In What Order Should You Watch Resident Evil?
The Resident Evil franchise has grown to include a total of seven films, including the latest installment, "Welcome to Raccoon City." If you’re new to the series, deciding which movies to watch and in what order can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the franchise and ensure you watch the Resident Evil movies in the correct order.
The Resident Evil Movies in Chronological Order
Before we dive into the recommended viewing order, here are the Resident Evil movies in chronological order:
- Resident Evil (2002) – The first installment in the franchise, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, introduces us to Alice (Milla Jovovich), a security officer at the Umbrella Corporation, who finds herself fighting against hordes of zombies and monsters.
- Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004) – The sequel takes place shortly after the events of the first film and follows Alice as she navigates the city of Raccoon City, which is overrun by the undead.
- Resident Evil: Extinction (2007) – The third installment jumps forward in time, with Alice joining a group of survivors as they attempt to find a cure for the deadly virus that has devastated the world.
- Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010) – The fourth film takes place six months after the events of the previous movie and follows Alice as she attempts to rescue her friends from an Umbrella Corporation laboratory.
- Resident Evil: Retribution (2012) – The fifth installment takes a different approach, using a more stylized, sci-fi action approach. The movie follows Alice as she is awakened in a virtual reality simulation and must fight to survive.
- Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2017) – The sixth and final film in the franchise brings the series to a close, as Alice and her allies launch a final attack on the Umbrella Corporation’s stronghold.
- Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021) – The latest installment is a reboot of the franchise, directed by Johannes Roberts, which explores the early days of the outbreak in Raccoon City.
Recommended Viewing Order
While you can watch the Resident Evil movies in chronological order, the recommended viewing order is as follows:
- Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021) – This reboot serves as a fresh start for the franchise, exploring the origins of the outbreak in Raccoon City.
- Resident Evil (2002) – Watch the original film to understand the events that led to the outbreak.
- Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004) – The sequel takes place shortly after the events of the first film and explores the aftermath of the outbreak.
- Resident Evil: Extinction (2007) – Jump forward in time to the post-apocalyptic world and follow Alice’s journey as she searches for a cure.
- Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010) – This film takes place six months after the events of Extinction and follows Alice’s quest to rescue her friends.
- Resident Evil: Retribution (2012) – Take a break from the chronological order and enjoy the more stylized, sci-fi action approach in this film.
- Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2017) – Watch the conclusion of the franchise, which brings together characters from previous films and provides a sense of closure.
Important Notes
- The first three films are not directly connected to each other, except for a brief mention of the Umbrella Corporation’s involvement in the outbreak.
- Resident Evil: Retribution is a departure from the original storyline and can be watched as a standalone film or after completing the chronological order.
- Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City is a reboot and can be watched independently, but understanding the original events will enhance your viewing experience.
Conclusion
The Resident Evil franchise has grown to include a diverse range of films, each with its unique storyline and style. By following the recommended viewing order, you’ll be able to enjoy the series from start to finish and appreciate the growth of the franchise. Remember, the original trilogy is not directly connected, while Retribution is a standalone film. With this guide, you’re ready to embark on a thrilling adventure through the world of Resident Evil.