The 10 Best Resident Evil Games of All Time: Since the franchise debuted in 1996, Resident Evil has been supplying players with terrifying survival-horror games packed with zombies, viruses, and mutated monstrosities. The best Resident Evil games combine action and suspense better than any other horror games on the market while offering awesome boss fights, unlockable goodies, and plenty of reasons to play them multiple times. While the series has evolved over the past two decades, you can always expect fright, fun, and an excess of bloody fun every time you play a Resident Evil game.

With ten main games in the series, as well as several spin-offs, there are tons of different experiences ranging from excellent to subpar. Ultimately, the perceived quality of any given Resident Evil game will mostly come down to the person playing it, as some gamers prefer more action, while others enjoy slow-paced suspense and survival. That said, we’re putting our proverbial hats in the ring with this list of the best Resident Evil games ranked from best to worst.

Please keep in mind that this list is purely subjective, as our favorite Resident Evil game might not align with yours. Additionally, we’re only including the modern remakes of the first three games on this list, but the original versions also receive our stamp of approval. Almost every game in the franchise is worth playing, so if your favorite doesn’t receive the highest placement, fret not. Let’s take a quick look at the games included on our list and then dive right into the best Resident Evil games from 1 to 10!

Here are the top 3 Resident Evil games that made me a die-hard fan and I’m sure it will make you one as well.

Now let’s dig into the list of the best Resident Evil games.

1. Resident Evil 2 Remake

Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Platform: PS4, PC, Xbox One, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Metacritic Rating: 91/100
Released: 2019
Genre: Survival Horror

The original version of Resident Evil 2 came out in 1998 on the PlayStation, and after 20 years of anticipation, the remake was finally released in 2019. Generally speaking, the PS1 version of Resident Evil 2 is widely regarded as one of the best horror games of its time, and the remake does the original justice. Playing as Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield, this sequel sees players exploring the zombie-infested streets of Raccoon City, two months after the events of the first game.

With stunning modern graphics, an over-the-shoulder shooting perspective, and the intimidating presence of the massive Mr. X, Resident Evil 2 Remake exceeds the original in more ways than one. The game is not only fun and exciting to play, but it’s also undeniably scary, with more than enough scary moments to encourage you to keep the lights on. In the slew of Resident Evil remakes released in the past few years, Resident Evil 2 easily earns this spot on our list as the best of the bunch.

If you wish to play Resident Evil 2 Remake here are the links for you to buy it on Amazon

2. Resident Evil 4

When it was first released on the Nintendo GameCube in 2005, Resident Evil 4 took the gaming industry by storm. As an entry in the Resident Evil series, it was much different than the previous three games, whisking us away to a creepy countryside village in Spain. Instead of zombies infected with the T-Virus, players had to contest with gruesome cultists infected with a horrifying parasite. With a bigger emphasis on action (but still retaining the scares), Resident Evil 4 was a massive hit and quickly became a fan favorite.

Resident Evil 4 sits high on our list for multiple reasons. Not only is it one of the best survival-horror games ever made, but it was also a risk from developer Capcom, as the gameplay experience is notably different from the established Resident Evil formula. Additionally, the game popularized the over-the-shoulder perspective, which would become the norm for both the series and the third-person shooter genre moving forward. With over 11 million copies sold across multiple platforms, Resident Evil 4 was an absolute money-making machine, so it’s no surprise that a modern remake is currently in development. If you don’t have a newer system and you still want to get your Resident Evil fix, consider Resident Evil 4 your best bet.

If you wish to play Resident Evil 4 here are the links for you to buy it on Amazon

3. Resident Evil VII: Biohazard

After the Resident Evil franchise hit a notable slump in quality (more on that further at the bottom of our list), developer Capcom needed to produce a hit or get lost in the shuffle. In a major change that would divide the fan base, the series jumped to a first-person perspective with Resident Evil VII: Biohazard. Set in the gloomy and muddy swamps of Louisiana, the game follows everyman Ethan Winters as he attempts to rescue his missing wife. With an extra emphasis on horror and suspense, this sequel went back to the series’ roots and in the process, became one of the best in the franchise.

