Horror is one genre that every gamer tries at least once in their lifetime. And while not every game can make you feel that nail-biting thrill, some have done that and more. The leading franchise that has delivered such an experience time and time again is Resident Evil. A masterpiece created by Capcom, this series of games focuses on a multi-layered story experience combined with intense horror and gore.
Over the years, there have been many Resident Evil games, live-action movies, and even animated movies. Capcom mostly ensured Resident Evil always held that taste of zombie apocalypse while telling a compelling story. And while at times we were left disappointed, we always got something different.
Today, let me take you back to Racoon City as I’ve decided to rank the Resident Evil games from the worst to the best. I separated the remakes from their originals, as Capcom always ensured the latter held more than just the nostalgia drive. So, with that, let’s begin!
10. Resident Evil: Revelations
- Release Date: 26 January 2012
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U, Microsoft Windows
We start our list with a side story to the main storyline, Resident Evil: Revelations. Revelations continued the shoulder perspective angle of Resident Evil 4 and enhanced the gun mechanics further. Although lacking a few character development elements, the game was mostly fun.
Although a fairly good game, Revelations also diverted from its original genre. Even though the game was defined as a survival horror, we mostly saw a lot of gunplay and action vibes. Overall, despite lacking a few RE elements, Revelations turned out to be a solid story-style game with a lot of cinematic sequences. One can argue that the successor, Revelations 2, holds a better place in any rank list. For me, I do prefer the original.
9. Resident Evil Code: Veronica X
- Release Date: 3 February 2000
- Platform(s): PlayStation 2, PlayStation 4, Dreamcast, GameCube, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
As a seasoned RE gamer, you will know there is always an argument about which game deserves the spot more between Nemesis and Code: Veronica. But, Code: Veronica made its intent clear when it came to closing the first chapter of the Resident Evil lore.
Originally made to be the successor to Resident Evil 3, it was launched in February 2000. The game embraced a new approach of European gothic horror-style gameplay.
However, we picked the X version of the game for our list for two reasons. RE Veronica was the first to approach HD environments properly, making it more immersive. The other reason, however, was how Capcom added more cutscenes and little details in Code: Veronica X. These reasons, combined with Veronica X’s story and gameplay, still makes it outclass many horror games.
8. Resident Evil 8: Village
- Release Date: 7 May 2021
- Platform(s): PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC
As a successor to the refreshment of Biohazard, RE: Village came with many upgrades. However, what took the cake for me was the story. Ethan’s tale of rescuing his wife and daughter and unraveling all the secrets was the perfect ending to the journey that began with Resident Evil 7: Biohazard.
The game’s selling point, however, was the five villains. The entire game was layered with each antagonist and their backstories. So, while Lady Dimitrescu scared you with her height, Karl Heisenberg came with his own horror. RE Village’s story also neatly tied in with the original Raccoon City plotline. RE: Village VR also won the Game Awards in 2023 for its immersion. All these reasons and more make Village a solid choice for me.
7. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
- Release Date: 24 January 2017
- Platform(s): PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows, Google Stadia
Even though previous Resident Evil games used a common theme, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard changed the formula altogether. While Resident Evil was always more of a survival shooter, Biohazard changed the focus to intense horror. This was achieved by a focus on first-person view, claustrophobic environments, and a storyline that got way too dark. For me, this makes Resident Evil: Biohazard one of the scariest horror experiences to date.
However, in terms of RE Games, the game lacked quite a lot even then. I found myself going down a Silent Hill route while playing it. Because of the shift, RE 7 emphasized the player being terrified rather than going through an arcade experience found in older RE games. Thankfully, the story here was much better than the previous two iterations.
Overall, Biohazard chokes you in a dark, swampy, and disgusting place where surviving is the only option.
6. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
- Release Date: 22 September 1999
- Platform(s): Playstation, PlayStation 4, GameCube, PC
Before we jump into the region of flawless Capcom remakes and our personal top fives, there is one more original that I want to mention. Created to be a side story with the Resident Evil Code: Veronica, Nemesis somehow surpassed the main story. With a better and more action-oriented approach, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis made you keep your eyes peeled for this scary being.
The horror Nemesis was inspired by the T-1000 Terminator from Terminator 2: Judgment Day. And as a formidable opponent, Nemesis did deliver. This made Jill’s escape from Raccoon City way harder. The only things coming to save were the new weapon mechanics and added mobility. So, if you really want to add a touch of paranoia to your horror experience, then check out Resident Evil 3: Nemesis.
