Many believe that all our life is a big video game. It is a fascinating theory, as it makes us think about the sublime and the complicated. You can feel all the benefits of this utopia without going out, just turning on a selection of the best movies about gamers discussed in this article.
Ender’s Game
- IMDb rating: 6.6
- Release year: 2013
- Country: USA
- Director: Gavin Hood
- Genre: science fiction, action, adventure
- Duration: 114 minutes (1 hour 54 minutes)
This brilliant movie is set in 2135, when overpopulation becomes the main problem of humanity. Fortunately, new planets are being constantly explored. However, there are enemies, the malicious Formics, who have been terrorizing the Earth for a long time. They launched two attacks, during which humanity suffered horrendous losses. The third attack is just around the corner. It was predicted to be the last for the homo sapiens. The state launches a special military preparation program. The best children are selected all over the world — the perfect perspective for a better tomorrow.
The protagonist (Ender) shows great promise. He is smart for his age and has moral power. He is sent to a military center to test his skills on a special game simulator. His mentor is a war veteran named Mazer. The character will have to sacrifice many things: freedom, personal interests, will, and dreams. After some time, Ender stops perceiving his training as a game, and he turns out to be right.
Why should you watch this movie?
- A remarkable story with fascinating plot twists.
- A perfect cast and a memorable main character, in particular.
- A profound message that gets under your skin.
- Detailed design of all locations, including station corridors, apartments, school, and training complex.
- There are no unnecessary details that distract you from the plot: no awkward love lines or sloppy episodes made to prolong the movie.
- Well-recreated scenes of space battles: one can see the meticulous attention to detail and studying all the aspects before depicting them.
Tron
- IMDb rating: 6.8
- Release year: 1982
- Country: USA
- Director: Steven Lisberger
- Genre: science fiction, action, adventure
- Duration: 96 minutes (1 hour 36 minutes)
Steven Lisberger's movie is an advance of its time. Creating such an atmosphere in the 1980-s seemed impossible, but the director is a genius who has proved otherwise. Tron has a unique visual style, that's why it is easy to recognize. The plot focuses on a man who gets into a computer program. The main character is a young and ambitious programmer. His colleague steals his game idea and sort of occupies the rights to it. Flynn (the protagonist) breaks into the office to prove his right to own the program. He gets to a digital world.
Then the story is set in a totalitarian digital society with enemies and allies. Flynn has the only goal — to survive (and to get rid of a Master Control Program). The movie has several different aspects. For instance, the issue of religion is addressed here: the faith of digital programs in users as supreme gods and the struggle between AI and humans.
Why do we advise you to watch the movie?
- First of all, because it is a classic. Yes, the box office receipts of the project were small, but the release of the movie got a lot of public response.
- Exciting non-linear plot with plenty of life problems. For example, the movie highlights religious themes, man's fight with the future, and touches on the theme of love.
- Unusual cyberpunk atmosphere that sparked a furor in society. Perfectly chosen special effects, which was not easy in those years, beautiful visuals, and thrilling music — there are no moments of boredom and anticipation.
Gamer
- IMDb rating: 5.7
- Release year: 2009
- Country: USA
- Director: Mark Neveldine, Brian Taylor
- Genre: science fiction, action, thriller
- Duration: 95 minutes (1 hour 35 minutes)
In the near future, technologies will become not entertainment but part of life, being more real than before. A programmer Ken Castle creates a virtual environment that merges with reality. One of his programs is called "Slayers." A user manipulates convicts (common people who got into the game). The goal is to survive thirty matches and earn your freedom. John Tillman is the crowd's favorite. He survived 27 bouts, though the others lasted no more than 10. The character is controlled by a 17-year-old player, Simon.
Society starts to question the moral part of the game. The activists introduce their person into the program, through machinations. He is to kill Tillman. That’s where various plot twists start, with a bright love story with Tillman's wife, Angie. First, she helps her husband, and then he saves her. At the end of the movie, John breaks into the Castle's mansion, overcomes various obstacles, and finishes his mission.
Why should you watch this film?
- A fantastic demonstration of a future dystopia. Viewers encounter not only the "world image," but the consequences of an undesirable high-tech future.
- There is an idea which makes the movie more engrossing. There is no ready-to-eat meal: the director lets us "connect the dots" ourselves and reflect on what is happening on the screen.
- A true Hollywood flavor: Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor. These guys have made themselves known through the action movie "Crank," and then boosted their skills and created a timeless masterpiece.
- Lack of censorship, which allows you to enjoy the movie atmosphere.
Ready Player One
- IMDb rating: 7.4
- Release year: 2018
- Country: USA, India
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Genre: science fiction, action, adventure
- Duration: 140 minutes (2 hours 20 minutes)
It's 2045, a watershed in the history of computer technologies. The OASIS game is popular all around the world. It is a virtual world where every person can create their avatar (they need only to get special ammunition in the real world). There is a catch: you can die in this game. In this case, all your achievements and inventory will be reset: everything will be restored to the default settings. This closed system was created by programmer James Halliday, who departed this life but left Easter eggs in the program.
