Few franchises have shaped the survival-horror genre as profoundly as Resident Evil. Since its debut in 1996, Capcom’s series has grown into a global multimedia empire spanning games, live-action films, animated features, and more. As of May 2026, the franchise has sold over 201 million copies worldwide.
The story began in Japan, where the series is known as Biohazard. Creators Shinji Mikami and Tokuro Fujiwara crafted a slow-burn horror experience for the original PlayStation that introduced players to the terrifying Umbrella Corporation and its viral experiments. From those fixed-camera beginnings, Resident Evil evolved into a sprawling bioterrorism saga.
Today, the series includes eight mainline games, several major remakes, a six-film live-action series starring Milla Jovovich, a 2021 reboot titled Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, and a new cinematic reboot directed by Zach Cregger set for 2026. With multiple continuities and a dense timeline, newcomers and returning fans alike can find the franchise overwhelming. This guide breaks down the essentials.
How Many Resident Evil Games and Movies Are There? A Complete Series Overview
The franchise currently includes eight main numbered games and six live-action films in the original Jovovich series, not counting a 2021 reboot and the upcoming 2026 film. Counting all mainline entries, remakes, spin-offs, and CG movies, the total number of titles comfortably exceeds thirty.
Key Insights
- The Resident Evil franchise spans 6 film adaptations and 8 mainline games, with separate continuities.
- The 2026 reboot film is a new continuity starting with a new cast and storyline.
- Fans widely consider Resident Evil 2 Remake and Resident Evil 4 Remake as the best entry points for new players.
- The series holds the Guinness World Record for longest-running survival horror franchise.
Resident Evil: Snapshot Facts
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| First game release | 1996 (PlayStation) |
| Original name (Japan) | Biohazard |
| Developer | Capcom |
| Main games (numbered) | 8 (Resident Evil 0–8 inclusive) |
| Live-action films | 6 (Milla Jovovich series) |
| 2026 film status | Reboot, new cast, trailer released |
| Creator | Shinji Mikami |
What Is the Correct Order to Play the Resident Evil Games (Chronological Timeline)?
The main series follows a single continuity that stretches from the 1998 Raccoon City outbreak to later global bioterror events and the Winters family storyline. For newcomers, there are two main approaches: chronological order and release order. Many players prefer release order because the series reveals lore and character evolution gradually.
Chronological Game Order (Narrative)
- Resident Evil 0
- Resident Evil
- Resident Evil 3
- Resident Evil 2
- Resident Evil: Code Veronica
- Resident Evil 4
- Resident Evil: Revelations
- Resident Evil 5
- Resident Evil: Revelations 2
- Resident Evil 6
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
- Resident Evil Village
- Resident Evil Requiem
Where Does Resident Evil Village Fit In?
Resident Evil Village, released in 2021, is the eighth mainline game and a direct sequel to Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. It continues the story of Ethan Winters as he searches for his kidnapped daughter, Rose, in a mysterious European village. The game connects to earlier lore through the Umbrella Corporation’s history and introduces the four Houses.
For new players, starting with the Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019) or Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023) offers the most polished gameplay while preserving the series’ core horror. Both are modern entries that serve as strong standalone experiences.
Who Are the Main Resident Evil Characters and Cast Members?
The franchise’s central character pool includes both original heroes and long-running returnees across games and films.
Major Game Characters
- Chris Redfield
- Jill Valentine
- Leon S. Kennedy
- Claire Redfield
- Ada Wong
- Albert Wesker
- Rebecca Chambers
- Barry Burton
- Carlos Oliveira
- Ethan Winters
- Rose Winters
The S.T.A.R.S. (Special Tactics And Rescue Service) team includes Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Albert Wesker, Rebecca Chambers, Barry Burton, and several others. This unit formed the core of the original game’s narrative and remains one of the most frequently cited groups in the lore.
Major Film-Series Characters
The live-action film series starring Milla Jovovich introduced Alice, a character created specifically for the movies. The films also brought in game characters such as Claire Redfield, Jill Valentine, Ada Wong, Carlos Oliveira, Chris Redfield, Leon S. Kennedy, Barry Burton, and Albert Wesker.
The 2026 reboot film directed by Zach Cregger is expected to feature a new cast. Reports indicate Austin Abrams is attached. The full cast list has not yet been officially confirmed by Sony Pictures.
Is There a New Resident Evil Movie or Trailer Coming in 2026?
