Top 10 Best Portrayals of Video Game Characters

Video game adaptations are tough, but these portrayals were spot on! Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at the best character performances in Video Game adaptations. Our countdown includes characters Bowser, Trevor Belmont, Geralt of Rivia and more! What was your favorite video game character portrayal? Let us know in the comments!
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#videogames #actors #warcraft #arcane #thewitcher #castlevania #mortalkombat #witcher

[@WatchMojo]

Which on-screen adaptation of your favorite gaming icons do you think nailed it? Share your thoughts below.

[@zoelindwall637]

My honorable mentions is the devil and king dice on the cup-head show.

[@RichCale]

You could have at least given an Honorable mention to Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa's portrayal of Shang Tsung. It led to him reprising the role in MK11.

[@tigerclaw8775]

Jack Black and Jim Carrey were masters of their roles as Bowser and Eggman, Two of the Greatest Video Game Villains Alive played by Two of the Greatest Comedians Alive They’re Truly Irreplaceable! 🐲🥚🐲🥚🐲🥚🐲🥚

[@BrandonScott-mi5pz]

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG.

[@SuperMarioJesus]

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa as Shang Tsung is one of the most perfect casting choices. The man was born to play Shang Tsung!! Why wasn’t he on this list?

[@raptorexx_]

Jim Carrey as Doctor Robotnik was such a genius casting choice, i can't imagine anyone else portraying him as amazingly as he did

[@deusexmachina2222]

To be honest... Sonic Satan kinda ALMOST ruined it for me lol... I love it so much.. Especially the dark robotnik... But I do like Jim Carrey's performance

[@ColtonRMagby]

Me neither.

[@MediaChristianFanatic]

Jim Carrey is immaculate as Dr. Robotnik. Even though he is Sonic’s archnemesis, his insults and tech gadgets were chef’s kiss.

[@malhaomalhoa7486]

I love Jim Carrey, but honestly Danny Devito in his prime would've probably been a much more faithful Eggman tbh.

[@ColtonRMagby]

@@MediaChristianFanatic As was him saying he loves the way his employee makes lattés.

[@flexivefowl8186]

Thats what happens when they actually follow the source material correctly.

[@bemasaberwyn55]

They can do that?

[@adampellett4917]

I can’t wait for Sonic 3 this Christmas.

[@TheCommenterDragon]

Ryan Renolds as Detective Pikachu and Jim Carrie as Robotnik are two of my all time favorites! The way their acting just brought the characters to life is just ever so marvelous!

[@tylergoodman3560]

Jim Carrey as Dr. Eggman was the perfect casting. 💯🎉

[@matrixmaster9616]

Totes

[@yodayoda2329]

looked nothing like thee Robotnik character from the games. basically just played himself... again

[@olleselin]

Jack Black abselotely nailed it as Bowser!

[@MediaChristianFanatic]

Yes, Jack Black captured the balance of humor and formidable junctures very well.

[@nick4810]

He was good but not sure what you mean by 'nailed it' seeing as he wasn't imitating any performance

[@BrandonScott-mi5pz]

EXCELLENT WORK. WATCHMOJO JIM CARRY AS DR. EGGMAN AND JACK BLACK AS BOWSER

[@jturner2577]

​@@nick4810He was matching Kenny James.

[@matrixmaster9616]

Unforgettable.

[@ReynaReactsandReviews]

Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik is perfect casting he’s hilarious 😂

[@SuperMarioJesus]

Where on earth is Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa as Shang Tsung? The man is perfect in the role

[@vicentemorua4517]

Absolutely. He IS Shang Tsung. The perfect amount of haughty and disdain.

[@bemasaberwyn55]

​@@vicentemorua4517So perfect that game dev's actually put him in an m k game

[@shoestring-budget08]

Trevor Goddard (RIP) is a close second. He set the standard for Kano

[@Constitutionalist76]

They didn't care about this list beyond number 1. They just go with what is popular at the moment. so 10-2 is all filler, just so number 1 can get stroked over and over again.

[@ffxmmx]

Thank you! Exactly what I was looking for!

[@jr22hon]

8:19 By the way both a sad and heartwarming fun fact about Raul Julia, he chose to do Street fighter because his children love the games and he wanted them to remember him for it.

