Films based on video games are often poorly made, rushed, and badly received. Some of the worst games in history have been based on classic films, including the infamous ET and Superman 64. But slot machines are a different breed entirely. While video games are often rushed to release at the same time as the film, slot developers tend to take their time. Film licenses are also expensive, and so there is more pressure to make them work. As the following list shows, some of the best slots in the gaming sector are based on film licenses.
The Goonies
The Goonies is a classic. It was a Box Office hit and is considered to be one of the best films of the decade, one that most ‘80s and ‘90s kids remember fondly. If it wasn’t released in the same year as countless other classics (including Back to the Future), its success might have been even more notable. The Goonies slot was developed by Blueprint Gaming, a British-based creator that has a knack for producing premium slots based on iconic franchises (other creations include Top Cat, Rick & Morty, and Viz). It is often included as part of the Jackpot King progressive jackpot system and it comes bundled with a number of features, including Free Spins. Players will be reintroduced to all of the Goonies gang, including Sloth. It’s the perfect dose of nostalgia.
The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight is a Microgaming slot based on the Batman flick of the same name. It has a progressive jackpot attached and also spawned a sequel that also has a jackpot. Both of these games use 3D graphics and incorporate several features, as well as images and audio taken directly from the film.
Jurassic Park
Jurassic Park was a groundbreaking film that spawned a massively profitable series of films, as well as a couple of video games. The Jurassic Park slot tries to recreate some of the epic scenes that made the original so noteworthy, including giant stomping T-Rex feet that trigger wild symbols, features, and big payouts. The quality of Jurassic Park films may have taken a nosedive over the last few years, but they are still incredibly fun, and the same is true for this Microgaming slot.
Resident Evil
Resident Evil is a Japanese creation, but very few of the games and films are actually set or filmed in Japan, with the early scenes of Resident Evil: Afterlife being one of the few exceptions. It’s a survival horror that began by following a small group of survivors in an eerie house and then expanded to cities, villages, and even a different spooky house. There are a couple of Resident Evil slots out there, the most notable of which is Resident Evil 6 from the Skywind Group. A variant of Resident Evil was also created by Bwin as an exclusive for their casino.
Grease
Grease is a slick and stylish slot that pays homage to the ‘70s film of the same name. It’s a musical and magical creation and it has the unmistakable 1950s vibe for which the Travolta and Newton-John film was known. The Grease slot was developed by Playtech and includes a couple of interesting features, including one where Danny and Sandy can merge together to create bigger payouts. The main reels are set against inside a 1950s diner complete with a checkered floor. There are also cars and a dancefloor, as well as a few other characters taken from the film.
Gladiator
The Ridley Scott film, Gladiator, currently has an 8.5 rating on IMDB and has been included in countless “must-see” film lists. It won an impressive 5 Oscars and still holds up today, some 21 years after it was released. The Gladiator slot was created a number of years after the film and borrows many images and symbols, including still pictures of the main characters. There is also a Gladiator Jackpot variant that adds a huge progressive jackpot to the mix and gives you even more reasons to play. Although the Gladiator slot isn’t as graphically advanced or innovative as some of the other slots on this list, its speed, simplicity, high RTP, and jackpot means that it’s one of the most popular licensed slots.
Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters was one of the highest-grossing films of the 1980s. It was a global Box Office success and in the United States, it was one of the five biggest hits of the decade. The Ghostbusters slot machine was created by IGT and captures all the style and humor of the film. You’ll find all of the Ghostbusters team here while the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man and Slimer also make an appearance. Slimer appears randomly to trigger instant wins and other bonuses. He is also the star of his very own bonus feature, which is based on the famous ballroom scene. As for the giant marshmallow man, he stars in the main Free Spins feature.