Resident Evil Chronology: Complete Game & Movie Timeline

The Complete Resident Evil Chronology: Timeline of Games and Movies

The Resident Evil chronology spans over three decades of survival horror, blending mainline games, spin-offs, and animated movies into one massive, interconnected universe. As of 2026, the timeline has expanded significantly since the original Spencer Mansion incident, introducing new heroes, villains, and global threats. Navigating this massive lore can be intimidating, but understanding the sequence of events drastically improves the experience.

Summary

This guide breaks down the complete timeline of the survival horror franchise from its 1998 origins to the current 2026 releases. It separates the official canon, which includes the games and animated films, from the live-action Hollywood adaptations, giving you a clear path to experience the entire storyline exactly as it unfolds within the universe.

TLDR

• If you want to play the games in order, you should start with Resident Evil 0.
• The official canon includes mainline games, specific spin-offs, and CG animated movies, but ignores live-action films.
• The core 1998 storyline spans Resident Evil 0, 1, 2, and 3.
• You should watch animated movies like Degeneration and Death Island between specific game eras to grasp the full story.
• The live-action films operate on their own entirely separate and non-canon timeline.

What is the Resident Evil Timeline?

The Resident Evil timeline is the official chronological sequence of events, games, and canon media within the Capcom survival horror universe. There is a distinct difference between playing the resident evil games in order of release and playing them in resident evil chronological order. Release order shows you how gameplay mechanics evolved from fixed cameras to modern first-person perspectives. Chronological order, however, lets you experience the story exactly as the characters do, starting from the earliest isolated outbreaks to global catastrophes.

The official canon strictly includes the numbered mainline games, select narrative spin-offs like Code Veronica, and the official CG animated films produced alongside the games. It strictly excludes the live-action Hollywood movies, which take place in their own alternate universe. As you dive into these expansive titles, buying games safely online is an important step to protect your personal information while building your digital library.

Resident Evil Games and Movies in Chronological Order

This section breaks down the main canon by the exact in-universe years each entry takes place. Whether you want to purchase your favorite titles on the PlayStation Store or buy PC games on Steam, following this sequence provides the richest narrative journey through the series.

The Origins and Raccoon City Incident (1998)

The year 1998 is by far the most dense and important period in the resident evil lore timeline. This is when the T-Virus first breaks out and sets the stage for the rest of the franchise.

Resident Evil 0

Taking place in July 1998, this follows S.T.A.R.S. medic Rebecca Chambers and escaped convict Billy Coen. This is the very first resident evil game chronologically, showing the events leading directly to the Spencer Mansion.

Resident Evil (or RE1 Remake)

Set immediately after RE0 in July 1998, this classic follows Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine as they uncover the Umbrella Corporation's dark secrets inside the Spencer Mansion.

Resident Evil 2 & Resident Evil 3: Nemesis

Both titles take place concurrently in September and October 1998. Resident Evil 3 begins slightly before the events of Resident Evil 2, as Jill Valentine tries to escape the infected city, and ends slightly after Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield make their own escape.

The Fall of Umbrella and Las Plagas Era (1998 - 2004)

Following the nuclear destruction of Raccoon City, the survivors scatter across the globe to take down Umbrella and face entirely new biological threats.

Resident Evil: Code Veronica

For those wondering when does code veronica take place, it is set in December 1998. Claire Redfield continues the search for her brother Chris, ending up on Rockfort Island and facing the terrifying Ashford family.

Resident Evil 4 (and RE4 Remake)

If you want to know what year does re4 take place, it is set in 2004. Leon S. Kennedy is now a government agent sent to a rural Spanish village to rescue the US President's kidnapped daughter from a cult using mind-controlling parasites called Las Plagas.

The Global Bioterrorism Era (2004 - 2013)

This era shifts the focus to the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance (BSAA) as black-market biological weapons cause massive worldwide outbreaks.

Resident Evil: Revelations

Taking place in 2005, this entry follows Jill Valentine investigating a derelict cruise ship, the Queen Zenobia, while searching for Chris Redfield.

Resident Evil: Degeneration (Animated Movie)

Set in 2005, this is the very first entry in the resident evil animated movies in order. It reunites Leon and Claire during an airport viral outbreak.

