Every Mainline Resident Evil Game, Ranked From Worst to Best
Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil film adaptation has achieved critical success as a rare example of a well-executed video game movie, earning praise for its playful horror tone and entertaining approach to the source material. However, the film deliberately distances itself from the established lore and characters of the game series, instead crafting its own story within the Resident Evil universe—a creative choice that sidesteps the narrative complexity that has accumulated across the franchise’s history.
For viewers interested in exploring the game series that inspired the film, Polygon provides guidance through the sprawling Resident Evil catalog. The franchise encompasses 11 core mainline entries alongside numerous spinoffs, presenting a significant commitment for newcomers seeking to experience the full saga. The ranking piece helps players navigate these options and understand which games constitute essential story components versus supplementary worldbuilding.