[@BowserMovies1989]

Ryan Reynolds (Detective Pikachu), Jim Carrey (Dr. Robotnik), and Jack Black (Bowser) aced their characters like pros.

[@MediaChristianFanatic]

Yes, they did! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@matrixmaster9616]

DARN RIGHT, YO!

[@nintendolife25]

I still got that Peach song in my head. Man, Jack Black owned the role as Bowser!

[@BurrShotHam711]

Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik and Jack Black as Bowser both guys nailed it!

[@mikelshort9150]

Henry Cavil as Geralt was so tragic. He was so good, so dedicated. But disagreements with writers who openly said they disliked the original material eventually made him leave. So sad.

[@ciscolobo1]

Yep, but he did what he had to do. He wanted to he loyal to the source material. The man was a walking encyclopedia for both the books and games. Many times he had to say " no Geralt wouldn't say or do that." Show runners just wanted another generic fantasy show with no soul..so naturally Henry left.

[@disneyvillainsfan1666]

Ted Lewis as King Dedede in Kirby Right Back At Ya really should have been mentioned. He gave The Ruler of Dreamland such a memorable and hilarious voice that it practically became the definitive voice for the character for so many Kirby fans, including myself.

[@CandiceVidito]

Ryan Reynolds as Detective Pikachu was amazing!

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

Years ago I would've said Dennis Hopper as King Koopa, But Jim Carrey as Dr Robotnik & Jack Black as Bowser were Perfection. 👌🏿

[@Animeguy300]

All of them nailed it as their video game characters

[@vicentemorua4517]

No love for Cary Hiroyuki-Tagawa? The man who portrayed Shang Tsung so well that he got hired to play him in Mortal Kombat 11???

[@jimbo9208]

this list is for movie/tv only

[@fuxion22]

@@jimbo9208 You need to watch the 1995 Mortal Kombat movie. Cary Hiroyuki-Tagawa as Shang Tsung is brilliant. Should be on this list, top 5 at least.

[@kumarawr740]

I feel like he should have been on the list instead of Tomb Raider

[@vicentemorua4517]

@@jimbo9208 He was cast as Shang Tsung on the 1995 Mortal Kombat movie, but later he was cast as the VA for Mortal Kombat 11.

[@windknight4747]

Jim Carrey’s Robotnix was great, I can’t wait to see him wearing the fat suit in Sonic 3.

[@mojo3318]

The fat suit? Oh.

[@user-km5ro9cd7i]

Don't forget about Matthew Lillard who played William Afton from 5 nights at Freddy's

[@raven3067]

Jim Carry captured the zaniness and intelligence of Dr Robotnik. :)

[@colinledoux7836]

Jack Black as Bowser and Jim Carrey as Dr Eggman they both really brought the two villains to life on the big screen and nailed how they are in the Mario games and Sonic Games.

[@marcusyates3044]

Top 20 Best Allies to Sonic the Hedgehog!

[@heroboygamebase2286]

Sonic 3, here we come!

[@joopvanhedel1372]

Dr Robotnik has been confirmed to be fat in Sonic Movie 3. During the trilogy he changed from Dr Robotnik Slowly to Dr Eggman which is one of the coolest things if anyone ever rewatches the trilogy

[@rndmpinkiepie64]

I still say Idris Elba deserves love as Knuckles. He plays the character so dramatically and powerfully while bringing the knucklehead's social disconnection and awkwardness to the character

[@dementedfurbie.]

I love Castlevania and I love Trevor Belmont. One of my favorite shows ever

[@walterwilliams257]

Didn't even know Ella Purcell voiced Jinx. She killed it in arcane and in the new Fallout show

[@Jamal-bl7yh]

Ryu, Ken Masters, Gouken and Akuma Street Fighter Assassin's Fist (2014) now this movie was the Street Fighter movie I actually wanted It was so good that It's still fondly remembered 10 years later good job Joey Ansah

[@G1Grimlock94]

Jim Carrey is great portrayal Robotnik

[@46sn29]

Trevor Goddard and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa should have at least been honorable mentions. Trevor's portrayal of Kano was so good that the game developers retconned Kano's backstory and made him Australian. As for Cary, he was so beloved that he was brought back to portray the character in MK11.

