Resident Evil originated as a popular video game series renowned for its exceptional zombie games. However, it was Paul W.S. Anderson and Milla Jovovich who transformed the franchise into a successful film series, encompassing seven films in total.
While these movies incorporate characters and antagonists from the games, they present unique narratives, with Jovovich portraying a fresh character within the Resident Evil universe. This series is undoubtedly one of the premier zombie movie franchises available.
If you’re interested in viewing the Resident Evil movies in chronological order to fully appreciate the unfolding narrative, you’re in luck. Each film builds upon the last, which means that experiencing them in the order they were released is just as effective as following their timeline.
Additionally, for those eager to dive right into the most recent live-action installment, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, you’ll find that it reboots the series with a fresh cast, allowing you to enjoy it without having to watch the previous six films.
With this in mind, we’ve compiled a mostly spoiler-free guide on how to watch the Resident Evil movies in chronological order, which you can explore below!
How Many Resident Evil Movies Are There?
In total, there are seven live-action films in the Resident Evil franchise, with the initial six being integral to the main storyline. Additionally, there are four animated feature films: Resident Evil: Degeneration, Damnation, Vendetta, and Death Island; however, these will not be included in the following list.
Recently, Netflix has ventured into the Resident Evil universe, producing both a live-action series and an animated one. Unfortunately, the live-action adaptation was discontinued after just one season, and the animated series, Infinite Darkness, did not achieve significant popularity.
In summary, while exploring the Resident Evil Movies in Order can provide insight into the storyline, it’s important to note that adaptations outside of the original films, such as Netflix’s attempts, have had mixed results.
Resident Evil Movies in Order of Release
- Resident Evil (2002)
- Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)
- Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)
- Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010)
- Resident Evil: Retribution (2012)
- Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016)
- Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021)
- Resident Evil: Death Island (2023)
The Resident Evil Movies in Chronological Order
1. Resident Evil (2002)
The Resident Evil Movies in Order begin with the 2002 film that premiered with Alice (played by Jovovich), a unique character crafted specifically for the series. Alice regains her memory after waking up with no recollection of her past, eventually realizing she worked as a private security agent for the Umbrella Corporation.
This initial installment illustrates the outbreak of the T-virus, a genetically modified pathogen that reanimates the dead into zombies, which occurs within a research facility known as The Hive. Additionally, the film showcases how the Red Queen, the lab’s artificial intelligence security system, exterminated all personnel in an effort to contain the viral outbreak.
The strategy failed, resulting in the zombies breaking free from the laboratory. Alice and her team are tasked with controlling the outbreak by searching for an anti-virus that is believed to be hidden within the Hive. This initial film incorporates numerous nods to the first two Resident Evil games, including an early glimpse of the infamous Resident Evil 3 antagonist, the fearsome, rocket-launching Nemesis.
2. Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)
Resident Evil: Apocalypse serves as a direct continuation of the first film, featuring Milla Jovovich reprising her role as Alice as she battles against the undead once more. Although Paul W.S. Anderson, the director of the original movie, was unable to return due to prior obligations, he remained involved as a producer while Alexander Witt took over the directing duties.
In this installment, Alice must navigate her way out of Raccoon City before a nuclear missile is launched in an effort to contain the outbreak of the T-virus. Nemesis plays a significant role in the second installment of the franchise, where he relentlessly pursues the survivors. However, this film incorporates more than just his character from the games.
Apocalypse features various references, including the appearances of well-known characters such as Jill Valentine, portrayed by Sienna Guillory, and Carlos Olivera, played by Oded Fehr. Additionally, several scenes are adapted from the source material; for instance, the opening shootout at the police station strongly echoes moments from Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, while a cemetery scene draws inspiration from Resident Evil CODE: Veronica.
3. Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)
In the sequence of Resident Evil movies in order, the 2007 film *Resident Evil: Extinction* depicts a world ravaged by the T-virus. The narrative not only sees the return of the protagonist Alice but also explores the Umbrella Corporation’s ongoing efforts to clone her in their quest to duplicate her extraordinary abilities.
As the plot unfolds, Alice and a group of survivors embark on a journey toward Alaska, aiming to escape the relentless spread of the zombie apocalypse. This installment further integrates familiar elements and characters from the video games, such as Claire Redfield, portrayed by Ali Larter, and Albert Wesker, played by Jason O’Mara.
4. Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010)
Resident Evil: Afterlife marks the return of Paul W.S. Anderson as the director after the original film, making it a pivotal installment in the series. Taking place a year after Extinction, the story follows Alice and her clones as they launch an attack on Umbrella Headquarters and confront Albert Wesker.
However, things take an unexpected turn when Alice loses the abilities that have helped her survive the zombie apocalypse. This film continues the trend of incorporating characters from the video games, introducing Chris Redfield, played by Wentworth Miller, into the storyline.
As the narrative unfolds, viewers witness the challenges Alice faces without her former powers, emphasizing her resilience and determination. The film builds on the lore established in previous entries, enhancing the connection between the cinematic universe and the beloved game series. With thrilling action sequences and character development, Afterlife keeps audiences engaged while expanding the Resident Evil storyline.
5. Resident Evil: Retribution (2012)
Released in 2011, Resident Evil: Retribution continues the storyline from Afterlife. This installment not only brings in iconic characters from the video game series, including Leon S. Kennedy (played by Johann Urb), Ada Wong (portrayed by Bingbing Li), and Barry Burton (depicted by Kevin Durand), but it also features Alice joining forces with Wesker.
Together, they aim to thwart the reactivated Red Queen AI from the original film, which has taken control of Umbrella and seeks to eradicate all life on the planet.
6. Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2017)
Titled Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, this film marks the conclusion of the series featuring the collaboration of the husband-and-wife duo, Anderson and Jovovich. In this installment, Alice makes her way back to Raccoon City and the Hive with the goal of confronting the Red Queen and Albert Wesker.
Throughout her journey, the movie unveils deeper insights into the origins of the T-virus and uncovers the true mastermind orchestrating the turmoil that has been escalating since the very first film.
Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021)
Helmed by director Johannes Roberts, *Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City* serves as a fresh reboot of the franchise, meaning viewers do not need to have seen previous films to enjoy it. This installment introduces a new cast and a narrative that aligns more closely with the events portrayed in the first two Resident Evil games.
Fans will recognize several iconic characters from both the games and earlier adaptations, including Claire Redfield (played by Kaya Scodelario), Chris Redfield (Robbie Amell), Jill Valentine (Hannah John-Kamen), Albert Wesker (Tom Hopper), Leon Kennedy (Avan Jogia), Ada Wong (Lily Gao), and others. The plot unfolds in Raccoon City, exploring the early stages of a zombie apocalypse.
The Future of Resident Evil Movies
Despite the lukewarm reception of Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City among viewers, whispers have emerged about an upcoming live-action Resident Evil movie in development. Tentatively titled “Umbrella Chronicles,” details about the film remain largely under wraps.
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source: Gamerode