View source for Resident Evil

{{Short description|Japanese horror game series and media franchise}}
{{About|the media franchise|other uses|Resident Evil (disambiguation)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2016}}
{{split|date=November 2025}} 
{{Infobox media franchise
| image =  [[File:Resident Evil series logo.png|frameless|Resident Evil logo]]
| creator = [[Shinji Mikami]] <br> [[Tokuro Fujiwara]]
| origin = ''[[Resident Evil (1996 video game)|Resident Evil]]'' (1996)
| owner = [[Capcom]] 
| years = 1996–present
| books =
| novels = [[List of Resident Evil media#Novels|Novel list]]
| short_stories =
| comics = [[List of Resident Evil media#Comics|Comic list]]
| magazines =
| films = {{ubl|[[Resident Evil (film series)|Live-action series]]|[[List of Resident Evil media#Animated films|Animated film list]]}}
| shorts =
| tv = [[List of Resident Evil media#Television series|Television list]]
| atv =
| tv_specials =
| tv_films =
| dtv =
| plays =
| musicals =
| games =
| rpgs =
| vgs = [[List of Resident Evil media#Video games|Video game list]]
| radio =
| soundtracks =
| music =
| toys =
| otherlabel1 =
| otherdata1 =
| otherlabel2 =
| otherdata2 =
| otherlabel3 =
| otherdata3 =
| website = {{URL|https://game.capcom.com/residentevil/}}
}}

'''''Resident Evil''''', known as {{Nihongo|'''''Biohazard'''''|バイオハザード|Baiohazādo}} in [[Japan]], is a Japanese [[horror game]] series and [[media franchise]] created by [[Capcom]]. It consists of [[survival horror]], [[third-person shooter]] and [[first-person shooter]] games, with players typically surviving in environments inhabited by [[Zombies in Resident Evil|zombies]] and other mutated creatures. The franchise has expanded into media including a [[Resident Evil (film series)|live-action film series]], animated films, television series, [[comic book]]s, [[novel]]s, [[audiobook]]s, and merchandise. ''Resident Evil'' is among the [[List of highest-grossing media franchises|highest-grossing horror franchises]].

The first ''[[Resident Evil (1996 video game)|Resident Evil]]'' game was created by [[Shinji Mikami]] and [[Tokuro Fujiwara]] for [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], and released in 1996.<ref>{{cite news|date=2003|title=The Man Who Made Ghosts'n Goblins: Tokuro Fujiwara Interview|volume=12|work=Continue|url=http://www.glitterberri.com/developer-interviews/tokuro-fujiwara/|url-status=dead|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307054415/http://www.glitterberri.com/developer-interviews/tokuro-fujiwara/|archive-date=March 7, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Audureau |first=William |date=October 10, 2014 |title=Shinji Mikami, " Resident Evil " et la source du jeu d'horreur |trans-title=Shinji Mikami, "Resident Evil" and the source of the horror game |url=http://www.lemonde.fr/pixels/article/2014/10/14/shinji-mikami-aux-sources-du-jeu-d-horreur_4502400_4408996.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171109190016/http://www.lemonde.fr/pixels/article/2014/10/14/shinji-mikami-aux-sources-du-jeu-d-horreur_4502400_4408996.html |archive-date=9 November 2017 |newspaper=[[Le Monde]] |language=fr}}</ref> It is credited for defining the survival horror genre and returning zombies to popular culture. With ''[[Resident Evil 4]]'' (2005), the franchise shifted to more dynamic shooting action, popularizing the now-ubiquitous "over-the-shoulder" [[Third-person (video games)|third-person view]] in action-adventure games.<ref name="nationalpost2">{{cite web|last=Kaszor|first=Daniel|date=December 30, 2009|title=Decade in Review: The most influential video games since Y2K|url=http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/theampersand/archive/2009/12/30/370674.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20100609234921/http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/theampersand/archive/2009/12/30/370674.aspx|archive-date=June 9, 2010|access-date=January 24, 2010|work=National Post|location=Canada}}</ref>

The franchise returned to survival horror with ''[[Resident Evil 7: Biohazard]]'' (2017) and ''[[Resident Evil Village]]'' (2021), which used a [[First-person (video games)|first-person perspective]]. Capcom has also released four ''Resident Evil'' [[Video game remake|remakes]]: ''[[Resident Evil (2002 video game)|Resident Evil]]'' (2002), ''[[Resident Evil 2 (2019 video game)|Resident Evil 2]]'' (2019), ''[[Resident Evil 3 (2020 video game)|Resident Evil 3]]'' (2020) and ''[[Resident Evil 4 (2023 video game)|Resident Evil 4]]'' (2023). ''Resident Evil'' is Capcom's [[List of best-selling video game franchises|best-selling franchise]] and the best-selling [[horror game]] series, with over {{nowrap|170 million}} copies sold worldwide as of March 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-31 |title=Game Series Sales {{!}}Product Data {{!}} CAPCOM |url=https://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/business/salesdata.html |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=www.capcom.co.jp |language=en-US}}</ref> The ninth main game, ''[[Resident Evil Requiem]]'', is scheduled for release on February 27, 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ngan |first=Liv Ngan |date=2025-06-27 |title=Capcom confirms where Resident Evil Requiem falls in the series' timeline, as devs say they initially thought they "couldn't touch Raccoon City" |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/resident-evil/capcom-confirms-where-resident-evil-requiem-falls-in-the-series-timeline-as-devs-say-they-initially-thought-they-couldnt-touch-raccoon-city/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250710145613/https://www.gamesradar.com/games/resident-evil/capcom-confirms-where-resident-evil-requiem-falls-in-the-series-timeline-as-devs-say-they-initially-thought-they-couldnt-touch-raccoon-city/ |archive-date=10 July 2025 |access-date=2025-07-02 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en}}</ref>

The first ''[[Resident Evil (film series)|Resident Evil]]'' film was released in 2002, starring [[Milla Jovovich]]. It was followed by five sequels and a reboot, ''[[Welcome to Raccoon City]]'' (2021). The films received mostly negative reviews, but have grossed more than $1.2 billion, making ''Resident Evil'' the third-highest-grossing [[List of highest-grossing films based on video games#Highest-grossing film series and film franchises based on video games|video game film series]].

== History ==
{{Timeline of release years
| range1        = 1996
| range1_color  = #df260a #ccc <!-- colors are based on the series' logos -->
| 1996  = '''''[[Resident Evil (1996 video game)|Resident Evil]]'''''
| 1998  = '''''[[Resident Evil 2]]'''''
| 1999  = '''''[[Resident Evil 3: Nemesis]]'''''
| 2000a = ''[[Resident Evil Survivor]]''
| 2000b = ''[[Resident Evil – Code: Veronica]]''
| 2001a = ''[[Resident Evil Survivor 2 – Code: Veronica]]''
| 2001b = ''[[Resident Evil Gaiden]]''
| 2002a = ''[[Resident Evil (2002 video game)|Resident Evil]]'' (remake)
| 2002b = ''[[Resident Evil Zero]]''
| 2003a = ''[[Resident Evil: Dead Aim]]''
| 2003b = ''[[Resident Evil Outbreak]]''
| 2004  = ''[[Resident Evil Outbreak: File 2|Resident Evil Outbreak: File #2]]''
| 2005  = '''''[[Resident Evil 4]]'''''
| 2007  = ''[[Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles]]''
| 2009a = '''''[[Resident Evil 5]]'''''
| 2009b = ''[[Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles]]''
| 2011  = ''[[Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D]]''
| 2012a = ''[[Resident Evil: Revelations]]''
| 2012b = ''[[Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City]]''
| 2012c = '''''[[Resident Evil 6]]'''''
| 2015  = ''[[Resident Evil: Revelations 2]]''
| 2016  = ''[[Umbrella Corps]]''
| 2017  = '''''[[Resident Evil 7: Biohazard]]'''''
| 2019  = ''[[Resident Evil 2 (2019 video game)|Resident Evil 2]]'' (remake)
| 2020a = ''[[Resident Evil 3 (2020 video game)|Resident Evil 3]]'' (remake)
| 2020b = ''[[Resident Evil: Resistance]]''
| 2021  = '''''[[Resident Evil Village]]'''''
| 2022  = ''[[Resident Evil Re:Verse]]''
| 2023  = ''[[Resident Evil 4 (2023 video game)|Resident Evil 4]]'' (remake)
| 2026  = '''''[[Resident Evil Requiem]]'''''
}}

The development of the first ''[[Resident Evil (1996 video game)|Resident Evil]]'', released as ''Biohazard'' in Japan, began in 1993 when [[Capcom]]'s [[Tokuro Fujiwara]] told [[Shinji Mikami]] and other co-workers to create a game using elements from Fujiwara's 1989 game ''[[Sweet Home (video game)|Sweet Home]]'' on the [[Family Computer]] (Famicom) in Japan.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Reeves |first=Ben |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2017/12/04/resident-evil-was-originally-in-development-for-the-snes.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204220314/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2017/12/04/resident-evil-was-originally-in-development-for-the-snes.aspx |url-status=live |archive-date=December 4, 2017 |title=Resident Evil Was Originally In Development For The SNES |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |date=2017-12-04 |access-date=2023-04-16 }}</ref><ref name="Gamespot-Mikami">{{Cite web |last=Butterworth |first=Scott |date=March 22, 2016 |title=Resident Evil Creator Shinji Mikami Reflects on the Series' Roots |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/resident-evil-creator-shinji-mikami-reflects-on-th/1100-6435918/ |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=[[GameSpot]] |language=en-US}}</ref> When in late 1994 marketing executives were setting up to release ''Biohazard'' in the United States, it was pointed out that securing the rights to the name ''Biohazard'' would be very difficult as a DOS game had been [[Bio Menace#Development|registered under that name]], as well as a New York hardcore punk band called [[Biohazard (band)|Biohazard]]. A contest was held among company personnel to choose a new name; this competition turned up ''Resident Evil'', the name under which it was released in the west.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/gr-asks-why-was-biohazard-renamed-resident-evil/|title=GR Asks: Why was Biohazard renamed Resident Evil?|website=[[GamesRadar+]]|date=April 8, 2009}}</ref> ''Resident Evil'' made its debut on the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] in 1996 and was later ported to the [[Sega Saturn]].

