How to watch Resident Evil movies in order: Chronological watch guide

Rajan
Clip from Resident Evil
Clip from Resident Evil (Image via Sony Pictures)

Resident Evil movies form a notable action horror franchise based loosely on the popular video game series. Alice, played by Milla Jovovich, fights the evil Umbrella Corporation. Paul W.S. Anderson-directed film series is unique in cinema for the thrilling action sequences, memorable characters, and storyline that departs from its video game roots.

For newcomers to Resident Evil movies, starting the live-action films is important to make it easier to understand the series. The live-action films are Resident Evil (2002), Apocalypse (2004), Extinction (2007), Afterlife (2010), Retribution (2012), The Final Chapter (2016), and Welcome to Raccoon City (2021).


Chronological watch guide for Resident Evil movies

Michelle Rodriguez in Resident Evil (2002) (Image via Sony Pictures)
Michelle Rodriguez in Resident Evil (2002) (Image via Sony Pictures)

Resident Evil - 2002 (Available on Amazon Prime Rent)

In Paul W.S. Anderson's Resident Evil (2002), Milla Jovovich's Alice awakens with amnesia in a deserted mansion. In the underground facility, The Hive, she joins commandos to contain a viral outbreak. The T-virus reanimates the dead, causing a zombie and bio-engineered creature war.

The film stars Michelle Rodriguez as Rain and sets up the struggle against the evil Umbrella Corporation. The movie mixes action and horror to create a gripping story that departs from the video game but maintains its dark and intense atmosphere.


Resident Evil: Apocalypse - 2004 (Available on Amazon Prime Rent)

Milla Jovovich in Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004) (Image via Sony Pictures)
Milla Jovovich in Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004) (Image via Sony Pictures)

Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004), directed by Alexander Witt, continues immediately. After escaping The Hive, Alice finds zombie-infested Raccoon City. She saves Angela Ashford and escapes the city with survivors Jill Valentine (Sienna Guillory) and Carlos Olivera (Oded Fehr). The zombie outbreak and high-octane action sequences make this film look more real.


Resident Evil: Extinction - 2007 (Available on Amazon Prime Rent)

Clip from Resident Evil: Extinction (2007) (Image via Sony Pictures)
Clip from Resident Evil: Extinction (2007) (Image via Sony Pictures)

Russell Mulcahy's Resident Evil: Extinction (2007) occurs years after Raccoon City. Alice searches the desert for survivors in the wasteland. Claire Redfield (Ali Larter) and Carlos Olivera lead her convoy.

They flee to Alaska from the zombie apocalypse. Alice meets Dr. Isaacs, who created new zombies and finds her clones. Its post-apocalyptic setting and intense action continue Alice's fight against Umbrella Corporation and for humanity's survival.


Resident Evil: Afterlife - 2010 (Available on Amazon Prime Rent)

Milla Jovovich Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010) (Image via Sony Pictures)
Milla Jovovich Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010) (Image via Sony Pictures)

Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010), directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, follows Alice as she searches for survivors and Arcadia. Alice meets Claire Redfield (Ali Larter) and her brother Chris (Wentworth Miller) without her superpowers.

They fight Umbrella Corporation leader Albert Wesker (Shawn Roberts), who has superpowers. Action and visual effects look more real with 3D filming. New threats and deeper conflict between Alice and Umbrella maintain the series' horror-action blend.


Resident Evil: Retribution - 2012 (Available on Amazon Prime Rent)

Sienna Guillory Resident Evil movies: Retribution (2012) (Image via Sony Pictures)
Sienna Guillory Resident Evil movies: Retribution (2012) (Image via Sony Pictures)

The Umbrella Corporation imprisons Alice in an underwater facility. She fights zombies and bio-weapons in simulated environments to escape. Jill Valentine (Sienna Guillory) returns, and Ada Wong (Li Bingbing) debuts in this 2012 film.

After discovering Umbrella's true power, Alice fights to free herself and the survivors. The film explores Alice's identity and struggles against Umbrella's relentless pursuit.


Resident Evil: The Final Chapter - 2016 (Available on Amazon Prime Rent)

Clip from Resident Evil movies: The Final Chapter (2016) (Image via Sony Pictures)
Clip from Resident Evil movies: The Final Chapter (2016) (Image via Sony Pictures)

Alice returns to Raccoon City and The Hive in Paul W.S. Anderson's Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016). Alice learns about her origins and fights Dr. Isaacs to end the zombie apocalypse. Major plot twists and loose ends from previous films are revealed in the film. Alice battles time to save humanity forever. The film concludes Alice's story strongly and satisfyingly.


Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City - 2021 (Available on Amazon Prime Rent)

Clip from Resident Evil movies: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021) (Image via Sony Pictures)
Clip from Resident Evil movies: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021) (Image via Sony Pictures)

Director Johannes Roberts returned with the Resident Evil movie series in Raccoon City (2021). Set in 1998, it faithfully copies the narratives from the first and second video games. The movie centers on Claire Redfield (Kaya Scodelario) returning to Raccoon City to alert her brother Chris (Robbie Amell) about the evil operations of Umbrella Corporation.

Joined by Leon S. Kennedy (Avan Jogia) and other survivors, they expose the terrible reality underlying the zombie epidemic. For both new viewers and aficionados of the original games, the film explores the beginnings of the T-virus. It presents a fresh interpretation of characters and events, providing a nostalgic but terrifying experience.


Resident Evil: Death Island - 2023 (Available on Amazon Prime Rent)

Resident Evil: Death Island (2023) is an animated action horror film set in the Resident Evil movies' universe. The film, directed by Eiichirō Hasumi, follows DSO agent Leon S. Kennedy as he attempts to capture Dr. Antonio Taylor in San Francisco.

Chris Redfield, a BSAA advisor, investigates a new Alcatraz Island-linked T-virus strain. Jill Valentine and Claire Redfield help the team uncover a bio-organic weapons plot.


Main cast and characters

The Resident Evil Movies series features a robust main cast led by Milla Jovovich as Alice. Other notable actors include:

  • Michelle Rodriguez plays Rain Ocampo
  • Sienna Guillory acts as Jill Valentine
  • Ali Larter plays Claire Redfield
  • Oded Fehr acts Carlos Olivera
  • Shawn Roberts acts as Albert Wesker
  • Wentworth Miller plays Chris Redfield

Supporting characters, producers, and directors

The series also includes numerous supporting characters, such as:

  • Eric Mabius acts as Matt Addison
  • Spencer Locke plays the role of K-Mart
  • Li Bingbing plays Ada Wong
  • Johann Urb plays Leon S. Kennedy

Key figures behind the scenes include:

  • Paul W.S. Anderson (Director/Producer)
  • Jeremy Bolt (Producer)
  • Don Carmody (Producer)
  • Bernd Eichinger (Producer)

The Resident Evil Movies series takes viewers on a zombie-infested dystopian adventure. The narrative and character development are best appreciated by watching the films chronologically. The series delivers action, horror, and excitement from Raccoon City's outbreak to the finale.


All the Resident Evil Movies are available for rent on Amazon Prime Video.

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Edited by Toshali Kritika
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