Yes. A new theatrical reboot film is in active development. In January 2025, it was reported that Zach Cregger was writing and directing the project. By March 2025, Sony Pictures had won the rights bidding for franchise film distribution. A teaser trailer has been released in 2026, though no official release date has been confirmed.
Additionally, on the gaming side, Resident Evil Requiem — the ninth main installment — was released on February 27, 2026. The franchise has also surpassed 201 million total game sales.
It is not yet known if the 2026 film will follow the games’ story exactly, nor whether it represents a soft or full reboot. No official statement on that distinction has been published.
Resident Evil Timeline: Game Series vs Movie Series Differences Explained
The game timeline and movie timeline diverge significantly. The games follow a consistent narrative built around viral outbreaks, bioweapons, and the Umbrella Corporation. The movies, beginning with the 2002 film, created an original continuity centered on Alice, a character who does not appear in the games.
Established Information
- The first Resident Evil game was released in 1996.
- There are six live-action Resident Evil films starring Milla Jovovich.
- Resident Evil Village is the eighth mainline game.
- A new reboot film has been announced with a trailer released in 2026.
Information That Remains Unclear
- No official release date for the 2026 film has been confirmed.
- It is not yet known if the 2026 film will follow the games’ story exactly.
- Future mainline game titles beyond Resident Evil Village have not been announced.
- No official statement on whether the 2026 film is a “soft reboot” or “full reboot.”
Resident Evil is a fictional story created by Capcom. It draws inspiration from zombie and horror films, but no real-world events are directly depicted.
Why Resident Evil Remains a Top-Tier Franchise Across Games and Films
The franchise pioneered the survival horror genre with fixed camera angles and resource management. The movies diverged from the games early on, creating a separate cinematic universe that reached broader audiences. More recently, remakes of Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4 have modernized the classics for a new generation. The 2026 movie reboot signals a shift back toward the games’ narrative for new film audiences.
The core lore revolves around the Umbrella Corporation, which creates bio-organic weapons and virus-based experiments that repeatedly trigger outbreaks. This results in a long-form bioterrorism saga featuring mutated creatures, corporate conspiracy, covert operations, and recurring government or anti-bioterror agents.
Sources and Authoritative References
“The first Resident Evil game was released in 1996 on PlayStation.”
— Wikipedia: Resident Evil (franchise)
“By May 2026, Capcom said the franchise had sold over 201 million copies worldwide.”
— Wikipedia: Resident Evil (franchise)
This article relies on authoritative sources including the Resident Evil Wikipedia page, Resident Evil movie series Wikipedia, the Official Capcom Resident Evil site, and IMDb Resident Evil (2002) cast and crew.
What Is the Future of the Resident Evil Franchise?
The franchise will continue with both game remakes and the new movie reboot. Fans should expect a game announcement (possibly Resident Evil 9 or a spin-off) at a major gaming event in late 2026. The movie reboot will likely have a full trailer and release date announcement by mid-2026. For ongoing coverage, see the All Resident Evil movies ranked guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Resident Evil based on a true story?
No. Resident Evil is a fictional story created by Capcom. It draws inspiration from zombie and horror films, but no real-world events are directly depicted.
Why is Resident Evil called Biohazard in Japan?
The name ‘Biohazard’ was used first in Japan, but the international title ‘Resident Evil’ was chosen to avoid trademark conflicts with a band called Biohazard and a 1980s computer game of the same name.
What is the scariest Resident Evil game?
Opinions vary, but Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil 2 Remake are often cited as the scariest due to their oppressive atmosphere and survival horror mechanics.
What happened at the end of Resident Evil: The Final Chapter?
Alice uses the antivirus to destroy remnants of the T-virus in a global release, ending the pandemic, but the film ends with her still alive and carrying on. The ending deliberately leaves room for interpretation.
How many Resident Evil movies are there in order?
There are six live-action films in the Milla Jovovich series: Resident Evil (2002), Apocalypse (2004), Extinction (2007), Afterlife (2010), Retribution (2012), and The Final Chapter (2016). A reboot titled Resident Evil is set for 2026.
Who are the S.T.A.R.S. members in Resident Evil?
The S.T.A.R.S. team includes Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Albert Wesker, Rebecca Chambers, Barry Burton, and several others. They are the protagonists of the original game.
Which Resident Evil game should a beginner play?
The Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019) or Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023) are widely recommended as the best entry points for new players due to their modern gameplay and strong horror elements.
Related stories
Amelia Grant covers the UK economy, business and consumer affairs.