The first entry in the series was the first game to be dubbed a "[[survival horror]]", a term coined for the new genre it initiated,<ref name="GSREH">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/res_evil/index.html | title = The History of Resident Evil | author = Justin Speer and Cliff O'Neill | website = [[GameSpot]] | access-date = 2009-04-17 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080906213420/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/res_evil/index.html | archive-date = September 6, 2008 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }}</ref> and its critical and commercial success<ref>{{cite magazine|quote=The "multi-million dollar franchise... Evil Capcom's largest" and "the original ''Resident Evil''" is "one of the most important games of all time." |magazine=Game Informer |issue=174 |date=October 2007|page=132|title=Enter The Survival Horror... A Resident Evil Retrospective}}</ref> led to the production of two sequels, ''[[Resident Evil 2]]'' in 1998 and ''[[Resident Evil 3: Nemesis]]'' in 1999, both for the PlayStation. A port of ''Resident Evil 2'' was released for the [[Nintendo 64]]. In addition, ports of all three were released for [[Windows]]. The next big game in the series, ''[[Resident Evil – Code: Veronica]]'', was developed for the [[Dreamcast]] and released in 2000, followed by ports of ''Resident Evil 2'' and ''Resident Evil 3: Nemesis''. ''Resident Evil – Code: Veronica'' was later re-released for Dreamcast in Japan in an updated form as ''Code: Veronica Complete'', which included slight changes, many of which revolved around story cutscenes. This updated version was later ported to the [[PlayStation 2]] and [[GameCube]] as ''Code: Veronica X''.

Despite earlier announcements that the next game in the series would be released for the PlayStation 2, which resulted in the creation of an unrelated game, ''[[Devil May Cry]]'', Mikami decided to make the series exclusively for the GameCube.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/action/residentevil/review.html |title=Resident Evil for GameCube Review |website=GameSpot |date=April 29, 2002}}</ref> The next three games in the series—a [[Resident Evil (2002 video game)|remake of the original ''Resident Evil'']] and the prequel ''[[Resident Evil Zero]]'', both released in 2002, as well as ''[[Resident Evil 4]]'' (2005)—were all released initially as GameCube exclusives. ''Resident Evil 4'' was later released for Windows, PlayStation 2, and [[Wii]].

A trilogy of [[GunCon]]-compatible [[light gun]] games known as the ''Gun Survivor'' series featured [[first person (video games)|first-person]] gameplay. The first, ''[[Resident Evil Survivor]]'', was released in 2000 for the PlayStation and PC but received mediocre reviews.<ref>{{cite web |website=IGN |url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/163/163923p1.html |title=''Resident Evil Survivor'' Review |date=September 14, 2000 |access-date=January 27, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111201220752/http://psx.ign.com/articles/163/163923p1.html |archive-date=December 1, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The subsequent games, ''[[Resident Evil Survivor 2 – Code: Veronica]]'' and ''[[Resident Evil: Dead Aim]]'', fared somewhat better.<ref>{{cite web |website=GameSpot |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/residentevildeadaim |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050208233247/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/residentevildeadaim/ |archive-date=February 8, 2005 |title=''Resident Evil: Dead Aim'' Review |date=June 16, 2003 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> ''Dead Aim'' is the fourth ''Gun Survivor'' game in Japan, with ''Gun Survivor 3'' being the ''[[Dino Crisis]]'' spin-off ''[[Dino Stalker]]''. In a similar vein, the ''Chronicles'' series features first-person gameplay, albeit on an on-rails path. ''[[Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles]]'' was released in 2007 for the Wii, with a sequel, ''[[Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles]]'' released in 2009 (both were later ported to the PlayStation 3 in 2012).<ref>{{cite web |title=Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/resident-evil-chronicles-hd-collection/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250710150042/https://www.metacritic.com/game/resident-evil-chronicles-hd-collection/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |archive-date=10 July 2025 |work=metacritic.com}}</ref>

''[[Resident Evil Outbreak]]'' is an [[online game]] for the PlayStation 2, released in 2003, depicting a series of episodic storylines in Raccoon City set during the same period as ''Resident Evil 2'' and ''Resident Evil 3: Nemesis''. It was the first in the series and the first survival horror game to feature [[Cooperative video game|cooperative gameplay]].<ref name="reeves1">{{cite magazine|last=Reeves|first=Ben|title=Guinness World Records 2012 Gamer's Edition Preview|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/12/30/guinness-world-records-2012-gamer-s-edition-preview.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106132501/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/12/30/guinness-world-records-2012-gamer-s-edition-preview.aspx|url-status=live|archive-date=January 6, 2012|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|access-date=December 31, 2011|date=December 30, 2011}}</ref> It was followed by a sequel, ''[[Resident Evil Outbreak: File 2|Resident Evil Outbreak: File #2]]''. Raccoon City is a metropolis located in the Arklay Mountains of the Midwestern United States that succumbed to the deadly T-virus outbreak and was consequently destroyed via a nuclear missile attack issued by the United States government. The town served as a critical junction for the series' progression as one of the main catalysts to Umbrella's downfall and the entry point for some of the series' most notable characters.

{{anchor|Resident Evil Portable}}
''[[Resident Evil Gaiden]]'' is an [[action-adventure game]] for the [[Game Boy Color]] featuring a [[Role-playing video game|role-playing]]-style combat system. There have been several downloadable [[Mobile games in the Resident Evil series|mobile games]] based on the ''Resident Evil'' series in Japan. Some of these mobile games have been released in North America and Europe through T-Mobile. At the [[Sony Computer Entertainment|Sony]] press conference during [[E3 2009]], ''Resident Evil Portable'' was announced for the [[PlayStation Portable]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/989/989522p1.html |title=E3 2009: Resident Evil PSP Announced |date=June 2, 2009 |author=Thomas, Lucas M. |work=[[IGN]]  |access-date=July 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123061600/http://psp.ign.com/articles/989/989522p1.html |archive-date=January 23, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3174532 |title=PSP Gets Resident Evil Portable in 2010 |publisher=1up.com |date=June 2, 2009 |access-date=April 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105223653/http://www.1up.com/news/psp-resident-evil-portable-2010 |archive-date=November 5, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/zombies-infecting-psp-in-resident-evil-portable/ |title=Zombies infecting PSP in Resident Evil Portable |publisher=Joystiq |date=June 2, 2009 |access-date=April 7, 2010}}</ref> described as a new game being developed with "the [[PSP Go]] in mind" and "totally different for a ''Resident Evil'' game". No further announcements have been made, and the game is considered to have been canceled.<ref>{{cite web | author=Reilly, Jim | date=June 9, 2009 | title=New Resident Evil PSP Details Emerge | url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/992/992945p1.html | work=IGN.com | access-date=April 7, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316042805/http://psp.ign.com/articles/992/992945p1.html | archive-date=March 16, 2010 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author=Spencer | date=June 8, 2009 | title=Resident Evil Portable "Totally Different For A Resident Evil Game" | url=http://www.siliconera.com/2009/06/08/resident-evil-portable-totally-different-for-a-resident-evil-game/ | work=Siliconera.com | access-date=April 7, 2010}}</ref>

In 2009, ''[[Resident Evil 5]]'' was released for [[PlayStation 3]], [[Windows]] and [[Xbox 360]], becoming the best selling game of the franchise despite mixed fan reception. Capcom revealed the [[third-person shooter]] ''[[Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City]]'', which was developed by [[Slant Six Games]] for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Windows and released in March 2012. A [[survival horror]] game for the [[Nintendo 3DS]], ''[[Resident Evil: Revelations]]'', was released in February 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/296595/news/resident-evil-revelations-out-2012-new-concept-art/ |title=Resident Evil: Revelations out 2012, new concept art |date=April 3, 2011 |author=Jackson, Mike |work=[[ComputerAndVideoGames.com]] |publisher=[[Future Publishing Limited]] |access-date=April 21, 2011}}</ref> In October of the same year, the next numbered entry in the main series, ''[[Resident Evil 6]]'', was released to mixed reviews,<ref name="ignreview">{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/10/01/resident-evil-6-review|title=IGN Review: Resident Evil 6|author=Richard George|website=IGN|date=October 1, 2012|access-date=October 1, 2012}}</ref> but enthusiastic pre-order sales.<ref name="ResEv6Sales">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2012/10/03/resident-evil-6-ships-4-5-million-copies-worldwide/|title=Resident Evil 6 Ships 4.5 Million Copies Worldwide|publisher=Siliconera|date=October 3, 2012|access-date=October 4, 2012}}</ref>

