The latest addition to the **Resident Evil** franchise made its theatrical debut on September 18. This marks over twenty years since the original film was first released, igniting a cinematic legacy that has captivated audiences worldwide. The franchise now boasts eight live-action films and four animated features, each contributing to the expansive lore that began with the iconic video game series.
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The inaugural live-action **Resident Evil** film premiered in 2002, crafted by writer and director Paul W. S. Anderson. Milla Jovovich starred as Alice, a character created specifically for the films. Set against the backdrop of a secret underground laboratory run by the Umbrella Corporation, the storyline revolves around Alice’s battle against the malevolent entity and the catastrophic T-virus. Jovovich would lead the franchise in five films, culminating in **Resident Evil: The Final Chapter**, released in 2017.
Since the original film, the franchise has evolved, branching out into various forms of media. Four animated movies—**Degeneration**, **Damnation**, **Vendetta**, and **Death Island**—have focused on notable characters from the video games and expanded upon the universe. In 2021, the franchise was rebooted with **Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City**, featuring an entirely different cast and narrative approach. Additionally, the franchise continued its expansion with the animated series **Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness** and a live-action series produced by Netflix.
Despite some series receiving mixed reviews, the fervour for **Resident Evil** remains strong. Martin Moszkowicz, chairman of Constantin Film, spoke to *The Hollywood Reporter* in October 2022, asserting that the franchise has been incredibly successful for the company. He stated that the cancellation of one series would not deter the ambition to continue the franchise indefinitely.
The latest live-action film, simply titled **Resident Evil**, is helmed by director Zach Cregger. This iteration stars Austin Abrams as Bryan, a medical courier tangled in a race for survival in Raccoon City. The narrative unfolds during the events of **Resident Evil: Apocalypse** but presents a fresh storyline of Bryan’s efforts to reunite with his pregnant partner, Michelle, whilst navigating a city overrun with mutant creatures.
As the franchise celebrates its latest release, fans can look back on the memorable journey through its various titles. The original **Resident Evil** film introduced viewers to Alice as she awakens in a mysterious mansion with no recollection of her past. What follows is a suspenseful mission involving military personnel and the deadly AI, the Red Queen. The film was critically praised for its tense atmosphere and thrilling action sequences, setting a high standard for subsequent entries.
In **Resident Evil: Apocalypse**, Alice wakes in a hospital in Raccoon City, where the fallout from the T-virus has led to chaos and quarantine. This sequel ups the ante with an ensemble cast, bringing familiar characters from the franchise’s video game origins, including Jill Valentine and Carlos Oliveira, into play against towering foes like the genetically modified Nemesis.
Continuing the story in **Resident Evil: Extinction**, the world is depicted as a post-apocalyptic wasteland, with Alice on a solitary journey while being hunted by the Umbrella Corporation. This entry builds on the franchise’s lore as it explores the ramifications of the T-virus’s global spread.
Shifting gears, the animated films such as **Resident Evil: Degeneration** and **Resident Evil: Damnation** focus on beloved video game characters while weaving in original storylines. These narratives serve to enrich the multiverse surrounding the franchise, attracting both diehard fans and newcomers alike.
The series achieved a refreshing reboot with **Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City** in 2021, creating a narrative that returns to the franchise’s roots. Here, a new cast interprets characters and events from the game’s early chapters, presenting a gritty and authentic atmosphere that ardent fans have longed for.
The recent release of **Resident Evil: Death Island** earlier this year provided yet another thrilling entry in the franchise, featuring complex interactions among familiar faces, further developing the rich lore. Following a series of mysterious zombie outbreaks, key characters came together to thwart a new threat emanating from Alcatraz Island.
As the franchise prepares to engage audiences with **Resident Evil** (2026), it is clear that the allure of this iconic series remains undiminished. With new talent and fresh narratives, the future of Resident Evil promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats, ensuring the legacy of this formidable franchise endures for years to come.