The protagonist (Wade "Parzival" Watts) thinks like a programmer, that's why he easily overcomes all the challenges. He assembles a company that includes a girl, Art3mis. The team will face a lot of obstacles, pass plenty of tests, solve a heap of puzzles, and go the way that developer James Halliday created for the worthy. You will be surprised by the plot, the denouement, and the ending: watch the movie with attention.
Why should you watch it?
- A unique work, in which the plot is created layer by layer. The viewer is not overwhelmed with a bunch of incomprehensible storylines. On the contrary, all the information is shown gradually to help you make head or tail of it.
- Steven Spielberg as a director, which implies a good movie, as he is a well-known person in Hollywood.
- A sophisticated aftertaste, which makes you think. What is it about? About many things, but mostly about the future, about what people build around themselves, and what false values can lead to.
- A "biting" love story. It is not presented in a vanilla wrapper but displayed and revealed as gradually as the plot itself.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
- IMDb rating: 7.6
- Release year: 2010
- Country: USA, UK, Canada, Japan
- Director: Edgar Wright
- Genre: science fiction, action, soap opera, comedy
- Duration: 112 minutes (1 hour 52 minutes)
The movie will tell you about a man who becomes mature and comes to his senses. The hero fights with societal expectations, trying to express his individuality. Scott's friends don't like his relationship with a school student. Then the character meets Ramona Flowers, a delivery girl, after having first seen her in a dream. However, everything is not so smooth: Pilgrim should defeat Ramona's seven exes.
That's when everything starts. Sex Bob-Omb signs a contract with Gideon, while Scott leaves his band. He has to fight with the "boss" for his lover's heart. Scott loses this battle because of his negligence and stupidity. But he uses his second chance correctly. The character realizes his mistakes and becomes a different person. His example teaches us how we can change out of love.
Why is this movie worth watching?
- It's a movie of different genres: a comedy with good humor, a cautionary tale with a moral at the end, and a love drama with its revelations and battles with exes.
- Sudden plot twists (for instance, a loss at the end of the movie): you can't tear your eyes off the screen.
- Interesting implementation of comic book special effects. It's not know-how but looks off the beaten track.
- A fabulous cast, both male (Michael Cera, Chris Evans, Johnny Simmons, Kieran Culkin) and female (Anna Kendrick, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ellen Wong, Alison Pill).
Pixels
- IMDb rating: 5.6
- Release year: 2015
- Country: USA, China, Canada
- Director: Chris Columbus
- Genre: science fiction, fantasy, action, comedy
- Duration: 106 minutes (1 hour 46 minutes)
The movie tells us about an unusual alien invasion of Earth. The aliens are represented by heroes from famous arcades of the 1980-s. Two friends (Sam Brenner and Will Cooper) go to a slot machine club every day. They often win because they are able to predict the stereotyped actions of the characters in a matter of seconds. Sam wins in the finals of a famous tournament. The main prize is a launch of a video record of the game into space.
This is when strange things start to happen. One of the US military bases is attacked. Aliens are heroes from popular games of that time. For example, the "Galaga" characters are the first to attack. Sam realizes he can save the Earth from impending death. He cooperates with his friend Ludlow and learns a lot about the "uninvited guests." Next, a special unit is created to fight the invaders. There were three attacks: on London, New York, and Washington, DC. Sam, Violet, Ludlow, Eddie, and Cooper become the Earth heroes. You will see how it happened after watching "Pixels."
Why should you watch this movie?
- A captivating idea behind the story. The emphasis was on users with first-hand knowledge of video games. Plus a pinch of nostalgia for Pacman and other rarities played a part.
- Kind straightforward humor. The movie is more for children than for adults. It is great for raising a generation of future gamers.
- Stunning special effects and the idea to introduce the characters from virtual reality into the real world, in particular. It is bright, dynamic, and colorful.
- A charismatic cast that accomplished their tasks with dignity. It will just suffice to mention Adam Sandler, Michelle Monaghan, and Denis Akiyama.
Dark Web: Cicada 3301
- IMDb rating: 4.9
- Release year: 2021
- Country: USA
- Director: Alan Ritchson
- Genre: action, thriller, comedy
- Duration: 105 minutes (1 hour 45 minutes)
The movie covers the dark side of the Internet and the events of 2012 when the world was hit by a wave of an unknown quest called Cicada 3301. Only the most experienced people in computing could pass this path. The events are set in an alternate reality. The plot follows hacker Connor. His friends and he discover Cicada on the Internet and strive to unravel this mystery. But security services get in his way.
This is where the fun begins because Connor is in no hurry to go to the "good" side. It is confirmed at the end, as the hero just pulls the wool over his friends' eyes. It's hard to comprehend the essence of the project. Each viewer will find something different here: a conspiracy theory, a parody of the 2012 events, or something else. "Cicada 3301" is not for everyone. When you watch this movie, you need to think, to see causal links, but at the same time, you can relax if you realize what is happening. We recommend this movie to gamers and people who are good at computers.
Why is the movie worth your attention?
