Discover the complete Resident Evil timeline for 2026. Follow our chronological guide to all canon games and movies, then top up safely to play today.
Resident Evil Chronology: Game & Movie Timeline 2026
Resident Evil Chronology: Game & Movie Timeline 2026
Resident Evil Chronology: The Complete Game And Movie Timeline For 2026
This Resident Evil chronology guide covers the complete chronological order for both games and movies up to 2026. If you want to experience the full story of RE (Resident Evil), playing and watching in timeline order is the best way to do it. You will find everything you need here to navigate the canon video games, animated films, and even the separate live-action universe.
Summary
You can easily track the Resident Evil timeline by following the in-universe events rather than release dates. This guide breaks down the absolute best starting points for both the games and the movies. Use this straightforward list to plan your next survival horror marathon.
TLDR
- Start the games with Resident Evil Zero.
- Start the canon movies with Resident Evil: Degeneration.
- Keep the live-action movies in a separate, non-canon timeline.
- Follow the story from the late 1990s all the way to 2026.
🎮 Table Of Contents
Use this table to help you navigate the Resident Evil timeline.
What Is The Resident Evil Timeline?
The Resident Evil timeline is the chronological order of events across the survival horror franchise. It spans decades of in-game history, starting in the late 1990s and continuing into 2026. The timeline is split between canon entries – which include mainline games and CGI movies – and non-canon entries, like the live-action films. This means you have two distinct universes to explore.
Resident Evil Games In Chronological Order
To play the Resident Evil games in chronological order, you need to follow the in-universe timeline rather than the release dates.
đź’ˇ Tip: Playing in chronological order helps you understand the character arcs and viral outbreaks much better.
The Raccoon City Origins
These games cover the early years and the initial virus outbreak.
- Resident Evil Zero
- Resident Evil (or the remake)
- Resident Evil 2
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
Note: RE2 and RE3 overlap in the timeline.
The Global Outbreak Era
These mid-era games take the bio-threat worldwide.
- Resident Evil Code: Veronica
- Resident Evil 4
- Resident Evil 5
- Resident Evil 6
The Winters Family And Beyond
These modern games focus on a new protagonist and lead into the future.
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
- Resident Evil 8: Village
- Resident Evil 9 (leading into the 2026 timeline)
Resident Evil Movies In Chronological Order
The Resident Evil movies in chronological order require separating the animated films from the live-action ones.
Canon Animated (CGI) Movies
These films are canon and tie directly into the video game universe.
- Resident Evil: Degeneration
- Resident Evil: Damnation
- Resident Evil: Vendetta
- Resident Evil: Death Island
Live-Action Movie Timeline
These films sit in a separate, non-canon universe to avoid confusion.
- Resident Evil
- Resident Evil: Apocalypse
- Resident Evil: Extinction
- Resident Evil: Afterlife
- Resident Evil: Retribution
- Resident Evil: The Final Chapter
Combined Resident Evil Chronology: Games And Movies
The combined Resident Evil chronology for games and movies is a master list that weaves the canon CGI movies into the mainline game timeline. We do not include the live-action films in this list to keep it simple and accurate.
- 1998: Resident Evil Zero
- 1998: Resident Evil
- 1998: Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (First Half)
- 1998: Resident Evil 2
- 1998: Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (Second Half)
- 1998: Resident Evil Code: Veronica
- 2004: Resident Evil 4
- 2005: Resident Evil: Degeneration (CGI Movie)
- 2009: Resident Evil 5
- 2011: Resident Evil: Damnation (CGI Movie)
- 2012–2013: Resident Evil 6
- 2014: Resident Evil: Vendetta (CGI Movie)
- 2015: Resident Evil: Death Island (CGI Movie)
- 2017: Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
- 2021: Resident Evil 8: Village
- 2026: Resident Evil 9 (Upcoming timeline events)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Is The Chronological Order To Play Resident Evil Games?
The chronological order to play the mainline Resident Evil games is:
- Resident Evil Zero
- Resident Evil
- Resident Evil 2
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
- Resident Evil Code: Veronica
- Resident Evil 4
- Resident Evil 5
- Resident Evil 6
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
- Resident Evil 8: Village
In What Order Do I Watch Resident Evil?
You should watch the canon CGI movies between the games, or you can watch the separate live-action movies in release order from the first film to The Final Chapter.
Are RE7 And RE8 Connected?
Yes, RE7 and RE8 are directly connected. They both follow the continuous story of Ethan Winters and his family.
Do I Need To Play RE6 Before RE9?
No, you do not need to play RE6 before RE9. The newer games feature standalone arcs that are very easy to follow without playing the older entries.
Which Resident Evil Timeline Is Canon?
The canon Resident Evil timeline includes all mainline video games and the animated CGI movies.
What Is The Resident Evil Order For Leon?
The Resident Evil chronological order for Leon S. Kennedy is:
- Resident Evil 2
- Resident Evil 4
- Resident Evil: Degeneration
- Resident Evil: Damnation
- Resident Evil 6
- Resident Evil: Vendetta
- Resident Evil: Death Island
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Written by
Ruby Walker
