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Resident Evil Movies: An Overview
The Resident Evil film series include action-horror films based on a popular video game series called Resident Evil, made by Capcom. The first movie, “Resident Evil,” came out in 2002 and was directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. The films tell the story of a character named Alice, who is not in the original games, played by Milla Jovovich.
The Resident Evil movies mix scary moments, futuristic ideas, and exciting action to make a one-of-a-kind and thrilling movie experience. The story focuses on a worldwide pharmaceutical company called the Umbrella Corporation.
This company is to blame for a dangerous virus that transforms people into zombies and other terrifying monsters. Alice, who used to work in security, becomes the main hero as she fights against the corporation’s evil experiments and the walking dead.
Resident Evil Movies in Order
This list organizes the Resident Evil movie franchise in the order they should be watched, so viewers can understand the story better and immerse themselves in the changing Resident Evil world.
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1. Resident Evil: (2002)

The 2002 “Resident Evil” movie is a science fiction action horror film based on the popular video game series. It was written and directed by Paul W. S. Anderson and produced by Constantin Film.
The story revolves around a character named Alice, portrayed by Milla Jovovich. She wakes up in an underground facility called The Hive without any memory of her past. The Hive is controlled by an artificial intelligence known as the Red Queen.
Due to a viral outbreak, the facility is infested with flesh-eating zombies, and Alice must navigate the dangerous corridors. She joins forces with a group of commandos sent to contain the outbreak and they must find a way to escape, all while battling hordes of zombies and mutated creatures.
The movie incorporates elements from the “Resident Evil” video game series, including the Umbrella Corporation, a powerful pharmaceutical company responsible for the viral outbreak. It combines intense action, horror, and suspense to capture the atmosphere of the games.
2. Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)

“Resident Evil: Apocalypse” is the second movie in the Resident Evil film timeline and continues the story from the first film. It occurs after the T-virus outbreak in Raccoon City caused by the Umbrella Corporation. The city is overrun by zombies and mutated creatures. Alice, with her superhuman abilities, is trapped in the infected city.
New characters are introduced, including Jill Valentine, a skilled police officer who becomes an ally to Alice. They try to escape the city and uncover Umbrella’s experiments. Carlos Olivera, a former Umbrella soldier, also joins the fight, bringing his combat skills and knowledge.
The movie delves into the Umbrella Corporation’s involvement in the city’s downfall and its continued experiments. Dr. Charles Ashford, an Umbrella scientist, becomes essential as he helps Alice and her group. The film features intense action, encounters with infected creatures, and the Nemesis, a terrifying monster sent by Umbrella.
“Resident Evil: Apocalypse” is a direct sequel that deepens the story and introduces new characters. It expands the Resident Evil universe and follows the ongoing fight against Umbrella’s sinister agenda.
3. Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)

“Resident Evil: Extinction” is the third movie in the Resident Evil series, continuing the story from the previous films. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by the T-virus outbreak.
Following the events of “Resident Evil: Apocalypse,” Alice remains a target of the Umbrella Corporation. The T-virus has spread globally, leaving the Earth in ruins. Alice, now possessing enhanced abilities, navigates the barren landscapes while evading Umbrella’s pursuit.
The movie focuses on the struggle to survive in a world plagued by the virus. Resources are scarce, and the infected creatures pose a constant threat. Alice encounters a group of survivors led by Claire Redfield, who are in search of a rumored safe haven called Arcadia.
4. Resident Evil: Afterlife

“Resident Evil: Afterlife” is the fourth movie in the Resident Evil cinematic universe and has a significant impact on the overall story. It follows Alice as she continues her battle against the Umbrella Corporation.
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In this movie, Alice searches for survivors and leads them to safety. She goes to Los Angeles and joins forces with Claire Redfield and a group of survivors. Together, they face new challenges and learn about a potentially safe place called Arcadia, believed to be in Alaska.
The movie introduces the Las Plagas parasite, a biological weapon created by Umbrella. This parasite can control its hosts and turn them into powerful mutants called “Executioners” or “Axemen.” This addition brings new dangers to the fight against Umbrella.
“Resident Evil: Afterlife” also uses high-definition 3D cinematography, enhancing the visual experience and making the action more immersive.
5. Resident Evil: Retribution