In 2013, producer Masachika Kawata said the ''Resident Evil'' franchise would return to focus on elements of horror and suspense over action, adding that "survival horror as a genre is never going to be on the same level, financially, as shooters and much more popular, mainstream games. At the same time, I think we need to have the confidence to put money behind these projects, and it doesn't mean we can't focus on what we need to do as a survival horror game to meet fan's needs."<ref>{{cite news |last=Krupa |first=Daniel |date=January 31, 2013 |title=Resident Evil Will Return To Its Roots |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/31/resident-evil-will-return-to-its-roots |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130710065619/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/31/resident-evil-will-return-to-its-roots |archive-date=10 July 2013 |access-date=July 10, 2013 |work=ign.com |publisher=IGN}}</ref> ''[[Resident Evil: Revelations 2]]'', an episodic game set between ''Resident Evil 5'' and ''Resident Evil 6'', was released in March 2015. A series of team-based multiplayer games were developed beginning with the [[List of video games notable for negative reception|poorly received]] ''[[Umbrella Corps]]'', which was released in June 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/91287/tgs-2015-resident-evil-umbrella-corps-will-help-usher-in-series-20th-anniversary|title=TGS 2015: Resident Evil: Umbrella Corps will help usher in series' 20th anniversary|first=Ozzie|last=Mejia|date=September 15, 2015|access-date=September 20, 2015|work=[[Shacknews]]}}</ref> ''[[Resident Evil: Resistance]]'' was released in April 2020, followed by ''Resident Evil Re:Verse'' in October 2022, with both being available for free to those who bought ''Resident Evil 3'' and ''Village'' respectively.<ref>{{cite web |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=September 16, 2019 |title=Capcom producer says Project Resistance is 'survival horror at its core' |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/capcom-producer-says-project-resistance-is-survival-horror-at-its-core/ |access-date=September 29, 2019 |publisher=[[PC Gamer]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fox |first=Tanner |date=2022-10-21 |title=Resident Evil Re:Verse Teases Ambitious Post-Launch Plans |url=https://gamerant.com/resident-evil-reverse-post-launch-plans/ |access-date=2022-10-28 |website=Game Rant |language=en-US}}</ref>

Built on the newly developed [[RE Engine]], the series continued its shift back towards more horror elements. The next mainline game, ''[[Resident Evil 7: Biohazard]]'' was released for [[Windows]], [[PlayStation 4]] and [[Xbox One]] in January 2017.<ref name="NAEUJP2">{{cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=October 13, 2016 |title=Capcom begins 'The World of Resident Evil 7' short video series |url=http://gematsu.com/2016/10/capcom-begins-world-resident-evil-7-short-video-series |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161016234522/http://gematsu.com/2016/10/capcom-begins-world-resident-evil-7-short-video-series |archive-date=October 16, 2016 |website=Gematsu}}</ref><ref name="turnleft2">{{cite web |date=June 14, 2016 |title=FEAR COMES HOME AS CAPCOM ANNOUNCES RESIDENT EVIL 7 biohazard |url=https://www.turnleft.net.au/news/fear-comes-home-as-capcom-announces-resident-evil-7-biohazard/ |website=Turn Left Distribution |access-date=May 15, 2018 |archive-date=April 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421134000/https://www.turnleft.net.au/news/fear-comes-home-as-capcom-announces-resident-evil-7-biohazard/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Set in a dilapidated mansion in Louisiana, the game uses a [[First-person narrative|first-person perspective]] and emphasizes horror and exploration over action, unlike previous installments.<ref name="polygon22">{{cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=June 15, 2016 |title=Resident Evil 7's demo content won't be in the main game, but a new hero will |url=http://www.polygon.com/e3/2016/6/15/11940734/resident-evil-7-biohazard-e3-2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615063922/http://www.polygon.com/e3/2016/6/15/11940734/resident-evil-7-biohazard-e3-2016 |archive-date=June 15, 2016 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]]}}</ref><ref name="re7-201322">{{cite web |last=Nunneley |first=Stephany |date=March 23, 2017 |title=Resident Evil 7 cut content: zombies who reacted to breathing, the Baker's pet dog Diane |url=https://www.vg247.com/2017/03/23/resident-evil-7-cut-content-had-zombies-who-reacted-to-breathing-and-the-bakers-had-a-dog-named-diane/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170531022323/https://www.vg247.com/2017/03/23/resident-evil-7-cut-content-had-zombies-who-reacted-to-breathing-and-the-bakers-had-a-dog-named-diane/ |archive-date=May 31, 2017 |website=[[VG247]]}}</ref><ref name="eurogamer2">{{cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=June 15, 2016 |title=If you like lots of guns in Resident Evil, 7 isn't for you |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-06-15-if-you-like-lots-of-guns-in-resident-evil-7-isnt-for-you |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616051742/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-06-15-if-you-like-lots-of-guns-in-resident-evil-7-isnt-for-you |archive-date=June 16, 2016 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]]}}</ref><ref name="healing play2">{{cite web |last=Osborn |first=Alex |date=June 15, 2016 |title=E3 2016: Resident Evil 7 Teaser Demo Not Part of the Main Game |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/15/e3-2016-resident-evil-7-teaser-demo-not-part-of-the-main-game |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615205248/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/15/e3-2016-resident-evil-7-teaser-demo-not-part-of-the-main-game |archive-date=June 15, 2016 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]}}</ref> The first-person perspective continued in the eighth mainline game ''[[Resident Evil Village]].'' Released in May 2021, the game, set in a mysterious European village, is a direct sequel to ''Resident Evil 7: Biohazard'' although it incorporates more action elements inspired from ''Resident Evil 4''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=McWhertor |first1=Michael |date=June 11, 2020 |title=Resident Evil 8 announced at PS5 reveal event |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/6/11/21286852/resident-evil-8-village-trailer-release-date-capcom |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611212928/https://www.polygon.com/2020/6/11/21286852/resident-evil-8-village-trailer-release-date-capcom |archive-date=June 11, 2020 |website=Polygon |access-date=June 11, 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Mercante |first1=Alyssa |date=June 11, 2020 |title=Resident Evil 8: Village revealed and we're screaming |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/resident-evil-8-reveal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813042507/https://www.gamesradar.com/resident-evil-8-reveal/ |archive-date=August 13, 2024 |website=GamesRadar+ |access-date=June 11, 2020 }}</ref> The game also marked the franchise's debut on [[PlayStation 5]] and [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Webb |first=Kevin |date=2021-05-05 |title='Resident Evil Village' is the most visually stunning game of the PlayStation 5 era so far |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/resident-evil-village-review-ps5-xbox |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911203210/https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/resident-evil-village-review-ps5-xbox |archive-date=September 11, 2024 |access-date=2021-12-19 |work=[[Business Insider]] }}</ref> The ninth main game, ''[[Resident Evil Requiem]]'', is scheduled for 2026.<ref name="variety">{{cite web |author=Jennifer Maas |date=June 6, 2025 |title='Resident Evil Requiem' Sets February 2026 Release From Capcom |url=https://variety.com/2025/gaming/news/resident-evil-9-requiem-trailer-release-date-1236421778/ |access-date=June 6, 2025 |website=Variety}}</ref>

A new generation of remakes of older entries began in 2019 with a [[Resident Evil 2 (2019 video game)|remake of ''Resident Evil 2'']], being released for the PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One. The remake outsold the original game within a year, selling over five million copies.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kerr |first1=Chris |date=December 11, 2019 |title=Resident Evil 2 remake has passed 5 million sales |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/355522/Resident_Evil_2_remake_has_passed_5_million_sales.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211214652/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/355522/Resident_Evil_2_remake_has_passed_5_million_sales.php |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 11, 2019 |access-date=11 December 2019 |website=Gamasutra}}</ref> Following in the success of the ''Resident Evil 2'' remake, Capcom revealed a remake of ''Resident Evil 3: Nemesis'' in December 2019, known as ''[[Resident Evil 3 (2020 video game)|Resident Evil 3]]''. It was released in April 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=December 10, 2019 |title=Resident Evil 3 remake announced: watch the first trailer |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/12/10/21003545/resident-evil-3-remake-announcement-trailer-release-date |access-date=September 10, 2019 |publisher=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> A [[Resident Evil 4 (2023 video game)|remake of ''Resident Evil 4'']] was released on March 24, 2023, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Windows.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake Revealed, Releases In March 2023 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/resident-evil-4-remake-revealed-releases-in-march-2023/1100-6504090/ |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Story overview ==
<!--
*Please do not add in-depth plot summaries, speculation, or trivial details to this section.
*This plot section is not meant to be a full explanation of all events in the series, but rather a concise summary of the main events.
-->
{{See also|List of Resident Evil characters}}
[[File:Umbrella Corporation logo.svg|thumb|right|Logo for [[Umbrella Corporation]], a prominent antagonistic faction in the franchise]]
The early ''Resident Evil'' games focused on the Umbrella Corporation, an international pharmaceutical company that secretly develops mutagenic viruses to further their "bio-organic weapons" (BOW) research. The company's viruses can transform humans into mindless zombies while also mutating plants and animals into horrifying monstrosities. The Umbrella Corporation uses its vast resources to effectively control Raccoon City, a fictional [[Midwestern United States|midwestern American]] city. In the original ''[[Resident Evil (1996 video game)|Resident Evil]]'', members of an elite police task force, Special Tactics and Rescue Service (STARS), are lured to a derelict mansion on the outskirts of Raccoon City. The STARS team is mostly decimated by zombies and other BOWs, leaving only a handful of survivors, including [[Chris Redfield]], [[Jill Valentine]], and [[Albert Wesker]]. Chris and Jill explore the zombie-infested mansion and uncover a secret underground Umbrella research facility. Wesker reveals himself to be a double agent for Umbrella and betrays his comrades. However, Wesker is seemingly murdered by a Tyrant, a special BOW that is the culmination of the Umbrella Corporation's research.<ref name="plot-ign">{{cite news |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/resident-evil-story-synopsis-plot-summary-lore-explained |title=Resident Evil: The Story So Far |work=[[IGN]] |date=2021-06-23 |accessdate=2023-02-11 }}</ref><ref name="plot-poly">{{cite news |last=Hashimoto |first=Kazuma |url=https://www.polygon.com/22444608/resident-evil-horror-eugenics-military-government-themes |title=Resident Evil's most unsettling theme isn't zombies — it's eugenics |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=2021-05-22 |accessdate=2023-02-11 }}</ref>

