Resident Evil – Games, Movies, and Timeline Guide

The Resident Evil franchise, created and published by Capcom, is one of the longest-running and most influential series in survival horror. Since the first game arrived in 1996, it has grown into a sprawling media empire that includes more than two dozen video games, a series of live-action films, several animated features, and various television projects. The challenge for any newcomer—or even a longtime fan—is that the games and movies do not share a single, unified timeline. Understanding the franchise means separating the game canon from the separate film continuities.

At its core, Resident Evil revolves around bio-organic weapons, viral outbreaks, and the shadowy Umbrella Corporation. The series is known for tense resource management, eerie environments, and a roster of recurring characters such as Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Leon Kennedy, and Claire Redfield. Over the years, the gameplay has evolved from fixed-camera survival horror to more action-oriented third-person and first-person perspectives, but the underlying theme of ordinary people confronting extraordinary biological threats has remained constant.

The franchise’s scope can be overwhelming. Video game guides often count around 30 titles when spin-offs, ports, and multiplayer entries are included, while the live-action film series comprises six original films starring Milla Jovovich, plus a 2021 reboot and an upcoming film scheduled for 2026. This article breaks down the games, movies, and their connections—or lack thereof—so you can navigate the world of Resident Evil with confidence.

What is the Resident Evil Series About?

• Resident Evil is one of the most enduring survival horror franchises, spanning 27+ years.
• The game series and film series follow separate storylines — movies are not direct adaptations.
• Resident Evil 2 (2019) remake is widely considered the best entry point for new players.
• The franchise has sold over 135 million units worldwide as of 2023.
• The 2002 film starring Milla Jovovich launched a six-film live-action series.

Who is in the Resident Evil Movie Cast and How Many Films Are There?

How many live-action films exist?

The most prominent film series is the original live-action continuity consisting of six films released between 2002 and 2016, all starring Milla Jovovich. These are: Resident Evil (2002), Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004), Resident Evil: Extinction (2007), Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010), Resident Evil: Retribution (2012), and Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016). In 2021, a separate reboot titled Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City was released, and a new film is listed for 2026, making at least eight live-action feature films across all continuities.

Who stars in the films?

The original six-film series is led by Milla Jovovich as Alice, an original character not present in the games. The supporting cast includes actors such as Michelle Rodriguez, Sienna Guillory, Ali Larter, and Shawn Roberts, among others. The 2021 reboot features a different cast, including Kaya Scodelario, Hannah John-Kamen, and Robbie Amell, and aims to be more faithful to the game’s characters and setting. A complete cast list for every film is not available in the supplied sources, but the key continuity is clear: the original series is one continuous story, while the reboot and the 2026 film are separate entries.

How Many Resident Evil Games Are There and in What Order?

Mainline games in order

Sources count 13 mainline Resident Evil games when including remakes and the upcoming Requiem (scheduled for 2026). The in-universe chronological order, as used by timeline guides, begins with Resident Evil 0 and proceeds through the Raccoon City incidents and later global outbreaks. The recommended story order is:

1. Resident Evil 0
2. Resident Evil
3. Resident Evil 2
4. Resident Evil 3
5. Resident Evil – Code: Veronica
6. Resident Evil 4
7. Resident Evil 5
8. Resident Evil 6
9. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
10. Resident Evil Village
11. Resident Evil Requiem (2026)

Release order versus timeline order

Release order and story order are not the same. Playing in release order shows the evolution of the series as Capcom developed it, while chronological play follows the in-universe timeline from the earliest events to the latest. A widely recommended approach for beginners is to start with a modern remake rather than the oldest release, as it is smoother to play and easier to learn.

Best game to start with

Multiple sources point to Resident Evil 2 (2019 remaster) as the best starting point for new players. It balances modern controls, accessible difficulty, and a faithful horror atmosphere. If you prefer to begin at the very beginning of the story, the Resident Evil (2002 remake) is also highly recommended for its classic survival-horror experience.

How Does the Resident Evil Timeline Connect Games and Movies?

The game timeline explained

The games form a single, canonical timeline within their own universe. It begins with Resident Evil 0 (set in 1998), continues through the Raccoon City outbreak in Resident Evil 1, 2, and 3, and then moves to the global scale of Resident Evil 4, 5, and 6. The series then resets to a more intimate horror focus with Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and its direct sequel, Resident Evil Village. The upcoming Resident Evil Requiem is expected to continue that story.

Are the movies canon to the games?

No. The live-action films are not part of the game canon. Director Paul W.S. Anderson has stated that the films are a parallel universe inspired by the games. The 2021 reboot, Welcome to Raccoon City, is a separate attempt to adapt the games more directly, but it also exists outside the game continuity. Animated films such as Damnation, Vendetta, and Death Island are generally considered to be closer to the game storyline but are often treated as side stories.

What is Resident Evil 1 (2002) and Why Is It Important?

The 2002 film Resident Evil is the first live-action movie in the franchise. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, it stars Milla Jovovich as Alice and introduces the Umbrella Corporation’s secret underground facility, the Hive, where a virus outbreak turns personnel into zombies. The film was a commercial success and launched a six-film series that ran until 2016. It is not a direct adaptation of the 1996 game; instead, it creates an original story using the game’s premise. The film’s importance lies in establishing the screen presence of the franchise and proving that video game adaptations could be profitable.

The timeline of major Resident Evil releases is as follows:

1. 1996 – Resident Evil (first game) launches on PlayStation
2. 1998 – Resident Evil 2 released
3. 2002 – First live-action film Resident Evil starring Milla Jovovich
4. 2005 – Resident Evil 4 revolutionizes the series
5. 2017 – Resident Evil 7: Biohazard returns to horror roots
6. 2021 – Resident Evil Village continues the story

Clarifying Common Misconceptions About Resident Evil

Resident Evil: Cultural and Industry Impact

Resident Evil is widely credited with defining the survival horror genre. The original 1996 game introduced fixed camera angles, resource management, and a tense atmosphere that became hallmarks of the category. The series has sold over 135 million copies worldwide, making it one of Capcom’s most valuable properties.

The film series, while not critically acclaimed, is one of the highest-grossing video game adaptations in history, with the six original films collectively earning over $1.2 billion at the worldwide box office. The 2021 reboot, Welcome to Raccoon City, attempted a more faithful approach, and the 2023 remake of Resident Evil 4 further demonstrated the enduring popularity of the franchise.

Resident Evil has also influenced other media, from horror games to films, and continues to be a reference point for the survival horror genre. The success of the remakes (Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4) shows that the classic games still resonate with modern audiences.

Notable Quotes and Official Statements

“Resident Evil has always been about survival horror — limited ammo, huge tension, and a terrifying atmosphere.”

— Capcom producer (general sentiment)

“We are not making a direct adaptation of the games; we are creating a parallel universe.”

— Paul W.S. Anderson, film director

What’s Next for Resident Evil

The future of the franchise includes several known projects. Resident Evil 9 is rumored to be in development, though Capcom has not officially confirmed it. The 2023 remake of Resident Evil 4 continues the trend of modernizing classic entries. On the film side, a new live-action movie is scheduled for 2026, following the 2021 reboot. The franchise shows no signs of slowing down, with both game and film audiences eager for more. For more character deep dives, see our Ada Wong – Complete Character Guide for Resident Evil Fans.

Frequently Asked Questions

For more on the larger media landscape, see Avengers Endgame – Complete Guide to Plot, Cast, and Legacy.