Despite its shift from third-person to first-person, Resident Evil VII: Biohazard felt more like a proper Resident Evil game than several of its predecessors. The game saw the return of item-based puzzles, lackluster ammo and health supplies, and a decisively creepy atmosphere. Many players, both fans and newbies alike, have claimed that Resident Evil VII: Biohazard is one of the scariest games ever made. If you play it in virtual reality on supported consoles like the PlayStation VR, it’s hard to deny that assessment. Either way, we had a blast gunning through the horrors of Louisiana, earning this sequel its spot on our list of the best Resident Evil games ranked.

If you wish to play Resident Evil VII: Biohazard here are the links for you to buy it on Amazon

4. Resident Evil HD

Released in 2002 and acting as an overhauled remake of the 1996 original game, Resident Evil HD proves that with stellar game design and a creative vision, old games can still stand the test of time. While the graphics are decidedly better than the original version, most of the game is exactly the same as it was in 1996. Playing as Jill Valentine or Chris Redfield, you must explore the exceptionally creepy Spencer Mansion, full of shambling corpses, zombie dogs, and even giant spiders. While plenty of Resident Evil sequels have refined the formula, Resident Evil HD offers a nostalgic and fulfilling experience.

There are so many iconic moments and enemies in Resident Evil HD that it’s hard to keep track, whether it’s an ambush from zombie dogs, battling a massive snake, or admiring Jill’s lock-picking skills. Updated controls and better graphics make the remake more welcoming than the original, but we do miss the goofy voice-acting. Either way, Resident Evil HD is the game that helped the franchise bridge the gap between generations, scarring a new batch of gamers and creating a boatload of nostalgia in the process.

If you wish to play Resident Evil HD here is the link for you to buy it on Amazon.

5. Resident Evil 5

While some might cry foul at the placement of Resident Evil 5 on our list of the best Resident Evil games ranked, we firmly believe that this action-focused sequel deserves its spot. As a follow-up to Resident Evil 4, this game was never going to please everyone, but we greatly appreciated its explosive combat and new gameplay features. Set in a fictional region of West Africa, the game follows Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar, two BSAA agents who are sent to arrest an arms dealer before he releases a deadly bio-weapon into public hands.

Released in 2009 on systems like the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, Resident Evil 5 came out at a time when online gaming was all the rage. Adapting to the times, the sequel was the first game in the series to support cooperative multiplayer, available both online and through local play. With a big emphasis on over-the-top action and bombastic shooting, Resident Evil 5 was far from a scary game, but we were thoroughly entertained by its mixture of action and horror. Simply put, Resident Evil 5 was one of the best third-person shooters of its generation, no matter how much it diverged from the established formula.

If you wish to play Resident Evil 5 here are the links for you to buy it on Amazon.

6. Resident Evil Village

Resident Evil Village is the newest non-remake in the franchise and continues the trend of first-person horror established by Resident Evil VII. As a direct sequel, the game sees the return of Ethan Winters, who must now scour a rustic village in Europe to rescue his baby daughter. While Resident Evil VII blended the first-person gameplay with a slower-paced horror experience, Village amps things up a notch, delivering a surplus of action that occasionally makes it feel like a first-person shooter.

With a cast of memorable villains including Lady Dimitrescu and unforgettable sequences like the anxiety-inducing trek through House Beneviento, Resident Evil Village is an experience you won’t soon forget. Unfortunately, the game loses steam toward the end, becoming a slog in the final hours. While the pacing leaves something to be desired, there’s plenty of replayability via the extra Mercenaries mode, which puts your shooting skills to the test in arcade-style combat rounds. At its best, Resident Evil Village feels like a “greatest hits” album in video game form, making it enjoyable enough to warrant multiple playthroughs.

If you wish to play Resident Evil 5 here are the links for you to buy it on Amazon.

7. Resident Evil 3 Remake

Resident Evil 3 Remake had a surprising release just one year after the Resident Evil 2 Remake and feels very similar in design and feel. Set one day before the events of Resident Evil 2, the game follows Jill Valentine as she evades capture by the towering villain Nemesis and attempts to escape Raccoon City. With fantastic graphics, exciting gameplay, and a progression system that encourages three or more playthroughs, Resident Evil 3 Remake is a worthy entry in the modern remake series.