Chris and Jill escape the mansion, but their testimony is ridiculed by Raccoon City's officials due to Umbrella's influence. Meanwhile, a separate viral outbreak occurs in another Umbrella research facility underneath Raccoon City. Most of the city's residents are infected and become zombies. ''[[Resident Evil 2]]'' introduces two new protagonists, [[Leon S. Kennedy]], a rookie police officer and [[Claire Redfield]], the younger sister of Chris. Leon and Claire arrive in Raccoon City amidst the chaos of the viral outbreak. Leon is aided by [[Ada Wong]], a spy posing as an [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI agent]], while Claire rescues Sherry Birkin, the daughter of two prominent Umbrella researchers. At the same time, Jill makes her escape from the city in ''[[Resident Evil 3: Nemesis]]''.  She is relentlessly pursued by a new Tyrant, [[Nemesis (Resident Evil)|Nemesis]], who is deployed by Umbrella to eliminate all surviving STARS members. The U.S. Government destroys Raccoon City with a missile strike to sterilize the viral outbreak.<ref>{{cite book |author=Damien Waples |title=Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles Official Game Guide |publisher=[[Prima Games]] |location=California, United States |isbn=978-0-761-55845-3 |pages=58–73 |date=2007-11-13 }}</ref> Leon, Claire, Sherry, Ada, and Jill escape the city before its eradication. Claire continues to look for Chris, whereas Leon is recruited to work for the U.S. Government. ''[[Resident Evil – Code: Veronica]]'' follows Claire as she escapes from a prison camp in the [[Southern Ocean]] and later reunites with Chris at an Umbrella research facility in [[Antarctica]].  ''[[Resident Evil 4]]'' is set six years after the Raccoon City incident and focuses on Leon as he tries to rescue the [[President of the United States|U.S. President's]] daughter from a cult in [[Spain]].<ref name="plot-ign"/><ref name="plot-poly"/>

A government investigation into the Umbrella Corporation reveals its involvement in the Raccoon City disaster and leads to the company's dissolution. Despite the downfall of the Umbrella Corporation, the company's research and BOWs proliferate across the black market and lead to the rise of bioterrorism. Chris and Jill establish the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance (BSAA) to combat these ever-growing threats on a global scale. Wesker is revealed to be alive and involved in the development of new potent viral agents and BOWs. In ''[[Resident Evil 5]]'',  Wesker seeks to unleash a highly mutagenic virus that will infect all of humanity. Chris and the BSAA confront and kill Wesker in [[Africa]] before he can fulfill his mission.<ref name="weskerdeath">{{cite web|title=S DCC 09: Resident Evil's Wesker gone for good |url=http://ign.com/articles/2009/07/23/sdcc-09-resident-evils-wesker-gone-for-good |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508150915/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/07/23/sdcc-09-resident-evils-wesker-gone-for-good |archive-date=2016-05-08 |url-status=live |date=2009-07-23 |access-date=2023-02-11 |first=Hilary |last=Goldstein |work=[[IGN]]}}</ref> ''[[Resident Evil 6]]'' features Leon and Chris meeting for the first time in the video game series.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pitts |first=Russ |url=https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/4/10/2924622/resident-evil-6-preview-leon-and-chris-together-at-last |title='Resident Evil 6' preview: Leon and Chris, together at last |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=2012-04-10 |accessdate=2023-02-18 }}</ref> The two work separately to triage bioterrorist attacks in the United States, [[Eastern Europe]], and [[China]]. They are assisted by Sherry, Wesker's illegitimate son Jake Muller, Ada, and many members of the BSAA and U.S. government.

''[[Resident Evil 7: Biohazard]]'' and ''[[Resident Evil Village]]'' introduce a new protagonist, [[Ethan Winters]], who becomes entangled in a bioterrorism incident while searching for his missing wife. He encounters Chris and the BSAA, who help him rescue his wife and defeat Eveline, a powerful BOW. Ethan, Mia, and their newborn daughter, Rosemary, are relocated to Eastern Europe but are abducted by a cult. Ethan ultimately sacrifices himself to destroy a fungal colony being weaponized by bioterrorists and save his family.<ref name="plot-ign"/><ref name="plot-poly"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Gonzalez |first1=Oscar |last2=Keane |first2=Sean |url=https://www.cnet.com/culture/resident-evil-village-synopsis-ending-and-post-credit-scene-explained/ |title=Resident Evil Village synopsis, ending, post-credit scene explained |work=[[CNET]] |date=2021-05-11 |accessdate=2023-02-18 }}</ref>

==Gameplay==
The ''Resident Evil'' franchise has had a variety of control schemes and gameplay mechanics throughout its history. Puzzle-solving has figured prominently throughout the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3332740/whats-memorable-resident-evil-puzzle/|title=What's the Most Memorable 'Resident Evil' Puzzle?|publisher=Bloody Disgusting|first1=Adam|last1=Dodd|date=February 24, 2015|access-date=December 19, 2018}}</ref>

===Tank controls===
The first game introduced a control scheme that the player community has come to refer to as "[[tank controls]]" to the series. In a game with tank controls, players control movement relative to the position of the [[player character]], rather than relative to the fixed [[Virtual camera system|virtual camera]] from which the player views the current scene.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/a-eulogy-for-tank-controls/|title=A eulogy for tank controls|date=20 February 2015|work=[[PC Gamer]]|access-date=5 March 2018|language=en}}</ref> Pressing up (for example on a [[D-pad]], [[analog stick]], or [[Arrow keys|cursor movement keys]]) on the [[game controller]] moves the character in the direction being faced, pressing down backpedals, and left and right rotates the character.<ref name=":0" /> This can feel counter-intuitive when the character is facing the camera, as the controls are essentially reversed in this state. This differs from many 3D games, in which characters move in the direction the player pushes the controls from the perspective of the camera.<ref name=":0" /> Some critics have posited that the control scheme is intentionally clumsy, meant to enhance stress and exacerbate difficulty.<ref name=historyofRE>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xjkr-8lrK2w| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/Xjkr-8lrK2w| archive-date=2021-12-11 | url-status=live|title=The History of Resident Evil|website=GameSpot|date=August 13, 2016|access-date=December 6, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

While the first three entries in the series featured this control scheme, the third, ''Resident Evil 3: Nemesis'', saw some action-oriented additions. These included a 180 degree turn and dodge command that, according to ''[[GameSpot]]'', "hinted at a new direction that the series would go in." Later games in the series, like ''[[Resident Evil 4]]'', would feature a more fluid over-the-shoulder third-person camera instead of a fixed camera for each room, while ''[[Resident Evil 7]]'' and ''[[Resident Evil Village]]'' are played from the [[First-person (video games)|first-person perspective]].

===Third-person shooter gameplay===
''Resident Evil 4'' saw significant changes to the established gameplay, including switching from [[Third-person (video games)|fixed camera perspectives to a tracking camera]], and more action-oriented gameplay and mechanics. This was complemented by an abundance of ammunition and revised aiming and melee mechanics. Some critics claimed that this overhauled control scheme "made the game less scary."<ref name="historyofRE" /> The next two games in the franchise furthered the action-oriented mechanics: ''Resident Evil 5'' featured cooperative play and added strafing, while ''Resident Evil 6'' allowed players to move while aiming and shooting for the first time, fully abandoning the series' signature tank controls.<ref name="historyofRE" />

===First-person shooter gameplay and VR===
''Resident Evil 7'' is the first main ''Resident Evil'' game to use the first-person perspective and to use [[virtual reality]]. It drew comparisons to modern survival horror games such as ''[[Outlast]]'' and ''[[P.T. (video game)|PT]]''.<ref name="historyofRE" /> The eighth main-series game, ''[[Resident Evil Village]]'', also features a first-person perspective.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2021/1/21/22243195/resident-evil-village-first-gameplay-details-capcom |title=Resident Evil Village has a Resident Evil 4-style inventory and merchant |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=January 21, 2021 |website=TheVerge.com |publisher=The Verge |access-date=January 22, 2021}}</ref> A VR version of ''[[Resident Evil 4]]'' was released on the [[Oculus Quest 2]] on October 21, 2021.<ref>{{cite news|last=Robertson|first=Adi|date=September 27, 2021|title=''Resident Evil 4 VR'' is launching October 21st, but only on Oculus Quest 2|work=[[The Verge]]|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/27/22692268/resident-evil-4-vr-capcom-oculus-quest-2-release-date|access-date=November 5, 2021}}</ref>

== Other media ==
{{See also|List of Resident Evil media}}

The ''Resident Evil'' franchise features video games and tie-in merchandise and products, including various [[live-action]] and animated films, comic books, and novels.

