The sprawling world of Resident Evil Film Order, encompassing video games, novels, and a successful film franchise, can be daunting for newcomers. The burning question: “In what order should I watch the Resident Evil movies?” Fear not, intrepid explorer! This guide equips you with the knowledge to navigate the ever-expanding hive of live-action Resident Evil.
Two Paths Through the Hive: Release vs. Chronological Order
There are two main approaches to tackling the Resident Evil films:
Release Order:
This follows the order the films premiered in theaters, offering a linear viewing experience. However, it deviates significantly from the video game source material.
Chronological Order:
This arranges the films based on the in-universe timeline, creating a more cohesive story. However, you’ll encounter a new character, Alice (absent in the games), as the central protagonist.
Delving Deeper: A Breakdown of Both Approaches
Release Order (2002-2021):
Resident Evil (2002):
This film introduces Alice, an amnesiac security operative, thrust into the nightmarish world of the Umbrella Corporation’s biohazard outbreak in Raccoon City.
Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004):
Alice joins forces with survivors to escape the infected city and expose Umbrella’s dark secrets.
Resident Evil: Extinction (2007):
Alice leads a band of survivors across a post-apocalyptic wasteland ravaged by the T-virus.

Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010):
Alice searches for remaining survivors in a ruined Los Angeles overrun by the undead.
Resident Evil: Retribution (2012):
Alice dives deeper into the Umbrella Corporation’s conspiracy, uncovering her own mysterious past.
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016):
Alice returns to the crucible of it all, Raccoon City, to confront the source of the T-virus outbreak.
Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021)
This reboot serves as a more faithful adaptation of the first two video games, following a group of S.T.A.R.S. police officers in Raccoon City.
Chronological Order (2002-2021):
Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021)
This reboot serves as the chronological starting point.
Resident Evil (2002):
The events take place shortly after the Raccoon City incident depicted in “Welcome to Raccoon City.”
Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)
Continues the story directly after the first film.
Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)
Picks up several years after the events of “Apocalypse.”
Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010)
The timeline advances significantly, with the world succumbing further to the T-virus.
Resident Evil: Retribution (2012)
Continues Alice’s journey within the Umbrella Corporation’s facilities.
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016)
The film’s ending offers a potential conclusion to Alice’s story.
Choosing Your Path: A Guide for New Entrants
Resident Evil Veteran?
If you’re a fan of the video games, the “Welcome to Raccoon City” reboot offers a more faithful adaptation.
Action or Atmosphere?
The original series prioritizes action sequences and sci-fi elements, while the reboot aims for a more grounded horror atmosphere.
Beyond the Films: More to Explore
The live-action Resident Evil universe extends beyond the main films. Consider venturing into:
Resident Evil: Degeneration (2008)
A CG animated film that fits within the original series timeline.
Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness (2021)
A live-action miniseries serving as a sequel to the original films.
The Final Verdict: A Thrilling Ride Awaits
Whichever order you choose, the Resident Evil films offer a thrilling journey through a world overrun by the undead and monstrous creatures. With a captivating blend of action, horror, and science fiction, the franchise provides chilling entertainment for fans of various genres. So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare to enter the terrifying world of Resident Evil!
Two Paths Through the Apocalypse: Release vs. Chronological
There are two main approaches to tackling the Resident Evil films, each offering a unique perspective:

Release Order:
This follows the order the films premiered in theaters, providing a linear viewing experience. However, it deviates significantly from the video game source material.
Chronological Order:
This arranges the films based on the in-universe timeline, creating a more cohesive story. However, you’ll encounter a new character, Alice (absent in the games), as the central protagonist.
Deciphering the Code: A Breakdown of Both Approaches
Release Order (2002-2021):
Resident Evil (2002):
This film introduces Alice, an amnesiac security operative, thrown into the nightmarish world of the Umbrella Corporation’s biohazard outbreak in Raccoon City.
Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004):
Alice joins forces with survivors to escape the infected city and expose Umbrella’s nefarious plans.
Resident Evil: Extinction (2007):
Alice leads a band of survivors across a post-apocalyptic wasteland ravaged by the T-virus.
Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010):
Alice searches for remaining survivors in a ruined Los Angeles overrun by the undead.
Resident Evil: Retribution (2012):
Alice delves deeper into the Umbrella Corporation’s conspiracy, uncovering her own mysterious past.
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016):
Alice returns to the ground zero of the outbreak, Raccoon City, to confront the source of the T-virus.
Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021):
This reboot serves as a more faithful adaptation of the first two video games, following a group of S.T.A.R.S. police officers in Raccoon City.
Chronological Order (2002-2021):
Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021):
This reboot serves as the chronological starting point.
Resident Evil (2002):
The events take place shortly after the Raccoon City incident depicted in “Welcome to Raccoon City.”
Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004):
Continues the story directly after the first film.
Resident Evil: Extinction (2007):
Picks up several years after the events of “Apocalypse.”
Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010):
The timeline advances significantly, with the world succumbing further to the T-virus.
Resident Evil: Retribution (2012):
Continues Alice’s journey within the Umbrella Corporation’s facilities.
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016):
The film’s ending offers a potential conclusion to Alice’s story.
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