A Franchise Like No Other
When it comes to the landscape of video game film adaptations, few can claim to have achieved the same level of financial success and cult following as the “Resident Evil” movies. Despite the somewhat mixed critical reception, this iconic zombie franchise has consistently delivered at the box office.
“The Resident Evil movies aren’t exactly lauded as the best video game film adaptations but despite this, they never seem to disappoint when it comes to box office numbers,” highlights the strange allure of these films.
This phenomenon begs the question: what makes this series so irresistibly watchable? Let’s sink our teeth into the franchise, one undead morsel at a time.
How to watch the Resident Evil movies in order
- 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)
Where It All Started: The Original “Resident Evil”
“It is hard to believe that it was 21 years ago that the first movie in the Resident Evil series was released.”
Indeed, the year 2002 brought us the first Resident Evil film, featuring Milla Jovovich as Alice, an amnesiac stuck in a nightmarish world overrun by zombies. The film took inspiration from the first two games but had its own unique twist, which didn’t exactly excite critics. Despite this, the movie garnered over 100 million at the box office, effectively paving the way for its successors.
The Bumpy Road: “Resident Evil: Apocalypse”
“Generally thought of as the worst of the franchise, and for good reason.”
Apocalypse may be seen as the black sheep of the Resident Evil family, but it’s not entirely without merit. The movie contained action sequences that even its critics acknowledge as some of the best in the series. While the plot wasn’t exactly a masterpiece of storytelling, the film somehow managed to surpass its predecessor at the box office.
Finding New Ground: “Resident Evil: Extinction”
“The premise was an interesting one and it allowed this to have a story much more compelling than the last.”
By the time the third film rolled around, Alice and her group found themselves crossing the Mojave Desert, headed for Alaska in hopes of escaping the ever-present zombie threat. The movie made a solid attempt to introduce a captivating story and, despite the predictability, it featured action scenes that are still memorable today.
A Glimmer of Hope: “Resident Evil: Afterlife”
“The plot itself was far simpler and a lot more engaging than what had come before – and yes, it made a ton of money too.”
Fourth in line, Afterlife saw Alice pitted against Albert Wesker, the malevolent head of the Umbrella Corporation. Despite its less-than-stellar reviews, the movie had its moments—particularly in the action department—and continued the franchise’s tradition of making money, hand over fist.
Down the Rabbit Hole: “Resident Evil: Retribution”
“But fans of the series were not going to be swayed by reviews like that.”
Alice finds herself trapped underwater in the Extreme North by the ever-vindictive Umbrella Corporation. Despite less-than-favorable reviews regarding its plot and characters, the movie still enjoyed commercial success, proving yet again the indomitable spirit of the Resident Evil fanbase.
The Last Stand: “Resident Evil: The Final Chapter”
“After six movies, the Resident Evil franchise as we know it came to a close in 2016 with The Final Chapter.”
Fittingly titled “The Final Chapter,” the movie rounded out the franchise on a surprisingly high note. Not only did it receive better reviews than its predecessors, but it also hinted at a new beginning, opening the door for reboots and fresh takes on the zombie-infested universe we’ve come to love—or at least, can’t look away from.
It’s Not Just a Movie; It’s a Phenomenon
So why do we keep coming back? Whether it’s the constant thrill, the relentless action, or perhaps the nostalgia of it all, Resident Evil has tapped into something that keeps audiences coming back for more, critics be damned.
It’s this combination of elements that not only makes the Resident Evil franchise the highest-grossing zombie movie series to date but also the highest-grossing film series based on a video game.
So, whether you’re an old fan looking to relive the excitement or a newcomer wondering where to start, the story simply follows the release order. Just grab some popcorn and let the mayhem unfold, because the world of Resident Evil is one rabbit hole worth falling into.