[@CarlosMendoza-es4rx]

You Forgot Cary Tagawa as Shang Tsung.

[@Mr_Wheez]

Perfect!

[@deadmanthehekatonkheire994]

All these portrayals were spectacular. But I came here for Samoa Joe and Will Arnett's portrayal of Sweet Tooth.

[@keithegan8035]

So we are dismiissing Angelina Jolie as the first live action movie Lara Croft. lol

[@luedanger561]

I came to write the same thing. She was perfectly casted as Lara Croft

[@whitewolf3051]

It’s all about the modern audience these days, given the fact since they went with the reboot version. A shame really, I too prefer Angelina Jolie’s take as Lara.

[@AndreaDoesYoga]

Amazing list, these portrayals really nailed it! 🎮👌

[@crazyfool7685]

sienna guillory as Jill valentine

[@waheedabdullah6371]

I would also count Lumalee from The Super Mario Movie as a honorable mention. It makes me wish the Lumas from the Mario games were uncomfortable as Lumalee

[@MKF30]

Scorpion should be higher on the list, easily the best ninja in gaming and Sanada did an amazing job as Hanzo/Scorpion.

[@bellasalceies4138]

Matthew Lillard as Willam Afton/Purple Guy!!! He nailed the character down to the t for the FNAF movie and did not disappoint...

[@GauntletBProductions]

CARY TAGAWA AS SHANG TSUNG!!!??????

[@bryanesbertgo4718]

The Cast of Mortal Kombat 1995 Mortal Kombat, not only they accurately portray the video game characters, it is the only movie I knew that accurately and faithful adapted the game itself.

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Joel was amazingly portrayed

[@catholicactionbibleonlyist1813]

Lou Albano in The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!

[@StacheKing]

Jim Carrey is amazing as Robotnik, and I can't wait to see him in Sonic 3.

[@chrisbinwang2119]

Raul Juliá gets his name butchered once again. 💀 The 'J' in Raul Juliá makes an H sound.

[@adampellett4917]

Sonic the Hedgehog 2020 franchise got unstoppable quality that Sonic never stops himself now.

[@jasonbean2764]

"For me, it was Tuesday". Some lines just land.

[@Jeremiah_Rivers76]

Angelina Jolie’s Lara Croft impressed me, but not to the extent of wanting to play the _Tomb Raider_ games.

[@whitewolf3051]

Glad to know I’m not the only one who’s thinking of Jolie’s Lara Croft for this list.

[@kainguru1]

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa as Shang Tsung, come on! From the movie to the game, he's still rocking this role and he's just so darn good at it, the MK team keeps modeling the character after him!

[@mattiasolsson1523]

At first i wasn’t sure Jim Carrey’s design of Robotnik because of lack of the long mustache and bald head, lucky the second movie made him look closer to the iconic villain more and change my mind.

[@noahmagana137]

Kano from the first mk movie deserves a spot here because ever since then, each game has modeled Kano after that Australian actor who played him.

[@gio_sega]

Thank you for the honorable mention of THAT M. Bison's quote.

[@collegebro85]

Not just one character, but the entirety of Silent Hill from the nurses to Pyramid Head was spot-on for me. Still to this day the most faithful and perfect video game movie imo!!

[@natsune09]

Kano in the original Mortal Kombat was great, they changed the background of the character and made him Australian because of it.

[@Quillz06]

Almost had a stroke when i saw the thumbnail. The Sonic 3 trailer could drop any day now.

[@MarioFanXXL]

Yeah, i would have a stroke too. And a heart and laughter attack as well. I. WANT SONIC 3 TRAILER!!!

[@shaoxuan4227]

Raul Julia as M bison absolutely nail it

[@jasonsmith530]

Jim and Jack share an unwavering commitment to the comedic portrayal of horrific gaming villains

[@ScarysReviews]