=== Films ===
==== Live-action films ====
{{Main|Resident Evil (film series)}}
[[File:Resident Evil (Movie logo).svg|thumb|The live-action film series logo]]
From 2002 to 2016, six live-action ''Resident Evil'' films were produced, all written and produced by [[Paul W. S. Anderson]]. The films do not follow the games' premise but feature some game characters. The series' protagonist is [[Alice (Resident Evil)|Alice]], an original character created for the films portrayed by [[Milla Jovovich]]. Despite a negative reaction from critics, the live-action film series has made over $1 billion worldwide.<ref>{{cite web| title= Box Office History for Resident Evil Movies|work=The Numbers| url= http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/series/ResidentEvil.php | access-date=October 25, 2010}}</ref> They are, to date, the only video game adaptations to increase the amount of money made with each successive film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/franchises/chart/?id=residentevil.htm |title=Resident Evil |work=Box Office Mojo |access-date=August 15, 2013}}</ref> The series holds the record for the "Most Live-Action Film Adaptations of a Video Game" in the 2012 ''[[Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition]]'', which also described it as "the most successful movie series to be based on a video game."<ref name="reeves1" />

A reboot, ''[[Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City]],'' was released on November 24, 2021, with [[Johannes Roberts]] as writer/director.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/sony-delays-resident-evil-release-date-1234941945/ |title=Sony Delays 'Resident Evil' Release Date |first=Rebecca |last=Rubin |website=Variety |date=March 31, 2021 |access-date=March 31, 2021}}</ref>

In January 2025, it was reported that [[Zach Cregger]] was writing and directing a new film reboot, co-produced by [[Constantin Film]] and [[PlayStation Productions]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/resident-evil-reboot-zach-cregger-1236117563/|title=Zach Cregger to Tackle 'Resident Evil' Reboot, Igniting Bidding War|last=Kit|first=Borys|date=January 24, 2025|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=January 28, 2025}}</ref> In March 2025, [[Sony Pictures]] won a bidding war to secure the rights to the ''Resident Evil'' franchise, including its upcoming untitled project, with [[Columbia Pictures]] serving as the film's new distributor. Sony has set a release date of September 18, 2026 for the project.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/resident-evil-reboot-sony-1236156938/|title=Zach Cregger's 'Resident Evil' Movie Lands at Sony|website=Hollywood Reporter|date=March 7, 2025|author=Borys Kit|access-date=March 7, 2025}}</ref> In June 2025, it was reported that the project had registered to film in the [[Czech Republic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.praguereporter.com/home/2025/6/6/resident-evil-untitled-feature-film-from-zach-cregger-registers-to-film-in-czechia/|title='Resident Evil': Untitled feature film from Zach Cregger registers to film in Czechia|website=The Prague Reporter|date=June 6, 2025|author=Jason Pirodsky|access-date=June 6, 2025}}</ref> On August 11, 2025, [[Austin Abrams]] was confirmed to star in the film.<ref>{{cite AV media |people=Zach Cregger |title=WEAPONS Q&A – Alamo Drafthouse |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CIrSi1s1iM?t=526 |publisher=YouTube |date=August 9, 2025 |access-date=August 11, 2025 |medium=Video |quote=At 8:46, Cregger confirms that Austin Abrams will appear in the upcoming ''Resident Evil'' reboot.}}</ref> Filming is scheduled to begin in Prague in November 2025. Cregger stated that he had never seen any of the previous ''Resident Evil'' films and that the upcoming movie will be more closely based on the video game series, particularly ''[[Resident Evil 2]]'', ''[[Resident Evil 3: Nemesis]]'', and ''[[Resident Evil 4]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=2025-09-02 |title=Resident Evil movie director says he's making it for fans of the games, not the movies |url=https://www.polygon.com/resident-evil-2026-movie-zach-cregger/ |access-date=2025-09-03 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |language=en}}</ref>

==== Animated films ====
{{Main|Resident Evil: Degeneration|Resident Evil: Damnation|Resident Evil: Vendetta|Resident Evil: Death Island}}
The first computer animated film for the franchise was ''[[Biohazard 4D-Executer]]''. It was a short 3D film produced for Japanese theme parks and did not feature any characters from the game.<ref name="gamespot">{{cite web |date=October 19, 2000 |script-title=ja:バイオハザードの映像アトラクションがお披露目 |url=http://www.zdnet.co.jp/gamespot/gsnews/0010/19/news03.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030212073536/http://www.zdnet.co.jp/gamespot/gsnews/0010/19/news03.html |archive-date=February 12, 2003 |work=[[GameSpot|GameSpot Japan]] |publisher=Softbank Publishing Inc |language=ja}}</ref> Starting in 2008, a series of feature-length computer-animated films have been released. These films take place in the same continuity as the games and feature characters such as [[Leon S. Kennedy|Leon Kennedy]], [[Claire Redfield]], [[Ada Wong]], [[Chris Redfield]], [[Jill Valentine]] and [[Rebecca Chambers (character)|Rebecca Chambers]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2458539/resident-evil-degeneration-re5-connection/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627161633/http://www.mtv.com/news/2458539/resident-evil-degeneration-re5-connection/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 27, 2016 |title=How 'Resident Evil: Degeneration' Movie Connects to 'Resident Evil 5' |date=January 23, 2009 |publisher=[[MTV]] |access-date=May 5, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.siliconera.com/resident-evil-damnation-takes-place-right-before-resident-evil-6/ |title=Resident Evil: Damnation Takes Place Right Before Resident Evil 6 |date=August 3, 2012 |publisher=[[Siliconera]] |access-date=May 5, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/mansion-monsters-thirst-blood-operatic-new-resident-evil-vendetta-trailer |title=Mansion monsters thirst for blood in operatic new Resident Evil: Vendetta trailer |date=September 20, 2016 |publisher=[[SyFy Wire]] |access-date=May 5, 2020 |archive-date=November 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125053758/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/mansion-monsters-thirst-blood-operatic-new-resident-evil-vendetta-trailer |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Television ===
{{Main||Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness|Resident Evil (TV series)}}

''[[Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness]]'', a four-part CG [[anime]] series, premiered on July 8, 2021, on [[Netflix]]. Starring the ''[[Resident Evil 2]]'' protagonists Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield, the series features both uncovering a worldwide plot. The series released on July 8, 2021<ref>{{cite web |last1=Grobar |first1=Matt |title=Netflix Debuts New Trailer For 'Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness' Animated Series Premiering This Summer |url=https://deadline.com/video/resident-evil-infinite-darkness-trailer-premiere-date-netflix-anime/ |website=Deadline |access-date=2021-06-21 |date=2021-05-19}}</ref> on [[Netflix]].<ref name="Netflix">{{Cite news |last=Doolan |first=Liam |date=2020-09-27 |title=Capcom Reveals Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness - A New Netflix Series Arriving In 2021 |website=Nintendo Life |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/09/capcom_reveals_resident_evil_infinite_darkness_-_a_new_netflix_series_arriving_in_2021 |access-date=2020-09-27}}</ref>

[[Resident Evil (TV series)|''Resident Evil'']] premiered on July 14, 2022, on Netflix. An eight episode live-action series, two plotlines set in 2022 and 2036 follow Albert Wesker and his daughters navigating Umbrella's experiments in New Raccoon City.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Patches|first=Matt|date=2020-08-27|title=Resident Evil live-action series confirmed by Netflix with first details|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/8/27/21403542/resident-evil-netflix-show-plot-characters-wesker|access-date=2020-08-27|website=Polygon|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Phillips|first=Tom|date=2020-08-27|title=Netflix's Resident Evil series will star the Wesker kids|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-08-27-netflixs-resident-evil-series-will-star-the-wesker-kids|access-date=2020-08-27|website=Eurogamer|language=en}}</ref>

=== Merchandise ===
[[File:Resident Evil Bar.jpg|thumb|''Resident Evil'' theme restaurant]]
Over the years, various toy companies have acquired the ''Resident Evil'' license, with each producing their own unique line of ''Resident Evil'' [[action figure]]s or models.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Enter The Survival Horror... A ''Resident Evil'' Retrospective |magazine=Game Informer |issue=174 |date=October 2007 |pages=132–133}}</ref> These include, but are not limited to, [[Toy Biz]],<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Go Figure|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=111 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=December 1997 |page=30 |quote=Toy Biz will also see its Resident Evil toys slither into stores around March. The first assortment will feature two-packs of a hero or a villain and one of the game's creepy creatures.}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=It's Never Too Late |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issue=106|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=May 1998 |page=114}}</ref> [[Palisades Toys]], [[National Entertainment Collectibles Association|NECA]], and [[Hot Toys]].

[[Tokyo Marui]] also produced replicas of the guns used in the ''Resident Evil'' series in the form of gas blow-back [[airsoft]] guns. Some models included the STARS [[Beretta]] featured in ''Resident Evil 3'', and the [[Desert Eagle]] in a limited edition that came with other memorabilia in a wooden case, along with the Gold [[Luger (pistol)|Lugers]] from ''Code: Veronica'' and the "Samurai Edge" pistol from the ''Resident Evil'' remake. Other merchandise includes an energy drink called "T-virus Antidote".

''Resident Evil Archives'' is a reference guide of the ''Resident Evil'' series written by staff members of Capcom. It was translated into English and published by [[BradyGames]]. The guide describes and summarizes all of the key events that occur in ''[[Resident Evil Zero]]'', ''Resident Evil'', ''Resident Evil 2'', ''Resident Evil 3: Nemesis'', and ''Code: Veronica''. The main plot analysis also contains character relationship charts, artwork, item descriptions, and file transcripts for all five games. <!-- One part of the guide replaces all instances of the word "biohazard" with "Resident Evil", even when the situation didn't warrant it (resulting in such goofs such as the UBCS being referred to as the "Umbrella Resident Evil Countermeasure Service" at one point), as well as typos and spelling errors throughout. A second Archives book was later released in December 2011 and covered ''Resident Evil 4'', ''Resident Evil 5'',  the new scenarios detailed in ''Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles'' and ''Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles'', and the 2008 CGI movie, ''Resident Evil: Degeneration''. The second Archives volume was translated by Capcom and published by BradyGames. --> A second Archives book was later released in December 2011 and covers ''Resident Evil 4'', ''Resident Evil 5'',  the new scenarios detailed in ''Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles'' and ''Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles'', and the 2008 CGI movie, ''Resident Evil: Degeneration''. The second Archives volume was also translated by Capcom and published by BradyGames.

