Resident Evil timeline explained: How to watch the Resident Evil movies in perfect chronological order

Shinji Mikami and Tokuro Fujiwara created the first Resident Evil game, which has now bloomed into a full-fledged franchise. While it gave us characters like Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, and more in the video game universe, we have a different protagonist in the franchise's film series.

Speaking of films, we have seven live-action films in it, one of which is a reboot that was released in 2021. On top of that, there are some animated feature films too. However, we won't be talking about it, as we are focusing on the original movies here.

In the original film series, we have Milla Jovovich as Alice, the main protagonist. Unlike the video games, these movies didn't get much love from fans and critics. As of now, the last film in the series holds the highest score at Rotten Tomatoes, which is 38%.

Now we will see the chronology of these films, which, interestingly, is their release order too.

Resident Evil movies' chronology

Resident Evil (2002)

The film has an artificial intelligence called the Red Queen. (Image via Constantin Film)

The 2002 film begins this story where Alice needs to get out of this facility that's been sealed by an artificial intelligence called the Red Queen. The purpose of this AI is to prevent a zombie apocalypse by containing whatever is inside it. However, Alice manages to break out, which begins the original story that continues with five more films in the series.

Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)

The film brings one of the characters from the previous films in a different way. (Image via Constantin Film)

The zombie apocalypse is on the rise after the virus outbreak in the 2004 film. While Alice is still kicking butts, she has a new enemy here, the Nemesis. However, he is someone she already knows. Additionally, the film also reveals why the T-virus was created in the first place.

Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)

The virus has spread globally here. (Image via Constantin Film)

With the third movie, the T-virus has spread all over the world, and you will see people wandering in deserts most of the time. In one horrifying scene, you will also get to see a lot of dead Alices in there. Sadly, there's one sacrifice in the movie that you aren't going to like at all.

Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010)

A ship called Arcadia is at the core of this story. (Image via Constantin Film)

The fourth film sees our survivors wandering in this zombie apocalypse, where they believe that a place called Arcadia is a safe haven they should be looking for. However, that place is a trap, but Alice vows to make it a safe haven for real after eliminating the threat.

Resident Evil: Retribution (2012)

Johann Urb plays Leon in the film. (Image via Constantin Film)

Finally, we get to see Leon S. Kennedy in the film series. However, he isn't as badass as he is in Biohazard 4, where he is saving Ashley from a cult. Although he proves to be a great helping hand in the film, without a shadow of a doubt.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2017)

The last film leaves the door open for another sequel. (Image via Constantin Film)

This saga comes to an end with The Final Chapter, where Alice learns about the origins of the T-virus and the Red Queen, which was introduced in the first film. While it leaves a door open for a sequel, we never got an announcement for it. Instead, we got a reboot in 2021.