Resident Evil Movies Ranked The Newest One Is Not Number One
The Resident Evil franchise is a behemoth, a blood-soaked legacy that has managed to carve out a massive financial footprint across the cinematic landscape. But when you look at the box office statistics, the question inevitably arises: where does the newest entry truly sit among the titans of horror cinema?
While the franchise boasts an incredible history, dominated by the highly successful run of films directed by Paul W.S. Anderson—which collectively generated over a billion dollars—the current landscape is fiercely competitive. At the very top of the financial charts sits Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016), which remains the crown jewel of the franchise, tallying over $312 million worldwide.
The current installment, starring Zach Cregger, is performing strongly, currently ranking third among the live-action entries with approximately $250 million worldwide. Though a formidable achievement, it still has a significant gap to close if it aims to dethrone the reigning champion. To surpass The Final Chapter, the new film needs to add over $60 million more to its global haul.
Despite the competitive nature of the franchise, the financial success is not uniform across all titles. The history reveals a fascinating progression, with early entries like Resident Evil (2002) and Resident Evil: Apocalypse laying the groundwork for the later blockbusters. Films like Resident Evil: Extinction and Resident Evil: Retribution demonstrated the franchise’s staying power, accumulating substantial international revenue.
The franchise’s presence is further cemented by its global reach. While the domestic performance is strong, the international figures paint a broader picture of the franchise’s appeal. The global totals show that the appeal of the horror mythology extends far beyond its initial domestic success, with many films generating impressive international returns.
The popularity of the series has also expanded significantly into emerging markets. The recent rollout in China has shown immense potential, and if the film continues to perform to expectations there, it could soon reach $280 million, potentially solidifying Cregger’s film as the franchise’s biggest grossing movie ever, surpassing previous benchmarks.
Behind the main cinematic releases, the franchise boasts an extensive catalog of live-action horror, including films like Resident Evil: Afterlife and Welcome to Raccoon City, which offered a slightly different flavor. This lineage demonstrates a consistent commitment to exploring the depths of the horror genre, regardless of the specific direction taken.
In a pivot away from franchise sequels, director Zach Cregger is currently focusing his creative energies on an original vision, taking on the role of director for The Flood. This signals a fresh direction for the world of Resident Evil, promising new narratives for fans while the established films continue to generate buzz and revenue.
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