Resident Evil: The Ultimate Playing and Watching Order

When you think “survival horror,” the first name that springs to mind is undoubtedly Resident Evil. Since 1996, this virus hasn’t just infected our consoles; it has mutated into a massive multimedia universe spanning movies, TV series, and animations. If you’re wondering, “Which game should I start with?” or “When do I watch the movies?”, you’ve come to the right place. Grab a drink, hit the lights (preferably off), and brace yourself. Here is the complete Resident Evil compendium by release date!

Resident Evil | Game (1996)

The place where it all began. We take our first steps into that accursed mansion in the Arklay Mountains with the S.T.A.R.S. team. This is our first introduction to zombies, alongside Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine. If you don’t want to wrestle with the old-school tank controls, I highly recommend playing the phenomenal “Remake” version released in 2002.

You can grab the HD Remaster version on Steam. It is also available on PlayStation and Xbox stores.

Resident Evil 2 | Game (1998)

Just two months after the first game, the virus has now engulfed all of Raccoon City. Rookie cop Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield, who is searching for her brother, cross paths amidst this chaos. The tension of the Raccoon Police Department (RPD) is unforgettable.

While the original is a classic, you can play the stellar Remake version released in 2019 via Steam.

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis | Game (1999)

Jill Valentine returns! But this time, she is being hunted by a massive biological weapon programmed solely to eliminate her: Nemesis. There is no escape, only survival.

You can find the modern reimagining of this classic on Steam, PS Store, and the Xbox Store.

Resident Evil Code: Veronica | Game (2000)

Claire Redfield’s adventure continues. We are dragged from Umbrella’s pursuit in Paris to an isolated island. Narrative-wise, this is one of the most critical yet often overlooked entries in the series, dealing with Wesker’s return and the twisted drama of the Ashford family.

You can purchase the game on PC via GOG. HD versions are also available on Xbox and PlayStation stores.

Resident Evil | Movie (2002)

The first link in the film series starring Milla Jovovich, which proceeds independently from the games. We are introduced to the character Alice and battle the artificial intelligence Red Queen in an underground laboratory known as “The Hive.” Perfect for those looking for some popcorn action.

Available to stream on major platforms like Netflix.

Resident Evil 0 | Game (2002)

We travel back to just before the first game. This is the story of Rebecca Chambers and convict Billy Coen aboard a train. Managing two characters simultaneously, this title holds key secrets regarding the origins of the progenitor virus.

You can get the HD version of Resident Evil 0 here.

Resident Evil: Apocalypse | Movie (2004)

Alice is now on the streets of Raccoon City. Characters we know from the games, like Jill Valentine and Nemesis, join the fray. The action dosage is significantly higher compared to the first film.

You can watch it via Apple TV.

Resident Evil 4 | Game (2005)

And here is the revolution! Leon S. Kennedy heads to a sinister village in Spain to rescue the President’s daughter. With its over-the-shoulder camera, this masterpiece redefined the action-horror genre and is a must-play.

Both the original and the 2023 Remake version are available on all platforms.

Resident Evil: Extinction | Movie (2007)

The world is now a deserted post-apocalyptic hellscape. Alice and a convoy of survivors battle zombies in a Mad Max-esque atmosphere.

You can watch it via Apple TV.

Resident Evil: Degeneration | CGI Movie (2008)

Attention! This animated film is connected to the game universe (Canon). It reunites Leon and Claire during an outbreak at an airport. A production not to be missed for those following the game’s lore.

You can watch it via Apple TV.

Resident Evil 5 | Game (2009)

Chris Redfield hits the heat of Africa. Along with his new partner Sheva Alomar, they attempt to root out bioterrorism. It stands as one of the most enjoyable co-op experiences in the series. We also witness the finale of the long-standing feud with Wesker.

Grab the purchase link here to play with a friend.

Resident Evil: Afterlife | Movie (2010)

The years when 3D tech was all the rage. Alice tries to rescue survivors taking refuge in a prison. The “Executioner” character from the game also makes a guest appearance.

You can watch it on Prime Video.

Resident Evil: Revelations | Game (2012)

We are stranded on an abandoned ship in the middle of the ocean. With Jill Valentine, we feel the tension down to our marrow in narrow corridors. A fantastic interquel where the series attempts to pivot from action back to horror.

