7 Games Like The Last Of Us That Deserve Tv Adaptations Too

So, we all loved The Last of Us on HBO, right? I mean, who wouldn't? Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey? Perfect casting, honestly. It was just… chef's kiss. And the story! So gritty, so emotional. It made us all want to hug our loved ones a little tighter, or maybe just stock up on canned goods. You know, just in case.

But now that we're all caught up, and probably rewatching it for the fifth time (no judgment here!), we're left with that familiar post-binge void. What do we do now? We can't just stop having amazing, story-driven experiences, can we? That's like asking someone to stop breathing. Unthinkable!

And that got me thinking. If The Last of Us, a game with a killer story and characters you actually care about, can be a smash hit TV show, what other games are just begging for the same treatment? Seriously, Hollywood, are you even listening? Because I've got a list. A pretty darn good list, if I do say so myself. These are games that have that same heart, that same struggle, that same oomph that made TLOU so special.

Let's dive in, shall we? Grab your coffee, or your tea, or that questionable energy drink you keep hidden in the back of the fridge. We're going on a little adventure through the gaming multiverse.

Death Stranding

Okay, hear me out. When Death Stranding first came out, people were… confused. It was weird. It was slow. It was Sam Porter Bridges, walking. A lot. Like, a lot a lot. But underneath all that, there was a story about connection, about rebuilding a fractured society, and about Norman Reedus looking perpetually tired.

Imagine a TV show where Sam, played by, well, Norman Reedus (who else?), has to trek across this desolate, beautiful, and terrifying America. Think about the visuals! The spectral "BTs" would be terrifying on screen, right? And the constant struggle against the elements? The "Timefall" would add a whole new layer of suspense.

Plus, think about the supporting cast! Mads Mikkelsen as Higgs? Imagine that villain energy translated to the small screen. Léa Seydoux as Fragile? That's pure gold. The world-building is so unique, it's practically made for television. It’s about the small victories, the human connections forged in isolation. Kinda fitting for our current times, wouldn't you say? It's more than just walking; it's about hope in the face of overwhelming odds.

And the music! Ludwig Göransson would have a field day with a Death Stranding soundtrack. It would be epic, haunting, and probably make you cry during a particularly difficult delivery. It's a slow burn, sure, but so was TLOU, in its own way. And the payoff? Oh, the payoff would be immense.

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

Now, this one? This one would be intense. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is already like a playable movie, honestly. It’s a deeply personal and harrowing journey into the mind of Senua, a Celtic warrior dealing with psychosis as she journeys into Viking hell.

The game uses binaural audio to put you inside Senua's head, hearing the voices, the whispers, the torment. Imagine that translated to television! It would be a masterclass in sound design and directing. We'd see the world through her fractured perspective, with all its terrifying hallucinations and distorted realities.

Melina Juergens, who voiced and mo-capped Senua, is Senua. If she wasn’t playing her on screen, it would be a crime. She embodies that raw, unflinching vulnerability and strength. The show would explore themes of mental health, grief, and the fight against inner demons in a way that very few things do. It’s not just a fantasy adventure; it's a psychological thriller wrapped in a mythic tale.

It wouldn’t be a show for the faint of heart, that’s for sure. But for those who appreciate deeply artistic, character-driven stories that push boundaries? This would be everything. Think The Haunting of Hill House meets ancient mythology, but with way more emotional gut punches.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Okay, okay, I know what you're thinking. "But there's already a movie about cowboys!" Yes, but have you played Red Dead Redemption 2? It's more than just cowboys and shootouts. It's a sprawling, epic narrative about loyalty, betrayal, the dying of an era, and Arthur Morgan, one of the most compelling protagonists in gaming history.

Imagine this as a prestige Western drama. A mini-series, maybe? Or even a multi-season show that captures the slow burn of their outlaw life. Think Yellowstone, but with way more moral ambiguity and a protagonist who’s wrestling with his own conscience. The cinematography alone in the game is breathtaking. Just picture that translated to the big screen!

Arthur Morgan’s journey from a loyal enforcer to a man questioning his own morality? That’s TV gold, people! The relationships within the Van der Linde gang, the rise and fall of their empire, the interactions with the encroaching modern world… it’s all so rich and layered. And the supporting characters! Dutch, Sadie Adler, Charles Smith… they’re all so well-developed.

It’s a story about family, chosen or otherwise, and the desperate measures people take to survive. It has that same gritty realism and emotional weight that made TLOU so impactful. It’s not just about the action; it’s about the people caught in the middle of it all. And honestly, who wouldn't want to see more of Arthur Morgan? Just sayin'.