A ''Resident Evil'' [[theme restaurant]] called Biohazard Cafe & Grill S.T.A.R.S. opened in [[Tokyo]] in 2012.<ref>Brian Ashcraft, [http://kotaku.com/5925710/japans-resident-evil-restaurant-has-more-hot-pants-than-zombies/gallery/1 Japan’s Resident Evil Restaurant Has More Hot Pants Than Zombies], Kotaku, July 13, 2012</ref> [[Halloween Horror Nights]] 2013, held at [[Universal Orlando]], featured a haunted house titled ''Resident Evil: Escape from Raccoon City'', based on ''Resident Evil 2'' and ''Resident Evil 3: Nemesis''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/09/23/racoon-city-takes-up-residence-at-universal-studios.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925195124/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/09/23/racoon-city-takes-up-residence-at-universal-studios.aspx|url-status=live|archive-date=September 25, 2013|title=Capcom And Universal Studios Talk Real Life Resident Evil|magazine=Game Informer}}</ref>

=== Novels ===
The first ''Resident Evil'' novel was Hiroyuki Ariga's novella ''Biohazard: The Beginning'', published in 1997 as a portion of the book ''The True Story of Biohazard'', which was given away as a pre-order bonus with the Sega Saturn version of ''Biohazard''. The story serves as a prelude to the original ''Resident Evil'', in which Chris investigates the disappearance of his missing friend, Billy Rabbitson.

[[S. D. Perry]] has written novelizations of the first five games, as well as two original novels taking place between games. The novels often take liberties with the games' plot by exploring events occurring outside and beyond the games. This often meant that the games would later contradict the books on a few occasions.<ref>For example, the novel ''Underworld'' suggested that Raccoon City was destroyed during an accidental fire after the events of ''City of the Dead'', whereas in ''Resident Evil 3'' it is revealed that the city was destroyed by a nuclear missile launched by the government.</ref> One notable addition from the novels is the original character Trent, who often served as a mysterious behind-the-scenes string-puller who aided the main characters. Perry's novels were translated and released in Japan with new cover arts by Wolfina.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wolfina.com/snake-heart/ |title=Snake Heart |language=ja |access-date=July 2, 2009 |archive-date=February 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215011439/http://wolfina.com/snake-heart/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Perry's novels, particularly ''The Umbrella Conspiracy'', also alluded to events in ''Biohazard: The Beginning'', such as the disappearance of Billy Rabbitson and Brian Irons' bid to run for Mayor.  A reprinting of Perry's novels with new cover artwork began in 2012 to coincide with the release of ''[[Resident Evil: Retribution]]'' and its respective novelization.

There are a trilogy of original ''Biohazard'' novels in Japan. {{Nihongo|'' Hokkai no Yōjū''|北海の妖獣||lit. "The Strange Beast of the North Sea"}} was published in 1998 and was written by Kyū Asakura and the staff of Flagship. Two additional novels were published in 2002, ''To the Liberty'' by Sudan Kimura and ''Rose Blank'' by Tadashi Aizawa. While no official English translation of these novels has been published yet, the last two books were translated into German and published in 2006.

Novelizations of the films ''Genesis'', ''Apocalypse'', and ''Extinction'' were written by [[Keith DeCandido]]. ''Afterlife'' did not receive a novelization due to Capcom's decision to discontinue working with [[Pocket Books]], who had been their primary source of publishing books up to that point, Capcom would later make [[Titan Books]] their primary publisher going forth. ''Retribution'' was written by [[John Shirley]], while ''The Final Chapter'' was written by [[Tim Waggoner]]. ''Genesis'' was published over two years after that film's release and coincided with the publication of ''Apocalypse'', ''Genesis'' being marketed as a prequel to ''Apocalypse'', while the ''Extinction'' novel was released in late July 2007, two months before the film's release. ''The Final Chapter'' was published in December 2016 alongside the film's theatrical release. There was also a Japanese novelization of the first film, unrelated to DeCandido's version, written by Osamu Makino. Makino also wrote two novels based on the game ''Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles''. The books are a two-part direct novelization of the game and are published in Japanese and German only. The first novel, titled ''Biohazard: The Umbrella Chronicles Side A'' in Japan and ''Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles 1'' in Germany, was released on December 22, 2007. The second novel, titled ''Biohazard: The Umbrella Chronicles Side B'' in Japan and ''Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles 2'' in Germany, was published in January 2008.

=== Comics ===
In 1997, [[Marvel Comics]] published a single-issue prologue comic based on the original ''Resident Evil'', released through a promotional giveaway alongside the original PlayStation game.

In 1998, [[WildStorm]] began producing a monthly comic book series based on the first two games, ''Resident Evil: The Official Comic Magazine'', which lasted five issues. The first four issues were published by [[Image Comics|Image]], while Wildstorm themselves published the fifth and final issue. Each issue was a compilation of short stories that were both adaptations of events from the games and related side stories. Like the Perry novels, the comics also explored events occurring beyond ''Resident Evil 2'' (the latest game during the series' publication) and thus were contradicted by later games. Wildstorm also published a four-issue miniseries, ''Resident Evil: Fire & Ice'', which depicted the ordeal of Charlie Team, a third STARS team created specifically for the comic. In 2009, Wildstorm reprinted ''Fire & Ice'' in a trade paperback collection.<ref>{{cite news|date=February 7, 2009|title=NYCC '09 – Wildstorm Panel with Jim Lee|work=[[Newsarama]]|url=http://www.newsarama.com/comics/090207-nycc09-widlstorm.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210132105/http://newsarama.com/comics/090207-nycc09-widlstorm.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 10, 2009}}</ref>

In Hong Kong, there has been officially licensed ''Biohazard'' [[manhua]] adaptations of ''Biohazard 0'' by publisher Yulang Group, ''Biohazard 2'' by Kings Fountain, ''Biohazard 3 Supplemental Edition'' by Cao Zhihao and, ''Biohazard 3 The Last Escape'', and ''Biohazard Code: Veronica'' by Lee Chung Hing published by Tinhangse Publishing. The Code: Veronica manhua was translated into English, formatted to look like an American comic and distributed by WildStorm as a series of four graphic novel collections.

In 2009, Wildstorm began publishing a ''Resident Evil'' comic book prequel to ''Resident Evil 5'', which centers on two original members of the BSAA, Mina Gere and Holiday Sugarman. Written by Ricardo Sanchez and illustrated by Kevin Sharpe and Jim Clark, the first issue was published on March 11, 2009. On November 11, 2009, the third issue was released, and the fourth was released March 24, 2010. The sixth and final book was finally published in February 2011.<ref name="Wildstormre5">{{cite web|title=''Resident Evil'' solicitations at DC Comics website.|url=http://www.dccomics.com/wildstorm/comics/?cm=11359|access-date=June 9, 2009|archive-date=July 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722101318/http://www.dccomics.com/comics/resident-evil-2009/resident-evil-1|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Plays ===
In the summer of 2000, ''Bioroid: Year Zero'' was performed in Japan. It was a musical horror-comedy but took the perspective of the infected. Super Eccentric Theater put on the production under the direction of Osamu Yagihashi. The stage play was performed from early July to late August.<ref>{{Cite web|title=BIOHAZARD対策室/BIOHAZARD/S･E･Tバイオロイド零年|url=http://www.biohazard.gr.jp/setzeronen/info.html|access-date=2021-06-25|website=www.biohazard.gr.jp}}</ref> ''Biohazard The Stage'' was released in Japan in 2015. The play focused on Chris Redfield and Rebecca Chambers as Philosophy University in Australia is experiencing a bioterrorist attack. The production was handled by Avex Live Creative and Ace Crew Entertainment, under supervision from Capcom.<ref>{{Citation|last=Yoriko|first=Jun|title=Biohazard the Stage|date=2015-10-22|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10236090/|type=Thriller|others=Rin Asuka, Shin'ichi Chiba, Atsushi Kimura, Yûji Kishi|publisher=Capcom Company|access-date=2021-06-25}}</ref> The following year, ''Musical Biohazard ~Voice of Gaia~'' was released in September. It was produced by Umeda Arts Theater by director G2 and composer, Shunsuke Wada.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-10-14|title=CAST&STAFF│『ミュージカル バイオハザード ～ヴォイス・オブ・ガイア～』特設サイト 梅田芸術劇場|url=http://www.umegei.com/biohazard/cast.html|access-date=2021-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014172251/http://www.umegei.com/biohazard/cast.html|archive-date=October 14, 2018}}</ref> ''Biohazard the Experience'' was the second ''Resident Evil'' play produced by Avex Live Creative and Ace Crew Entertainment. The story is set in 2015 and follows a cast of thirteen survivors who were abducted and woke up in a mansion during an outbreak.<ref>{{Cite web|title=バイオハザード ザ エクスペリエンス ｜ 公式ホームページ｜チケット情報や出演キャスト紹介など 2017年公演|url=http://www.biohazard-stage.com/|access-date=2021-06-25|website=www.biohazard-stage.com|archive-date=August 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150831003232/http://www.biohazard-stage.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Reception and legacy ==
Most of the games in the prominent ''Resident Evil'' series have been released to positive reviews. Some of the games, most notably ''[[Resident Evil (1996 video game)|Resident Evil]]'', ''[[Resident Evil 2]]'' and ''[[Resident Evil 4]]'', have been bestowed with multiple [[List of Game of the Year awards|Game of the Year]] honors and often placed on lists of the [[best video games ever made]].

