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All 6 ‘Resident Evil’ Films Ranked From Weakest to Strongest

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When Paul W.S. Anderson brought his interpretation of the classic horror video game Resident Evil to the big screen back in 2002, many viewers were skeptical as to the future of Alice (Milla Jovovich) and her quest to bring down the Umbrella Corporation. But 16 years and 5 sequels later, there is no denying that the Resident Evil franchise has captivated fans across the world, and is often viewed as the one exception to the poor track record of beloved video games getting film adaptations.

With the franchise coming to a close after 6 titles, I decided to take a look back at Alice’s journey and rank them – based on my personal opinion – from the weakest to strongest entries in the series.

I have been a fan of Resident Evil since the first game released on PlayStation in 1996, and I’ve certainly enjoyed watching Milla Jovovich unload countless bullets into mutated and undead bodies. That said, I acknowledge that there are both positives and negatives to take away from each film.

6. Apocalypse (2004)

via Screen Gems, Inc.

In the second installment of the franchise, Alice awakens and realizes that her worst nightmares have come true. The infamous T-virus has escaped the Umbrella Corporation’s underground hive, and the bloodthirsty undead are running rampant through the nearby Raccoon City. Teaming up with a small group of uninfected survivors – including ex-Umbrella employee Jill Valentine – Alice must safely lead them away from the city before it is destroyed by a nuclear missile.

Apocalypse does a decent job of bringing in some gnarly creatures and genetically enhanced monsters – like the grotesque Nemesis – along with incorporating Alice’s newly discovered powers. But where the film falls short is in its attempt to recreate the video game atmosphere. If you were to take the name of the film away, you would be left with just another typical zombie survival horror flick, with a few cheesy one-liners from the comedic relief of Mike Epps.

5. The Final Chapter (2017)

via IMDB

“Picking up immediately after the events in Resident Evil: Retribution, Alice is the only survivor of what was meant to be humanity’s final stand against the undead. Now, she must return to where the nightmare began – The Hive in Raccoon City, where the Umbrella Corporation is gathering its forces for a final strike against the only remaining survivors of the apocalypse.”

While it could be viewed as a good thing for many Resident Evil fans, I myself find it frustrating that this film doesn’t live up to its claim of being the “Final Chapter“. The ending doesn’t give Alice her deserved send off, and leaves the door open for a possible future 7th film (especially after its financial success).

This lack of closure for the franchise makes the entire film – and all of the hype leading up to it – feel like a waste of time. I’m not necessarily saying they should kill off Alice… but perhaps giving fans a “Final Chapter: Part 2” would allow for the story to come to a proper end.

4. Afterlife (2010)

via IMDB

“While still out to destroy the evil Umbrella Corporation, Alice joins a group of survivors living in a prison surrounded by the infected who also want to relocate to the mysterious but supposedly unharmed safe haven known only as Arcadia.”

Afterlife is the 4th film in the Resident Evil saga. The premise is simple; a group of survivors are trapped in an abandoned prison with a horde of undead surrounding them. The concept brings back memories from the game of being locked in a creepy, dark building with a limited supply of guns and ammo to blast your way through to the next level. The group dynamic works well throughout the film, and the elusive “Arcadia” is a smart play to make the viewer root for what little hope remains within this dreary world.

3. Extinction (2007)

via IMDB

A group of survivors – led by their fearless leader Clair Redfield (Ali Larter) – are traveling across the Nevada desert, hoping to make it to a safe zone in Alaska. When they are low on fuel and resources, and under attack from almost every form of the undead, they are rescued by Alice and her ever-growing genetically modified powers (courtesy of the Umbrella Corporation).

I might be a little biased towards this film simply because I live in Las Vegas, but getting to see the beloved strip covered in sand and turned to ruins (complete with zombies climbing the side of the Eiffel Tower at the Paris casino) is wonderfully entertaining.

