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Resident Evil

Play trailer Poster for Resident Evil R Released Mar 15, 2002 1h 40m Horror Action Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
36% Tomatometer 131 Reviews 67% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
Based on the popular video game, Milla Jovovich and Michelle Rodriguez star as the leaders of a commando team who must break into "the hive," a vast underground genetics laboratory operated by the powerful Umbrella Corporation. There, a deadly virus has been unleashed, killing the lab's personnel and resurrecting them as the evil Un-dead. The team has just three hours to shut down the lab's supercomputer and close the facility before the virus threatens to overrun the Earth.
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Resident Evil

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Critics Consensus

Like other video game adapations, Resident Evil is loud, violent, formulaic, and cheesy.

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Critics Reviews

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Nell Minow Common Sense Media An ultra-gory video game-to-movie disappointment. Rated: 2/5 Dec 28, 2010 Full Review Scott Foundas Variety Despite a promising setup, pic never really goes anywhere, instead immersing viewers in a kinetic onslaught of flesh (namely, that of Milla Jovovich) and flesh-eaters (most of the rest of the cast). Mar 31, 2009 Full Review Derek Adams Time Out Hats off, however, to the production team for the set designs and one very imaginative death-by-laser sequence. The rest is a derivative, tedious mess. Jun 24, 2006 Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review If you can manage to shut off your brain, you might allow yourself to get caught up in its claustrophobic action, which has sufficient production value to keep your mind off of the ludicrous storyline. Rated: 2.5/4 Mar 8, 2024 Full Review James Croot The Post NZ Zombie movies of course allow for a certain degree of poor acting – and that certainly is the case here. Rated: 2/5 Apr 4, 2022 Full Review Grant Watson Fiction Machine Here is the truth of it: film critics, generally speaking, are rather too hard on poor Paul W.S. Anderson. At his best, he is a marvellous purveyor of slickly engineered B-grade entertainment. Rated: 7/10 Apr 26, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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my shoes y good also slipknot Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/23/25 Full Review AJ L Genuinely awesome. Critics way off Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/13/25 Full Review Gilberto R I loved it when I watched it as a child, and I loved re-watching it recently. This movie is very action packed with many memorable moments. It is a must watch if you love zombie movies. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/10/25 Full Review Andrew M Paul W.S. Anderson’s Resident Evil has been polarizing audiences since its release, and after revisiting it recently, I’m ready to share my thoughts. If you’re a fan of the Resident Evil games, Anderson’s adaptation might feel like a letdown. It strays far from the survival horror tone and beloved characters that define the series. Instead, Anderson delivers a flashy, action-packed zombie thriller drenched in early 2000s aesthetics—complete with CGI creatures, industrial music, and slow-motion action scenes. To be fair, the movie has its defenders. Milla Jovovich’s portrayal of Alice is often highlighted as a strong point, and even critics admit she carries the film with her commanding presence and action-hero charisma. Her iconic red dress remains a visual standout, and her physicality makes Alice a compelling protagonist—even if she’s an entirely original character with no ties to the games. Michelle Rodriguez also injects some energy into the cast with her tough-as-nails persona, which fits well within the film’s high-octane approach. Still, the movie has its fair share of issues. The story lacks depth, the script feels thin, and the editing can be a bit choppy at times. Perhaps the biggest gripe for fans of the games is the film’s major divergence from its source material. Introducing Alice and focusing on Umbrella’s underground labs, rather than the iconic Spencer Mansion, robs the film of the eerie atmosphere that made the games so memorable. For me, it’s still a sticking point. That said, viewers unfamiliar with the games—or those willing to approach the movie as a standalone experience—might enjoy its fast pace and over-the-top action sequences. One thing that stood out to me during this rewatch is how much the movie feels like a product of its time. It screams early 2000s, from its sleek, blue-and-white visual palette to its bombastic soundtrack. Even if it’s not a faithful adaptation, it’s a fun time capsule of that era in filmmaking. Ultimately, Resident Evil works best if you adjust your expectations. It’s not a survival horror masterpiece or a direct translation of the video games, but as a cheesy, stylized zombie action movie, it has its own charm. Sure, it’s flawed, but for certain audiences, it’s undeniably fun. If you can embrace its deviations and appreciate it for its campy, popcorn entertainment value, there’s something to enjoy. If not, you might end up sitting there, popcorn in hand, wondering, “What did I just watch?” Would I recommend it? If you’re a fan of the games, temper your expectations. But if you’re in the mood to watch Milla Jovovich kick zombie dogs in style, this might just be your kind of guilty pleasure. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/05/25 Full Review Ralph R Resident Evil (2002) is a solid action-horror film that takes the core idea of the video game series and spins it into something original. The plot is simple but effective, following a group trying to survive in a high-tech underground facility after a deadly outbreak. It doesn't just rely on zombies for tension; the movie builds suspense through corporate secrecy, AI threats, and bioengineered monstrosities. The blend of sci-fi elements with action and horror keeps things engaging from start to finish, making it stand out from traditional zombie flicks. Paul W. S. Anderson's directing gives the film a sleek, fast-paced energy that keeps the tension high. The cinematography complements this with clean, stylized shots, making the action sequences crisp and easy to follow. The laser hallway scene is one of the film's most iconic moments, showcasing both the film's brutal efficiency and its sci-fi horror tone. The set design, particularly The Hive, feels sterile and claustrophobic, adding to the atmosphere. The action choreography is sharp, and Milla Jovovich's presence elevates the film. She delivers a strong performance, blending vulnerability and badassery in a way that makes Alice instantly likable. The script keeps things moving at a good pace, avoiding unnecessary exposition while letting the mystery unfold naturally. Some of the dialogue is straightforward, but it fits the film's tone, prioritizing momentum over complexity. The score, co-composed by Marilyn Manson, adds a heavy, industrial edge that enhances the movie's aggressive, cyberpunk feel. Overall, Resident Evil is a fun mix of action, horror, and sci-fi that still holds up, especially if you enjoy fast-paced, stylish survival thrillers. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/02/25 Full Review D3Z 1 Paul W S Andersen's take on Resident Evil feature film failed to adapt aspects on what made the video game as an icon. Despite some action flicks, the film ended up being underwhelming with a bland script and story, choppy editing and uninteresting characters that do not see much growth throughout its runtime. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 01/25/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis Based on the popular video game, Milla Jovovich and Michelle Rodriguez star as the leaders of a commando team who must break into "the hive," a vast underground genetics laboratory operated by the powerful Umbrella Corporation. There, a deadly virus has been unleashed, killing the lab's personnel and resurrecting them as the evil Un-dead. The team has just three hours to shut down the lab's supercomputer and close the facility before the virus threatens to overrun the Earth.
Director
Paul W.S. Anderson
Producer
Jeremy Bolt, Bernd Eichinger, Samuel Hadida, Paul W.S. Anderson
Screenwriter
Alan B. McElroy
Distributor
Columbia Pictures
Production Co
New Legacy, Impact Pictures, Metropolitan, Davis Films
Rating
R (Nudity|Language|Sexuality|Strong Horror Violence|Strong Sci-Fi Violence)
Genre
Horror, Action
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 15, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA)
$39.5M
Runtime
1h 40m
Sound Mix
Dolby Stereo, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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