Some fans have called the movie a ‘thrill ride’

Some fans of the games were able to enjoy the adaptation (Image: Lionsgate)

In a subtle weekend update, Netflix has discreetly added a ‘chaotic’ action-adventure film based on what some enthusiasts claim is ‘one of the best video games series of all time’.

Despite the title being one of the most contentious when it premiered in cinemas back in 2024, others proclaimed it as an ‘absolute thrill ride’.

Available to stream from today (March 22), the streaming giant now features the film Borderlands in its extensive catalogue.

It’s a big screen live-action adaptation of the immensely popular video game franchise bearing the same name.

These games are first-person shooters, renowned for their extravagant weapons, occasionally crude humour, and vibrant characters, with the latest instalment, Borderlands 4, launching on PC and consoles last year.

The film version endeavours to bring some of these characters to life, with the main narrative centred around Lilith, portrayed by Cate Blanchett. She’s a notorious bounty hunter with a mysterious past, who reluctantly returns to her home planet of Pandora, the most chaotic planet in the galaxy.

Her mission involves locating the missing daughter of Atlas. Along the way, she forms an unexpected alliance with a motley crew of misfits – Roland (Kevin Hart), a seasoned mercenary on a mission; Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt), a wild pre-teen demolitionist; Krieg (Florian Munteanu), Tina’s musclebound protector; Tannis (Jamie Lee Curtis), the eccentric scientist who’s seen it all; and Claptrap (voiced by Jack Black), a wisecracking robot, reports the Mirror.

Together, these unlikely champions must fight off an alien race and perilous outlaws to reveal one of Pandora’s most explosive secrets. Eli Roth, recognised for creating the Hostel horror franchise alongside Cabin Fever, penned and helmed the picture.

Netflix fans can know discover the film for themselves (Image: Lionsgate)

Based on the film’s credits, it was co-written with Joe Crombie, though reports suggest that individual may not actually exist. Some enthusiasts believe the actual writer sought to distance themselves from the project, although this remains unverified speculation.

The studio reportedly enlisted Tim Miller, who directed Deadpool, to oversee reshoots for the production. It haemorrhaged $100 million at the box office against its budget and managed just 10% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Nevertheless, following its launch it has succeeded in cultivating a fanbase, rendering it amongst the most polarising blockbusters available. One viewer sharing their views online acknowledged its flaws but still deemed it an entertaining experience.

They remarked: “Look, this film isn’t a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination, but if you want an entertaining popcorn flick, this is it. Sure it played around with the lore, but it was satisfying and whilst the writing was predictable and the final boss fight very quick, it felt like the actors had fun doing it, got into character and had a few laughs.”

Meanwhile, another individual characterised it as “an absolute thrill ride from start to finish, perfectly capturing the chaotic charm of the beloved video game series.” They continue to express: “As someone who has played all the games multiple times, I was blown away by how faithfully the movie brought the world of Pandora to life. The humour, the action, and the larger-than-life characters are all here, just as fans would hope.”

They further add: “The movie doesn’t just cater to hardcore fans; it’s a fantastic entry point for newcomers too, offering a wild, entertaining experience that doesn’t require prior knowledge of the games. The visual effects are stunning, and the action sequences are both intense and hilarious, just like the chaotic gunfights the franchise is known for. “Borderlands: The Movie” delivers everything I hoped for and more, making it a must-see for any fan of the series or anyone looking for a fun, action-packed movie experience. I can’t wait to see it again.”

However, not everyone concurs, such as one disheartened viewer who claimed: “What a disappointment. This world has so much potential, and they just wasted it to produce a no-heart, by-the-numbers adaptation. With amazing adaptations like The Last of Us, Fallout, Mario Bros, Sonic etc coming out in recent years, I thought Hollywood finally knew better. Boy was I wrong.”

Borderlands is streaming on Netflix.