Which Resident Evil games are a must play for horror fans?
If there’s one gaming franchise that has consistently sent shivers down our spines while also keeping us glued to our screens for decades, it’s the Resident Evil series. One the oldest and longest running gaming franchises, the Resident Evil games are packed with bone-chilling horror, adrenaline-pumping action, as well as deeply immersive storytelling, Resident Evil games have become a cornerstone of survival horror games. From dodging zombies in tight corridors to battling grotesque monsters in dimly lit labs, the franchise has come a long way.
But with over a dozen titles spanning mainline entries, remakes, and spin-offs, deciding which Resident Evil games to play can be as overwhelming as fending off a horde of zombies. But do not fear! Whether you’re a veteran of the Resident Evil series or a casual gamer who just wants to jump into the chaos, this list covers the top five Resident Evil games every fan should experience. Each title on this list has left an indelible mark on the gaming world and continues to haunt—in the best way possible—fans and critics alike.
5. Resident Evil Village
Release Year: 2021
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
If gothic horror is more your style, Resident Evil Village is the game for you. Released as a direct sequel to Resident Evil Biohazard, this game mixes the terror of its predecessor with more action-oriented gameplay. You return as Ethan Winters, (poor guy just can’t seem to catch a break) and this time, he’s battling werewolves, vampires, and a terrifyingly tall lady who became an instant internet sensation: Lady Dimitrescu.
What sets Resident Evil Village apart is its variety. Each section of the game feels like its own distinct horror movie, from the hauntingly silent Dollhouse to the action-packed Lycans’ den. The game is a rollercoaster ride of terror and triumph, perfectly capturing the essence of the Resident Evil series.
4. Resident Evil (Remake)
Release Year: 2002
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
The Spencer Mansion. The place where it all began. The 2002 remake of the original Resident Evil took the 1996 classic and transformed it into a timeless masterpiece. Playing as either Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine, you’re tasked with uncovering the mansion’s dark secrets while fending off zombies, giant spiders, and—if you’re unlucky—the infamous Crimson Heads.
This game’s meticulously crafted atmosphere and intricate puzzles are a love letter to survival horror. The limited inventory system forces you to make tough decisions, like whether to carry a healing herb or an extra clip of ammo. Despite it being one of the oldest Resident Evil games, it still remains dear to most fans of the franchise.
3. Resident Evil Biohazard
Release Year: 2017
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
If you thought the Resident Evil games were not scary enough, Resident Evil 7 (also known as Resident Evil Biohazard) entered the chat! Switching to a first-person perspective, this game brought a visceral level of horror that’s impossible to shake off. Though the earlier games, leaned into action horror, this one was pure survival horror. And if you are playing Resident Evil 7 in VR, just remember to say your prayers before you begin.
Set in the decaying Louisiana mansion of the Baker family, you play as Ethan Winters, an average guy searching for his missing wife. Spoiler alert: things get messy. What makes Resident Evil Biohazard a standout is its return to the franchise’s survival horror roots. Limited resources, tense exploration, and horrifying enemies make every moment feel like a life-or-death struggle. Add to that the Baker family’s unique brand of Southern hospitality (read: psychotic torment), and you’ve got an experience that’ll make you question every creak and shadow in your house.
2. Resident Evil 2
Release Year (Original): 1998
Release Year (Remake): 2019
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Ah, Raccoon City. Few places in gaming history have been as simultaneously iconic and utterly terrifying. The 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2 brought the original 1998 classic back to life with jaw-dropping visuals, modernized controls, and a sense of dread so palpable you might need to keep the lights on while sleeping.
The game’s dual campaigns follow Leon and Claire Redfield as they attempt to survive the horrors of the Raccoon City Police Department. From the relentless pursuit of Mr. X to the grotesque mutations of William Birkin, Resident Evil 2 ensures you’ll be gripping your controller tighter than a T-virus test subject clinging to sanity. It’s a perfect entry point for newcomers and a nostalgia-packed upgrade if you are one of the long-time fans.
1. Resident Evil 4
Release Year (Original): 2005
Release Year (Remake): 2023
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Let’s end this list with the magnum opus of the Resident Evil series, Resident Evil 4. This game redefined the franchise with its shift from fixed camera angles to a dynamic, over-the-shoulder perspective. Playing as the dashing and courageous Leon S. Kennedy, you’re tasked with rescuing the president’s daughter from a mysterious cult in a creepy European village. No pressure, right?
Resident Evil 4 isn’t just about shooting Ganados (the less zombified but equally terrifying villagers); it’s about balancing resource management, solving puzzles, and feeling like a total action hero while doing so. The 2023 remake only made things better, with enhanced graphics and refined gameplay. In fact, it is among the best horror games released in recent years. If you haven’t played it yet, what are you waiting for? A chainsaw-wielding maniac to show up in real life?
Final thoughts
The Resident Evil games have proven time and again why they are worthy of the popularity they have in the gaming world. Each entry in the Resident Evil series offers a unique flavor of horror, from the intense action of Resident Evil 4 to the spine-tingling dread of Resident Evil Biohazard. Whether you’re drawn to the series for its iconic characters like Leon or the twisted narratives that keep you guessing, there’s no shortage of thrills in this gaming franchise.
While playing, just remember that the world of Resident Evil games, every corner could hide a nightmare—or your next favorite gaming moment.
Just don’t make the mistake of assuming that the Resident Evil movies are as good as the games. In fact, these are some of the worst movies to be adapted from video games. We can’t blame the makers, as most movies based on games are terrible anyway.
