Blockbuster Reels: Best Movie-Themed Slots by Category

Movie-themed slots are some of the most popular casino games in Canada. However, not all movie slot games are worth playing. In this guide, I’ll help you navigate through the best movie slots quality titles, which ones you should avoid, and tell you how to find the best movie slots on your own.

Now that you’ve seen the characteristics of top movie-based slots, here are some of our favourites based on different player experiences.

Movie slots that feel truly cinematic

These popular movie slots capture the truly cinematic feeling of watching the movie in theatres, which very few titles do well.

1. Planet of the Apes (NetEnt)

Movie integration score: 10/10

Few movie franchises throughout history have captured audiences like the Planet of the Apes has. Viewers have flocked to the theatres to see these movies since the 1960s. In 2011, the franchise was given new life with the Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

The NetEnt game came out just a few years later in 2017 and immediately became a hit with online slots players. The game features clips from the movies, bonus games, and cinematic transitions between graphics. Planet of the Apes by NetEnt is a great slot for everyone. Movie-based games really don’t get better than this.

Players at 888casino can’t get enough of Planet of the Apes.

2. Terminator 2 (Microgaming)

Movie integration score: 8.5/10

The Terminator franchise helped put Arnold Schwarzenegger on the map as one of the biggest movie stars in the world. In 2011, Microgaming launched a game based on the first movie. Then, in 2014, they took things to the next level with their critically acclaimed Terminator 2 slot.

Its cinematic transitions aren’t as streamlined as Planet of the Apes’, but Terminator 2 by Microgaming is a great game for players who want an engaging slot with free spins and bonus rounds.

All Slots Casino always keeps Terminator 2 in its top games.

The best movies draw you in with engaging atmospheres. Here are some games that capture that feeling just as well.

Jumanji (NetEnt)

Movie integration score: 7.5/10

Jumanji was an instant hit in 1995 and continues to be a classic enjoyed by families today. It’s so popular that the franchise was revived in 2017 in a new series of films featuring Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan.

NetEnt created a slot based on the original film in 2018. However, it could just as easily be based on the new films, since the slot doesn’t feature any clips from the game or characters. On one hand, this detracts from it being a classic “movie-themed slot.” On the other hand, the game’s unique layout and Jumanji-themed bonus games really capture the atmosphere of the movie.

The Matrix (PlayTech)

Movie integration score: 8/10

The Wachowskis pushed the limits of what was possible in film with their groundbreaking film The Matrix in 1999. 18 years later, PlayTech launched a new online slot based on the classic, mind-bending film.

As you would expect from a slot based on The Matrix, this slot is a bit more complicated than other movie-themed slots. It has scattered paylines, multiple free games, bonus rounds, and a turbo mode for fast gameplay. This makes The Matrix a good game for people who want to try something a little more modern than other movie-themed slots. Although, the game could do more with its interesting theme. If you’re looking for even more epic slot experiences, check out the best paying megaways slots and the casinos that have them. 

The Dark Knight Rises (PlayTech)

Movie integration score: 8.5/10

The Dark Knight trilogy is the definitive depiction of Batman for millions of DC fans all around the world. This is largely in part for Christopher Nolan’s finale to the trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises (2012).

This DC extended universe movie slot by PlayTech captures the mood of this blockbuster film with actual clips from the movie and immersive music that creates tension between spins just like the movie does. The only downside is that the gameplay is a little basic. Overall, though, The Dark Knight Rises is a solid slot that Batman fans will especially enjoy.

King Kong (PlayTech)

Movie integration score: 9/10

King Kong became one of Hollywood’s first real pop culture icons, when he burst onto the scene in 1933 in RKO Radio Pictures’ iconic King Kong monster movie. The film franchise has been adapted countless times all around the world. The most famous reboot was made in 2005 by Lord of the Rings’ director Peter Jackson.

PlayTech adapted this reboot in 2011 to make one of the most popular movie-themed slots on the market. Unlike other movie slots, King Kong has wilds, free spins, bonus/respin rounds, scatter paylines, and other modern features alongside audio/visual elements from the franchise and bonus games based on the 2005 film. This slot is best for players who prefer modern titles over classic slots.

One of the trickiest parts about making a good movie-themed slot is that not all movies age well. Here are some slots based on movies that are as fun to play today as they were when they first launched.

Jurassic Park (Microgaming)

Movie integration score: 9/10

In 1993, Steven Spielberg and the Industrial Light & Magic company introduced the world to the next era of digital and practical effects with Jurassic Park. Since then, the combined Jurassic Park and Jurassic World franchise has made over US$6 billion collectively, making it one of the most profitable properties in history.

The Jurassic Park slot by Microgaming is a small part of this overall IP, but its success over time shows how popular the franchise is around the world. The game launched in 2014 with a simple 3×5 layout and graphics based on the original film trilogy. Four more Jurassic Park/World movies have come out since 2014, but the slot still feels incredibly modern due to its clean layout and five unique bonus rounds.

Slots like Jurassic Park have aged incredibly well. The engaging graphics and bonus features remain fresh, especially for those who appreciate slots with a classic feel.

Rocky (PlayTech)

Movie integration score: 9.5/10

The first Rocky film came out all the way back in 1976. Despite this, the classic story of an underdog boxer is still a popular classic today. The entire Rocky franchise and the story of Rocky Balboa continues to captivate audiences, with new films based on Adonis “Donnie” Creed coming out as recently as 2023.

Rocky by PlayTech is based on the first four films of the original Sylvester Stallone series from the 70s and 80s. With that in mind, the game looks and feels more old-school than other popular movie-themed slots. However, it doesn’t feel outdated. Rocky has modern features, like multipliers and video clips from the movies accompanying every win. If you’re a fan of Rocky, this slot is for you.

The Godfather (Atlantic Digital)

Movie integration score: 7.5/10

Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather franchise is arguably the best trilogy of all time. There are even fans of the much-maligned third film who will debate you about why it’s actually the best of the gangster movie series.

Whichever is your favourite, The Godfather by Atlantic Digital captures the tone of the films well without going over the top, like a lot of other mafia-themed games do. Another strong point is that it’s not a particularly complex online slot, which makes it a good option for casual players.

Canadian casino players tell me the biggest reason they play movie-themed slots is because they are fans of the movies that the slots are based on. This is why software providers pay money for movie licensing rights. However, in my experience, name-recognition is far from the only thing that matters.

Simply put, the IP isn’t enough to guarantee a good experience. If a movie-themed slot doesn’t have engaging bonus rounds or high-quality visuals, players will look elsewhere. Another thing I see that often pushes players away is when a slot’s RTP is well below the industry average, that’s why so many non-movie slots outperform licensed titles. For insights into how to spot a great slot, take a look at our list of the best online slot sites for Canadian players.

Who are movie-themed slots best for?

Movie-themed slots are obviously best for fans of the movies the slots are based on. However, these games aren’t just for film buffs or fans of specific franchises. Most online movie slots are relatively simple games with low to medium volatilities. This makes them great options for new slots players or just casual casino players.

Movie slot games also have far flashier graphics and more immersive elements, making them ideal for players who value their engaging gameplay over volatility. On the other hand, if you’re a fan of simple, classic casino games, movie slots might not be the best slots for you.

You should now know the best movie-themed slots to play in Canada and what makes them great. If you take anything else from this guide, just remember to be selective. Not all slots based on movies are great. In fact, many are bad, so take your time to explore your options at reputable online casinos.