Chris Casamassa as Scorpion from the ORIGINAL Mortal Kombat film, he was great he returned as Scorpion ( though not Hanzo) for the tv series Mortal Kombat conquest. Speaking of that, Jeff Meek as Shao Kahn ( Brian Thompson did well with the laugh, taunts in Annihilation and we'll see how Martyn Ford goes in the sequel to the 2021 film) since talking MORTAL KOMBAT, Linden Ashby as Johnny Cage, Bridgette Wilson as Sonya, TREVOR GODDARD AS KANO ( Josh Lawson is fantastic in the 2021 film) Christopher lambert as Raiden ( Jeff Meek was also Raiden in Conquest and was good as him too), Keith Cooke as Reptile ( was good as Sub zero in Annihilation) Cary Hyruki-Tagawa as Shang Tsung ( you FORGOT HIM HERE!). Jack Black- Bowser, Jim-Robotnik. Bruce Locke did well as Shang in Conquest. Adoni Maropis as Quan Chi in Conquest ( well see how Damon Harriman goes in the sequel to the 2021 film) Raul Julia as Bison, BOB HOSKINS as Mario, YOU FORGOT BOB HOSKINS! Andrew Bryniarski as Zangief, Jay Tavare as Vega, Ming Na-Wen as Chun Li, Grand L Bush as Balrog, Peter Tuiasosopo as E Honda. Honorable mentions to Fracncoise Petit ( Sub zero in original Mortal Kombat film, JJ Perry as Scorpion and Cyrax, Lynn Red Williams as Jax, Talisa Soto as Kitana, Ridley Tsui as Smoke, Dara Tomanovich and Audie England as Kitana) John Leguisamo as Luigi, Charlie Day as Luigi. Seth Rogan as Donkey Kong. Gotta give grace to Dennis Hopper as Coopa in the ORIGINAL SUPER MARIO BROS movie and Lance Henrikson as King Bowser in same movie.

[@markfowler1981]

What’s the background music used throughout from?

[@chriscripplercruz1833]

For me it was Tuesday... The original thug life moment in movie history

[@CD-yb9wt]

Captain Lou Albano and Danny Wells as the Mario Bros.

[@joshuahuq]

Why didn't you mention Shang Tsung or The Ghoul!?

[@electrocles]

I know it was an honorable mention but thank you for acknowledging the Warcraft movie and I agree with your pick.

[@dannyohare3645]

Just wait until Borderlands this year and next year’s Minecraft movie gets released. And a future live action Legend of Zelda and Pac-Man movie gets released. Hope there’s a Kirby movie.

[@CloneScavengerVulpin8389]

The build up to scorpion at the end of the (2021) film was worth the wait.

[@ColtonRMagby]

Where Evil Grows is an amazing song.

[@markperez9613]

Keanu Reeves as Shadow the Hedgehog is THE perfect casting in video game history.

[@marcusyates3044]

My Top 3 Capcom Game Who Deserve a Cinematic Universe! 1. Mega Man! 2. Darkstalkers! 3. Street Fighter!

[@axelanchante3950]

Devil May Cry

[@Frostshock15]

I would love to see a Mega Man movie.

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

Maximo

[@charitysmidutz498]

Darkstalkers is so Underrated. It's one of my favorite fighting games.

[@jo-mama5929]

No Mathew Lillard as William Afton from Five Nights at Freddy's. As a fnaf fan, he blew my mind. Especially the springlock scene.

[@Ricvictors]

Okay, I love Alicia Vikander, but no. Her Lara Croft isn’t even a shadow of the original character.

[@whitewolf3051]

So do you prefer Angelina Jolie in the 2001 Tomb Raider movie?

[@lo_itay7541]

Can I get a hi?

[@ChibiProwl]

Howdy.😊

[@MrDozy1016]

Cary Hiroyuki-Tagawa as Shang Tsung is iconic. He reprosed the role in a separate project, and then in MK 11 and they altered the design of the character to match the actor. If that's not a great performance I don't know what is

[@Peyton-qf8vn]

Ryan Reynolds, Jim Carrey, and Jack Black did an amazing job as these iconic video game characters.

[@haydenlipczenko4775]

Matthew Lillard was great as William Afton.

[@bellasalceies4138]

Highly agree with that

[@danasaeed9018]

One Day: Kratos From God Of War! But Who Could Possibly Play That Iconic Role?????

[@yukikun6478]

Triple H or Tomaso Ciampa. But would most likely be Triple H since he has experience being an actor. His body mass and his bald head and beard would make him the perfect Kratos. Add the fact that he had dressed up gladiator'ish outfits on some of his Wrestlemania entrances. So for sure he would also love the plot and setting of God of War. That's if, if he would want it. I heard before that he is already suffering from major health conditions.

