Resident Evil is one of the few gaming series that has had such a big impact on survival horror. The series has changed a lot since it first came out in 1996. It went from scary games with fixed cameras to open-world horror masterpieces. Fans still can't agree on which entry is the greatest.
Some people like the early games' tight, tense atmosphere. Some people love the new games' cinematic remakes and current gameplay. But everyone agrees that Resident Evil changed video games for good.
In this list, we'll look at the most important games and compare old ones with new ones and remakes.
1. Resident Evil 4 is the most popular game.
It wouldn't be a full list of games without Resident Evil 4. This game changed the whole genre and the franchise. It added aiming from behind the shoulder, which became a norm for action-horror games.
Players had to go through frightening villages and scary castles to help Leon Kennedy save the president's daughter. There was just the right amount of action and horror. A lot of fans say it's the best game in the series.
The Resident Evil 4 remake made this great game look better for today's players. It stood the test of time with better graphics and new mechanics.
2. Resident Evil 2: The Best Classic Horror Game
Many people think Resident Evil 2 is the best old-school survival horror game. It came out in 1998 and included two narratives that built on the first one. People may follow Leon or Claire, which makes the game worth playing again.
The mood inside the Racoon City Police Department is still famous. The scary lickers, cramped halls, and lack of ammo set the tone for horror games.
The new version of Resident Evil 2 made it more modern without sacrificing its spirit. It mixed old-school feelings with new-school graphics and smart gameplay changes.
3. Resident Evil Village: A New Take on Gothic Horror
Resident Evil Village picked up Ethan Winters' journey where Resident Evil 7 left off. It came out in 2021 and combined classic horror with modern showmanship.
The medieval European setting made it feel like a fairy tale. Lady Dimitrescu and other characters became immediate icons. The game had a good mix of action, riddles, and exploration that fans of all ages liked.
Resident Evil 8, as it's frequently nicknamed, showed that the series could still surprise us after all these years.
4. Resident Evil 7: A Scary Game in First Person
The series requires a change by 2017. Resident Evil 7 gave us a lot of that. When it switched to first-person, it made the experience more personal and scary.
The Baker family's creepy mansion turned survival horror into a nightmare of being trapped. Every time the floorboards creaked, it made things worse. It wasn't simply about zombies anymore; it was about fear in the mind.
This game brought back interest in the series and set the ground for Resident Evil Village.
5. Resident Evil 3: Action Over Atmosphere
The series went on a more action-oriented approach with Resident Evil 3. Nemesis was one of the most famous monsters in video games that Jill Valentine had to fight.
Some people liked that the game was shorter and moved faster than Resident Evil 2. Nemesis, on the other hand, offered random encounters that kept players on their toes.
The new version of Resident Evil 3 had better graphics but left out some of the original material. People still have different opinions, but it's still a good entry.
6. What We Know So Far About Resident Evil 9
Resident Evil 9 is already getting a lot of attention, even though it hasn't come out yet. Fans want it to either continue Ethan's journey or bring in new heroes.
There are rumours and leaks that say the game will have a mix of open-world aspects and even darker themes. Players want it to mix the action of Resident Evil 4 with the terror of Resident Evil 7.
If Capcom does it right, Resident Evil 9 might become a fan favourite and change the series again.
7. Resident Evil Requiem: The Movie Tie-In
Even though it's not a game, Resident Evil Requiem is worth mentioning. The movie spin-off shows how far the franchise has come since it started on consoles.
Even though critics typically hated the movies, they kept the brand in the news. Fans liked seeing their favourite characters and monsters come to life on the big screen.
It reveals how the series has affected culture in ways that go beyond gaming.
8. Looking at how the gameplay styles change across the series
Over the years, the Resident Evil series has tried several different ways to play. Every period introduced something fresh.
Game Era Style Key Example Fixed-Camera Survival Controls for tanks and riddles Resident Evil 2: A Mix of Action and Horror Shooting from behind the shoulder Resident Evil 4: Being in the Game Tension that makes you feel trapped Modern Horror Movies: Resident Evil 7 Gothic and movie-like style Village of Resident Evil
This variety makes the series interesting and fun for both casual and hardcore gamers.
9. Two Important Things to Learn from the Evolution of Resident Evil
The franchise teaches us a lot about how to play games and convey stories.
We need new ideas. The franchise could have gotten boring if there weren't risks like Resident Evil 4 or 7.
The atmosphere is important. Setting changes the experience, whether it's a scary house or a village blanketed in snow.
These lessons show why Resident Evil is still popular after over 30 years.
10. Secret Treasures in the Franchise
Not every game gets the same amount of attention, but some do.
Resident Evil Code: Veronica moved the tale forward with its complicated characters.
Fans were impressed by Resident Evil Revelations, which was a portable survival horror game.
These entries may not be at the top of the standings, but they highlight how deep the series extends.
11. Why fans keep coming back
Why do millions of people still play Resident Evil? The explanation is simple: fear and interest. Every game has a mix of action and tension, which makes players both anxious and happy.
Fans stay loyal because of the mix of monsters, puzzles, and memorable personalities. Remakes also let new players find the franchise, which keeps its legacy alive.
It's not common for a franchise to change without losing its core essence.
12. Resident Evil and Modern Entertainment
Resident Evil isn’t just a game anymore. It’s comics, movies, merchandise, and even Netflix shows. The cultural footprint is massive.
It’s like grabbing a bonus from Richard Casino free spins — unexpected but welcome. Fans never know what form the next adaptation will take, but they’re always curious.
This brand isn’t fading anytime soon. If anything, it’s expanding.
Last Thoughts
It's hard to rank Resident Evil games because each one is different. The franchise has never been afraid to change, from the survival horror genius of Resident Evil 2 to the new ideas in Resident Evil 7.
The remake of Resident Evil 4 showed that old games can still feel new. In the meantime, the buzz around Resident Evil 9 suggests that fans want more.
One thing is for sure: Resident Evil's legacy will have an impact on horror games for a long time.
