For over two decades, the Resident Evil series has defined survival horror, expanding from a single video game into a sprawling multimedia empire. Understanding how the games, animated films, and live-action movies connect requires separating distinct storylines rather than trying to fit everything into one timeline.
The franchise now includes over 30 titles when counting remakes and spin-offs, seven live-action films, and several feature-length animated features. Each branch uses familiar characters and concepts but follows its own narrative path, making the Resident Evil timeline more complex than it first appears.
Capcom launched the series in 1996, and it has since sold over 140 million units globally as of 2024, according to the company’s investor relations. The core story runs through numbered titles and key entries like Code: Veronica, while remakes have modernized classic entries for new audiences.
What Is the Resident Evil Series About?
At its core, the Resident Evil series follows characters caught in outbreaks caused by the Umbrella Corporation’s illegal bioweapon experiments. The stories blend horror, action, and conspiracy, moving from the original mansion incident in 1998 to increasingly global threats. The acronym STARS stands for Special Tactics and Rescue Service, the elite police unit featured in the earliest games.
Franchise Creator
Capcom
First Release
1996 (Resident Evil on PlayStation)
Total Mainline Games
8 as of 2025 (Village is numbered VIII)
Total Live-Action Films
7 (Milla Jovovich series + Welcome to Raccoon City)
- Dual continuity: Games follow an evolving horror-action arc, while live-action films (2002–2016) exist in a separate universe with an original protagonist named Alice.
- 2026 trailer speculation: Currently unconfirmed by Capcom; no official teaser has been released as of early 2025.
- Resident Evil 2 (2019): A full remake of the 1998 original, not a sequel, and widely recommended as a starting point for new players.
- Animated canon: Films like Vendetta and Death Island are considered part of the game timeline, bridging gaps between mainline entries.
- Remakes released: Capcom has remade Resident Evil (2002), Resident Evil 2 (2019), Resident Evil 3 (2020), and Resident Evil 4 (2023).
- Reported remake: A Code: Veronica remake is reported for 2027.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First Game Release | March 22, 1996 (Japan) |
| Latest Mainline Game | Resident Evil Village (2021) |
| Total Game Sales | Over 140 million units (Capcom, 2024) |
| Number of Films (Live-Action) | 7 (2002–2021) |
| Upcoming Confirmed Projects | None officially announced as of 2025 |
| Primary Developer | Capcom R&D Division 1 |
What Are All the Main Resident Evil Games in Order?
The game story, when organized chronologically by in-universe events rather than release order, follows a clear sequence. The central story runs through the numbered titles and key entries like Code: Veronica. Resident Evil Requiem is listed as the ninth main installment and was released on February 27, 2026, though some fan timelines place it in 2028, showing that secondary sources can conflict.
Is Resident Evil 2 a Remake or a Sequel?
Resident Evil 2 (2019) is a full remake of the 1998 original, not a sequel. It rebuilt the game from the ground up using Capcom’s RE Engine, changing perspectives, puzzles, and story delivery while keeping the core narrative intact. The remake has been widely recommended as an entry point for new players.
What Is the Resident Evil Revelations Sub-Series?
Resident Evil: Revelations (2012) and its sequel Revelations 2 (2015) are spin-off titles that bridge gaps in the mainline chronology. Revelations is set between Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5 (2005), while Revelations 2 takes place between Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6 (2011). Both games feature returning characters and contribute to the larger narrative.
What Is Resident Evil Village About?
Resident Evil Village (2021) continues the story of Ethan Winters, the protagonist from Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. Set three years after the Baker estate incident, the game moves the action to a mysterious European village where Ethan searches for his kidnapped daughter. It combines first-person horror with action-oriented gameplay and connects directly to the series’ broader lore.
Chronological order: Resident Evil 0 (July 1998) → Resident Evil (July 1998) → Resident Evil 3/Resident Evil 2 (September–October 1998) → Code: Veronica (December 1998) → Resident Evil 4 (2004) → Revelations (2005) → Resident Evil 5 (2009) → Revelations 2 (2011) → Resident Evil 6 (2013) → Resident Evil 7 (2017) → Village (2021).
