The Ultimate Order to Watch the ‘Resident Evil’ Movies If You Want to Survive the Apocalypse
Resident Evil stands as a giant in its category when it comes to zombie films and battling the undead and dangerously infected. Based on a popular video game, the saga has six movies to its name complete with intense action, futuristic weapons, and terrifying monsters. It also gave us some of the most iconic quotes the early 2000s had to offer. But, here’s the thing, the franchise can be a bit confusing with all the movie titles and numbering.
With a franchise that’s hooked fans for years, seeing the movies in the right order makes all the difference. From the eerie Hive to the monster-filled wastelands, each Resident Evil movie brings something new to the table. It doesn’t matter if you’re a diehard Alice (Milla Jovovich) fan or just tucking into the series, this is a guide you’ll want… scratch that, need. It’ll help you figure out the best way to enjoy all the chaos and unravel the zombie apocalypse plot.
‘Resident Evil’ (2002)
Image Credit: Capcom
The Resident Evil live-action film series kicked off in 2002 and introduced moviegoers to a world ravaged by a virus that turned people into flesh-eating zombies. The franchise centers around Alice, played by Jovovich, as she fights against the evil Umbrella Corporation that unleashed the apocalypse. So it’s only proper to start at the very beginning when Alice wakes up to a whole new world order where fighting for survival is a must.
In this first film, she wakes up with amnesia soon discovering that a virus outbreak has turned the staff of the Hive – an underground laboratory – into zombies. As she teams up with other survivors, Alice begins her fight against the undead and the corporation responsible for the catastrophe.
Along for the ride are Michelle Rodriguez who plays Rain Ocampo, a tough commando. There’s also Eric Mabius who appears as Matt Addison, an environmental activist. James Purefoy portrays Spence Parks, Alice’s partner, and Martin Crewes plays Chad Kaplan, a member of the commando team. The cast also includes Colin Salmon as James “One” Shade, the leader of the team, and Heike Makatsch as Dr. Lisa Addison. Together, they give us an action packed and mind wracking hour and 40 minutes.
‘Resident Evil Apocalypse’ (2004)
Image Credit: Capcom
Following the events of the first film, Alice finds herself in Raccoon City, which is overrun by zombies. As the city faces obliteration, Alice joins forces with other survivors to escape and uncovers more of her mysterious past. In the second installment, writer and director Paul Anderson returns, however, he’s not behind the cameras this time. The second film sees Alexander Witt as director, however, Anderson remains one of the producers and main writer of the film.
Apocalypse is quite a controversial second runner, especially with the high success of the first installment. There were mixed feelings about the action thriller focusing more on the dramatic effects than a progressive storyline. Still, these views are subjective and may not be true for all viewers.
As for the cast, Resident Evil: Apocalypse switched things up with Sienna Guillory joining the cast as Jill Valentine, a former S.T.A.R.S. member. Oded Fehr plays Carlos Olivera, a member of the Umbrella Biohazard Countermeasure Service. Thomas Kretschmann appears as Major Timothy Cain, while Sophie Vavasseur plays Angie Ashford, the daughter of a scientist. The cast also includes Jared Harris as Dr. Ashford, Sandrine Holt as Terri Morales, and Mike Epps as L.J., a civilian caught in the chaos. Best believe he brings a smidge of comic relief to ease the tension of the harrowing storyline.
‘Resident Evil: Extinction’ (2007)
Image Credit: Capcom
Anderson returns as a writer in the third film, and this time, Russel Mulcalhy directs this highly action-packed installment that topped the Box office in its opening weekend. Alice and her surviving team members from Raccoon City traverse the Nevada desert. On the way, they face not only zombies but also mutated creatures as they search for a safe haven. Many revelations surface in the third film, and there’s no even break for Alice and co, as the Umbrella Corporation continues to pursue Alice for her unique abilities.
Ali Larter joins the cast as Claire Redfield, the leader of a convoy of survivors. Fehr reprises his role as Carlos Olivera, a former Umbrella soldier. Iain Glen plays Dr. Alexander Isaacs, a scientist experimenting with the virus. However, what is most refreshing is how Resident Evil is one of the new faces added to the cast- Ashanti. She plays the part of Betty, a nurse, which is exactly what you need in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. There’s also a hint of love in the air for her and it’s safe to say the romantic storyline makes things a lot less bleak. Additionally, Epps is back as L.J., who we met in Raccoon City, and Spencer Locke plays K-Mart, a young girl found in the chaos of it all.
