The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was one of the most beloved consoles of the 1990s. Known for its incredible library of original titles and arcade ports, it also hosted a surprising number of games based on movies. Some were fantastic adaptations that captured the magic of their films, while others were quirky, challenging, or downright bizarre.

Movie tie-in games often have a reputation for being rushed cash grabs, but the SNES proved that you could create quality titles inspired by big-screen hits. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the 15 best SNES games based on movies—from action-packed platformers to tense sci-fi adventures—that brought Hollywood to your living room.

1. Jurassic Park (1993)

Few movie tie-ins on the SNES captured the excitement of their source material like Jurassic Park. Developed by BlueSky Software, the game let players take on the role of Dr. Alan Grant as he explored Isla Nublar.

With top-down exploration, side-scrolling action, and a clever mix of puzzles, Jurassic Park successfully recreated the thrill of the film. Players had to avoid raptors, solve environmental puzzles, and survive against the island’s iconic dinosaurs.

The game’s success lay in its faithful recreation of the film’s environments and tense moments, letting players experience the sense of danger that made the movie a blockbuster. Whether you were racing past a T. rex or sneaking past Velociraptors, this was a cinematic experience in cartridge form.

2. Batman Returns (1992)

Konami’s Batman Returns is a classic side-scrolling beat ’em up that perfectly captured Tim Burton’s dark Gotham City aesthetic. Players could choose to play as Batman, fighting through a series of levels filled with enemies and mini-bosses, including the Penguin and Catwoman.

The game stood out for its polished sprite work, tight controls, and varied combat moves. Unlike other movie tie-ins of the era, Batman Returns didn’t feel like a rushed cash-in—it had depth, challenging gameplay, and a level design that reflected the eerie atmosphere of Burton’s film.

3. Star Wars: Super Empire Strikes Back (1993)

Following the success of Super Star Wars, this SNES game let players relive the iconic events of The Empire Strikes Back. Players could take control of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, or Chewbacca in side-scrolling action, vehicle stages, and intense boss fights that faithfully mirrored the film’s dramatic moments.

The game’s combination of excellent graphics, faithful soundtracks, and challenging gameplay made it one of the best movie-based titles on the console. It also introduced new gameplay elements, such as vehicle sequences in snowspeeders and AT-ATs, giving players a more varied experience.

4. The Lion King (1994)

Disney’s The Lion King on SNES is widely regarded as one of the best movie-based games of all time. Developed by Westwood Studios, the game perfectly captured Simba’s journey from cub to king, featuring beautifully animated sprites that mirrored the film’s hand-drawn style.

Challenging platforming levels, tight controls, and memorable boss encounters made it stand out among Disney games. Players had to navigate the pridelands, outsmart hyenas, and survive dangerous jungle obstacles, all while enjoying iconic music from the movie.

The difficulty curve was notoriously steep, but that challenge only added to the game’s replay value and nostalgic charm.

5. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

Home Alone 2 brought the hijinks of Kevin McCallister to the SNES. Players set traps to foil the Wet Bandits while navigating the maze-like halls of the fictional Plaza Hotel.

The game combined stealth, action, and clever puzzle-solving. It stood out for its humor, faithfulness to the film, and unique gameplay mechanics that allowed players to set elaborate traps—mirroring the movie’s inventive ways of defending Kevin’s home.

Though it didn’t achieve the iconic status of other SNES classics, it remains a charming example of how to adapt a comedy film into a fun and engaging video game.

6. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)

Based on the Kevin Costner film, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves put players in the shoes of the legendary outlaw. The game blended action, exploration, and light stealth, allowing players to sneak past guards, free prisoners, and take down the Sheriff of Nottingham.

The side-scrolling levels were varied, from dense forests to castle interiors, and the game captured the adventurous spirit of the film. It may not have been the most polished SNES game, but it offered a solid adaptation that made movie fans feel like they were living their own Robin Hood adventure.

7. The Addams Family: Pugsley’s Scavenger Hunt (1993)

Pugsley’s Scavenger Hunt gave players a chance to explore the Addams Family mansion while solving puzzles and collecting items. The quirky humor of the movie translated well into gameplay, with spooky levels, clever traps, and fun interactions with other Addams characters.

The game’s colorful sprites and inventive level design made it a standout among family-friendly SNES titles. It’s a forgotten gem today but was a delight for younger players and fans of the movie alike.