5. Resident Evil 2 (Remake)
- Release Date: 25 January 2019
- Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One
The first remake on our list should have been a completely separate Resident Evil game. When the first announcement about an RE 2 remake hit, a lot of players were left with mixed feelings since they were expecting something new. Thankfully, the game delivered on its promises. Resident Evil 2 remake did not bank on its nostalgia drive at all.
Everything that appeared in the game, whether the storytelling, little details, or the soundtrack, was genuine and creative. As the first game on the newly enhanced RE Engine, the remake became extremely immersive and terrifying. However, I felt it lacked continuity from previous games that didn’t connect well to the story. Nonetheless, I found the RE 2 Remake one of the best follow-ups to appear when taking previous games into account.
4. Resident Evil 4 (Remake)
- Release Date: 23 March 2023
- Platform(s): PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, macOS, iOS, Microsoft Windows, Mac operating systems
While the RE2 remake turned a lot of heads, the disastrous launch of the Resident Evil 3 remake in 2020 left Capcom with a less-than-ideal reputation with gamers. That thankfully changed with the Resident Evil 4 remake. The Resident Evil 4 remake combined the newfound claustrophobic approach with the nostalgia of the original.
While most remakes lack a creative approach, this one exceeded the original in multiple directions. Be it the storytelling, difficulty, gameplay enhancements, and, of course, the presentation. Also, beware of the scary new enemies approaching in this game that did not exist in the original. The only controversial factor about this game was removing the dark humor that the original Leon had.
3. Resident Evil (Remake)
- Release Date: 22 March 2002
- Platform(s): GameCube, PlayStation 4, Wii, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows
In the past few years, we have had some solid remakes for the RE franchise. This includes some of the greatest ones we have mentioned above. However, it’s time we paid heed to the original remake that Capcom made in 2002.
The original Resident Evil remake was something no fan expected in that era with its visual design and horror experience. However, note that elements like the one-camera angle gameplay and story remained the same as the original RE in 1996. But the remake introduced Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine to tougher and much harder-to-kill zombies. You even had to burn the bodies to fully kill them. That was something else.
Furthermore, the Resident Evil remake also brought graphical enhancements that increased the horror and unease even further. With all the new door cutscenes and little details put around the gameplay, the RE remake is very worth your time. So, if we were to talk about one of the scariest experiences Resident Evil ever had, this 2002 Remake will always top that.
2. Resident Evil 2
- Release Date: 21 January 1998
- Platform(s): PlayStation, Nintendo 64, GameCube, Dreamcast, Windows
As a gamer who always prefers the original more, it was a difficult choice to decide between Resident Evil 2 and its remake. However, I ended up choosing the latter. Resident Evil 2 makes it to our top two because of its exceptional storytelling and mechanics that were so ahead of its time. Did you know the game’s animations were mostly hand-drawn, as motion capture was unavailable then? Despite all these technical barriers, Capcom did not compromise on details like blood splatter or the zombie movements.
RE 2 told the origin story of Leon and Claire Redfield. Even though the remake tells the tale better, I prefer the original. The gameplay, while old, still retains its spooks due to the creepy single camera angle. This might seem limiting, but it created a choking aura whenever you moved around, not knowing what was on the edge. So, Resident Evil 2 is our number 2, not just because of nostalgia but also because it made itself one of the best video game sequels of all time.
1. Resident Evil 4
- Release Date: 11 January 2005
- Platform(s): PlayStation 2, Android, PlayStation 4, GameCube, Windows
Even though the Resident Evil 4 remake added a lot of things, it never stood a chance against the original. What originally felt like a side quest story for Leon added a completely new flavor to the franchise. Ask any veteran, and they will agree that Resident Evil 4 is one of the best horror games of all time.
Resident Evil 4 managed to show players the best and most humorous side of Leon while still staying in its original horror genre. The introduction of the village and all the different types of infected enemies made the game even scarier. Even though the remake develops the side characters more, it was the original that introduced them altogether.
On top of the story and character development, we got weapon enhancements, unlockables, arcade minigames, and great puzzle sequences. Yeah, I never forgot those countless hours of solving those difficult puzzles. Oh, and did you forget the Regenerators? Overall, Resident Evil 4 is not only the best RE game of all time but defines what the Capcom franchise is all about.
Honorable Mentions: Although we did not list some games like Resident Evil: Deadly Silence and Resident Evil: Revelations 2, they are worth a try but came with some missing elements. We should also acknowledge the efforts of Capcom when it comes to Resident Evil 5 despite its reputation.
And that concludes the best Resident Evil games of all time. Disagree with our rankings? Tell us your opinion in the comments below while I fight you against them.
