There are a total of seven live-action Resident Evil movies released theatrically and through streaming services. Additionally, there are multiple animated films and television series exploring the Resident Evil universe.
The Core Seven: A Deep Dive into the Live-Action Films
The Resident Evil film franchise, initially spearheaded by Milla Jovovich and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson (for most entries), offered a unique, if sometimes controversial, take on the beloved Capcom survival horror video game series. While liberties were taken with the source material, the films garnered a significant following and contributed to the franchise’s global popularity. Understanding the core seven films is crucial to navigating the larger Resident Evil media landscape.
Here’s a complete list of the live-action Resident Evil movies in chronological 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)
Each film explores different facets of the Resident Evil universe, introducing and adapting characters, creatures, and storylines from the games, though often with significant deviations. The first six films feature Milla Jovovich as Alice, a character created specifically for the film franchise, while Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City offers a more direct adaptation of the early games, featuring iconic characters like Claire and Chris Redfield, Leon S. Kennedy, and Jill Valentine.
Beyond the Live-Action: Exploring Animated Films & TV Series
While the seven live-action movies form the backbone of the Resident Evil film adaptations, the franchise extends far beyond these. Several animated films and television series offer alternative interpretations and expansions of the Resident Evil lore.
Animated Films: A Different Perspective
The animated films, often featuring a more game-accurate depiction of characters and events, have been praised by fans for their faithfulness to the source material and high-quality animation. Key entries include:
- Resident Evil: Degeneration (2008)
- Resident Evil: Damnation (2012)
- Resident Evil: Vendetta (2017)
- Resident Evil: Death Island (2023)
These films typically focus on established game characters like Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield, and Jill Valentine, confronting new threats and uncovering conspiracies within the Resident Evil universe.
Television Series: Expanding the Narrative
In addition to the films, Netflix has released several Resident Evil television series, including:
- Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness (2021) – A CGI animated series featuring Leon and Claire
- Resident Evil (2022) – A live-action series that features two timelines, focusing on the Wesker children.
While Infinite Darkness aligns more closely with the established game lore, the 2022 live-action series took significant creative liberties and received mixed reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Resident Evil movie franchise to further clarify its scope and history:
What is the chronological order of all Resident Evil movies (including animated)?
The chronological order of all Resident Evil films (both live-action and animated) by release date 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: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021)
- Resident Evil: Death Island (2023)
This list presents the movies as they were released; the internal chronology within the Resident Evil universe is complex and often diverges between the games, live-action films, and animated films.
Is Milla Jovovich in all the Resident Evil movies?
No, Milla Jovovich stars as Alice in the first six live-action Resident Evil films (2002-2016). She does not appear in Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021). The latter film features a different cast playing characters directly from the original games.
Which Resident Evil movie is considered the most faithful to the games?
Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021) is generally considered the most faithful live-action adaptation of the first two Resident Evil games. The animated films, particularly Resident Evil: Degeneration, Resident Evil: Damnation, and Resident Evil: Death Island, are also praised for their adherence to the game lore and character portrayals.
Are the Resident Evil movies connected to the games’ storyline?
The original Resident Evil film series (starring Milla Jovovich) drew inspiration from the games but ultimately followed its own distinct storyline, diverging significantly from the established lore. Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City attempts a more direct adaptation but still makes changes and compromises. The animated films generally maintain a closer connection to the games’ narrative.
What is the plot of Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City?
Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City adapts the events of the first two Resident Evil games. It depicts the outbreak of the T-virus in Raccoon City and follows the journeys of Claire and Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Leon S. Kennedy, and Albert Wesker as they uncover the secrets of the Umbrella Corporation and fight to survive the zombie hordes.
Are there any plans for future Resident Evil movies?
While there are no officially confirmed plans for additional live-action theatrical films, the Resident Evil franchise remains popular, and further adaptations are highly likely. The success of Welcome to Raccoon City could potentially lead to sequels exploring later entries in the game series. Furthermore, animated films continue to be produced, maintaining a presence in the film landscape.
Where can I watch all the Resident Evil movies?
The availability of Resident Evil movies varies depending on your region and streaming services. They are often available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, and Apple TV. Some may also be available on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or HBO Max, depending on licensing agreements.
Who created the Alice character in the Resident Evil films?
The character Alice, portrayed by Milla Jovovich, was created specifically for the Resident Evil film series by Paul W.S. Anderson, the writer and director of the first film and several subsequent sequels. She is not a character from the Resident Evil video games.
What is the critical reception of the Resident Evil movies like?
The Resident Evil films have generally received mixed to negative reviews from critics. While some appreciate the action sequences and visual effects, others criticize the deviations from the source material, the plot inconsistencies, and the reliance on jump scares. However, the films have maintained a dedicated fanbase and have been commercially successful.
Which Resident Evil movie made the most money?
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016) is the highest-grossing film in the Resident Evil franchise, earning over $312 million worldwide.
Are there any extended cuts or director’s cuts of the Resident Evil movies?
Yes, some Resident Evil movies have extended cuts available on DVD and Blu-ray. These versions typically include additional scenes and footage not shown in the theatrical releases, offering a slightly more comprehensive viewing experience.
How did the Resident Evil movie franchise impact the games?
While the movie franchise largely diverged from the games, its global popularity undoubtedly contributed to the increased awareness and mainstream appeal of the Resident Evil brand. The movies introduced the franchise to a wider audience and likely influenced some design choices and narrative elements in later Resident Evil games. The relationship is symbiotic, with each medium benefiting from the other’s success, despite their often disparate approaches to the source material.