The Resident Evil film franchise, a blend of horror, action, and science fiction, has captivated audiences for over two decades. Currently, there are seven live-action Resident Evil movies and four animated feature films, totaling eleven movies in the broader Resident Evil cinematic universe.
A Deep Dive into the Live-Action Saga
The live-action films, while taking significant liberties with the game’s established lore, brought the Resident Evil universe to a wider audience. They’re known for their action-packed sequences, zombie hordes, and the enduring presence of Milla Jovovich as Alice.
The Core Series (2002-2016)
The core series consists of six films, each building upon the overarching narrative of the Umbrella Corporation’s devastating actions and Alice’s struggle for survival.
- Resident Evil (2002): The movie that started it all, introducing audiences to the Hive and the T-virus outbreak.
- Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004): Raccoon City is overrun, and classic characters like Jill Valentine and Nemesis make their debut.
- Resident Evil: Extinction (2007): The T-virus has ravaged the world, turning the planet into a desert wasteland. Alice gains powerful psionic abilities.
- Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010): The series goes 3D, featuring Albert Wesker as the primary antagonist and a return to the Umbrella Corporation’s headquarters.
- Resident Evil: Retribution (2012): Alice explores Umbrella’s underground testing facilities across the globe and teams up with familiar faces.
- Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016): Allegedly the conclusion of Alice’s story, offering a resolution to the conflict with Umbrella Corporation.
The Reboot: Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021)
A complete reboot, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City aims for a closer adaptation of the first two Resident Evil games. This film strives for a more faithful portrayal of the game’s iconic characters and locations, offering a fresh perspective on the Raccoon City incident. It marked a departure from the heavily stylized action-horror of the original series.
Animated Films: Expanding the Narrative
The animated Resident Evil movies are generally considered to be more faithful to the source material than the live-action films, both in terms of plot and character representation. They feature recognizable characters from the games and offer a more traditional horror experience.
The Chronological Order of Animated Releases
These films exist within the established canon of the video game series and often fill in narrative gaps or explore specific events.
- Resident Evil: Degeneration (2008): A T-virus outbreak occurs in an airport, forcing Claire Redfield and Leon S. Kennedy to confront the undead.
- Resident Evil: Damnation (2012): Leon S. Kennedy investigates a bio-weapon outbreak in Eastern Europe, revealing a new type of Licker and a tyrannical warlord.
- Resident Evil: Vendetta (2017): Chris Redfield teams up with Leon S. Kennedy and Rebecca Chambers to stop a deadly new virus from being unleashed.
- Resident Evil: Death Island (2023): A new threat emerges on Alcatraz Island, bringing together Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Claire Redfield, and Rebecca Chambers for a high-stakes mission.
Resident Evil: A Franchise in Constant Evolution
The Resident Evil franchise, encompassing both live-action and animated films, offers diverse interpretations of the source material. From action-packed adventures to more traditional horror stories, there’s something for every fan within this multifaceted cinematic universe. The ongoing popularity and continued production suggest that the Resident Evil story will continue to evolve and expand in the years to come. The films have played a significant role in popularizing the series beyond the gaming world, introducing new fans to its compelling lore and characters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These frequently asked questions address key aspects of the Resident Evil film franchise, providing clarification and context for viewers.
FAQ 1: Are all the Resident Evil movies canon to the video games?
The animated films are considered canon to the Resident Evil video game series, fitting into the timeline and featuring consistent characterizations. The live-action films, particularly the initial series starring Milla Jovovich, deviate significantly from the games and are generally not considered canon. Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City aims to rectify that by being more faithful.
FAQ 2: What is the best order to watch the Resident Evil movies?
For a chronological viewing experience, it’s best to watch the live-action films in the order of their 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), and Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021). Follow this with the animated films in their release order: Resident Evil: Degeneration (2008), Resident Evil: Damnation (2012), Resident Evil: Vendetta (2017), and Resident Evil: Death Island (2023).
FAQ 3: Where can I watch the Resident Evil movies online?
Availability varies by region and streaming service. Check services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Apple TV+ to see which Resident Evil movies are currently available. You can also rent or purchase digital copies through platforms like YouTube Movies or Google Play Movies.
FAQ 4: Is there a direct sequel to Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City planned?
As of now, there hasn’t been an official announcement of a direct sequel to Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City. However, given the film’s reception and the franchise’s enduring popularity, further installments that continue the more game-accurate adaptation are possible.
FAQ 5: Which Resident Evil movie is considered the scariest?
While subjective, many fans consider Resident Evil (2002) and Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City to be the scariest due to their focus on atmosphere and suspense. The animated films, particularly Resident Evil: Degeneration and Resident Evil: Damnation, also offer a more traditional horror experience.
FAQ 6: Who owns the rights to the Resident Evil movie franchise?
Constantin Film has primarily owned the rights to the Resident Evil movie franchise.
FAQ 7: How do the animated Resident Evil films tie into the video game lore?
The animated Resident Evil films are designed to fit seamlessly into the existing video game timeline. They often explore events that are only briefly mentioned in the games, providing additional context and expanding upon the established narrative.
FAQ 8: Are there any recurring characters in the Resident Evil movies besides Alice?
While Alice is the central protagonist in the original live-action series, other characters from the games, such as Jill Valentine, Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield, Claire Redfield, and Albert Wesker, appear in multiple films, albeit with varying degrees of accuracy to their game counterparts. The animated films feature these characters more prominently and faithfully.
FAQ 9: Which Resident Evil movie made the most money at the box office?
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016) is the highest-grossing film in the live-action series worldwide.
FAQ 10: Is there a Resident Evil TV series?
Yes, there are multiple Resident Evil TV series. A notable example is the live-action Netflix series Resident Evil, which premiered in 2022, and the animated series Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness.
FAQ 11: Why do the live-action Resident Evil movies deviate so much from the games?
The live-action films, particularly the original series, prioritized creating a fast-paced, action-oriented experience that would appeal to a broader audience. This necessitated significant deviations from the slower, more suspenseful horror of the games.
FAQ 12: Will there be more Resident Evil movies in the future?
Given the enduring popularity of the Resident Evil franchise, it’s highly likely that there will be more movies in the future. The success of Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City and the continued interest in the games suggest that future installments may focus on more faithful adaptations of the source material, attracting both long-time fans and newcomers alike.