How Do the Resident Evil Movies Fit With the Games?
The Resident Evil movies exist in separate continuities from the games. The live-action film series that began in 2002 created its own storyline centered on Alice, a character invented for the movies, while also featuring game characters like Claire Redfield, Jill Valentine, Ada Wong, and Chris Redfield. The animated films, by contrast, are considered part of the game timeline.
Are the Animated Movies Canon to the Games?
Yes. Feature-length CG animated films including Degeneration (2008), Damnation (2012), Vendetta (2017), and Death Island (2023), as well as the serialized Infinite Darkness (2021), are considered part of the game universe. They fill narrative gaps between mainline entries and feature game characters like Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield.
What Is the Difference Between the Game and Movie Storylines?
The game storylines follow the survival horror arc established in 1996, with new threats emerging over decades. The live-action films created an entirely separate continuity, changing character backstories, altering major events, and introducing new protagonists. Welcome to Raccoon City (2021) attempted a closer adaptation but underperformed at the box office, leaving the theatrical future uncertain.
The game and live-action film storylines should not be treated as one single timeline. They share characters and concepts but follow independent narrative arcs. The animated films are the exception—they belong to the game continuity.
How Many Resident Evil Films Are There Currently?
There are seven live-action films in total. The original film series includes Resident Evil (2002), Apocalypse (2004), Extinction (2007), Afterlife (2010), Retribution (2012), and The Final Chapter (2016). The reboot, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, was released in 2021. At least four CG animated films and one series also exist within the game canon.
Who Stars in the Resident Evil Film Series?
The original live-action film series starred Milla Jovovich as Alice, a character created specifically for the movies. Supporting performers included Michelle Rodriguez, Oded Fehr, and Ali Larter across the six-film run. Game characters appeared throughout the series, with actors portraying Claire Redfield, Jill Valentine, Ada Wong, Carlos Oliveira, Chris Redfield, Leon S. Kennedy, Barry Burton, Albert Wesker, and James Marcus. The 2021 reboot cast new actors in roles based more closely on the games.
Will There Be a New Resident Evil Movie or Trailer in 2026?
As of early 2025, Capcom has not officially confirmed any new film or trailer for 2026. Fan speculation is high, particularly around Resident Evil Requiem (listed as a mainline game releasing February 27, 2026) and a potential new live-action film reportedly in early development at Sony Pictures with no director attached. A 2026 trailer would likely debut at Summer Game Fest or Tokyo Game Show if planned. No formal announcement has been made.
A Resident Evil 2026 trailer is rumored but not officially scheduled. No official Resident Evil 9 announcement has been made. A new live-action film or series is reportedly in development but not formally greenlit. All of this remains unconfirmed by Capcom.
What Is the Best Starting Point for a New Resident Evil Player?
The best entry point depends on a player’s preferences, but several entries are recommended. Resident Evil 2 (2019 remake) is widely considered the most accessible starting point, offering modern gameplay, strong atmosphere, and a standalone story. Resident Evil 4 (2023 remake) provides more action-focused horror. For those wanting the complete narrative from the beginning, the 2002 remake of the first game remains an excellent introduction to the series’ tone and mechanics.
Resident Evil Timeline: Key Events by Release Date
- 1996: First Resident Evil game released on PlayStation (Japan: March 22, 1996).
- 1999: Resident Evil 3: Nemesis released, concluding the Raccoon City arc.
- 2000: Resident Evil Code: Veronica released, expanding the story beyond Raccoon City.
- 2002: Resident Evil (2002) live-action film released, starting the separate film continuity. Also the year of the first game remake.
- 2005: Resident Evil 4 released, shifting the series toward action-oriented gameplay.
- 2017: Resident Evil 7: Biohazard released, returning to first-person survival horror.
