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Are you a fan of the Resident Evil franchise and want to experience the story from the very beginning? Look no further! In this article, we’ll guide you through the chronological order of all the Resident Evil movies, allowing you to delve into the captivating narrative that extends across six films.
Resident Evil: A Journey from Video Games to the Big Screen
Originally a video game franchise, Resident Evil transitioned to the silver screen under the direction of Paul W.S. Anderson and starring Milla Jovovich. While the movies feature characters and villains from the games, they tell their own unique stories and revolve around Jovovich’s character, Alice, as she embarks on her journey within the Resident Evil universe.
If you’re keen on experiencing the story unfold chronologically, we have great news for you—watching the movies in the order of their release is the same as watching them in chronological order. Moreover, for those interested in the latest installment, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, they’ll be delighted to know that it serves as a franchise reboot with a fresh cast, making it accessible without having seen the previous six films.
With that said, let’s provide you with a quick summary of how to watch the Resident Evil movies in chronological order.
All Resident Evil Movies in Chronological Order
The chronological order of the Resident Evil movies aligns with their release order. Therefore, to experience the story as it unfolds, watch the films in the following sequence:
- 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)
- Bonus – Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021)
Movie Breakdown: A Synopsis of Each Film
To make your movie marathon more exciting, let’s dive into the details of each installment.
1. Resident Evil (2002)
Where to watch: Ratingperson
The 2002 film Resident Evil introduces Alice (Jovovich), an original character created for the movies. Alice wakes up with amnesia, only to remember that she is a private security agent for the Umbrella Corporation. The film explores the release of the genetically engineered T-virus, which reanimates the dead as zombies, from a laboratory called The Hive. It also reveals how the lab’s AI security system, the Red Queen, exterminated all life inside the facility to contain the virus.
As the plan fails, zombies escape from the lab. Alice and her team embark on a mission to contain the outbreak by finding an antivirus believed to be within The Hive. This first film contains several references to the first two Resident Evil games, including a glimpse of the iconic Resident Evil 3 villain, the terrifying Nemesis.
2. Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)
Where to watch: Rental or purchase
Resident Evil: Apocalypse is a direct sequel to the original film. It brings back Jovovich’s Alice as she faces off against the undead once again. Director Paul W.S. Anderson did not return for this second film due to other commitments, but he stayed on as a producer while Alexander Witt took the helm. In Apocalypse, Alice attempts to escape Raccoon City before it is destroyed by a nuclear missile aimed at stopping the spread of the T-virus plague.
Nemesis plays a significant role in this film, terrorizing survivors throughout the story. Alongside the intense action, there are several nods to the games, including the inclusion of characters Jill Valentine and Carlos Olivera, as well as recreated scenes reminiscent of Resident Evil 3: Nemesis and Resident Evil CODE: Veronica.
3. Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)
Where to watch: Ratingperson
Released in 2007, Resident Evil: Extinction reveals that the T-virus has spread worldwide. Alongside Alice’s return, the story also follows various attempts by the Umbrella Corporation to clone her, hoping to replicate her extraordinary abilities. As the plot unfolds, Alice and other survivors head towards Alaska in a bid to leave the ever-expanding zombie apocalypse behind.
Extinction continues to introduce more game aspects and characters, including Claire Redfield and Albert Wesker.
4. Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010)
Where to watch: Rental or purchase
Resident Evil: Afterlife marks Anderson’s return as the director for the first time since the original film. Set one year after the events of Extinction, the film follows Alice and her clones as they launch an assault on Umbrella’s headquarters and Albert Wesker. Unfortunately, their plan doesn’t go as expected, and Alice finds herself without the powers that have served her so well in this zombie apocalypse.
Afterlife continues the trend of bringing game characters into the movies, with Chris Redfield receiving an invitation this time.
5. Resident Evil: Retribution (2012)
Where to watch: Ratingperson
Released in 2012, Resident Evil: Retribution picks up after the events of Afterlife. In addition to featuring game characters like Leon S. Kennedy, Ada Wong, and Barry Burton, the film sees Alice teaming up with Wesker in an attempt to stop the reactivated AI Red Queen from Umbrella’s first movie. The Red Queen’s goal? Nothing short of eradicating all life on Earth.
6. Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016)
Where to watch: Ratingperson, Netflix
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter serves as the concluding film in the franchise featuring the Anderson-Jovovich partnership. The movie follows Alice as she returns to Raccoon City and The Hive to stop the Red Queen and Albert Wesker. Along the way, it unravels more about the origin of the T-virus and the mastermind behind the chaos that has unfolded since the first film.
Bonus: Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021)
Where to watch: Rental or purchase
Directed by Johannes Roberts, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City represents a franchise reboot that requires no prior knowledge of the previous movies. Alongside the new director comes a fresh cast and a story that closely follows the events of the first two Resident Evil games. Several familiar characters from the games and previous movies return, including Claire Redfield, Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Albert Wesker, Leon Kennedy, Ada Wong, and more. The film’s story takes place in Raccoon City and portrays the early days of a zombie outbreak.
If you’re craving more movie lists, don’t miss our articles on the chronological order of DC movies, all Spider-Man films, and all X-Men movies.
Remember, for comprehensive movie guides and more, visit Ratingperson. Enjoy your thrilling cinematic experience!
