The Ultimate Ranking: Top 10 Mind-Blowing Video Game Anime Adaptations You Can't Miss!

Upgrade your watchlist now. Anime and video games have been intertwined for years, and these extraordinary five adaptations have caused a worldwide sensation. With the immense popularity of Netflix's Castlevania and the highly anticipated Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix, anime series based on video games are revolutionizing mainstream entertainment.

Here are the top five anime series based on video games that have delighted our screens, ranging from quirky RPGs to thrilling adventure mysteries.

Top 5 video game anime adaptations

The production of a single form of media has the ability to spark inspiration for another. Yet, these adaptations of anime go beyond merely acknowledging the gaming community. Rather, they serve as a chance for followers to delve further into the personas and realms they hold dear. This offers a new perspective on cherished narratives and entices enthusiasts from both realms to venture into unfamiliar territories.

Let’s dive in (or unplug from your consoles) and get started on our top five picks for video-game based anime adaptations…

5. Danganronpa

Kicking off the list is the brainchild of Spike Chunsoft, Danganronpa.

The popular Japanese video game series consisted of three primary game titles and various spin-offs, offering a captivating mix of mystery, suspense, and dark humor. The anime adaptation debuted in 2013 with Danganronpa: Tripper Happy Havoc, and subsequently delivered two more seasons in 2016 and 2017.

This captivating series revolves around 16 high school students who find themselves trapped within the prestigious Hope's Peak Academy, under the sinister surveillance of an anthropomorphic bear known as Monokuma. Are you feeling a chill down your spine? In order to secure their escape, not only must these students resort to committing murder, but they must also evade capture, for their lives depend on it.

4. Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie

If martial arts, epic brawls, and non-stop action are more your scene, then you have to check out Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie. 

The 1994 film, directed by Gisaburo Sugii, renowned for Night on the Galatic Railroad, flawlessly captures the essence of the legendary 1987 Street Fighter video game with its thrilling action-packed scenes.

Disregard the forgettable 1995 TV series and other spin-offs; fans unanimously praise this movie as one of the greatest adaptations of a video game ever created.

3. Castlevania

Get ready to immerse yourself in the enthralling world of Ryu and be captivated by his encounters with the iconic villain, Bison. When Bison sets his sights on Ryu's childhood friend, Ken Masters, as part of his quest to defeat the greatest fighter in existence, fans will be treated to non-stop action, stunning animation (especially considering the time it was made), and a memorable musical score. Whether you're a devoted fan or a newcomer, this experience is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Castlevania isn’t just any video game adaptation. It may be THE video game adaptation. 

Based on the iconic game, this remarkable series recounts the journey of Trevor Belmont as he strives to end Count Dracula's horrific reign.

By drawing from both timeless horror stories and the beloved video game, the anime brilliantly combines the franchise's beloved elements and crafts a grand narrative inspired by European history. Packed with intense drama, thrilling action, and breathtaking animation, it's no surprise that this critically acclaimed series has become one of Netflix's most triumphantly original animated shows.

2. Pokémon

At number two is an anime and game franchise that needs no introduction. This adaptation has been going strong for over 20 years.

The Pokémon franchise is incredibly popular, with eight sequential series and 26 seasons of the anime, as well as games across various mediums. It is undoubtedly the most mainstream adaptation on this list.

1. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

At last, we've made it to the top spot, and that spot belongs to none other than Cyberpunk: Edgerunners! Studio Trigger did an exceptional job with this contemporary take on video game adaptations, which was awarded the title of Best Anime at Crunchyroll's 2023 Anime Awards.

However, what enabled it to surpass Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer in popularity? Cyberpunk: Edgerunners presents a unique, self-contained narrative spanning 10 episodes. It revolves around the struggles of David Martinz, a street urchin, as he traverses a dystopian metropolis consumed by an obsession with body modifications and plagued by societal division and rampant criminality.

While existing within the same universe as the highly acclaimed Cyberpunk 2077 video game, the series does not feature any of the primary characters. As a result, it serves as an excellent gateway for those unfamiliar with gaming, allowing them to immerse themselves in this dystopian world.

If you have an appetite for battles, mysteries, dystopian realms, or anything in between, there is an anime based on a video game that can fulfill your interests. While these are our top five recommendations, there are plenty more options available.

Did any of these series make it onto your list? You can also explore our compilation of the greatest video game movies ever made here.

How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023

ExpressVPN enables users to access Crunchyroll's extensive collection of anime series, such as One Piece, Attack on Titan, and Jujutsu Kaisen, regardless of their location outside the United States.

To access Crunchyroll's full selection while abroad, follow these simple steps:

1. Sign up for ExpressVPN, a reliable service with high-speed servers and a secure, private connection available worldwide.

Connect to any location in the US using Express VPN. With 24 diverse spots to choose from, ranging from New Jersey to Santa Monica, you have the freedom to pick your desired location. Explore Crunchyroll online and enjoy streaming a wide range of your favorite animes, including some you may have never seen before.

Accessing Crunchyroll's US catalog offers significant advantages. In comparison, Hong Kong users are limited to fewer than 100 titles, whereas the US catalog boasts almost 1,000 movies and TV shows.

Furthermore, you have the option to stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan. Alternatively, you can choose to pay for a subscription, and if you're undecided, there's even a 14-day free trial available.

You can check out a few of our other lists below, our other anime coverage here:

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