Resident Evil 5

To answer the question of when does re5 take place, this action-heavy title is set in 2009. Chris Redfield travels to Kijuju, Africa, to stop a massive bioweapon sale and uncover the ultimate fate of his former partner, Jill Valentine.

Resident Evil: Revelations 2

Set in 2011, this episodic game focuses on Claire Redfield and Barry Burton as they navigate a deadly island facility run by a mysterious figure known as the Overseer.

Resident Evil: Damnation (Animated Movie)

Taking place in 2011, this movie follows Leon S. Kennedy in an Eastern European warzone, directly setting up the global chaos seen in the next mainline game.

Resident Evil 6

Spanning late 2012 to 2013, this massive game features intertwining campaigns with Leon, Chris, Ada Wong, and Jake Muller as they combat the C-Virus across the United States, Eastern Europe, and China.

The Winters Family Saga and Beyond (2014 - 2026)

Moving into the modern era, the franchise shifts away from pure action back to its terrifying survival horror roots, primarily introducing us to civilian protagonist Ethan Winters.

Resident Evil: Vendetta (Animated Movie)

Taking place in 2014, this CG movie brings Chris, Leon, and Rebecca Chambers together to stop a new viral threat in New York City.

Resident Evil: Death Island (Animated Movie)

For fans asking when does death island take place, the events occur in 2015. It features a massive crossover of all major legacy characters investigating an outbreak at Alcatraz.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Set in 2017, this game introduces Ethan Winters. Searching for his missing wife, Mia, he travels to a derelict plantation in Dulvey, Louisiana, and faces the terrifying Baker family.

Resident Evil Village (RE8)

If you are curious about what year does re8 take place, the main campaign happens in 2021. Ethan Winters must navigate a snowy European village filled with lycans and vampires to save his kidnapped daughter, Rose.

Resident Evil Village: Shadows of Rose

While released prior to 2026, this story DLC jumps 16 years forward in the timeline to approximately 2037. It follows a teenage Rose Winters diving into the consciousness of the Megamycete to rid herself of her unwanted powers.

The 2026 Game Releases

As of 2026, Resident Evil 9 brings the core narrative to the present day. Following the aftermath of the BSAA's corruption teased in Village, the modern timeline centers on legacy characters dealing with the fallout of bioweapons being used by the very organizations sworn to destroy them.

The Live-Action Resident Evil Movie Order

If you are looking for the resident evil movies in order to watch, it is important to know that the Paul W.S. Anderson live-action films starring Milla Jovovich operate on a completely separate, non-canon timeline. They are highly stylized action movies that borrow characters and monsters from the games but forge their own apocalyptic path.

If you plan to marathon them, here is the official viewing order:
• Resident Evil (2002)
• Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)
• If you want to watch resident evil: extinction, it is the third film (2007)
• Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010)
• Resident Evil: Retribution (2012)
• Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016)

Additionally, Welcome to Raccoon City (2021) is a separate live-action reboot that attempts to faithfully adapt the first two games, but it remains entirely disconnected from both the Jovovich movies and the official video game canon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many Resident Evil games are there?

There are currently 9 mainline numbered games in the franchise as of 2026. However, when you include all the spin-offs, remakes, multiplayer titles, and mobile games, there are well over 30 titles in the entire series.

Is Ethan Winters dead?

Yes, Ethan Winters officially dies at the end of Resident Evil Village. He sacrifices himself by staying behind to destroy the Megamycete, ensuring Chris Redfield and his daughter Rose can safely escape.

What is the best Resident Evil game?

While highly subjective, both the original Resident Evil 4 (along with its modern remake) and the Resident Evil 2 Remake consistently rank the highest among critics and fans for their perfect blend of atmosphere, pacing, and groundbreaking gameplay.

How long is Resident Evil 7?

A standard playthrough of Resident Evil 7 takes roughly 9 to 10 hours to complete. Completionists who want to find all files, antique coins, and unlockables may take up to 15 hours.

Is Ada Wong in Resident Evil 9?

Based on the current 2026 canon and game announcements, Ada Wong's involvement remains heavily theorized by fans. Capcom closely guards her exact role, often saving her shadowy appearances for dramatic reveals or supplementary DLC chapters.