Since the success of the Super Mario Bros movie, fans have been wondering what other beloved Nintendo franchises could have their own film. From Metroid to Star Fox, there are definitely a number of options for Nintendo to go. But one of the most speculated series that could be eyed for a film is The Legend Of Zelda.
The fantasy adventure series has been impacting the gaming world since the 1980s, so perhaps it's time for it to move over to the silver screen. However, that raises another question. If there were going to be a Legend Of Zelda movie, which game would it be based on, if any? There are plenty of contenders, but here are the ones we think fans would want to see.
8 The Legend Of Zelda
If you're going to start something new, then why not go back to the beginning? The original game from the 1980s is still referenced today, and its success is what kickstarted the franchise to begin with. The first game is probably their best bet for a film that may be trying to have looser guidelines so that they can impose their own story and version of Link and Zelda.
Due to technological limitations, there is very little story compared to other games in the series. However, there's still just enough to at least have a very loose outline on how a story concerning Link would go, with plenty of space for a creative director to expand on in the middle.
7 The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past
Another origin story for Link (and maybe the first sign that the timeline isn't as straightforward as you'd think), The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past is more story-focused without it being too burdensome. As well as introducing the idea of a parallel mirror world, there is a lot a director could do if they approach the plot with a certain style.
The game is also known as being one of the most atmospheric, making Hyrule feel like an actual lived-in kingdom with its ancient history which would be something that a movie adaptation could explore too.
6 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
If there was ever an adaptation to bait the nostalgia, this would be the safest option. Not only is Ocarina Of Time another origin story for Link, it is still one of the most popular Legend Of Zelda games in the entire series and one of the most popular games of all time. It's been hailed as one of the most charming videogames ever. And with its expanded story, there is a lot that could be taken and adapted here.
The only downside is that there's so much in this entry that it may be suited better as a television series than a 90-minute movie.
5 The Legend Of Zelda: Majora's Mask
For a director more in the line of Guillermo Del Toro, The Legend Of Zelda: Majora's Mask would be the perfect game to be adapted. The game is still considered one of the darkest entries of the franchise, with Link single-handedly having to stop the apocalypse by morphing via different disguises.
The main issue is that it's a direct sequel to Ocarina Of Time. It means that making a movie would mean that you need to add some more scenes just for the sake of context, as Link is already an adventurer at this point.
4 The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Perhaps the most interesting out of the origin stories, The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker takes place in what seems to be a post-apocalyptic Hyrule where the kingdom has been flooded and civilization consists of a few islands.
The game is one of the most adventurous and sees Link have a family with a sister and grandmother, which could be vital characters for an adaptation to flesh out more of his backstory.
3 The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess
If any game could come close to Ocarina Of Time when it comes to adaptation potential, then it would be The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess. The game is one of the most popular and instantly recognizable of the series, featuring yet another origin story of another Link.
At the very least, if it isn't considered to be the film adaptation of the first movie, it very well could be the film adaptation of a sequel, especially since there are theories it takes place after The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time, just with a new Link at the helm. Not to mention the inclusion of characters like Midna could make for a much more interesting story.
2 The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword
What better game to adapt than the one that is at the very beginning? The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword doesn't hide the fact that it clearly takes place at the beginning of the timeline and is considered the genesis of the series mythos, with it starting the cycle of Link, Zelda, and Ganon always being reborn and battling at some point.
This is also one of the games where the romantic subtext between Link and Zelda is more apparent, so for directors wanting to show more romance between the two characters, this game would be the best option.
1 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
And what better game to adapt than the one that brought the timeline into one path? The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild is another one of the top contenders for a film adaptation due to its popularity and the fact that, yes, it's another origin story for Link but with a twist.
In this game, Link has already "failed" in some regard. Calamity Ganon has taken over, only being restricted by Zelda, who has been forced to hold him back for a century as Link has been asleep and recovering from the second Great Calamity. The backstory, angst, and having a fully voiced Zelda with her spirited personality means that this game is perhaps the best for a movie adaptation, especially as it has a great cast of close characters and can utilize the story's flashbacks.