In 1999, ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' listed the ''Resident Evil'' series as number 13 on their "Top 50 Games of All Time", commenting that, "Flawless graphics, excellent music, and a top-notch storyline all combined to make a game of unparalleled atmosphere and suspense."<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Top 50 Games of All Time |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=50  |date=February 1999|page=79}}</ref> In 2012, ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' ranked ''Resident Evil'' at number 22 on the list of the best video game franchises.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/09/the-50-best-video-game-franchises/resident-evil|title=Resident Evil – The 50 Best Video Game Franchises – Complex|author=Elton Jones|work=Complex|access-date=September 26, 2012|archive-date=June 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140630151854/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/09/the-50-best-video-game-franchises/resident-evil|url-status=dead}}</ref> That same year, [[G4tv]] called it "one of the most successful series in gaming history."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/videos/59175/top-100-video-games-of-all-time-81-resident-evil/ |title=Top 100 Video Games of All Time #81 – Resident Evil – |publisher=G4TV.com |date=June 11, 2012 |access-date=August 15, 2013}}</ref>

===Commercial performance===
By December 2022, around 135 million ''Resident Evil'' games had been sold.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Yaden |first=Joseph |date=7 April 2023 |title=''Resident Evil 4'' surpasses 4 million copies sold in two weeks |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/resident-evil-4-surpasses-4-million-copies-sold-in-two-weeks/1100-6513061/ |access-date=2023-04-07 |website=[[GameSpot]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The first two ''Resident Evil'' games had collectively sold approximately {{nowrap|11 million}} units worldwide by March 1999.<ref>{{cite web |title=Annual Report 1999 |url=https://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/data/pdf/Annual1999.pdf#page=5 |publisher=[[Capcom]] |year=1999 |page=8 |access-date=13 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310044242/https://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/data/pdf/Annual1999.pdf |archive-date=10 March 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> By early 2001, the series had sold {{nowrap|17 million}} units worldwide, earning more than {{US$|600 million|long=no}}.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dunkley |first1=Cathy |title=Col TriStar giving 'Evil' the eye |url=https://variety.com/2001/film/awards/col-tristar-giving-evil-the-eye-1117798958/ |access-date=15 February 2021 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=9 May 2001}}</ref> By 2011, it had sold about {{nowrap|46 million}} copies and was estimated to have grossed at least {{US$|1.3 billion|long=no}}.<ref name="businessinsider">{{cite news |last=Ogg |first=Jon |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna45079546 |title=Zombies worth over $5 billion to economy |work=NBC News |date=2011-10-30 |accessdate=2023-09-17 }}</ref><ref name="theweek">{{cite magazine |title=America's $5 billion zombie industry: By the numbers |url=https://theweek.com/articles/480679/americas-5-billion-zombie-industry-by-numbers |access-date=30 January 2021 |magazine=[[The Week]] |date=27 October 2011}}</ref> It is recognized by ''[[Guinness World Records]]'' as the best-selling survival horror series, with ''[[Resident Evil 2 (2019 video game)|Resident Evil 2]]'' remake being the best-selling survival horror game {{as of|2023|lc=y}}.<ref>{{cite book |title=[[Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition|Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition 2016]] |publisher=[[Guinness World Records]] |isbn=978-1-910561-10-2 |chapter=Resident Evil: Best-selling survival horror series |date=September 10, 2015 |page=138 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7s96CgAAQBAJ&pg=PA138}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Wood |first=Anthony |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/resident-evil-2-remake-now-the-best-selling-resident-evil-game-ever |title=Resident Evil 2 Remake Now the Best-Selling Resident Evil Game Ever |work=[[IGN]] |date=2023-08-03 |accessdate=2023-09-17 }}</ref> Seven of the top ten best-selling horror games in North America are ''Resident Evil'' games.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wright |first1=Landon |title=Resident Evil Franchise Dominates Top 10 Best-Selling Horror Games Via NPD |url=https://gamingbolt.com/resident-evil-franchise-dominates-top-10-best-selling-horror-games-via-npd |access-date=1 February 2021 |work=GamingBolt |date=2 August 2019}}</ref>

The 2023 ''Resident Evil 4'' remake sold more than three million copies in its first two days of release.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nightingale |first1=Ed |date=March 29, 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake has already sold over 3m copies |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/resident-evil-4-remake-has-already-sold-over-3m-copies |access-date=29 March 2023 |website=Eurogamer}}</ref> It sold four million copies in its first two weeks, making it one of the fastest-selling ''Resident Evil'' games.<ref name=":1" /> In Japan, it was the best-selling retail game in its first week, selling 89,662 copies on PlayStation 5 and 85,371 on PlayStation 4.<ref>{{cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=March 30, 2023 |title=Famitsu Sales: 3/20/23 – 3/26/23 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/03/famitsu-sales-3-20-23-3-26-23 |access-date=March 30, 2023 |publisher=Gematsu}}</ref>

The ''Resident Evil'' film series was the highest-grossing [[List of films based on video games|film series based on video games]] by 2012.<ref name="guinness">{{cite magazine|last=Reeves|first=Ben|title=Guinness World Records 2012 Gamer's Edition Preview|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/12/30/guinness-world-records-2012-gamer-s-edition-preview.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106132501/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/12/30/guinness-world-records-2012-gamer-s-edition-preview.aspx|url-status=live|archive-date=January 6, 2012|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|access-date=December 31, 2011|date=December 30, 2011}}</ref> By 2011, the films had grossed over {{US$|600 million|long=no}} at the box office, bringing the franchise's estimated revenue to at least more than {{US$|1.9 billion|long=no}} in combined video game sales and box office gross up until then.<ref name="businessinsider" /><ref name="theweek" /> {{As of|2020}}, the films have grossed more than {{US$|1.3 billion|long=no}} in box office and home video sales.<ref>{{cite web |title=Resident Evil Franchise Box Office History |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movies/franchise/Resident-Evil |website=[[The Numbers (website)|The Numbers]] |access-date=15 February 2021}}</ref> The success of the video games and films have made ''Resident Evil'' the [[List of highest-grossing media franchises|highest-grossing franchise]] in the [[Horror fiction|horror]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mendelson |first1=Scott |title=How 'Resident Evil' Became The Most Successful Video Game-Based Franchise Ever |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2017/01/23/why-resident-evil-became-the-most-successful-video-game-based-franchise-ever/ |access-date=1 February 2021 |work=[[Forbes]] |date=January 23, 2017}}</ref> and zombie genres.<ref name="businessinsider" /><ref name="theweek" />

===Cultural impact===
''[[GameSpot]]'' listed the original ''Resident Evil'' as one of the fifteen most influential video games of all time. It is credited with defining and popularizing the [[survival horror]] genre of games. It is also credited with taking [[video games]] in a cinematic direction with its [[B-movie]] style [[cut-scenes]], including live-action [[full-motion video]] (FMV) footage. Its live-action opening, however, was controversial; it became one of the first [[action games]] to receive the "Mature 17+" (M) rating from the [[Entertainment Software Rating Board]] (ESRB), despite the opening cutscene being censored in North America.<ref name="GameSpot">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/15influential/p14_01.html |title=15 Most Influential Video Games of All Time |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=April 14, 2010 |access-date=August 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100415183542/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/15influential/p14_01.html |archive-date=April 15, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The ''Resident Evil'' franchise is credited with sparking a revival of the [[zombie]] genre in popular culture, leading to a renewed interest in [[zombie films]] during the 2000s.<ref name="bbc">{{cite web |last1=Barber |first1=Nicholas |title=Why are zombies still so popular? |url=http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20131025-zombie-nation |website=[[BBC]] |access-date=31 May 2019 |date=21 October 2014}}</ref><ref name="28days">{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/zaki-hasan/interview-director-alex-g_b_7038618.html|title=INTERVIEW: Director Alex Garland on Ex Machina|work=[[Huffington Post]]|first1=Zaki|last1=Hasan|date=April 10, 2015|access-date=June 21, 2018}}</ref> ''Resident Evil'' also helped redefine the zombie genre,<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Stewart |first1=Kevin |title=The Zombie Aesthetics and the Post-Apocalyptic Franchise |journal=Kinema: A Journal for Film and Audiovisual Media |date=Spring 2007 |publisher=[[University of Waterloo]] |doi=10.15353/kinema.vi.1170 |url=https://openjournals.uwaterloo.ca/index.php/kinema/article/download/1170/1430 |access-date=15 February 2021|doi-access=free |issn = 1192-6252 }}</ref> playing an important role in its shift from supernatural themes to scientific themes by using science to explain the origins of zombies.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Jones |first1=Tanya Carinae Pell |chapter=From Necromancy to the Necrotrophic: Resident Evil's Influence on the Zombie Origin Shift from Supernatural to Science |editor-last1=Farghaly |editor-first1=Nadine |title=Unraveling Resident Evil: Essays on the Complex Universe of the Games and Films |date=April 15, 2014 |publisher=[[McFarland & Company]] |isbn=978-0-7864-7291-8 |pages=7–18 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XENXAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA7}}</ref> According to [[Kim Newman]] in the book ''[[Nightmare Movies]]'' (2011), "the zombie revival began in the Far East" mainly due to the 1996 Japanese zombie games ''Resident Evil'' and ''[[The House of the Dead]]''.<ref name="Newman">{{cite book |last1=Newman |first1=Kim |title=Nightmare Movies: Horror on Screen Since the 1960s |date=2011 |publisher=[[A&C Black]] |isbn=9781408805039 |page=559 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fNMz3tGZVvAC&pg=PA559}}</ref> [[George A. Romero]], in 2013, said it was the video games ''Resident Evil'' and ''House of the Dead'' "more than anything else" that popularised his zombie concept in early 21st-century popular culture.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Weedon |first1=Paul |title=George A. Romero (interview) |url=http://paulweedon.co.uk/george-romero-transcript/ |website=Paul Weedon |date=17 July 2017 |access-date=2 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602105122/http://paulweedon.co.uk/george-romero-transcript/ |archive-date=June 2, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Diver |first1=Mike |title=Gaming's Greatest, Romero-Worthy Zombies |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/gamings-greatest-romero-worthy-zombies/ |access-date=2 June 2019 |work=[[Vice (website)|Vice]] |date=17 July 2017}}</ref> In a 2015 interview with ''[[Huffington Post]]'', screenwriter-director [[Alex Garland]] credited the ''Resident Evil'' series as a primary influence on his script for the [[horror film]] ''[[28 Days Later]]'' (2002), and credited the first ''Resident Evil'' game for revitalizing the zombie genre.<ref name="28days"/> Screenwriter [[Edgar Wright]] cited ''Resident Evil 2'' as a primary influence on his [[zombie comedy]] film ''[[Shaun of the Dead]]'' (2004),<ref>{{cite web |title=12 Killer Facts About Shaun of the Dead |url=http://mentalfloss.com/article/74230/12-killer-facts-about-shaun-dead |website=[[Mental Floss]] |access-date=31 May 2019 |date=23 January 2016}}</ref> with the film's star and co-writer [[Simon Pegg]] also crediting the first game with starting the zombie revival in popular culture.<ref name="bbc"/> [[The Walking Dead (comic book)|''The Walking Dead'' comic book]] creator [[Robert Kirkman]] cited ''Resident Evil'' as his favorite zombie game,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shuman |first1=Sid |title=Robert Kirkman speaks: The Walking Dead creator talks video games and zombies |url=https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/272932/robert_kirkman_speaks_walking_dead_creator_talks_video_games_zombies/ |access-date=14 March 2022 |work=[[PC World]] |date=13 January 2009 |archive-date=October 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020111234/https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/272932/robert_kirkman_speaks_walking_dead_creator_talks_video_games_zombies/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> while [[The Walking Dead (TV series)|''The Walking Dead'' television series]] director [[Greg Nicotero]] credited ''Resident Evil'' and ''The House of the Dead'' with introducing the zombie genre "to a whole generation of younger people who didn't grow up watching ''Night of the Living Dead'' and ''Dawn of the Dead''."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hocking |first1=Scott |title=Interview with Greg Nicotero – The Walking Dead |url=https://stack.com.au/film-tv/film-tv-interview/interview-with-greg-nicotero-the-walking-dead/ |access-date=14 March 2022 |work=STACK |date=24 September 2018 |language=en-AU}}</ref>

