Discover the complete Resident Evil timeline for 2026. Get the exact chronological order to play the games and watch the movies in our ultimate guide.
Resident Evil Chronology: Games & Movies in Order (2026)
Resident Evil Chronology: Games & Movies in Order (2026)
The Complete Resident Evil Chronology: Timeline, Games, and Movies in Order (2026)
The resident evil chronology is the complete chronological timeline of the survival horror franchise, spanning across video games, CGI animated movies, and live-action films. Navigating this timeline can be tricky due to prequels, remakes, and parallel cinematic universes. We’re here to help you sort it all out so you can jump right into the action.
Summary
You’re about to explore the entire Resident Evil universe, from the early days of the Umbrella Corporation to the latest survival horror adventures in 2026. This guide gives you the exact order to play the games and watch the movies, so you never miss a beat of the story.
TLDR
- If you just want the fastest way to play, start with Resident Evil 0 and Resident Evil (or the remake).
- Move on to Resident Evil 2, 3, and Code: Veronica to experience the fall of Raccoon City.
- Play Resident Evil 4, 5, and 6 to see the global fight against bioterrorism.
- Finish with Resident Evil 7 and Village to complete the Winters family saga.
🎮 Table of Contents
Here is exactly what you will find in this guide to help you plan your playthrough.
- What is the Resident Evil Timeline?
- Resident Evil Games in Chronological Order
- Resident Evil Chronological Order Including Movies and Games
- Resident Evil Movies Chronological Order (Live-Action)
- Resident Evil Order for Leon S. Kennedy
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Get Ready for the Next Survival Horror with Recharge.com
What is the Resident Evil Timeline?
The Resident Evil timeline is the official sequence of events that take place within the franchise’s universe, starting from the 1960s origins of the Umbrella Corporation up to the modern day. If you’re wondering which resident evil timeline is canon, the answer is simple. The “Canon” timeline includes all main video games and CGI animated movies. The “Live-Action” timeline features the Hollywood movies, which exist in their own separate universe.
Resident Evil Games in Chronological Order
Finding the right resident evil game order is the best way to experience the story. Playing the modern remakes for Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4 fits perfectly into the 2026 timeline. They’re a great starting point for new players on PS5 or Xbox. Here is the resident evil chronological order for games so you know exactly which resident evil order to play.
Origins and the Arklay Incident (1998)
Resident Evil 0
Sets up the discovery of the T-Virus.
Sets up the discovery of the T-Virus.
Resident Evil (or Remake)
The famous mansion incident that started it all.
The famous mansion incident that started it all.
These two games introduce the Umbrella Corporation and the deadly T-Virus. You’ll explore a creepy train and an eerie mansion while fighting for survival.
The Fall of Raccoon City (1998)
The infection spreads to a major city, leading to total chaos.
- Resident Evil 2: Follows Leon and Claire trying to escape the city.
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis: Takes place at almost the exact same time as RE2, focusing on Jill Valentine.
- Resident Evil – Code: Veronica: Continues Claire’s search for her brother.
Global Bioterrorism (2004 – 2013)
The threat moves beyond zombies. You’ll face new dangers like Las Plagas and the Uroboros virus.
- Resident Evil 4
- Leon travels to Europe to rescue the President’s daughter.
- Resident Evil 5
- Chris Redfield fights a new outbreak in Africa.
- Resident Evil 6
- A massive global campaign featuring multiple heroes.
The Winters Family Saga (2017 – 2021)
This era shifts the perspective to Ethan Winters. You experience the horror in first-person through Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil 8: Village.
Where Does RE9 Fit in the Timeline?
Resident Evil 9 takes place after the events of Village and its Shadows of Rose DLC. This highly anticipated game pushes the timeline forward into 2026 and beyond.
Resident Evil Chronological Order Including Movies and Games
If you’re searching for the resident evil timeline with cgi movies, you’re in the right place. The CGI animated movies are completely canon and fit directly between the games. Here is the resident evil chronological order movies and games list to give you the full story.
🎬 Play and Watch Order:
- Resident Evil 4 (Game)
- Resident Evil: Degeneration (Movie)
- Resident Evil 5 (Game)
- Resident Evil: Damnation (Movie)
- Resident Evil 6 (Game)
- Resident Evil: Vendetta (Movie)
- Resident Evil: Death Island (Movie)
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (Game)
This resident evil timeline with animated movies bridges the gaps between major game releases perfectly.
Resident Evil Movies Chronological Order (Live-Action)
The Milla Jovovich movies are their own separate universe. If you’re looking for the resident evil order to watch movies, this standalone live-action timeline is very straightforward.
1. Resident Evil (2002)
2. Apocalypse (2004)
3. Extinction (2007)
4. Afterlife (2010)
5. Retribution (2012)
6. The Final Chapter (2016)
Resident Evil Order for Leon S. Kennedy
Leon is a fan-favorite character with a massive following. If you want the specific resident evil order for leon, follow this path to see his complete journey.
đź’ˇ Leon’s Timeline:
- Resident Evil 2 (Game)
- Resident Evil: Degeneration (Movie)
- Resident Evil 4 (Game)
- Resident Evil: Damnation (Movie)
- Resident Evil 6 (Game)
- Resident Evil: Vendetta (Movie)
- Resident Evil: Death Island (Movie)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
In what order do I watch Resident Evil?
It depends on which universe you prefer. Watch the CGI animated movies between the main games for the canon story, or watch the live-action Milla Jovovich movies in release order for a standalone experience.
Are RE7 and RE8 connected?
Yes, they’re directly connected. Resident Evil 8 is a direct sequel to Resident Evil 7, continuing the terrifying story of Ethan Winters.
Why is RE3 disliked?
Some fans felt the original Resident Evil 3 was too similar to the second game. The modern remake also cut out some locations from the original, making it feel short. However, it’s still a fast, action-packed game that many players love.
Is Resident Evil Requiem part of the timeline?
If you’re wondering is resident evil requiem timeline canon, the answer is no. Resident Evil: Requiem is a fan concept and not part of the official 2026 canon timeline.
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Written by
Conor Byrne
