Mention video games based on movies and the average video game enthusiast will shudder. Everyone knows that games based on movies are lousy, right? Wrong! There are a number of popular PC and game console games that are based on movies that are actually fun to play. Now, I know that most video game fans are probably saying, “Yeah, prove it!” Well, tastes vary, of course, but as both a game fan and an avid lover of movies, I’ve tried a number, and here are the ten games based on movies that I honestly qualify as the tops in their field, so get out your tar and feathers if you disagree.

Tron

The movie was game-like in its production and acting. People trapped in a computer game who had to overcome all kinds of obstacles to survive and move to the next level. Released in 1983 by Arcade, Tron was very like the movie without the dialogue, which, when I watched the movie just got in the way of the action any way.

The Empire Strikes Back

Another movie that was as much game as movie, with fantastic creatures and machines engaged in an intergalactic struggle. The Atari 2000 version released in 1981 was excellent in graphic quality and sound, and, unlike some of the other action games of the day, was easier to play.

The Fast and the Furious

Fans of fast cars loved the movie, and car buffs will like the PlayStation2 game produced by Bandai Namco Games. The different races and levels make for hours of interesting play. Unlike many race games that only have race after eventually boring race, there’s a garage in this game that allows repair and upgrade of your machine.

Toy Story

An animated movie for kids that was also enjoyed by many of us who are kids at heart spawned a game that holds the same attraction. Released in 1996 for Sega Genesis, it has the same endearing characters, and will be a delight for burning up a few idle hours.

The Empire Strikes Back

No, this is not a typo. Happy with the response to the Atari version of The Empire Strikes Back, a Super Nintendo version was released in 1994. The graphics are better, but I still prefer the earlier version.

Ghostbusters

“When something’s strange in the neighborhood, who you gonna call?” That’s right, Ghostbusters. A good adaptation of the popular movie for Commodore 64, it was released in 1985. Follow the Ghostbusters crew as it captures mischievous spirits that are tormenting the city.

The Lost World: Jurassic Park

If you could swallow the premise of the JurassicPark movies, you should enjoy this game. Released by Electronic Arts (EA), a leader in sports and entertainment video games, it plays on PS, Sega and Genesis systems. A good combination of action and strategy that makes it a good value for the price.

Ghost Rider

Nicholas Cage was great as the ghostly biker in the movie, and the 2007 release from 2K Games, the same company that released the newer versions of Sid Meier’s Civilization, is just as exciting.

Star Wars Trilogy

Okay, so I have a thing for space epics. This 1998 Arcade release is full of action, easy to play, and is entertaining, if a bit confusing at times. There’s a lot to keep track of, and it will keep you jumping as you play at prevailing in the far reaches of space.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit

The movie was an entertaining combination of live action and animation, and had some classic moments and dialogue. The Nintendo version released in 1989 by LJN Toys Inc. has the same quests and edge of the movie, with some location changes.

There it is, my vote on the top 10 video games based on movies. I suggest that before you rabid video game fans uncoil the rope and assemble the mob, you check a few of them out and decide for yourself.