While the game is tons of fun and well worth your time, there are a few detracting elements that see its placement lower on our list. Firstly, it’s not a very long game, clocking in at around 6 hours on the standard difficulty. Furthermore, the game lacks the suspense and horror of Resident Evil HD and Resident Evil 2 Remake, offering a slew of action instead of true terror. While we had a great time reliving this less-beloved entry in the classic trilogy, the overall experience feels a bit shallow and left us wanting more.

If you wish to play Resident Evil 5 here are the links for you to buy it on Amazon.

8. Resident Evil – Code: Veronica X

Resident Evil – Code: Veronica X is the oldest game on our list, first hitting store shelves in 2001 for the Sega Dreamcast and PlayStation, but it’s an underrated favorite among diehard franchise fans. Set in a high-security prison located far out in the Antarctic Ocean, the game follows siblings Claire and Chris Redfield, as Claire attempts to escape imprisonment and Chris comes to her aid. Interestingly, this game started out as a port of Resident Evil 2 for the Sega Saturn but soon became its own beast due to technological limitations. While a high-definition version does exist, there are no major overhauls like those seen in the remakes, so we had to give the original its time in the spotlight.

Despite its below-average sales, many consider Resident Evil: Code Veronica X to be a superior game to the original Resident Evil 3, with better action and a more engaging tone. However, if you’re completely new to the Resident Evil franchise, acclimating to the game’s classic tank controls will take some time. The aged controls and graphics make this a hard game to recommend to newbies, but for longtime fans, Code Veronica X holds a special place in our hearts, regardless of its issues.

If you wish to play Resident Evil – Code: Veronica X here are the links for you to buy it on Amazon.

9. Resident Evil Zero

Resident Evil Zero is definitely the black sheep of the franchise, as it features new characters and mechanics that are absent in any subsequent sequels. Released on the Nintendo GameCube in 2002, the game follows STARS officer Rebecca Chambers and felon Billy Coen, who must work together when the train they are riding is overrun by deadly zombies. Acting as a prequel to Resident Evil HD, Resident Evil 0 offers some interesting lore, but the odd pacing and clunky mechanics make it a slog to play.

In the game, players can control both Rebecca and Billy but are forced to manage both characters’ inventory, movement, and health. This can lead to some annoying issues, including unintended roadblocks during puzzles, forgetting who has what item, and running into enemy encounters woefully unprepared. More so than any other entry in the franchise, surviving in Resident Evil 0 requires a lot of forethought, which can make it taxing to play. While the game certainly has its fans, Resident Evil 0 is one of the few games in the series that doesn’t really hold up.

If you wish to play Resident Evil Zero here are the links for you to buy it on Amazon.

10. Resident Evil 6

To be brutally honest, Resident Evil 6 marked a low point for the franchise, one that many fans thought they would never recover from. After the success of Resident Evil 4 and 5, Capcom went full tilt toward the action side of things, making Resident Evil 6 more a military third-person shooter than anything else. With four interwoven stories featuring beloved characters like Leon Kennedy, Chris Redfield, and Ada Wong, this sequel has a solid concept but majorly flubbed the execution. Even with two-player co-op, Resident Evil 6 feels like every other third-person shooter of the era – dark, brooding, and wholly uninspired.

While there are a handful of moments that make for fond memories with a co-op partner, Resident Evil 6 is a drag to play through solo, made even worse by repeating levels and a lack of scares. There’s very little suspense or strategy, as most sequences simply require you to blast through enemies before moving on to the next checkpoint. Without any of the creativity that made the series cool in the first place, Resident Evil 6 feels like a throwaway entry with lots of gameplay padding. While it’s not the worst third-person shooter ever made, Resident Evil 6 is the least interesting entry in the franchise and only worth playing if you’ve already completed the five games before it.

If you wish to play Resident Evil 5 here are the links for you to buy it on Amazon.

Conclusion

Overall, the best Resident Evil games will scare you, unlike any other franchise, with new ideas, enemies, and mechanics in each passing sequel. While the series stalled out around Resident Evil 6, most of the modern games are well worth your time, while the remakes offer a refreshing look at the classics. It’s no secret that Resident Evil is one of the most influential and popular horror game franchises of all time, and it’s easy to see why. Whether it’s a third-person adventure that tests your skill or a first-person horror-fest that tests your sanity, any gamer looking for a good horror game should try out any of the titles on our list of the best Resident Evil games ranked.