of objects present in the room, tries to find his daughter Anna (Elle Fanning). The story of Lost Room was intensely engaging. I found the direction and the actor’s performances to be absolutely brilliant. It baffles me that the creators did not return to make another short season within the same concept. If you have been searching for TV series like Lost then I can assure you that Lost Room will be worth a watch.

4. Twins Peaks (1990) 

IMDB ratings: 8.8/10

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Mädchen Amick, Sherilyn Fenn and David Lynch

Creator: David Lynch

David Lynch, the well-known director of weird and captivating films such as Eraserhead and Blue Velvet created an iconic show called Twin Peaks. It is a hauntingly eccentric show about the investigation of the mysterious murder of a small-town homecoming queen named Laura Palmer. Believe me, as odd as the show may seem at first, you will grow to love it, after all, it is considered to be one of the best mystery shows ever created. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwn9ou_nf-I

With the mysteries, the supernatural elements and the list of bizarre characters, Twin Peaks has it all. In my opinion, the cinematography of the show was truly ahead of its time. Kyle’s Dale Cooper was especially entertaining. Twin Peaks’ experimental formula of the satirical soap opera is extremely unsettling yet rewarding to watch, I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted!  If you are in search of TV shows like Lost then Twin Peaks won’t disappoint you.

The Prisoners (1967)

IMDB ratings: 8.5/10

Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat and Geroge Markstien

Creator: Patrick McGoohan


The Prisoner centres around an unnamed British agent (Patrick McGoohan) who tries to flee his country after abruptly quitting his high-ranking government job. He is abducted and held captive in a strange ‘sea-side’ village that is isolated from the rest of the world. This village is a highly secure and monitored place filled with weird technology. There are only 17 episodes to this late 60s show but it manages to bring up such surreal surprises, it's sure to leave a great impact on the viewer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JrNr85fPms

The Prisoner’s unique concept influenced many popular shows including Lost. The creators of Lost even cited the show. I was very impressed by how ahead of its time The Prisoners proves to be. If you want to watch more shows similar to Lost the Prisoners should definitely be on your list.

6. Battlestar Galactica (2004)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Katee Sackhoff, Edward James Olmos and Tricia Helfer 

Creator: Glen A. Larson

The 2004 Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the original 1978 miniseries of the same name. Do not be mistaken by the title, the show is not related to Star Trek.  Battlestar Galactica is set in the 7th millennium AD and follows Cylons, the robot enemy of humanity that resurfaces to destroy the 12 colonies of Mankind. Only a few survive and are able to escape on ships led by a powerful warship called Battlestar Galactica. Mankind struggles to fight the Cylons and work their own political agendas and disputes while finding their long-lost 13th colony Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnYsf2Yv8i8

The show is a dark, intense and gritty socio-political commentary with EPIC cinematic value. The script is especially clever and as a huge fan of sci-fi shows, this show ticks the boxes in all the right categories. When the show was released, it blew the viewers and critics away. As far as an obsessive and gripping story goes, Battlestar Galactica is one of the most similar to shows like Lost. 

7. The New People (1969)

IMDB ratings: 7.3/10

Cast: David Moses, Zooey hall and Tiffany Boiling

Creator: Larry Gordon Aaron Spelling

The New People is an American Tv series that aired only for 1 season and is focused on a couple of college students who survive a plane crash. The incident takes place while they were returning from a trip to Southeast Asia, their plane crashes on an island in the south of the Pacific ocean. 

By now this show must already be sounding a lot like Lost to you, and it surely is. The remaining group of people discover an unusual truth about the island: there’s an above-ground unused nuclear test site filled with supplies for the survivors. If you want to see more plane survival stories like Lost then The New People should definitely be on your list.

8. Flight 29 Down (2005)

IMDB ratings: 7.2/10

Cast: Allen Alvarado, Halle Hirsh and Corbin Bleu

Creator:  Stan Rowgow D. J. MacHale

The show Flight 29 Down is a drama series about a group of pre-teens/teens who are stranded on a South Pacific island after their plane crashes in a tropical storm while they were flying from an eco-adventure camping trip in Palau. The show is in many ways a younger version of the Adult-centred show Lost but sans the supernatural elements. I’d say that the show draws inspiration from the show The New People.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeG0w3kL8k

Flight 29 Down uses the technique of a video diary as a plot device for the viewers to keep up with the story of these children. It was very engaging to watch young intelligent characters finding their way on the island. The first two seasons of the show are quite engaging but I seemed to lose interest in its 3rd and final season. Regardless, Flight 29 Down is a really good series to watch if you want to see TV shows like Lost.

9. Fringe (2008)

IMDB ratings: 8.4/10

Cast: Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson

Creator: J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci

Fringe is a popular Sci-fi crime drama television series. It may seem like a standard procedural drama at first, but the show actually explores the parallel universe, alternate versions of people filled with crazy scientific experiments. I personally had a great time watching this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29bSzbqZ3xE

Fringe is actually inspired by shows like Lost, The X-files and The Twilight Zone. The 3 main characters of the show work with a special division called Fringe. There are so many brilliant twists and turns in Fringe that in my opinion, the show is at the top of its category. If you are searching for TV series like Lost, I strongly recommend you watch Fringe. 

10. Alcatraz (2012)

IMDB ratings: 6.9/10

Cast: Sarah Jones, George Garcia and Jonny Coyne 

Creator: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt

This American fiction show is based on the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary built on Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay. The prison is now closed but once kept some of the most dangerous criminals of America. The show takes the liberty to make a show around the conspiracies of the place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V514ACIGp_k

In the interesting premise we see that under unknown circumstances, 256 inmates and 46 guards of the prison disappear without a trace. Later the disappeared ones start to appear one by one without ageing a day and resume their criminal activities with no realisation of disappearance. A special government unit is dedicated to finding and putting those criminals back in prison. If you are looking for mystery shows similar to Lost, try watching Alcatraz. 

11. Under the Dome (2013)

IMDB ratings: 6.5/10

Cast: Alexander Koch and Rachelle Lefevre

Creator: Stephen King

Based on a novel written by the sci-fi legend Stephen King, Under the Dome tells the story of the residents of the fictional small town called Chester's Mill, when a huge, transparent and indestructible dome suddenly cuts them off from the rest of the world. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Y5YeYrqUk

Now the trapped residents try to find a way to discover the truth, origin and purpose of these domes. This journey forces them into situations where they learn more about each other than they ever knew. Under the Dome may not be on the top of this list but it’s quite a decent watch if you’re looking for mystery shows similar to Lost. 

12. Dark (2017)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari and Gina Stiebitz

Creator: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese

The German-language Netflix series Dark is an interesting blend of Science fiction and Mystery. Truly a compelling and mind-bending story to watch. At the beginning of Dark, many children suspiciously start disappearing in the German town of Winden. The dark past of generational mysteries of 4 families living in the town namely, Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann is brought to light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA

After the discovery of a wormhole, the lives of the families intertwine more than one can imagine. I believe every element of the show is top-notch, especially Dark’s cinematography, which is a TRUE masterpiece. If you are looking for TV series similar to Lost then the intense and gripping story of Dark is sure to keep you engrossed.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few TV shows like Lost that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Carnivale
  2. Yellowjackets
  3. Game of Thrones
  4. Black Mirror
  5. Flashforward
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