- 2021: Resident Evil Village released; Welcome to Raccoon City attempted a film reboot.
- 2023: Resident Evil 4 Remake released; Death Island animated film released.
- 2026: Resident Evil Requiem scheduled for release (February 27, 2026).
Resident Evil Rumors vs Facts: What We Know and What’s Unclear
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Resident Evil 4 Remake DLC (Separate Ways) released in 2023. | No official Resident Evil 9 announcement has been made. |
| The franchise has sold over 140 million units (Capcom, 2024). | A Resident Evil 2026 trailer is rumored but not officially scheduled. |
| Welcome to Raccoon City released in 2021 as a reboot attempt. | A new live-action film or series is reportedly in development but not formally greenlit. |
Analysis: Why Resident Evil Remains a Survival Horror Leader
Capcom’s shift to first-person perspective in Resident Evil 7 and Village revitalized the franchise, bringing fresh energy after the more action-heavy entries of the late 2000s. The success of the RE Engine, used for the remakes of Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, Resident Evil 4, and Village, shows strong technical consistency across the series.
The live-action film reboot, Welcome to Raccoon City, underperformed at the box office, leaving the theatrical future uncertain. Meanwhile, Resident Evil’s multimedia expansion through Netflix series, anime, and comics continues to broaden the audience, though it also fragments continuity further. The franchise’s ability to reinvent itself while respecting its roots has kept it relevant across generations of players and viewers.
Key Sources and Official Statements
“Capcom’s primary developer for the series is R&D Division 1, responsible for the mainline entries and remakes.”
Capcom Investor Relations (2024) – Annual sales data
“The game story is split into mainline canon, animated canon, and live-action film continuities, each with its own narrative arc.”
Wikipedia – Resident Evil franchise page
Official sources include the Capcom Resident Evil Portal for the game catalog, the Capcom Investor Page for sales data, and the Resident Evil YouTube Channel for official trailers. Additional game information is available on MobyGames.
What’s Next for Resident Evil?
Based on development cycle patterns, Capcom is expected to announce Resident Evil 9 in 2025 or 2026. The success of the Resident Evil 4 Remake makes a Code Veronica remake highly likely. A new film reboot is reportedly in early development at Sony Pictures with no director attached as of early 2025. A Resident Evil 2026 trailer, if planned, would most likely debut at Summer Game Fest or Tokyo Game Show. However, none of these are officially confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Resident Evil
What does STARS stand for in Resident Evil?
STARS stands for Special Tactics and Rescue Service. It is the elite police unit featured in the first three games, including characters like Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine.
Is Resident Evil 2 a remake or a sequel?
Resident Evil 2 (2019) is a full remake of the 1998 original, not a sequel. It was rebuilt using Capcom’s RE Engine with modern gameplay and graphics.
What is the Resident Evil Revelations sub-series?
The Revelations sub-series consists of two spin-off games that fill narrative gaps between mainline entries. Revelations is set in 2005, and Revelations 2 is set in 2011.
How many Resident Evil films are there currently?
There are seven live-action films: six in the original Milla Jovovich series (2002–2016) and one reboot, Welcome to Raccoon City (2021).
Are the Resident Evil animated movies canon to the games?
Yes. CG animated films like Vendetta and Death Island are considered part of the game timeline, bridging gaps between mainline entries.
When did the first Resident Evil game release?
The first Resident Evil game was released on March 22, 1996, for the PlayStation in Japan. It was released later that year in North America and Europe.
Who created the Resident Evil franchise?
The franchise was created by Capcom. The first game was directed by Shinji Mikami and produced by Tokuro Fujiwara.
Is Resident Evil Village the eighth mainline game?
Yes. Resident Evil Village is numbered as VIII (8) in the main series. It was released in 2021 and continues the story of Ethan Winters.
Related stories
Sophie Marlowe is Culture & Lifestyle Editor at BritainNow.uk, covering arts, culture, lifestyle and society.