The Resident Evil film franchise has grown significantly over the years, with numerous theatrical releases, reboots, and animated features. For both new fans and game veterans, navigating this complex universe can be daunting. To help, a clear viewing order has been established, taking into account the continuity quirks that affect the narrative arcs.
Understanding the Continuity
The Resident Evil movies are not directly connected to the games, but they do share a similar universe and some characters. The continuity can be confusing, especially with the introduction of new characters and storylines. However, by following the correct viewing order, fans can better understand the narrative and appreciate the connections between the films.
Theatrical Releases
The original Resident Evil film, released in 2002, stars Milla Jovovich as Alice, a character created specifically for the movies. The subsequent films, Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004), Resident Evil: Extinction (2007), Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010), Resident Evil: Retribution (2012), and Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016), continue the story of Alice and her battles against the Umbrella Corporation. These films are available to stream on various platforms, including Amazon Prime and Netflix.
Reboots and Animated Features
In 2021, a reboot of the franchise was released, titled Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City. This film serves as a new starting point for the series, with a fresh cast and a storyline that draws inspiration from the first two games. Additionally, there are several animated Resident Evil features, including Resident Evil: Damnation (2012) and Resident Evil: Vendetta (2017), which can be streamed on Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Viewing Order and Streaming Options
To watch the Resident Evil movies in chronological order, follow this sequence: Resident Evil (2002), Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004), Resident Evil: Extinction (2007), Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010), Resident Evil: Retribution (2012), Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016), and Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021). The animated features can be watched separately, but they do offer some insight into the universe and its characters. All the films are available to stream on various platforms, including Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Hulu.
Tips for New Fans and Game Veterans
For new fans, it’s essential to start with the original film and follow the viewing order to understand the narrative. Game veterans, on the other hand, may appreciate the connections between the films and the games, but should be aware that the movies have their own unique storyline. By watching the films in the correct order and exploring the animated features, both new fans and game veterans can enjoy the Resident Evil movie universe and appreciate its complexity.
