The Resident Evil film franchise, a staple of action horror, boasts a sprawling cinematic universe. Currently, there are six live-action films in the main series, plus three CGI animated movies, and a reboot film, totaling ten movies directly branded as part of the Resident Evil cinematic canon, with tangential projects considered separately.
The Live-Action Saga: Paul W.S. Anderson’s Vision
Paul W.S. Anderson’s vision dominated the live-action Resident Evil movie landscape for over a decade. His films, while diverging significantly from the game’s lore, established a distinct and commercially successful cinematic identity.
The Main Series: Alice’s Journey
The initial six films centered around Alice, portrayed by Milla Jovovich. This arc explores her evolution from amnesiac victim to humanity’s potential savior. The films are:
- 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)
These movies, while criticized for their loose adaptations, became a cult favorite for their action-packed sequences and Jovovich’s charismatic performance. They generated significant box office revenue, solidifying the franchise’s popularity.
The Reboot: Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City
In 2021, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City attempted a closer adaptation of the original video games. It aimed to reboot the film series with a more faithful representation of the characters and storyline from the first two Resident Evil games. This marked a departure from the Alice-centric narratives and focused on a new cast and storyline.
CGI Animated Movies: Expanding the Game’s Universe
Alongside the live-action films, a series of CGI animated movies further expand the Resident Evil universe. These films generally adhere more closely to the game’s canon and feature beloved characters like Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield, and Jill Valentine.
Animated Adventures: A More Faithful Adaptation
These animated movies offer a different perspective on the Resident Evil story, prioritizing established characters and lore from the games. The films are:
- Resident Evil: Degeneration (2008)
- Resident Evil: Damnation (2012)
- Resident Evil: Vendetta (2017)
These entries are highly regarded by fans for their adherence to the source material and their focus on character development. They delve into various aspects of the Resident Evil narrative that aren’t directly explored in the live-action films.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about the Resident Evil movie franchise, answered with expertise and clarity.
1. What’s the best Resident Evil movie to start with?
For those wanting a lighter, action-oriented introduction, the original Resident Evil (2002) is a decent starting point. If you prefer a more faithful adaptation of the games, begin with Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021), or the animated film Resident Evil: Degeneration (2008).
2. Are the Resident Evil movies based on the games?
While inspired by the games, the Paul W.S. Anderson films take significant liberties with the source material. Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City is a more direct adaptation, though it still features changes. The animated films are generally more faithful.
3. Is there a correct order to watch the Resident Evil movies?
For the main series, watch the live-action films in chronological order of release: Resident Evil, Apocalypse, Extinction, Afterlife, Retribution, and The Final Chapter. Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City is a reboot and can be watched independently. The animated films (Degeneration, Damnation, Vendetta) can be viewed in any order after the main series, or independently if you prefer a closer adherence to the game canon.
4. Will there be more Resident Evil movies after Welcome to Raccoon City?
It is speculated that Sony Pictures intends to produce more Resident Evil movies that are in line with the game’s source material. It is likely that a sequel will be made to Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City based on the popular video game Resident Evil 4.
5. Are the animated Resident Evil movies canon to the games?
The animated Resident Evil movies are generally considered canon to the game universe. They fit within the established timeline and feature characters and events that align with the games’ storyline. However, the official status is sometimes debated.
6. Why did the live-action movies deviate so much from the games?
Paul W.S. Anderson wanted to create a movie that was original and unexpected, rather than a straight adaptation. He also felt that the game’s storyline was too complex to translate directly to the screen. This decision led to a focus on action and a new protagonist (Alice) rather than the established game characters.
7. Are there any recurring characters in the live-action Resident Evil movies besides Alice?
Yes, while Alice is the central protagonist, characters like Jill Valentine (Sienna Guillory), Claire Redfield (Ali Larter), and Albert Wesker (various actors) appear in multiple films within the series. However, their storylines and characterizations often differ significantly from their game counterparts.
8. How successful are the Resident Evil movies financially?
The Resident Evil franchise has been a significant financial success. The six films starring Milla Jovovich grossed over $1.2 billion worldwide. This box office success contributed to the franchise’s longevity and continued production.
9. What’s the difference between the live-action and animated Resident Evil movies?
The live-action movies, particularly the Anderson series, emphasize action and spectacle, with a loose connection to the game’s lore. The animated films prioritize a more faithful adaptation of the game’s storyline, character development, and atmosphere.
10. Where can I watch the Resident Evil movies?
The Resident Evil movies are available on various streaming platforms, depending on your region. They can also be rented or purchased digitally through services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Physical copies (Blu-ray and DVD) are also widely available.
11. Are there any other Resident Evil spin-offs, like TV shows?
Yes. There is the animated TV series Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness on Netflix. There was also a live-action TV series, also titled Resident Evil, that was released on Netflix, but was quickly canceled after one season.
12. Which Resident Evil movie is considered the scariest?
This is subjective, but many fans consider the original Resident Evil and Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City to be the scariest due to their focus on suspense, claustrophobic environments, and zombie horror. However, the franchise is generally more action-oriented than horror-focused.