- A captivating plot covered with a veil of something unexplored and unattainable.
- A viewer needs to think. Not just for fun, but to understand what is going on and to feel the atmosphere.
- Everyone will find their sense, their final — something they watched this movie for. The ending is controversial and mysterious, sophisticated and alluring.
- The comedy genre is completely justified. There is a lot of humor of different sorts: both a kid and an adult will understand it. There are no banal or silly jokes.
Nerve
- IMDb rating: 6.5
- Release year: 2016
- Country: USA
- Director: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman
- Genre: action, thriller, drama, criminal, adventure
- Duration: 96 minutes (1 hour 36 minutes)
Do you like being titillated? Completing virtual quests on social media? Then this movie is for you. The events are focused around two heroes, participants of a famous online game "Nerve," Vee and Ian. Vee is a typical demure girl. Her friends persuaded her to be brave and test herself in the hectic tasks from users all over the world. Ian is an experienced player who failed the last quest season. Both of them played at their best, that's why the main judges (the audience) decided that the heroes must unite.
Here a love story starts, as the heroine has mutual warm feelings for the guy. The tasks gradually become more difficult, and the stakes get higher. Vee wants to leave the game but finds out it is impossible. Later, the characters realize they are only bit players. They are manipulated and decide to give a rebuff, as no one knows which task will be the last.
Why should you watch it?
- A brilliant cast including Emma Roberts, Dave Franco, Emily Meade, Miles Heizer, Juliette Lewis, and other popular personalities.
- The movie is close to reality, especially to the problems of modern youth. It touches on such themes as gadgets, the Internet, a search for adventures, rivalry, and first love.
- An interesting love story portrayed by Emma Roberts and Dave Franco. No linear denouncement: everything happens spontaneously, unexpectedly, and brightly
- The feelings and nerves of the viewer are pushed to the limit. They convulse throughout the movie: the plot develops dynamically, and the heroes' challenges are not about stealing a bun from a supermarket.
Jumanji
- IMDb rating: 7.0
- Release year: 1995
- Country: USA
- Director: Joe Johnston
- Genre: fantasy, comedy, adventure, family
- Duration: 104 minutes (1 hour 44 minutes)
Jumanji is an adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg's book of the same name. The movie soon gained an impressive fan base, entered the top 10 movie projects in 1995, and grossed more than $240 million at the box office. The story is set in Brantford, USA. It's 1969. A son of a local shoe factory owner brings home a game called "Jumanji." In the evening, he invites his friend, Sarah Whittle, to play with him. The first move marks the beginning of some unbelievable events: the house is filled with bats, and the main character is transported to 1995.
This is when Judy and Peter Shepherd arrive at the abandoned house. They find the game in the attic and decide to try their luck. Their first move also leads to something strange: monkeys appear in the room, and then a lion jumps out of a table card, pulling out a boy trapped in time (Alan Parrish). From this point on, a deadly game with life begins. The heroes are to pass plenty of exciting and terrible challenges to restore everything and end "Jumanji."
Why should you watch this movie?
- Time travels are always interesting. In this movie, they are shown from an interesting side: a clash of two generations. The story takes the viewer from A to B as logically as possible.
- A tenuous plot: you can watch it with your kids without censorship.
- Events that develop dynamically: you don't want to sleep.
- The background music perfectly complements the picture on the screen.
- You can certainly watch the movie several times, and it won't get boring. The jokes are great, the plot is pleasant, and the background music and visuals are always relevant.
Stay Alive
- IMDb rating: 5.0
- Release year: 2006
- Country: USA
- Director: William Brent Bell
- Genre: horror, science fiction, fantasy, thriller, detective
- Duration: 85 minutes (1 hour 25 minutes)
The plot revolves around the mysterious death of one of the characters, gamer Loomis, who was found dead in his apartment. His close friend Hutch learns about it at the funeral. With other inveterate gamers, he sets out to explore the game that took his friend's life. Interestingly, the game starts only after a thorough study of the welcome message. By the way, one of the players dies under mysterious circumstances on the very first evening.
Young gamers become warier. They try to stick together, but as it often happens in movies, all in vain, nothing can stop death. Soon the characters realize that it's not enough to stop playing. The only way out of this "death loop" is to pass the game, that is to get to the tower and kill the Countess. And then real horrors start like hammering a nail into a head, a burning living person, and so on. Not everyone will make it to the finals: many just won't survive.
Why should you watch it?
- A creepy, intriguing, and mesmerizing plot. Not everyone can watch it, you need to have nerves of steel, but if you get hooked, you are to like it.
- An optimal combination of special effects, dramatic music, and other elements of creating atmosphere. There are no rivers of blood.
- Watching this movie several times is not a waste of time. As the audience describes it, "the first time you get scared and close your eyes at every suspicious moment, and the next time you try to understand the essence of what is happening, to delve into the director's fantasies."
- The very idea of covering gaming, attracting teenagers, and weaving it all into one picture (while making a fairly correct conclusion) is brilliant. You can see that the work of the writers, director, and other people involved in the project has been done with due dedication.