BioShock Infinite

This one is a bit of a wild card, but stick with me. BioShock Infinite. What a trip! A flying city in the sky, a revolutionary, a bodyguard situation, and a whole lot of philosophical questions. It's got style, it's got substance, and it's got plot twists that will make your head spin.

Imagine a visually stunning series that explores the city of Columbia. The art deco aesthetics alone would be a feast for the eyes. But then you have the underlying themes: racism, religion, free will, determinism. This isn't your average shooter; it's a story that makes you think.

Booker DeWitt, a flawed anti-hero tasked with a mission he doesn't fully understand. Elizabeth, the mysterious girl with incredible powers. Their relationship is the heart of the story, and the chemistry between them would be crucial for a TV adaptation. You’d need actors who could convey that unspoken bond, that growing trust.

It’s got action, it’s got mystery, and it’s got a narrative that’s so intricate, it practically demands a visual medium. The multiverse aspect? That could be a mind-bending twist for a series, keeping viewers on their toes. It would be like Westworld meets a steampunk fever dream. And that soundtrack? Can you even imagine?

Metal Gear Solid

Okay, this is a big one. Metal Gear Solid. The espionage, the philosophical musings, the fourth-wall-breaking madness. It’s a franchise that’s been around forever, and it’s screaming for a live-action adaptation that actually does it justice.

Forget those early attempts. We need something that captures the essence of Solid Snake. That gruff, world-weary operative who’s just trying to do his job and maybe, just maybe, save the world from utter destruction. Think a gritty, cinematic spy thriller. But, you know, with giant robots.

The story is so convoluted and epic, it could sustain multiple seasons. The political intrigue, the betrayals, the constant sense of impending doom. And the boss fights! How do you translate those? That’s where the creativity comes in! Imagine Ocelot’s flair, Liquid Snake’s menace, Psycho Mantis messing with your mind… on screen!

It's a story about the nature of war, the burden of legacy, and the fight against overwhelming odds. It’s complex, it’s dramatic, and it has a fan base that would absolutely lose their minds (in a good way!) if it were done right. We need a director who isn't afraid of the weirdness, who understands the gravitas and the absurdity. It’s a tall order, but the payoff would be legendary.

Alan Wake

Who here loves a good mystery thriller with a supernatural twist? Alan Wake is practically begging to be a TV show. It’s already got that Stephen King vibe, that feeling of a writer battling his own creations.

Imagine a show that leans into the Twin Peaks-esque atmosphere of Bright Falls. A troubled writer, Alan Wake, searching for his missing wife, who finds himself battling a supernatural force known as the "Darkness" that brings his own fictional stories to life. It's a meta-narrative that’s perfect for television.

The flashlight mechanic in the game would translate to some incredibly tense and atmospheric scenes. You'd see Alan fighting off shadowy figures with light, a visual metaphor for confronting his own inner demons and the darkness of his fictional world. It’s got suspense, it’s got mystery, and it’s got that creeping sense of dread that makes you want to binge the whole season in one sitting.

The supporting characters, like Sheriff Barber and the quirky residents of Bright Falls, add so much charm and intrigue. It’s a story about creativity, about the power of narrative, and the terrifying consequences when fiction blurs with reality. It’s got the potential to be a genuinely creepy and thought-provoking series. Plus, who wouldn’t want to see a writer wrestling with his own monsters on screen?

Horizon Zero Dawn

Okay, let's end this with something visually spectacular and with a genuinely unique premise. Horizon Zero Dawn. A post-apocalyptic world where humanity lives in primitive tribes, and giant, robotic creatures roam the land? Yes, please!

Aloy, our fierce and determined protagonist, is on a quest to uncover the truth about her past and the secrets of the "Old Ones" who created these machines. Imagine the sheer scale of the world! The vibrant, overgrown ruins of our current civilization, contrasted with the majestic and terrifying robotic beasts. It would be a visual marvel on screen.

The story explores themes of ecological disaster, technological advancement gone awry, and the resilience of the human spirit. Aloy's journey of self-discovery and her fight against ancient evils? That's prime television material. You’d have incredible action sequences with the machine hunts, interspersed with moments of quiet exploration and character development.

It’s a world that’s ripe for exploration, with a mystery at its core that would keep audiences hooked. Think The Mandalorian meets a prehistoric, sci-fi epic. The potential for world-building and character arcs is immense. It’s a story about finding your place in the world, even when that world is wildly different from anything you’ve ever known. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to see a badass warrior taking down a colossal robot dinosaur?

So there you have it! A few games I think deserve the same glow-up that The Last of Us got. What do you think? Did I miss any of your favorites? Let me know! My coffee's getting cold, and I've got more imaginary TV shows to plan.