Ranking All Resident Evil Movies from Best to Worst

Overview

Resident Evil films often exhibit varying levels of quality; nonetheless, they contain elements that resonate with fans, such as nostalgic references.
The franchise’s animated features are generally held in higher regard, as they delve into established game characters and lore.
Key highlights among the films include *Afterlife* for its action sequences, *Vendetta* for lore elements, and *Death Island* for its nostalgic character reunions.

Despite achieving significant praise in the gaming world, the cinematic adaptations of Resident Evil have produced a rather mixed reception over the past twenty years. This era includes both Paul W. Anderson’s live-action films and the animated features. While Anderson’s films, prominently starring Milla Jovovich as Alice, have often faced criticism, a few entries still manage to deliver entertainment value, particularly for fans who appreciate the embedded references and callbacks.

In contrast, the CG films are frequently viewed more favorably. Their adherence to the original game characters combined with a coherent canon offers richer lore and character development. With these factors in mind, let’s explore which films stand out and assess their overall quality and memorability.

Updated February 11, 2024, by Ewan Lewis: With the recent release of *Death Island* in 2023 generating considerable excitement among fans and seemingly concluding the CG film series, now is an opportune moment to reassess contemporary audience perceptions. Additionally, as the dust settles following the Paul W. Anderson era, opinions regarding those films have shifted somewhat. Therefore, it’s time to re-examine these intriguing cinematic works in light of recent developments.

8 Resident Evil: Afterlife

Easily Enjoyable Without Over-Thinking the Plot

Release Date: September 2010
Duration: 97 minutes

*Resident Evil: Afterlife* is not typically celebrated for a deep narrative or rich character exploration. Instead, it is remembered for its over-the-top action scenes that, while often nonsensical, deliver a thrilling viewing experience. This film loosely draws inspiration from the fifth installment of the game series, featuring fan-favorite characters such as Chris Redfield and Wesker, alongside notorious adversaries like the Executioner.

At this stage in the live-action saga, Alice has gained superhuman abilities, resulting in exhilarating action sequences that are hard to turn away from. Although the plot and character development might not impress critics, Afterlife remains a fun experience for those eager for exhilarating zombie combat.

7 Resident Evil: Vendetta

Engaging Lore and a Memorable Villain

Release Date: May 2017
Duration: 97 minutes

*Vendetta* successfully reintroduces Rebecca Chambers, a character absent from the canon since *Resident Evil 0*, and pairs her with Leon and Chris, two pivotal figures in the franchise who rarely share significant screen time together. The interactions among these beloved characters add charm, complemented by the presence of the chilling antagonist Glenn Arias.

Arias stands out as a disturbingly compelling villain, known for his twisted mentality and formidable combat skills, providing a worthy challenge for Leon and Chris. Notably, the film showcases breathtaking action sequences, especially the unforgettable moment where Leon and Chris dispatch a horde of zombies in mere seconds.

6 Resident Evil: Degeneration

A Straightforward Thrillride Featuring Beloved Protagonists

Release Date: October 2008
Duration: 96 minutes

Unlike some of its more convoluted counterparts, *Degeneration* embraces simplicity and delivers a compelling narrative. The plot follows Leon and Claire as they combat a terrorist faction intent on unleashing the T-Virus across the nation. While introducing new characters, the film’s emotional core lies in the established rapport between Leon and Claire.

The film offers powerful moments, reflecting on the trauma from Raccoon City and its aftermath, while maintaining an engaging pace filled with action. Although Leon’s portrayal may seem less dynamic compared to his other appearances, this minor flaw does not detract significantly from the film’s overall effectiveness.

5 Resident Evil: Extinction

Alice’s Adventure Expands to the Mojave Desert

Release Date: September 2007
Duration: 94 minutes

*Resident Evil: Extinction* maintains the essence of its predecessors while introducing stunning cinematography and a distinctive setting in the Nevada Desert. The narrative follows Alice’s journey across this arid landscape, alongside Claire and Carlos before their paths merge for a unified fight against the undead.

Though the character development for Claire and Carlos diverges from their original portrayals, they still receive growth throughout the film. Similarly, Alice grapples with her struggle against the Umbrella Corporation’s control, a theme that resonates throughout. The visual presentation is a standout feature, offering a thrilling experience that captivates viewers.

4 Resident Evil: Death Island

A Grand Reunion of Iconic Protagonists

Release Date: June 2023
Duration: 91 minutes

*Death Island* represents a notable moment for fans, as it showcases the first full assembly of the franchise’s primary protagonists—Leon, Jill, Claire, Rebecca, and Chris—working towards a common goal. While some aspects of the plot may appear sparse, the film compensates with abundant fan service and iconic moments.

Scenes of Leon and Jill battling a horde of Lickers, or Claire and Rebecca’s teamwork unearthing the mysteries of Alcatraz’s zombie infestation, fulfill long-held fan desires. The film’s unique Alcatraz setting, coupled with numerous references to key game events, enhances its appeal, particularly for die-hard fans.

3 Resident Evil (2002)

A Distinctive Take on Horror Aesthetics

Release Date: March 2002
Duration: 100 minutes

The inaugural *Resident Evil* live-action film successfully captured the dark aesthetic and ambience of the gaming franchise, while also presenting a fresh approach. At this point, Alice had not yet transformed into the hyper-powerful character featured in later installments, allowing her team to face genuine peril throughout the film.

The film excels in crafting tension, employing practical effects for its monstrous entities with minimal reliance on CGI, resulting in genuinely spine-chilling sequences. Iconic moments, such as a real-life zombie dog and the unforgettable score by Marilyn Manson, further solidify the film’s status as a memorable horror adaptation.

2 Resident Evil: Welcome To Raccoon City

An Affectionate Tribute to the Series and Its Fans

Release Date: November 2021
Duration: 107 minutes

*Welcome to Raccoon City* embodies the quirky charm inherent in the franchise, striking a balance between humor and horror. The film cleverly incorporates slightly offbeat dialogue while presenting a multitude of ominous creatures, ensuring that balance remains intact.

Focusing on the storylines from *Resident Evil 1* and *2*, the film endeavors to interconnect both narratives, albeit with occasional struggles. Nevertheless, the film delights with its nostalgic set pieces and a plethora of references, including subtle nods to in-game lore and characters, making it a satisfying experience for devoted fans.

1 Resident Evil Damnation

A Harmonious Blend of Action and Horror

Release Date: October 2012
Duration: 100 minutes

*Damnation* dives into the ramifications of bioterrorism following the Raccoon City incident, exploring its global impact through the lens of a civil war using Bio-Organic Weapons (B. O.Ws).Leon, closely resembling his game persona, takes center stage in a mission imbued with profound challenges, including familiar faces, formidable adversaries, and unforeseen losses.

The film balances intense action with quieter, more cerebral moments, maintaining viewers’ engagement throughout. With enhanced animation quality since its release, the characters and monsters are rendered superbly, ensuring that each viewer is captivated from start to finish.

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