[@bobkatfan2013]

How is Raul Julia only an honorable mention.

[@andreasmeelie1889]

I love the fact that Jim Carrey gets picked as a wonderful performance as Eggman. But, can I for once see some love for Ben Schwartz as my main hero, Sonic? Heck, why not Idris Elba for Knuckles? Chris Pratt should most definitely get some love for his portrayal of Mario. So does Charlie Day as Luigi and Anna Taylor Joy as Peach.

[@tyhobbs123]

Love that the Spoonman made an appearance.

[@RFGfotografie]

8) Jim Carrey being Dr. Robotnik/Eggman was truly the best choice in TV-history! So happy we got to see new work with him in it. He's such a perfect actor :) Also Sonic being made in a rl-movie that doesn't sucks is EPIC! Cannot wait for the 3rd movie :D

[@tdi21]

Jim Carey ISN'T Number One? Seriously Mojo? It's like watching a Carey from the 90s: Mask plus Ventura plus Riddler all rolled into one insane package!

[@ZachMaster26]

When the Western genre died, Gangsters stepped in. When the Gangster genre died, Superheroes stepped in. The Superhero genre is dying, and now, adapting Video Games into movies/shows is stepping in (the first ever film adaptation of a video game was *Super Mario Bros.: The Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach!* back in 1986).

[@maddestmike5791]

It's a crime that you left out Long John Baldry as Dr. Robotnik in Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog.

[@matthewvorwald7169]

Ryan Renyolds as Detective Pikachu, Jim Carrey as Doctor Robotnik, and Alicia Viakander as Lara Croft do a fantastic job bringing these characters to life. Some other actors that do a great job bringing video characters to life, even if they didn't speak and are just wearing a costume, are Matt Taylor who played Nemesis in Resident Evil Apocalypse, and Roberto Campanella who portrayed Pyramid Head in the Silent Hill movies.

[@Zerolink30]

I've heard that for Sonic 3, Jim requested to have a fat suit. Here is hoping that is the case

[@andrewbeene961]

Video game adaptations have come a long way.

[@yukikun6478]

I have a few... Lol. This list needs a part 2. Or this could have been a top 20. Lol. Robin Shou as Liu Kang Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa as Shang Tsung Linden Ashby as Johnny Cage Bridgette Wilson as Sonya Blade Sienna Guillory as Jill Valentine Li Bingbing as Ada Wong Kaya Scodelario as Claire Redfield Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft

[@JurassicGodzillaFan]

Jim Carrey nailed the role of Dr. Robotnik.

[@eugeniapatroncosta920]

Jim Carrey as Robotnik was incredibly funny and Jack Black as Bowser was awesome!

[@mrsocko316]

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa as Shang Tsung, a Flawless Victory.

[@PhilBowes]

Can you do a video of Matt groening unproduced series

[@giggityking6505]

There should be a Killer Instinct movie

[@tgafan25]

Seeing live-action Robotnik at thumbnail made me tap. Bruh.

[@Fluffyudders]

If you allow #9 as the honourable mention, this list is actually way WAY better in reverse.

[@mojo3318]

I didn't know there was a movie of "The Witcher", "Tomb Raider", or "Phoenix Wright 'Ace Attorney'"! That's awesome! Also, I've never heard of "Arcane". It looks like a great game! All the movies and TV shows on this list seem great! I'd love to see them all and play all the games of them! I didn't know Pikachu could talk until I saw a trailer for "Detective Pikachu". And if nobody cares, why did Dr. Robotnik ask the guy's name? Also, I thought he would be bald in the first Sonic movie before it was released.

[@TheTlin82180]

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa redefined Shang Tsung.

[@krizwatcher]

What about Cary Tagawa as Shang Tsung from the first Mortal Kombat movie???

[@Narutonarutonaruto85]

I was surprised to see a movie from before 2010 on the list, even in the HM.

[@timcasey8314]

Your first three are actually very much against cannon

[@KingBowser77766]

Bowser should have been number 1 >:(

[@redheadboyyy123]

I think Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo are great casting choices. In a better movie they would have killed obv. Also Angelina Jolie was a great Lara Croft