The film Tetris, starring Taron Egerton, has emerged as a significant streaming success on Apple TV+ since its 2023 release, highlighting the appeal of video game adaptations based on true events. The movie tells the compelling story behind the iconic game during the tense Cold War period, blending historical drama with the high-stakes world of international business negotiations.
Tetris’s Rise as a Streaming Favorite on Apple TV+
According to data from FlixPatrol, Tetris reached #4 on the list of Apple TV+’s Top 10 Movies in the United States as of July 15, 2025, positioned between the films The Gorge and Wolves. The movie follows Dutch game developer Henk Rogers, portrayed by Egerton, as he journeys to Russia to secure the rights to Tetris just before the launch of the GameBoy. This mission unfolds amid Cold War tensions, turning what could have been a straightforward licensing deal into a politically charged thriller. The cast includes Nikita Yefremov as Alexey Pajitnov, the original creator of Tetris, along with Sofia Lebedeva, Anthony Boyle, and Toby Jones.
Although based on real events, the filmmakers took creative liberties to condense the two-and-a-half-year saga into a two-hour narrative. Despite being released exclusively on Apple TV+ without a theatrical run, the film received strong critical acclaim, earning a Certified Fresh rating of 81% from critics and an 87% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Video Game Biopics Rooted in Actual Events
While many video game adaptations focus on fictional storytelling, only a few have explored true stories connected to gaming. Besides Tetris, the other notable example from 2023 is Gran Turismo, a biographical sports drama chronicling the journey of Jann Mardenborough, who transitioned from playing the game Gran Turismo to becoming a professional racer. Archie Madekwe stars as Mardenborough, supported by David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Takehiro Hira, Darren Barnet, and Djimon Hounsou. The film also features a cameo from Kazunori Yamauchi, the creator of Gran Turismo. This movie received mixed critical reviews, with a 65% critic score, but enthusiastic audience appreciation, achieving a Verified Hot score of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Currently, Tetris is available for streaming on Apple TV+ and continues to attract viewers interested in the real-life stories behind beloved video games.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Taron Egerton LGBTQ?
A. After rumors about his sexual orientation, Egerton clarified that he enjoys supporting his gay friends, though he is not gay himself.
Q. Is Taron Egerton LGBT?
A. After losing his grandmother to motor neurone disease, he became a spokesperson for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. While some have speculated about his sexuality, Egerton clarified that he is not gay. However, he finds happiness in supporting his friends who are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