Watching Alice slice her way through infected monsters under the blazing Nevada sun is a refreshing change of pace from the typical nighttime industrial look. From her new outfit to her new fighting abilities, the grittiness within Extinction makes for a wild ride through the desert.

2. Resident Evil (2002)

Milla Jovovich in ‘Resident Evil’ via Screen Gems, Inc.

“A special military unit fights a powerful, out-of-control supercomputer and hundreds of scientists who have mutated into flesh-eating creatures after a laboratory accident.”

The one that started it all! The OG Resident Evil is still one of the best video game adaptations to date. The iconic red dress is still the best outfit that Alice has worn while unloading clips of bullets into ravaging zombies.

While some of the CGI might not have aged quite so well over the years, the overall tone and claustrophobic atmosphere still keep viewers on the edge of their seat 16 years later.

1. Retribution (2012)

via Screen Gems, Inc.

“Alice awakes at home with her daughter Becky and her husband. But soon she realizes that she is actually in an Umbrella Corporation’s underground facility. Out of the blue, the computer security system shuts-down and Alice flees to the central control room of the facility. She meets Ada Wong, who works with Albert Wesker, and she learns that a five-man team has been sent by Wesker to rescue them. However, the Red Queen sends Jill Valentine and Rain to hunt them down.”

Milla Jovovich is stunning in her most futuristic outfit to date, and compliments the elegance of her new found ally, Ada Wong. The fight scenes are choreographed exceptionally well throughout (the white hallway scene towards the beginning is one of my favorites), and the various “testing floors” make the audience feel like they are moving from level to level within the video game.

While Retribution stands as my favorite film in the franchise, I must admit that getting to see it in theaters and in 3D definitely made a difference on my initial experience. The CGI and cinematography is by far the best in the series, and the set design of the underground control room is a visual masterpiece.

From the unbelievable opening scene (shot in a slow-motion reverse sequence) to the epic frozen final showdown, Resident Evil: Retribution stands out as the perfect blend of sci-fi, action, and horror, and is the strongest entry on the ballot.

 

Be sure to check out all of the films in the Resident Evil franchise, and let us know your thoughts on our rankings. Follow iHorror for all your news and updates on everything horror related!

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New Poster Reveal For Nicolas Cage’s Survival Creature Feature ‘Arcadian’ [Trailer]

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Nicolas Cage Arcadian

In the latest cinematic venture featuring Nicolas Cage, Arcadian emerges as a compelling creature feature, teeming with suspense, horror, and emotional depth. RLJE Films has recently released a series of new images and a captivating poster, offering audiences a glimpse into the eerie and thrilling world of “Arcadian”. Scheduled to hit theaters on April 12, 2024, the film will later be available on Shudder and AMC+, ensuring a wide audience can experience its gripping narrative.

Arcadian Movie Trailer

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has given this film an “R” rating for its “bloody images,” hinting at the visceral and intense experience awaiting viewers. The film draws inspiration from acclaimed horror benchmarks like “A Quiet Place,” weaving a post-apocalyptic tale of a father and his two sons navigating a desolate world. Following a catastrophic event that depopulates the planet, the family faces the dual challenge of surviving their dystopian environment and eluding mysterious nocturnal creatures.

Joining Nicolas Cage in this harrowing journey are Jaeden Martell, known for his role in “IT” (2017), Maxwell Jenkins from “Lost in Space,” and Sadie Soverall, featured in “Fate: The Winx Saga.” Directed by Ben Brewer (“The Trust”) and penned by Mike Nilon (“Braven”), “Arcadian” promises a unique blend of poignant storytelling and electrifying survival horror.

Maxwell Jenkins, Nicolas Cage, and Jaeden Martell 

Critics have already begun to praise “Arcadian” for its imaginative monster designs and exhilarating action sequences, with one review from Bloody Disgusting highlighting the film’s balance between emotional coming-of-age elements and heart-pounding horror. Despite sharing thematic elements with similar genre films, “Arcadian” sets itself apart through its creative approach and action-driven plot, promising a cinematic experience filled with mystery, suspense, and relentless thrills.

