Movies about Esports. Compilation

If you are a fan of games but can no longer play, then it’s the perfect time to watch movies about esports! Here is a selection of great films about esports for your evening!

The Foreigner

Release year: 2016
The movie «The Foreigner» tells the story of the confrontation between South Korean players in StarCraft II and foreigners during MLG Columbus 2011. The tournament’s main hero is professional player Gregory «IdrA» Fields. He became the strongest non-Korean player in the tournament. However, just minutes before victory in a match against MMA, the American player simply left the game, gathered his things, and quit the competition. The film reminds us that professional gaming is full of stress, pressure, and emotional turmoil that not everyone can handle.

The International 2012

Release year: 2012
«The International 2012» movie, created by the developers of Dota 2 and the organizers of the world’s largest esports tournament — Valve. It shows the preparation for the second tournament and captures the changing moods of its participants as they move through the tournament bracket. The film includes many interviews, including with the winners of the very first international group — the team Natus Vincere, who tried to repeat their success. A short but very engaging film that will be interesting even to those who do not play Dota and are not particularly interested in Dota Championships. It is professionally made and keeps you on edge from the first to the last minute.

Frag

Release year: 2008
One of the first professional films about esports. The filmmakers visited American tournaments of that time to learn about esports. They interviewed famous players (such as Fatal1ty), game developers, and dedicated fans. «Frag» sheds light on how kids try to immerse themselves and achieve positive results in Pro Gaming. At a young age, they have to make important decisions, like what to do in life. The mask, which may look like a «simple game» from the outside, can hide corruption, money, parties, and even death inside. While other films tell a sweet story about computer competitions, «Frag» is a sad film about the difficulties. If you think becoming famous is easy, watch this film.

Noobz

Release year: 2012
Language: Russian (professional dubbed by NTV+)
Most esports films are made by industry insiders. «Noobz» is a film that many websites call a «Hollywood esports film.» In reality, it’s a comedy film. It tells the story of players who participated in the Gears of War tournament. The result is a decent film, not overly funny, but worth watching. Many comment, «Why make another documentary about esports — do something different.» Here is a comedy attempt.

On the Game

Release year: 2009
After a significant victory in a sports tournament, players are offered a disc with a newly developed game. Starting the game, each of them is affected by an effect that turns their gaming skills into real ones. Now they are the best fighters, shooters, and racers in their lives. This event does not go unnoticed. Powerful structures offer players to «work» through blackmail, fraud, and bribery. Once the deception is revealed, it becomes clear that it’s not heroes but simply hired killers who will save the country. The question arises: what next?

Free to Play: The Movie

Release year: 2014
The first somewhat official documentary film about esports, produced by Valve, about three professional players from different countries competing for a million US dollars in the first international tournament of the game Dota 2. In recent years, the popularity of esports has significantly increased. It is now one of the most common types of competitions. The $1 million tournament revolutionized the gaming world and forever changed the perspectives of the best athletes. This film, created by Valve, discusses the problems and difficult decisions that players face in high-level competitions.

Let’s Play with ArtStyle

Release year: 2015
Another film made in the CIS by Natus Vincere employee Yana Khimchenko (b2ru). This documentary film tells the story of the life of one of the most famous and decorated CIS bombardiers — ArtStyle. Vanya told us about his life from childhood — from the first computer to the present. The film turned out to be very atmospheric and informative. If you want to learn about the fate of the legendary ArtStyle, we recommend watching it.

Rise of Legends

Release year: 2015
Language: Russian (professional dubbed)
«Rise of Legends» is a six-part documentary film dedicated to the 2015 World Championship. It tells the story of six representatives from different regions — xPeke, brTT, SwordArt, Uzi, Faker, and Bjergsen. Each episode reveals details about the lives of professional players, their past, professional paths, and ends with preparations for recent championships.