The Resident Evil Movie Is Already Breaking Records
The Resident Evil film adaptation, directed by Zach Cregger, has begun its theatrical run with record-breaking performance. The movie officially released on September 18, 2026, with previews the evening prior generating $9 million or more in Thursday night box office receipts in the United States—marking a new franchise record.
This Thursday preview total far exceeds the previous Resident Evil series record of $1 million, set by 2016’s “Resident Evil: The Final Chapter.” No other film in the Resident Evil franchise had previously crossed the $1 million threshold for Thursday preview screenings.
Industry analysts predict the film will earn between $40 million and $50 million during its opening weekend in the US, with the strong Thursday performance suggesting it could potentially exceed these projections. The film stars Austin Abrams and represents another adaptation of the long-running survival horror video game franchise. Cregger’s previous directorial effort, “Weapon,” generated lower preview numbers, indicating the Resident Evil film is resonating strongly with audiences.
The strong Thursday preview performance indicates broad audience interest and positive reception, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the Resident Evil brand and continued audience appetite for game-to-film adaptations.