8. The Jungle Book (1994)

Disney’s The Jungle Book offered players a faithful recreation of the movie’s adventure. Players guided Mowgli through jungle-themed platforming stages filled with enemies, environmental hazards, and hidden collectibles.

The game’s vibrant visuals, catchy soundtrack, and clever level design made it stand out. Though difficult at times, it captured the film’s sense of fun and adventure while challenging players to master its platforming mechanics.

9. Alien 3 (1993)

Based on the third installment of the Alien franchise, Alien 3 challenged players to survive as Ripley against deadly Xenomorphs. This side-scrolling platformer captured the tense, claustrophobic atmosphere of the film, featuring dark corridors, enemy encounters, and intense boss fights.

The game was praised for its faithful adaptation and eerie soundtrack, giving players a true sci-fi horror experience on the SNES. It’s a title that fans of the movie—and retro gaming horror—still remember fondly.

10. Jurassic Park 2: The Chaos Continues (1994)

“Following the first game, Jurassic Park 2: The Chaos Continues lets players once again explore Isla Nublar, battling rogue dinosaurs and solving puzzles to prevent disaster. With improved levels and new challenges, it’s a worthy sequel that builds on the original’s tension and excitement.”

In Dick Tracy, players took control of the famous detective, solving crimes and taking down notorious gangsters. The top-down action-adventure style combined exploration, combat, and problem-solving, making it more than just a side-scrolling brawler.

With its comic-book style visuals and clever level design, the game captured the spirit of the movie and the original character, making it one of the more unique SNES adaptations of the era.

11. Hook (1992)

Based on Steven Spielberg’s film, Hook let players step into Peter Pan’s shoes and explore Neverland to rescue the Lost Boys. The game combined platforming, puzzle-solving, and combat with colorful, imaginative environments that reflected the movie’s magical world.

Players could encounter pirates, crocodiles, and whimsical characters while progressing through creative stages, giving the SNES a true cinematic adventure.

12. The Mask (1995)

“Based on the Jim Carrey movie, The Mask for SNES lets players take on the chaotic antics of Stanley Ipkiss. Run through levels using wild powers, defeat enemies, and cause cartoonish havoc—just like in the film. Its vibrant graphics and slapstick action make it a standout SNES movie tie-in.”

13. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time (1992)

Though heavily inspired by the TMNT movies and animated series, Turtles in Time brought cinematic action to the SNES with cooperative gameplay, side-scrolling levels, and memorable boss fights. Players could relive the Turtles’ battles against Shredder and his minions, making it an unforgettable arcade-style experience.

14. Casper (1996)

Friendly ghost Casper became the star of his own SNES adventure. Players explored haunted mansions, solved puzzles, and helped friends while navigating clever platforming levels.

The game stood out for its colorful visuals, light-hearted gameplay, and faithful recreation of the film’s characters and world. While not as challenging as other SNES titles, it remains a nostalgic favorite for fans of the movie.

15. Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1994)

Based on the biographical film, Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story let players relive the martial arts legend’s iconic fights. With a side-scrolling format and cinematic combat sequences, the game highlighted Lee’s signature moves and story moments.

It wasn’t just a fighting game—it also offered narrative beats from the film, making it a unique adaptation that combined action with storytelling.

Why SNES Movie Tie-Ins Still Matter

Movie-based SNES games often get a bad rap, but these 15 titles prove that good adaptations existed. Many combined faithful recreations of films with engaging gameplay mechanics, beautiful graphics, and memorable music.

From the tense corridors of Alien 3 to the magical landscapes of Hook and The Lion King, these games let players step into their favorite films in ways that no other medium could at the time.

Whether you’re revisiting these classics for nostalgia or discovering them for the first time, these SNES titles are proof that movie tie-ins can be more than cash grabs—they can be true gaming experiences.

The SNES era gave players an incredible range of experiences, and movie adaptations were a big part of that. From blockbusters to family-friendly classics, these games captured the essence of their films while delivering memorable gameplay.

If you’re a retro gaming fan or a movie buff, now is the perfect time to revisit these forgotten gems. They’re not just about nostalgia—they’re about reliving the magic of movies through the unique lens of SNES gaming.

Which SNES movie tie-ins were your favorites? Did we miss any that you loved as a kid? Share your thoughts in the comments below!