The Resident Evil franchise is a pillar of survival horror, spanning more almost 3 decades and dozens of titles. From tank controls and fixed camera angles to modern remakes, Resident Evil has constantly reinvented itself โ with mixed results.
But which games truly stand the test of time with fans? Which ones captured the worldโs imagination, and which were quickly forgotten?
In this article, I’m ranking the most notable Resident Evil games โ including some spin-offs โ from worst to best. Letโs get started!
NOTE: I’m ignoring a few obscure, forgotten titles I’ve never played such as Resident Evil: Dead Aim and Resident Evil: Outbreak.
19. Resident Evil: Survivor (2000)
Ugh. โHouse of the Deadโ meets PlayStation 1, minus all the fun. Resident Evil: Survivor tried to make light-gun gameplay work with RE storytelling and flopped hard. The game had awful controls, repetitive environments and a complete lack of fun made it one of the most unloved entries in the franchise. I played this abomination for an hour or two and never, ever touched it again.
18. Umbrella Corps (2016)
This crappy multiplayer shooter felt like a confused attempt to cash in on tactical esports trends. Weak gunplay, no real horror, and a forgettable story (even for RE standards) meant even hardcore RE superfans barely touched it. Umbrella Corps sank almost instantly into obscurity. Honestly, I’m surprised I even remember this game.
17. Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City (2012)
On paper, a squad-based third-person shooter set during the Raccoon City outbreak sounds amazing. In reality, Operation Raccoon City was absolute garbage and deserves to be buried at the bottom of this list.
16. Resident Evil 6 (2012)
Commercially successful, but critically and culturally divisive. RE6 tried to please everyone with four campaigns, but ended up pleasing no one. Fans still debate its hilarious identity crisis to this day. One of the rare RE games I’ve never replayed. Also having a logo that looks like a guy pleasuring a giraffe didn’t help.
15. Resident Evil Revelations (2012)
Mashing up horror and action, Revelations first launched on Nintendo 3DS and surprised everyone with how great it runs on Nintendo’s teenie weenie console (now also ported to modern consoles and PC). Honestly, a bit forgettable Resi game, but worth a play for completionists.
14. Resident Evil Zero (2002)
I’ve had it with these mother****ing zombies on this mother****ing train! The RE prequel with Rebecca Chambers had cool mechanics like character switching, but it often felt clunky and underwhelming next to its older (and better) siblings, RE 1 to 3. Still, a respectable niche favorite and a fun old school Resi game.
13. Resident Evil Revelations 2 (2015)
An episodic release with some interesting ideas, Resident Evil Revelations 2 delivered solid co-op fun but never reached series heights in popularity. Still, better than the first Resident Evil Revelations. Also, you can play as Barry Burton, something we wanted since the first game.
12. Resident Evil 5 (2009)
A polarizing entry, but also one of Capcomโs best-selling games ever. Over-the-top action and co-op gameplay made it a huge hit, even if Resident Evil 5 drifted too far from classic survival horror. Also, the end boss was bullsh**.
11. Resident Evil 3 Remake (2020)
The weakest of remakes, this remake modernized Nemesis and brought high production values, but many fans criticized its short length and obviously cut content. Nonetheless, Resident Evil 3 Remake sold millions and kept Resident Evil series in the spotlight.
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10. Resident Evil Code: Veronica (2000)
A fan favorite among old-school RE diehards, Code: Veronica advanced the lore and introduced memorable villains. Its Dreamcast origins gave it a cult legacy that still burns bright. Also, I’ll eat my hat if this is not the next game CAPCOM remakes. (OK this one or Resident Evil 0, we’ll see.)
9. Resident Evil 3 Nemesis (1999)
Staaaaaars! The original Nemesis still thrills fans with its tense urban escape story. Nemesis himself became an icon, and the game remains a beloved PS1 classic, but not as popular as 1 and 2, maybe since it featured only one campaign.
8. Resident Evil (1996)
The one that started it all. Creepy hallways, tank controls, a Jill sandwich, dogs bursting through windows โ Resident Evil defined a genre, introducing millions to survival horror and Raccoon Cityโs dark secrets. A game I personally replayed as a teenager at least 10 times with both characters.
7. Resident Evil Village (2021)
Combining folklore horror with blockbuster action, Village kept RE7โs first-person view and gave us unforgettable characters like Lady Dimitrescu. It dominated social media and continued the franchiseโs modern winning streak. However, it wasn’t really scary like it’s predecessor Resident Evil 7.
6. Resident Evil Remake (2002)
With new areas, nastier surprises, and visuals that were jaw-dropping for the GameCube era, this remake honored the original while making it fresh and remixing it. If you thought you knew every zombie in every closet, this masterpiece proved you were dead wrong. If you want to see what Resident Evil is all about, THIS is the game to play. Resident Evil (2002) probably deserves to be higher on the list but there can be only 5 top 5 games.
5. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard was a much needed breath of fresh air in RE series. Switching to first-person revitalized the dying franchise, also bringing back that sense of dread and isolation that was missing in whatever the hell RE5 and RE6 were. The only minus was a faceless main character.
4. Resident Evil 2 (1998)
A PlayStation legend. Resident Evil 2 took everything great about the first game and made it better โ more zombies, more weapons, bigger set pieces, and an unforgettable police station, plus introducing now legendary characters Leon, Claire and Ada.
3. Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019)
A near-perfect reimagining. RE2 Remake modernized the classic while preserving its soul, thrilling both longtime fans and newcomers. Its success cemented it as one of the best remakes in gaming history, and it was – right up until the next game on our list….
2. Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023)
How to remake a perfect game? Staying true to the originalโs spirit while adding fresh surprises, Resident Evil 4 Remake delivered a thrilling and terrifying experience for newcomers and veterans alike. Capcomโs finest remake, but…
1. Resident Evil 4 (2005)
To me, Resident Evil 4 is the ultimate Resident Evil game. RE 4 redefined the series, revolutionized third-person shooters, and inspired countless imitators. From the Spanish village to the creepy castle, Leonโs adventure is as unforgettable today as it was in 2005.
What do you think?
How would you rank these games? Do you agree with my list or do you think I was infected with T-virus and I’m talking nonsense? Let me know in the comments!