‘Resident Evil: Afterlife’ (2010)
Image Credit: Capcom
The fourth series takes viewers all the way to Tokyo in the exciting 3D film that sees Anderson directing and writing. This time, the zombie-fighting crew takes another chance at battling the Umbrella Corporation. This is probably one of the highest points of the film. After a very narrow escape back to Alaska, she comes across a group of survivors holed up in a prison surrounded by the infected. Together, Alice and her team must find a way to escape the city. To many viewers’ excitement, another major character from the video game series is introduced in the fourth film- Wentworth Miller!
In her portrayal of Alice in the 4th film, Jovovich’s acting earned her the Scream Award for Best Science Fiction Actress. Resident Evil: Afterlife also earned the title of the second most successful film in the franchise, grossing more than $300 million. Over all, it’s the cast that really inspires a lot of attention, as Prison Break star Miller joins the ensemble as Chris Redfield. Larter returns as Claire Redfield, Shawn Roberts plays the antagonist Albert Wesker, and Locke reprises her role as K-Mart. The cast also includes Kim Coates as Bennett, Boris Kodjoe as Luther West, and Kacey Clarke as Crystal.
‘Resident Evil: Retribution’ (2012)
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In the fifth installment, Alice is captured by the Umbrella Corporation and must escape from an underwater facility. Talk about a plot twist, she may need the help of her nemesis to make it out. The film features characters from the video games and previous movies, making it a reunion of sorts for fans.
Following the footsteps of its predecessors, Retribution also enjoyed success at the Box Office. It received high praise for exceptional visuals and the spectacular fight choreography. For the high-performing cast, Sienna Guillory returns as Jill Valentine, while Michelle Rodriguez reprised her role as Rain Ocampo. The cast also includes Bingbing Li as Ada Wong, Kevin Durand as Barry Burton, and Fehr as Carlos Olivera. Additionally, Johann Urb plays Leon S. Kennedy, Kodjoe appears as Luther West, and Aryana Engineer is Becky.
‘Resident Evil: The Final Chapter’ (2016)
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The final installment of the live-action series brings Alice back to where it all began — The Hive in Raccoon City. With humanity on the brink of extinction, Alice must prevent the Umbrella Corporation from unleashing its final strike against the remnants of the human race. The top-rated and one of the most successful movie in the franchise, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter failed to let its devoted followers down. Jocovich herself admitted that The Final Chapter ‘was the biggest and best‘ in the franchise. Apparently, even though the star practically acted and even watched the final version, it still made her giddy with joy.
Some of the cast members in this installment include Larter who returns as Claire Redfield, while Shawn Roberts plays the villainous Albert Wesker. Glen still portrays Dr. Alexander Isaacs, and Ruby Rose appears as Abigail. The cast also includes Eoin Macken as Doc, William Levy as Christian, and Rola as Cobalt.
The Reboot Movie – ‘Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City’ (2021)
Image Credit: Capcom
By all indications, the writers and fans of the Resident Evil franchise can’t get enough of the rich storyline. This mutual craving gave birth to an exciting reboot in 2021. So the final chapter has an exciting continuation after all, but it’s not what fans predicted. Produced by Sony, and directed by Johannes Roberts, stays very faithful to the storyline in the first two Resident Evil games.
A reboot of the live-action movie series, Welcome to Raccoon City still aligns with the video game series’ storyline. However, it introduces fresh faces to the franchise, which mixes things up in the right way. Already accustomed to Alice being the ass-kicking superheroine, and it’s nice to see the new cast navigate the T-virus for a change. Characters such as Kaya Scodelario (Maze Runner), Hannah John-Kamen (Game of Thrones), and Tom Hopper (The Umbrella Academy) bring in the action this time. What’s interesting is how the reboot retells the events of the first two games, focusing on the origins of the T-virus outbreak and the fall of Raccoon City.
For a bite of the post-apocalyptic action, you can watch all Resident Evil Movies on Apple TV+.
