The Resident Evil movie franchise has expanded significantly since its initial release in 2002. Including all theatrical releases and animated features, there are eight films that constitute the core Resident Evil cinematic universe.
A Look Back at the Resident Evil Movie Saga
The Resident Evil film series, loosely based on the hugely popular video game franchise of the same name, has had a significant impact on the action-horror genre. From its initial entry starring Milla Jovovich as Alice to the recent reboot, the series has thrilled, horrified, and at times, confounded audiences. Its enduring popularity has cemented its place in pop culture, prompting endless debate about its faithfulness to the source material, its action sequences, and its overall quality. Understanding the chronology and nuances of these films is essential for any fan or aspiring filmmaker.
The Live-Action Theatrical Releases: Alice’s Journey
This is the core of the Resident Evil movie franchise, following Alice’s journey through the T-Virus outbreak and her battle against the Umbrella Corporation. The live-action movies starring Milla Jovovich are:
- Resident Evil (2002): The film that started it all, introducing Alice and the Hive.
- Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004): Raccoon City falls, and Nemesis makes his debut.
- Resident Evil: Extinction (2007): Alice gains psychic powers and battles hordes of zombies in the desert.
- Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010): The T-Virus spreads globally, and Chris Redfield appears.
- Resident Evil: Retribution (2012): A globe-trotting adventure featuring numerous characters from the games.
- Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016): Alice returns to the Hive for a final showdown with Umbrella.
The Reboot: A New Perspective
Following the conclusion of the Alice saga, a reboot of the film series was undertaken to align more closely with the source material. This movie, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021), offers a fresh take on the events of the first two Resident Evil games.
The Animated Films: Expanding the Universe
In addition to the live-action movies, there are three computer-animated films that further explore the Resident Evil universe. These are considered canon within the Resident Evil narrative, though their connection to the live-action movies is minimal. These are:
- Resident Evil: Degeneration (2008): Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield reunite to combat a new T-Virus outbreak.
- Resident Evil: Damnation (2012): Leon S. Kennedy investigates a bio-weapon attack in Eastern Europe.
- Resident Evil: Vendetta (2017): Chris Redfield, Leon S. Kennedy, and Rebecca Chambers team up to stop a new bioterrorism threat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Resident Evil Movies
Here are some of the most common questions about the Resident Evil movie franchise:
Understanding the Franchise
FAQ 1: What is the correct order to watch the Resident Evil movies?
The correct order to watch the Resident Evil movies is:
- Resident Evil (2002)
- Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)
- Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)
- Resident Evil: Degeneration (2008)
- Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010)
- Resident Evil: Damnation (2012)
- Resident Evil: Retribution (2012)
- Resident Evil: Vendetta (2017)
- Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016)
- Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021)
This order follows the release dates and provides the most coherent viewing experience, though the animated films can be viewed independently of the live-action series.
FAQ 2: Are the animated Resident Evil movies canon?
Yes, the animated Resident Evil movies are considered canon within the broader Resident Evil universe. They feature established characters from the games and explore events that fit within the established lore. However, they have minimal direct connection to the Milla Jovovich film series.
FAQ 3: How closely do the Resident Evil movies follow the video games?
The Milla Jovovich-led Resident Evil movies took significant liberties with the source material, creating an original story arc around the character of Alice. Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City attempts to be a more faithful adaptation of the first two Resident Evil games.
FAQ 4: Will there be more Resident Evil movies after Welcome to Raccoon City?
Given the positive reception from some quarters and the potential for a new film series, more Resident Evil movies are possible. The success of Welcome to Raccoon City will likely determine the future of the franchise.
Diving Deeper into Specific Films
FAQ 5: Why is Milla Jovovich’s character, Alice, not in the Resident Evil video games?
Alice is an original character created specifically for the Resident Evil film series. She doesn’t exist in the video game canon.
FAQ 6: What is the T-Virus, and how does it affect people in the Resident Evil universe?
The T-Virus is a mutagenic virus created by the Umbrella Corporation. It reanimates the dead, turning them into zombies, and can also cause mutations in living organisms, creating various monstrous creatures.
FAQ 7: Is the Nemesis in any of the Resident Evil movies?
Yes, Nemesis appears in Resident Evil: Apocalypse. However, his origin and characterization differ somewhat from the video game version.
FAQ 8: Which Resident Evil movie is considered the best by fans and critics?
There’s no consensus on the “best” Resident Evil movie. Some fans appreciate the early films for their action and horror elements, while others prefer Welcome to Raccoon City for its closer adherence to the games. Critics generally rate Welcome to Raccoon City higher than the original series.
Behind the Scenes and Future Prospects
FAQ 9: Who directed the Resident Evil movies starring Milla Jovovich?
Paul W.S. Anderson directed four of the six films in the Milla Jovovich series (Resident Evil, Resident Evil: Apocalypse, Resident Evil: Afterlife, and Resident Evil: Retribution). He also wrote and produced the other two (Resident Evil: Extinction and Resident Evil: The Final Chapter).
FAQ 10: What are the main differences between the Milla Jovovich Resident Evil movies and Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City?
The Milla Jovovich films focus on an original character and a larger-scale narrative, emphasizing action and spectacle. Welcome to Raccoon City aims for a more faithful adaptation of the games, with a smaller scale and a focus on horror and survival.
FAQ 11: Are there any plans for a Resident Evil TV series?
Yes, Netflix released a Resident Evil TV series in 2022. However, it was cancelled after one season. While not directly connected to the films, it represents another expansion of the Resident Evil universe on screen.
FAQ 12: Where can I watch all the Resident Evil movies?
The Resident Evil movies are available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms, including iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play Movies. They also occasionally appear on streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu, depending on regional availability.
The Resident Evil movie franchise, with its mix of action, horror, and sci-fi elements, has undoubtedly left its mark on popular culture. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the games or a newcomer to the world of Raccoon City, there’s plenty to explore within this sprawling cinematic universe. With eight films and the potential for more, the Resident Evil saga shows no signs of slowing down.