Resident Evil is a survival horror video game series developed by Capcom, debuting in 1996. It focuses on zombie outbreaks, bioterrorism, and human survival against monstrous creatures, expanding into movies, novels, and merchandise. The series is known for its atmospheric tension, puzzle-solving elements, and iconic characters like Chris Redfield and Leon Kennedy.

There are nine main numbered entries: Resident Evil (1996), Resident Evil 2 (1998), Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999), Resident Evil Code: Veronica (2000), Resident Evil 4 (2005), Resident Evil 5 (2009), Resident Evil 6 (2012), Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017), and Resident Evil Village (2021). Additionally, there are numerous remakes (e.g., RE2 and RE3 Remakes), spin-offs, and mobile titles.

Key protagonists include Chris Redfield (starred in RE1, RE5, RE6, RE7 DLC, and Village), Jill Valentine (RE1, RE3, RE5), Leon S. Kennedy (RE2, RE4, RE6), Claire Redfield (RE2, Code: Veronica), and Ethan Winters (RE7, Village). Antagonists feature Albert Wesker, Umbrella Corporation scientists, and bio-engineered monsters like Nemesis and Lady Dimitrescu.

Set in 1998, Resident Evil 1 follows S.T.A.R.S. team members Chris and Jill as they investigate murders near Raccoon City. Trapped in a mansion owned by Umbrella Corporation, they uncover a T-virus outbreak creating zombies and mutants. Players solve puzzles, fight enemies, and expose a conspiracy to weaponize viruses, leading to the mansion's destruction.

Resident Evil 7 shifted to a first-person perspective, emphasizing psychological horror over action elements. It features Ethan Winters as a new protagonist in an isolated plantation house, with a focus on family drama and small-scale scares, unlike the global conspiracies in RE5 and RE6. This reinvigorated the series' horror roots.

Recent Resident Evil titles are available on PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S, Windows PC, and Nintendo Switch (for ports like RE Cloud versions). Older games support legacy platforms like PS3, Xbox 360, and mobile via streaming. Digital stores include Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and Nintendo eShop for easy access.

Yes, the live-action film series comprises six movies (2002–2016) starring Milla Jovovich as Alice, with plots loosely adapting game themes. Additionally, animated films like Resident Evil: Degeneration and Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness expand on game narratives. These films focus on action and bioterrorism but diverge from game storylines.

Resident Evil games can be purchased digitally via Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and Nintendo eShop. Physical copies are sold at retailers like Amazon, GameStop, and Best Buy. Prices range from budget-friendly for older titles to premium for remakes and new releases; sales are common on digital platforms.

Chronological order starts with Resident Evil 0 (2002), followed by RE1 (1998 setting), RE3: Nemesis (partial prequel to RE2), RE2 (1998), Code: Veronica (1998), RE4 (2004), Revelations (2005), RE5 (2009), Revelations 2 (2011), RE6 (2012-2013), RE7 (2017), and Village (2021). Playing in release order is advised for newcomers.

Upcoming projects include Resident Evil: Village Gold Edition (2022) with DLC expansions, and rumors of Resident Evil 4 Remake under development. Capcom has hinted at new games and continued franchise growth, building on RE7 and Village's success.