There are six live-action films in the main Resident Evil cinematic series starring Milla Jovovich, and one reboot film, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, featuring a new cast and storyline that more closely follows the initial video games. In addition to these, there are four animated films directly related to the Resident Evil universe. Therefore, counting all live-action and animated films, there are a total of eleven Resident Evil movies.
The Live-Action Saga: Milla Jovovich’s Reign
The Resident Evil film franchise, headlined by Milla Jovovich, carved out its own distinct path, diverging significantly from the source material while still captivating audiences with its action-packed sequences and post-apocalyptic themes. This series, while debated by purists, remains a significant part of the Resident Evil legacy.
The Original Six: A Timeline of the Apocalypse
The core series comprises six films, charting Alice’s journey through the Umbrella Corporation’s bioweapons nightmare. These films are:
- Resident Evil (2002): The film that started it all, introducing Alice and the Hive.
- Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004): Raccoon City falls, and Nemesis emerges.
- Resident Evil: Extinction (2007): The world is a desert wasteland.
- Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010): Alice finds hope in a new group of survivors.
- Resident Evil: Retribution (2012): Global warfare against Umbrella.
- Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016): Alice’s last stand against the Umbrella Corporation.
The Reboot: Back to Raccoon City
Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021) attempted a fresh start, aiming for a more faithful adaptation of the first two Resident Evil video games. While the film received mixed reviews, it signaled a shift towards honoring the original games’ atmosphere and characters.
Animated Films: Expanding the Universe
The Resident Evil universe extends beyond live-action with a series of CGI animated films. These movies often feature characters and storylines directly connected to the video game canon.
The Animated Quartet: A Deeper Dive
These films offer a different perspective on the Resident Evil world:
- Resident Evil: Degeneration (2008): Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield reunite to combat a new outbreak.
- Resident Evil: Damnation (2012): Leon investigates a bio-organic weapon conflict in Eastern Europe.
- Resident Evil: Vendetta (2017): Leon, Chris Redfield, and Rebecca Chambers team up to stop a global terrorist attack.
- Resident Evil: Death Island (2023): Leon, Claire, Chris, Jill, and Rebecca come together to solve a zombie case.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section addresses common questions surrounding the Resident Evil film franchise, providing deeper insight into the series’ production, continuity, and impact.
FAQ 1: Is Milla Jovovich’s character, Alice, in the Resident Evil video games?
No, Alice is a character created specifically for the films and does not appear in any of the Resident Evil video games. This departure from the source material has been a point of contention for some fans, while others appreciate Alice as a strong and independent character within the film universe.
FAQ 2: Which Resident Evil movie is considered the best?
The “best” Resident Evil movie is subjective and depends on individual preferences. However, many fans consider the original Resident Evil (2002) and Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004) as the strongest entries in the Milla Jovovich series. For those who prefer a more faithful adaptation of the games, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City might be considered a superior choice, despite its mixed reception. The Animated movies, particularly Resident Evil: Death Island, are also well regarded.
FAQ 3: Are the Resident Evil movies canon to the Resident Evil video games?
Generally, no. The Milla Jovovich films are considered a separate continuity from the video game universe. Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City aims to be more closely aligned with the game canon, but even it takes liberties. The animated films, however, are generally considered canon and are referenced in later games and supplementary materials.
FAQ 4: Why did the Resident Evil movies deviate so much from the games?
The reasons for the deviation are multifaceted. Paul W.S. Anderson, the director and writer of most of the films, aimed to create a visually exciting and action-oriented experience that appealed to a broader audience. This involved taking creative liberties with the source material, focusing less on survival horror and more on high-octane action sequences.
FAQ 5: What is the chronological order of the Resident Evil movies (including animated films)?
The chronological order is as follows:
- 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: The Final Chapter (2016)
- Resident Evil: Vendetta (2017)
- Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021)
- Resident Evil: Death Island (2023)
FAQ 6: Who are the main characters in the Resident Evil movies?
The main characters vary depending on the film. In the Milla Jovovich series, Alice is the central protagonist. Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City features Claire Redfield, Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Leon S. Kennedy, and Albert Wesker. The animated films often feature Leon S. Kennedy, Claire Redfield, and Chris Redfield as the primary characters.
FAQ 7: Will there be more Resident Evil movies after The Final Chapter and Welcome to Raccoon City?
While The Final Chapter was initially marketed as the conclusion of the Milla Jovovich series, the success of the Resident Evil franchise makes future installments a strong possibility. The reboot with Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City suggests that the franchise is being re-imagined, and more films in that continuity are likely.
FAQ 8: Are the Resident Evil movies worth watching?
Whether the Resident Evil movies are “worth watching” depends on your expectations. If you’re looking for a faithful adaptation of the games, you might be disappointed by the Milla Jovovich series. However, if you enjoy action-packed, post-apocalyptic films with strong female leads, you might find them entertaining. Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City might be a better choice for those seeking a more game-accurate experience. The animated films are generally regarded well by fans of the video games.
FAQ 9: Where can I watch the Resident Evil movies?
The Resident Evil movies are available for streaming on various platforms depending on your region. Check services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming services to see which films are currently available. They are also widely available for purchase or rental on digital platforms and in physical formats (Blu-ray, DVD).
FAQ 10: What is the Umbrella Corporation?
The Umbrella Corporation is a fictional pharmaceutical company and a major antagonist in the Resident Evil franchise. They are responsible for developing the T-Virus and other bioweapons that lead to the zombie outbreaks. Their actions are central to the plot of both the games and the films.
FAQ 11: What is the T-Virus?
The T-Virus (Tyrant Virus) is a fictional mutagenic virus created by the Umbrella Corporation. It is the primary cause of the zombie outbreaks in the Resident Evil universe. The virus can reanimate dead cells and turn living organisms into mutated creatures or zombies.
FAQ 12: What is the difference between the live-action Resident Evil movies and the animated Resident Evil movies?
The primary difference lies in their visual style and connection to the game canon. The live-action movies are typically more action-oriented and often deviate significantly from the games’ storylines, while the animated films use CGI animation and tend to adhere more closely to the established characters and lore of the video games. Furthermore, the tone differs, with the animated films often leaning more heavily into the survival horror aspects of the games.