The ''Resident Evil Apocalypse'' zombies were conceptualized and choreographed by Sharon B. Moore and Derek Aasland. Through script analysis and movement research a "scientific logic" was devised for the T-virus accounting for each Zombie behaviour envisioned in [[Paul W. S. Anderson]]'s script. Sharon B. Moore and Derek Aasland then wrote the so-called Undead Bible - a Handbook for the Undead - used as the guide for the nearly 1000 cast under the choreographic department (stunt performers, actors, dancers, extras) to ensure the Undead physicality was performed in a unified way across the picture.  The Stunt and Core teams participated in the "Undead Bootcamp".  See also 2007 Documentary ''Undead Bootcamp'' starring producer [[Jeremy Bolt]], director [[Alexander Witt]], and choreographers Sharon B. Moore and Derek Aasland.

On the DVD Featurette {{'}}''Resident Evil; Game Over''{{'}} ''Apocalypse'' director [[Alexander Witt]] said the zombies needed to be "more aggressive and more dangerous" than the original film, so they were created by the film's choreographers Sharon B. Moore and Derek Aasland as "liquid zombie[s]' in terms of their relentless forward motion: unstoppable, flowing around any kind of resistance, and then rushing in on the final attack. This is also detailed in the University of Liverpool book Biopunk Dystopias Genetic Engineering, Society, and Science Fiction (Lars Schmeink, 2016, p.&nbsp;214).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Schmeink |first=Lars |title=Biopunk dystopias : genetic engineering, society, and science fiction |date=2016 |isbn=978-1-78138-332-2 |location=Liverpool |oclc=1256592985}}</ref>

Additionally, the first ''Resident Evil'' film adaptation also contributed to the revival of zombie films, with the success of the film and the games resulting in zombies achieving greater mainstream prominence and several zombie films being greenlit, such as the video game film adaptation ''[[House of the Dead (film)|House of the Dead]]'' (2003), the remake ''[[Dawn of the Dead (2004 film)|Dawn of the Dead]]'' (2004) and Romero's ''[[Land of the Dead]]'' (2005).<ref name="Russell">{{cite book |last1=Russell |first1=Jamie |chapter=The Resident Evil Effect |title=Book of the Dead: The Complete History of Zombie Cinema |date=2005 |publisher=FAB Press / [[Titan Books]] |isbn=978-1-903254-33-2 |pages=171–178 (178) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EOJkAAAAMAAJ |quote=Whatever criticism one might want to level against the first ''Resident Evil'' movie, it had an undeniably positive effect on the zombie's fortunes. Dragged into the mainstream by the videogame franchise and Anderson's blockbuster, the living dead suddenly achieved a degree of respectability they'd never had before. It was as if, after seventy-odd years of being ignored, they'd finally received their invite to the Hollywood party. Within mere weeks of ''Resident Evil''{{'}}s opening came a series of press releases and announcements suggesting that the zombie had finally broken free of its marginal roots: a remake of ''Dawn of the Dead'' had received the greenlight, a big-screen adaptation of arcade game ''The House of the Dead'' was going into production; and, perhaps most exciting of all, George Romero announced at Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors Convention in August 2002 that he was in serious talks with Twentieth Century Fox to complete the fourth and final installment of his “trilogy” - provisionally dubbed "Land of the Dead," with a {{US$|10 million|long=no}} budget and a planned R-rated release.}}</ref> The ''Resident Evil'' films, ''28 Days Later'' and the ''Dawn of the Dead'' remake all set box office records for the zombie genre, reaching levels of commercial success not seen since the original ''[[Dawn of the Dead (1978 film)|Dawn of the Dead]]'' (1978).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Booker |first1=M. Keith |title=Encyclopedia of Comic Books and Graphic Novels [2 volumes]: [Two Volumes] |date=2010 |publisher=[[ABC-CLIO]] |isbn=9780313357473 |page=662 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YbkJ0QJrEZ8C&pg=PA662}}</ref> They were followed by other zombie films such as ''[[28 Weeks Later]]'' (2007), ''[[Zombieland]]'' (2009), ''[[Cockneys vs Zombies]]'' (2012), and ''[[World War Z (film)|World War Z]]'' (2013), as well as zombie-themed graphic novels and television shows such as ''[[The Walking Dead (franchise)|The Walking Dead]]'' and ''[[The Returned (French TV series)|The Returned]]'',<ref name="bbc"/> and books such as ''[[World War Z]]'' (2006), ''[[Pride and Prejudice and Zombies]]'' (2009) and ''[[Warm Bodies]]'' (2010).<ref name="hollywoodreporter">{{cite news |title=How '28 Days Later' Changed the Horror Genre |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/have-get-a-quiet-place-killed-zombie-genre-1121491 |access-date=31 May 2019 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=29 June 2018}}</ref> The zombie revival trend was popular across different media up until the mid-2010s.<ref name="bbc"/> Since then, zombie films have declined in popularity during the late 2010s,<ref name="hollywoodreporter"/> but [[List of zombie video games|zombie video games]] have remained popular, as seen with the commercial success of the ''Resident Evil 2'' remake and ''[[Days Gone]]'' in 2019.<ref>{{cite news |title=A Discussion of Zombies and the Apocalypse in Video Games |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/days-gone-resident-evil-a-discussion-zombies-apocalypse-video-games-1205253 |access-date=31 May 2019 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=27 April 2019}}</ref>

{{Clear}}

== See also ==
{{Portal bar|Japan|United States|Video games|Film|Anime and manga|Comics|Books|Speculative fiction|Horror|Viruses|1990s|2000s|2010s|2020s}}
* [[Genetics in fiction#Genetic engineering|Genetic engineering in fiction]]
* [[List of fictional diseases]]
* [[List of zombie video games]]
* ''[[Dino Crisis]]'', another horror series by Capcom
* ''[[Dead Rising]]'', another zombie-themed series by Capcom
* ''[[Devil May Cry]]'', another series by Capcom, initially conceived as a ''Resident Evil'' game
* ''[[Onimusha]]'', another series by Capcom with similar gameplay, initially conceived as a ''Resident Evil'' game
* ''[[The Evil Within]]'', other horror game made by Shinji Mikami

{{Clear}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Resident Evil}}
* {{Official website|http://www.residentevil.com/}}
* {{Mobygames|-group/biohazard-resident-evil-series| ''BioHazard / Resident Evil'' series}}
* [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1127722/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_cl_sm Undead Bootcamp - Resident Evil Apocalypse - (2007 - Documentary)]

{{Resident Evil series}}
{{Franchises by Capcom}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Resident Evil| ]]
[[Category:Biopunk video games]]
[[Category:Capcom franchises]]
[[Category:Experimental medical treatments in fiction]]
[[Category:Fiction about genetic engineering]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1996]]
[[Category:Video games about human experimentation]]
[[Category:Mutants in fiction]]
[[Category:Fiction about bioterrorism]]
[[Category:Science fiction franchises]]
[[Category:Video games about mutants]]
[[Category:Video games about zombies]]
[[Category:Video games adapted into comics]]
[[Category:Video games adapted into films]]
[[Category:Video games adapted into novels]]
[[Category:Video games adapted into television shows]]