“Resident Evil: Retribution” is the fifth movie in the Resident Evil film series and continues the story from the previous films while introducing new elements and conflicts. It directly connects to the events of “Resident Evil: Afterlife” and focuses on the ongoing battle between Alice and the Umbrella Corporation.
In this movie, Alice is captured by Umbrella and wakes up in a facility called The Hive. The Hive is an underground complex that creates simulated environments based on different locations worldwide, filled with clones of people Alice has encountered in the past.
As Alice explores the simulated environments, she reunites with familiar faces like Carlos Olivera and Rain Ocampo, who were believed to be dead. With the help of new allies, including Ada Wong, Alice uncovers the truth behind the simulated world and fights against Umbrella’s forces and bioengineered creatures.
“Resident Evil: Retribution” delves deeper into the manipulation and experimentation conducted by Umbrella. It explores themes of identity, reality, and the ethical questions raised by cloning and playing with life.
6. Resident Evil: The Final Chapter

“Resident Evil: The Final Chapter” is the sixth and supposedly last movie in the order of Resident Evil films. It brings the storyline to a conclusion and resolves the ongoing conflict between Alice and the Umbrella Corporation.
In the film, Alice returns to Raccoon City, where the T-virus outbreak originated. She learns that Umbrella is planning a final attack on the remaining survivors to eliminate all traces of humanity. Alice must gather her allies, including Claire Redfield and a group of resistance fighters, to stop Umbrella and save humanity.
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Throughout the movie, the story explores the origins of the T-virus and reveals details about Alice’s past and her connection to Umbrella. It uncovers crucial information about her identity and the extent of Umbrella’s experiments. The film raises the stakes as Alice confronts her personal demons, fights monstrous creatures, and faces familiar enemies.
“Resident Evil: The Final Chapter” showcases intense action, high-stakes battles, and a race against time to prevent the complete destruction of humanity. It delves into themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the unyielding determination to survive.
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Resident Evil Movie Series Timeline: Conclusion
Watching the Resident Evil movies in chronological order provides a satisfying and comprehensive viewing experience. By following the storyline from the beginning, viewers can fully immerse themselves in the evolving world of Resident Evil.
From the atmospheric horror of the first film to the intense action-packed sequences in later installments, the Resident Evil cinematic universe contributes to the growth and development of the franchise.
FAQs:
Are the Resident Evil movies based on the video game series?
Yes, the Resident Evil movies are based on the popular video game series of the same name created by Capcom. The movies take inspiration from the characters, settings, and themes of the games.
Can the Resident Evil movies be enjoyed without prior knowledge of the games?
Yes, the Resident Evil movies can be enjoyed without prior knowledge of the games. While there are connections and references to the game series, the movies also work as standalone action-horror films with their own storylines and characters.
Are there any spin-off movies or series related to Resident Evil?
Yes, there are spin-off movies and series related to Resident Evil. One notable example is the animated film series called "Resident Evil: Degeneration," "Resident Evil: Damnation," and "Resident Evil: Vendetta." These movies are set within the same universe as the live-action films but feature different storylines and animation styles.
Is it necessary to watch all the movies to understand the storyline?
While watching all the Resident Evil movies can provide a more complete understanding of the overall storyline, it is not necessary to watch all of them to follow the main plot. The movies do have recurring characters and interconnected narratives, but they also provide enough exposition and context to understand the storyline within each film.
Are the Resident Evil movies suitable for all audiences?
The Resident Evil movies are primarily action-horror films with intense violence, strong language, and some gore. They are generally more suitable for mature audiences and not recommended for young children or those who are sensitive to violent content.
How does the Resident Evil movie franchise differ from the video games?
The Resident Evil movie franchise differs from the video games in several ways. While the movies draw inspiration from the games' universe, they feature original characters and storylines. The tone of the movies is generally more action-oriented, with a focus on fast-paced sequences and stylized visuals, whereas the games often emphasize survival horror elements, puzzles, and exploration. Additionally, the movies introduce some science fiction elements not present in the early games.
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