Available on Steam here.

Resident Evil: Damnation | CGI Movie (2012)

Leon S. Kennedy finds himself in the middle of a civil war in Eastern Europe. An action-packed, canon animated film showing how biological weapons are utilized on the battlefield.

You can watch it via Apple TV.

Resident Evil: Retribution | Movie (2012)

Alice wakes up in Umbrella’s simulation facility. This is the first time we see live-action versions of characters like Leon, Ada Wong, and Barry Burton.

You can watch it on Netflix.

Resident Evil 6 | Game (2012)

The most controversial game in the series. A massive action blockbuster where the stories of Leon, Chris, Ada, and Wesker’s son Jake intersect. It’s full of Hollywood-style explosions rather than scares.

Check it out on its Steam page.

Resident Evil: Revelations 2 | Game (2015)

Claire Redfield returns, accompanied by Barry Burton! Released episodically, this game is one of the series’ hidden gems thanks to its storytelling and atmosphere.

You can buy it episodically or as a full package on Steam.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter | Movie (2016)

The finale of the Milla Jovovich film series. Alice returns to where it all began, Raccoon City, and the story (finally) concludes.

You can watch it on Netflix.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard | Game (2017)

The series returns to its roots, and perhaps even further. The camera angle is now First Person (FPS). Controlling an ordinary man named Ethan Winters, we enter the terrifying Baker family home to find his wife. A truly terrifying experience.

If you have the courage, you can play it here.

Resident Evil: Vendetta | CGI Movie (2017)

Chris Redfield and Leon Kennedy team up with John Wick-style action sequences. Set in New York, this animated film is part of the game story and is quite enjoyable to watch.

Resident Evil Village (RE8) | Game (2021)

The sequel to RE7. Ethan’s story continues this time in a gothic European village. Vampires (Lady Dimitrescu), werewolves, and Chris Redfield… The visuals are magnificent, the atmosphere purely enchanting.

You can find the game on Steam and all other platforms.

Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness | Series (2021)

A 4-episode animated series released on Netflix. Leon and Claire investigate a conspiracy at the White House. Narratively, it takes place between RE4 and RE5.

You can watch the series on Netflix.

Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City | Movie (2021)

A “Reboot” of the film franchise. A production that tries to fit the story of the first two games into a single movie, aiming to remain more faithful to the games, though it split critics down the middle.

You can watch it on Apple TV or Prime Video.

Resident Evil | Series (2022)

Another attempt by Netflix. Focusing on Wesker’s daughters and set in two different timelines, this series was not well-received by fans and was subsequently cancelled. Still, it’s there for the curious.

Available in the Netflix library.

Resident Evil: Death Island | CGI Movie (2023)

The Avengers assemble! Jill, Leon, Chris, Claire, and Rebecca… The most beloved characters of the series meet in the same movie for the first time, on Alcatraz Island. A total fan-service feast.

You can watch it via Apple TV.

Resident Evil Requiem (RE9) | Game (2026)

The highly anticipated 9th mainline entry in the series. Scheduled for release in February 2026, this production takes us back to the ruins of Raccoon City years later. In this game, where we control FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft and try to completely unravel the dark secrets behind the virus’s origins, we will be able to switch between FPS and TPS camera angles instantly for the first time in the series. We are counting the days.

If you want to add it to your wishlist already, the Steam page is here.

So, How Do You Play in Story Order?

If you want to experience the games and CGI movies not by their release dates, but by the chronological order of events within the universe, here is the “lore” route you need to follow:

1. Resident Evil 0
2. Resident Evil 1 (Or Remake)
3. Resident Evil 2 & 3 (Events occur almost simultaneously)
4. Resident Evil: Code Veronica
5. Resident Evil 4
6. Resident Evil: Revelations
7. Resident Evil: Degeneration (Animated Movie)
8. Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness (Series)
9. Resident Evil 5
10. Resident Evil: Revelations 2
11. Resident Evil: Damnation (Animated Movie)
12. Resident Evil 6
13. Resident Evil: Vendetta (Animated Movie)
14. Resident Evil: Death Island (Animated Movie)
15. Resident Evil 7
16. Resident Evil Village
17. Resident Evil Requiem

What is your favorite Resident Evil game or movie?