With Resident Evil Requiem launching tomorrow, interest in the legendary survival horror franchise is surging again. Whether you’re a returning fan or completely new to the series, one question always comes up:
What are the best Resident Evil games?
Over nearly three decades, the Resident Evil franchise has evolved from fixed camera survival horror to cinematic action and back again. Some entries redefined gaming. Others divided fans. But a handful stand above the rest.
Here are the best Resident Evil games ranked, based on impact, gameplay, atmosphere, innovation and lasting legacy.
Resident Evil 4
If you ask most fans to name the best Resident Evil game, this is the answer.
Resident Evil 4 completely reinvented the franchise in 2005. The over-the-shoulder camera became the blueprint for modern third-person shooters, influencing countless titles across the industry.
Leon S. Kennedy’s mission to rescue the President’s daughter delivered:
Tight combat
Perfect pacing
Memorable boss fights
A balance between horror and action that just worked
It wasn’t just a great Resident Evil game, it was one of the most influential games ever made.
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Resident Evil 2
The 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2 proved that modern remakes can exceed expectations.
Mr. X relentlessly stalking players through the Raccoon City Police Department created constant tension. Every footstep mattered. Every bullet counted.
It kept the soul of the original while rebuilding everything with modern mechanics and visuals. For many newer players, this is their favourite entry in the franchise.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
After the action-heavy direction of RE5 and RE6, Resident Evil 7 brought true horror back.
Switching to a first-person perspective made everything more intimate, and far more terrifying. The Baker family became instant horror icons, and the slower pacing restored the survival tension the series was built on.
Without RE7, the franchise might not have found its identity again.
Resident Evil Village
Village expanded on RE7’s foundation but blended in RE4-style action and larger set pieces.
It delivered:
Diverse environments
Memorable villains (especially Lady Dimitrescu)
Emotional storytelling
Big cinematic moments
Some sections lean more action than horror, but it remains one of the strongest modern entries.
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Resident Evil (Original)
The game that started it all.
The original Resident Evil defined survival horror. Limited inventory, tank controls and fixed camera angles forced players to think carefully about every decision.
It may feel dated today, but its influence on horror gaming cannot be overstated.
Resident Evil 3
While shorter than the RE2 remake, Resident Evil 3 Remake still delivered high-intensity gameplay and one of the franchise’s most iconic villains: Nemesis.
It leans more into action, but the pace rarely slows down.
Honourable Mentions
Resident Evil Code: Veronica
Resident Evil 5
Resident Evil 6
These entries may divide opinion, but they shaped the direction of the franchise.
Where Could Resident Evil Requiem Rank?
With Resident Evil Requiem releasing tomorrow, the big question is whether it can join the ranks of the best Resident Evil games.
If it:
Balances horror and action properly
Delivers strong characters
Avoids drifting too far into pure shooter territory
Maintains atmospheric tension
Then it absolutely could become a future classic.
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Capcom has shown with recent remakes and new entries that they understand what fans want. Now it’s time to see whether Requiem continues that momentum.
The best Resident Evil games aren’t just about zombies or jump scares. They’re about tension. Resource management. Atmosphere. Pressure.
With Resident Evil Requiem about to launch, now is the perfect time to revisit the franchise, or experience it for the first time.
And if Requiem delivers? This ranking may need updating sooner than expected.
