Are All Resident Evil Movies Canon?
The Resident Evil franchise has a vast range of movies, games, and other media that tell the story of a horror-filled world where zombies, monsters, and biotechnology threaten humanity. With the release of each new installment, fans are left wondering what is canon and what is not. In this article, we will dive into the world of Resident Evil and explore whether all movies are canon.
Direct Answer: Yes, Not All Resident Evil Movies are Canon
According to Capcom, the creators of the Resident Evil franchise, not all movies are canon. The CGI movies (Degeneration, Damnation, and Infinite Darkness) are considered canon, as they are based on official storylines and characters from the games. However, the live-action movies are not considered canon, except for the animated film Death Island, which is part of the official storyline.
The Canon Timeline: A Brief Overview
Before we dive deeper into the canon status of each movie, let’s take a look at the overall timeline of the Resident Evil franchise:
- Resident Evil 0 (prequel): Takes place 24 hours before the Raccoon City incident, which is the main story of Resident Evil 2.
- Resident Evil (1998): The first game and movie, which sets the stage for the franchise’s storyline.
- Resident Evil 2 (1998): Picking up where the first game left off, exploring the Raccoon City incident.
- Resident Evil 3 (1999): Expanding on the story and characters introduced in Resident Evil 2.
- Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness (2021): A CGI movie and part of the official storyline, set after the events of Resident Evil 3.
Live-Action Movies: Not Canon
The live-action movies are not considered canon, according to Capcom. These include:
- Resident Evil (2002)
- Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)
- Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)
- Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010)
- Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016)
These movies introduced new characters, storylines, and plot twists not seen in the games or other official media. As a result, they are not considered part of the official canon.
Animated Movies: Canon
In contrast, the animated Resident Evil movies are considered part of the official canon. These include:
- Resident Evil: Degeneration (2008)
- Resident Evil: Damnation (2012)
- Resident Evil: Death Island (2022)
These movies are tied to the games and the official storyline, featuring beloved characters and exploring the universe in new ways.
The Prime Universe: Main Canon
The Prime Universe is the main canon timeline of the Resident Evil franchise. It includes the mainline games (0-3) and the events of Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness. This timeline establishes the core story and setting for the franchise.
Resident Evil 5 and 6: Canonical, but Disliked by Some
Resident Evil 5 and 6 are part of the Prime Universe and are considered canon by Capcom. However, they have been criticized by some fans for their departure from the horror genre and tone of the earlier games.
Conclusion
In conclusion, not all Resident Evil movies are canon. While the CGI movies are tied to the official storyline, the live-action movies have their own separate continuity and are not considered part of the main canon. When exploring the Resident Evil universe, it’s essential to understand the difference between these two types of movies.