Since the success of the Super Mario Bros movie, fans have been wondering what other beloved Nintendo series could have their own film. From Metroid to Star Fox, there are definitely a number of options for Nintendo to go with. But one of the most popular series eyed for a film is The Legend of Zelda, so it's no surprise that this is what Nintendo is creating next.
The fantasy adventure series has been impacting the gaming world since the 1980s, so it seems it's time for it to move over to the silver screen. However, that raises another question. If The Legend of Zelda movie were to be based on a specific game, which one should it be? There are plenty of contenders, but here are the ones we think fans would want to see.
Updated on November 19, 2023 by Casey Foot: With Shigeru Miyamoto announcing that he has been working on a live-action The Legend of Zelda movie, fans have begun speculating which of the series' many titles could be the basis for it, if it were to use a game's specific narrative. Because of this, we thought it would be the perfect time to revisit this article and add a few more potential options for the film.
11 Link’s Awakening
In Link's Awakening, Link finds himself on Koholint Island after his boat capsized during a storm. To return home, he must wake the Wind Fish by collecting the eight instruments and playing the Ballad of the Wind Fish. Koholint Island is one of Zelda's best settings, especially because of its lively characters, such as Marin.
Its vibrant characters and excellent backdrop would make it the perfect choice for a Zelda movie. The ending would be particularly bittersweet, as Link would have to say goodbye to Marin and everyone else on Koholint before being able to leave the island.
10 The Minish Cap
The Minish Cap sees Link mending the Picori Blade by gathering the Four Elements with the goal of defeating Vaati, a malevolent sorcerer. The game's colorful environments help to bring the world to life, and they would look mesmerizing if translated into movie format.
Its whimsical fantasy would be reminiscent of the Shire in The Lord of the Rings, especially when it comes to recreating the Minish themselves and Link shrinking down to their tiny size. The Palace of the Winds would also be a delight to see, as well as the Wind Tribe, who are only ever mentioned in this title.
9 Spirit Tracks
In most Zelda games, Link and Zelda become separated early on in the story, despite how closely connected they are. In Spirit Tracks, however, Zelda is a consistent presence — her body is stolen, and her spirit is a close companion to Link on his adventure.
How Many Zelda Games Are There?
There have been many Zelda games over the years. Here are all of the titles, including spin-offs and remasters.Spirit Tracks doesn't have a traditional Zelda story, as Link begins the game by earning his title as a royal train engineer. A movie based on this game could focus on Link and Zelda's friendship as they try to get Zelda's body back and stop Chancellor Cole's evil plans.
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 what kickstarted the series to begin with. The first game is probably the best bet for a film trying to have looser guidelines so that the creators can impose their own story and version of Link and Zelda while retaining the essence of the series.
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 of how a story concerning Link would go, with plenty of space for a creative director to expand on in the middle.
7 A Link To The Past
A Link to the Past is more story-focused, though still with plenty of freedom for creativity in an adaptation. As this title introduces the concepts of the Light World and the Dark World, there is a lot a director could do depending on how they approach it.
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 a movie adaptation could explore too. And who doesn't want to see Link as a cute bunny? (Maybe pink hair if we're lucky, too.)
6 Ocarina Of Time
If there was ever an adaptation to bait the nostalgia, this would be the safest option. Ocarina of Time is still one of the most popular Zelda games in the entire series and one of the most beloved games of all time. And with its expanded story, there is a lot that could be taken and adapted here.
It would be interesting to see a movie explore the differences in Hyrule when Link is a child versus an adult, as Ganondorf takes over the kingdom. Ocarina of Time also excellently fleshed out the various races of Hyrule, which could be easily translated into movie form. The only downside is that there's so much in this entry that it may be better suited as a television series than a 90-minute movie.
5 Majora's Mask
Majora's Mask is still considered one of the darkest entries of the series, with Link having to stop the moon from falling down onto Termina by morphing via different masks. Termina is one of the most memorable places in the Zelda series thanks to its melancholy atmosphere and quirky inhabitants who are easy to become attached to.
The Zelda developers created such a fleshed-out world that it would be intriguing to see how a director would approach this title, especially when it comes to the three-day cycle that Link is stuck in.
4 The Wind Waker
The Wind Waker takes place in a world where the kingdom of Hyrule has been flooded and civilization consists of a few islands. Our adventurer, Link, lives on Outset Island, but finds himself on a hero's journey when his little sister Aryll is kidnapped and he must rescue her, with help from the pirate Tetra.
The game is one of the most adventurous and sees Link have a family with a sister and grandmother, who could be vital characters for an adaptation to flesh out more of his backstory. It would also be fun to see more of Tetra, showing more of her rambunctious personality.
3 Twilight Princess
Twilight Princess is one of the most popular games in the series thanks to its engaging story and memorable characters, with Midna, Link's companion throughout the game, being a fan favorite. Twilight Princess is already very cinematic in its story and visuals, so it's easy to see it reimagined as a movie.
A movie version could delve deeper into the Twili's past, leading up to when Zant usurped the kingdom and turned Midna into an imp. Similar to Majora's Mask, Twilight Princess would be slightly more melancholic in tone, and it would also have a bittersweet ending as Midna and Link part ways.
2 Skyward Sword
Skyward Sword doesn't hide the fact that it clearly takes place at the beginning of the timeline and, as a result, is considered the origin of the series' mythos, with it starting the cycle of Link and Zelda, as well as the incarnation of Demise's hatred, Ganon.
This is also one of the games where the romantic subtext between Link and Zelda is more apparent, so if the director wanted to show more romance between the two characters, this game would be the best option.
1 Breath Of The Wild
Breath of the Wild is another one of the top contenders for a film adaptation due to its popularity, the potential for fleshing out its story, and its expansive and believable world of Hyrule.
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. The backstory, lore, and Zelda's spirited personality mean 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.