I’ve never been sure if video games and movies are best friends or sworn enemies. There’s a terrible chick lit novel with a pastel cartoon cover just waiting to be written about the odd couple that forms the bulk of our visual media. As someone who loves both, I’ve always been more fond of their connection, even as it feels like games lose some of themselves trying to soak up the prestige of film while movies import the worst part of fan culture from video games.
But enough about all of that. Let’s look at how the best movies of 2024 couple up with the best games of 2024. If you liked one half of this duo, chances are you’ll like the other. So grab some Mountain Dew-flavoured popcorn, and let’s roll credits baby.
Dune 2 – Helldivers 2
Sharp political commentary on the rise of authoritarian regimes who propagate violence for their own glory in the name of resistance, or shooty shooty bang bang in space? The best part is, you get to decide! Two of the most popular movies and video games of the year share a similar setting, theme, and fanbase that wilfully misunderstands them so they can enjoy them without engaging fully. May thy knife chip and shatter for democracy!
Gladiator 2 – Black Myth: Wukong
Both Gladiator and Black Myth: Wukong offer an action-packed spin on an ancient text. With Black Myth, that is of course the 16th century novel, Journey to the West. For Gladiator 2, that is 2000’s Gladiator starring Russell Crowe. Operating as an endless onslaught of increasingly difficult and violent battles while the narrative whirs in the background, both are a test of strength and honour. Where death is, we shall be several times until we finally beat that one boss.
Monkey Man – Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
I considered aligning Monkey Man (the most underrated movie of the year) with Black Myth too in a primatular pairing, but Like a Dragon is a far better fit. Though both feature intense hand-to-hand violence, they also tell the story of a downtrodden outsider who exudes kindness to those shunned by the world. Kid and Ichiban both have a heart as big as their biceps, and fight for justice, not glory. Blessings from my mother indeed.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes – The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Three apes in a row, I know. But I love love love the Apes movies, and I was worried Kingdom would be a let down after War’s perfect ending. Instead, it was a brilliant launchpad for the start of something new – a little like finally giving the titular princess her time in the spotlight.
But more than that, I have longed for an Apes game and the most obvious touchstone would be the exploration of Breath of the Wild. Echoes of Wisdom is not quite that, but still has a sense of discovery and ingenuity that is ever-present in the Apes movies. What a wonderful day to stay in bed and play Zelda.
Longlegs – Alan Wake 2: The Lake House
I realise this is a DLC pack, but this is by far the closest union on the list. As I (and several others) said when Longlegs released, it is essentially an Alan Wake movie. The off-kilter creepiness, the dread in the darkness, the cultish shadows lurking in mystery, Longlegs channels all of the uncomfortable emotions that makes Alan Wake 2 so great.
There’s also debate over whether either of these stick the landing (Longlegs – Mostly, Alan Wake 2 – Definitely), and I cannot imagine a finer match. Just please, don’t watch it on the 14th.
Stellar Blade – Immaculate
Both Stellar Blade and Immaculate use the inherent sexuality of women’s bodies to tell a tale of religion, corruption, individuality versus conformity, and control through fear. Both also don’t quite carry these complex themes quite as well as they hope to. And because this symbolism is centred on the inherent sexuality of women’s bodies, a lot of fans will just see this as Eve = Sydney Sweeney and consider it to be on the money. How dull.
The Substance – 1000xResist
Speaking of the inherent sexuality of women’s bodies, one of 2024’s surprise delights was The Substance. In more cloying hands, this could have been a tale of sisterhood, but it instead leaned into the horrifying ordeal of being perceived, and the greater horrors that befall you when that fades away. 1000xResist tells its own story of womanhood, of friendship wrapped around radicalism and disease. Though very different in their narratives, both tell tales that continue to twist, rooted in complex characters who face newly grotesque challenges around every corner. The balance must be respected, hekki grace.
Hundreds of Beavers – Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Hundreds of Beavers is technically not a 2024 movie, though it did get its breakout this year. And Paper Mario is also technically not a 2024 game, being a remake from 2004. But this list would be incomplete without Hundreds of Beavers, the most video game movie not to be a video game. It’s a black and white silent film (wait, come back!) that channels the energy of Mario and Zelda perfectly. He even travels through pipes! I guess there’s a little bit of history everywhere you look, huh?
Red One – Concord
Do you like terrible ideas that cost way too much money? Boy does 2024 have some treats for you! See also: Borderlands – Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.