Resident Evil: A Ranked Look at the Franchise From Worst to Best

With the yearly cycle of game reveals and conferences underway, Capcom is expected to showcase Resident Evil 9. Fans look back at the series, weighing which entries delivered the most impact and which fell short. This is a moment to assess the evolution of a long-running horror saga and to pick the standout entries that defined the franchise’s direction.

Over the franchise’s long history, roughly fifty Resident Evil games have appeared. This piece focuses on the major entries and their remakes, evaluating their influence and lasting appeal.

The rankings progress from the least successful to the most acclaimed in terms of reception and influence.

Resident Evil 6

• Year: 2012;
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch;
• Cooperative: yes (local and online mode).

System requirements

Do I have to explain why this is the weakest number of the series? The sixth installment of Resident Evil drifted toward broad action and separated itself from the core atmosphere that defined the early games. The result felt less like a continuance of the monastery of evil and more like a high‑octane action spectacle. Capcom later shifted its focus back to survival horror in followups and remakes, aligning the tone with the franchise’s original identity.

What do you think of Resident Evil 6?

Resident Evil Zero

• Year: 2002;
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Gamecube, Wii;
• Cooperative: No.

Not the worst game in the world, but the mediocre numbered entry in the series. It has atmosphere and strong visuals, especially in a remaster. On the downside, the two character mechanic requires managing two inventories at once, which can sap the fun and slow pacing.

Resident Evil (1996)

• Year: 1996;
• Platforms: PlayStation, PC, Sega Saturn, Nintendo DS;
• Cooperative: No.

The original broke ground and remains a landmark, yet it feels dated by modern standards. Its humor and voice work are a nostalgic touchstone, while its influence on puzzle design and tension remains undeniable when viewed through today’s lens.

Resident Evil – Code: Veronica

• Year: 2000;
• Platforms: Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, Gamecube, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4;
• Cooperative: No.

Code: Veronica endures for its expanded narrative and sharper pacing. Diehard fans defend its place in the saga, and many would welcome a remake for its pivotal moments in the story. Some design choices, including abrupt difficulty shifts, temper the experience, but the game still commands a strong standing among fans.

Resident Evil 3 (Remake)

• Year: 2020;
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/s, Nintendo Switch (Cloud version);
• Cooperative: No.

The 2020 remake preserves the core tension of the classic while updating visuals and pacing. Purists may miss certain atmospheric touches, but the streamlined action and cinematic presentation keep the pace brisk and compelling for a broad audience.

Resident Evil 5

• Year: 2009;
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch;
• Cooperative: yes (local and online mode).

A visually striking cooperative experience. The action-forward design drew mixed reactions, yet playing with a partner remains a highlight, featuring tense encounters and set pieces grounded in a traditional temple-like structure where danger obtrudes at every turn.

Resident Evil Village

• Year: 2021;
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/s, iOS, Mac;
• Cooperative: no.

Village earned strong support for its memorable environment, compelling villains, and a strong overall arc. It succeeds in delivering a rich, distinctive atmosphere but sometimes wavers between survival horror and action spectacle, challenging the balance users expect from the series.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

• Year: 2017;
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/s, Nintendo Switch (Cloud version), iOS, Mac;
• Cooperative: No.

If not for the rough patch in the final act, the title would be lauded even higher. The Baker family mansion creates a claustrophobic, immersive horror experience that remains gripping. Its shift to a more grounded, personal threat heightened tension and brought a fresh energy to the series.

Resident Evil 4

• Year: 2005;
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Gamecube, Wii, Switch;
• Cooperative: No.

The original RE4 set a new standard for the franchise, combining adventurous horror with a precise pace, a strong cast, and clever level design. It kept inventing surprises, shifting locales, and introducing fresh challenges that kept players engaged from start to finish.

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis

• Year: 1999;
• Platforms: PlayStation, PC, Dreamcast, Gamecube;
• Cooperative: No.

Even with aging visuals, Nemesis delivers suspenseful action and a relentless pursuer that heightens fear. Its signature moments and interactive cuts add a unique replayability that many fans still value when revisiting the classic era of the series.

Resident Evil 2

• Year: 1998;
• Platforms: PlayStation, PC, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, Gamecube;
• Cooperative: No.

The original remains cherished for its level design, puzzles, and hardcore tempo. Its innovative two-character system influences later titles, though some mechanics feel dated by today’s standards. The remake modernized controls and visuals while preserving the core tension and clever layout.

Resident Evil (Remake)

• Year: 2002;
• Platforms: Gamecube, Wii, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One;
• Cooperative: No.

Reflected the most beloved part of the series with fixed cameras turned into modern, immersive survival horror. Its atmosphere, resource management, and careful room-by-room exploration make it a standout reimagining that still resonates years later.

Resident Evil 2 (Remake)

• Year: 2019;
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/s, Nintendo Switch (Cloud version), iOS, Mac;
• Cooperative: No.

One of the most influential modern reimaginings. It marries classic puzzle design with contemporary controls and camera, delivering a cohesive, terrifying, and deeply satisfying experience that respects the past while inviting new audiences.

Resident Evil 4 (Remake)

• Year: 2023;
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/s, iOS, Mac;
• Cooperative: No.

The 2023 remake refines a landmark title, maintaining its pulse-pounding momentum while updating visuals, sound, and combat balance. It preserves the narrative momentum and makes the encounter design sharper, earning praise as a leading example of how to reinterpret a classic for modern consoles and players.

Do you agree with this order of Resident Evil from the worst to the best? Tell us in the comments how you would rank the franchise-wide lineup.

Which of these games do you like the most?