Arcadian Official Movie Poster

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‘Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3’ Is a Go with Enhanced Budget and New Characters

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Winnie the Pooh 3

Wow, they’re churning things out fast! The upcoming sequel “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3” is officially moving forward, promising an expanded narrative with a larger budget and the introduction of beloved characters from A.A. Milne’s original tales. As confirmed by Variety, the third installment in the horror franchise will welcome Rabbit, the heffalumps, and the woozles into its dark and twisted narrative.

This sequel is a part of an ambitious cinematic universe that reimagines children’s stories as horror tales. Alongside “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” and its first sequel, the universe includes films such as “Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare”, “Bambi: The Reckoning,” and “Pinocchio Unstrung”. These movies are set to converge in the crossover event “Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble,” slated for a 2025 release.

Winnie the Pooh Poohniverse

The creation of these films was made possible when A.A. Milne’s 1926 children’s book “Winnie-the-Pooh” entered the public domain last year, allowing filmmakers to explore these cherished characters in unprecedented ways. Director Rhys Frake-Waterfield and producer Scott Jeffrey Chambers, of Jagged Edge Productions, have led the charge in this innovative endeavor.

The inclusion of Rabbit, heffalumps, and woozles in the upcoming sequel introduces a new layer to the franchise. In Milne’s original stories, heffalumps are imagined creatures resembling elephants, while woozles are known for their weasel-like characteristics and a penchant for stealing honey. Their roles in the narrative remain to be seen, but their addition promises to enrich the horror universe with deeper connections to the source material.

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How to Watch ‘Late Night with the Devil’ from Home: Dates and Platforms

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Late Night With The Devil

For fans eager to dive into one of this year’s most talked-about horror films from the comfort of their own home, “Late Night with the Devil” will be available for streaming exclusively on Shudder starting April 19, 2024. This announcement has been highly anticipated following the film’s successful theatrical release by IFC Films, which saw it earning rave reviews and a record-breaking opening weekend for the distributor.

“Late Night with the Devil” emerges as a standout horror film, captivating audiences and critics alike, with Stephen King himself offering high praise for the 1977-set film. Starring David Dastmalchian, the movie unfolds on Halloween night during a live late-night talk show broadcast that disastrously unleashes evil across the nation. This found footage-style film not only delivers scares but also authentically captures the aesthetic of the 1970s, drawing viewers into its nightmarish scenario.

David Dastmalchian in Late Night with the Devil

The film’s initial box office success, opening to $2.8 million in 1,034 theaters, underscores its wide appeal and marks the highest opening weekend for an IFC Films release. Critically acclaimed, “Late Night with the Devil” boasts a 96% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 135 reviews, with the consensus praising it for rejuvenating the possession horror genre and showcasing David Dastmalchian’s exceptional performance.

Rotten Tomatoes score as of 3/28/2024

Simon Rother of iHorror.com encapsulates the film’s allure, emphasizing its immersive quality that transports viewers back to the 1970s, making them feel as if they are part of the eerie “Night Owls” Halloween broadcast. Rother lauds the film for its meticulously crafted script and the emotional and shocking journey it takes viewers on, stating, “This whole experience will have viewers of the Cairnes brothers’ film glued to their screen… The script, from beginning to end, is neatly sewn together with an ending that’ll have jaws on the floor.” You can read the full review here.

Rother further encourages audiences to watch the film, highlighting its multifaceted appeal: “Whenever it is made available to you, you must attempt to view the Cairnes Brothers’ latest project as it will make you laugh, it will creep you out, it will amaze you, and it might even strike an emotional cord.”

Set to stream on Shudder on April 19, 2024, “Late Night with the Devil” offers a compelling blend of horror, history, and heart. This film is not just a must-watch for horror aficionados but for anyone looking to be thoroughly entertained and moved by a cinematic experience that redefines the boundaries of its genre.

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