Movies About Video Game Players

From Seth Gordon, starring Steve Wiebe, Billy Mitchell, Mark Alpiger, Adam Wood
Rated PG-13

The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters is a 2007 American documentary film directed by Seth Gordon, focusing on the rivalry between Steve Wiebe and Billy Mitchell over the world record score on Donkey Kong arcade game. The film follows Steve Wiebe, an unemployed teacher from Washington, as he attempts to break the high score held by Billy Mitchell, the self-proclaimed "King of Kong". With the help of his supportive wife and twin sons, and the help of arcade game enthusiasts Walter Day and Robert Mruczek, Wiebe sets out to attain the world record. Along the way, Wiebe and Mitchell must face rigged tournaments, corrupt referees, and vicious rumors in order to gain the title of "King of Kong". The documentary follows the two rivals through their personal and professional struggles, from Wiebe's attempts to gain credibility in the gaming world, to Mitchell's attempts to maintain his reputation as the world's top player. In the end, Wiebe succeeds in attaining the world record, making him the official "King of Kong".

From Rich Moore, starring John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch, Sarah Silverman
Rated PG

Wreck-It Ralph is a 2012 animated adventure comedy film about the titular character, voiced by John C. Reilly. He is the villain of a classic video game called Fix-It Felix Jr., but he yearns to be a hero instead. When a new game arrives in the arcade, Ralph decides to take his destiny into his own hands and sneak into the game in an attempt to prove himself as a hero. However, this sets off a series of events that threaten the arcade, and Ralph must team up with the game's hero, Fix-It Felix (Jack McBrayer), and a feisty young racer named Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman) in order to save the day. Along the way, he learns that it is better to be true to who you are and how to be a true hero.

From Directors: Lisanne Pajot, James Swirsky, starring Jonathan Blow, Brandon Boyer, Renaud Bédard, Anthony Carboni
Rated Not Rated

Indie Game: The Movie is a 2012 documentary film by directors Lisanne Pajot and James Swirsky. The film follows the lives of four independent game developers as they work to create games that they hope will make their mark on the gaming industry. Through interviews with the developers and their families, the film examines the dedication and passion that goes into creating a video game from concept to completion. The film also examines the struggles that the developers face in the face of harsh criticism from the gaming community and financial pressures from publishers. Ultimately, the film celebrates the determination and courage of the developers as they strive to make their dreams a reality.

From Edgar Wright, starring Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Anna Kendrick
Rated PG-13

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is an action comedy film directed by Edgar Wright and based on the graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O'Malley. The film follows Scott Pilgrim, a 23-year-old slacker who falls in love with an American delivery girl, Ramona Flowers. In order to win her heart, he must defeat her seven “evil exes” in battle. Along the way, Scott and his friends must grapple with the mysteries of love, growing up, and facing adulthood. With an all-star cast and plenty of action, comedy, and romance, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is an entertaining, creative, and modern take on the classic hero’s journey.

From Juan Carlos Pineiro Escoriaza, starring Dan Bustard, Ashley Esqueda, Andrew Monkelban, Nick Yee
Rated Unrated

From Todd Holland, starring Fred Savage, Luke Edwards, Jenny Lewis, Vince Trankina
Rated PG

From John Moore, starring Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Beau Bridges, Ludacris
Rated PG-13