Zach Cregger’s ‘Resident Evil’ Sets Record for Video Game Movie Acclaim

Tena Milakovic
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Video game adaptations have long struggled for critical recognition, often landing somewhere between “pleasant surprise” and “better than expected.” This ceiling has seemed nearly unbreakable, regardless of the box office success these films achieve.

The reboot of ‘Resident Evil’ came with its own set of challenges, as the franchise’s six previous films never garnered critical favor, despite their box office success. A new director tackling one of gaming’s most cherished horror franchises was always a risky endeavor.

However, this gamble has paid off spectacularly. Zach Cregger’s ‘Resident Evil’ has become the first film based on a video game IP to earn Metacritic’s “Universal Acclaim” seal from critics, achieving an impressive score of 81 based on 43 reviews, along with a 96 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

With a 96 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 81 Metascore, ‘Resident Evil’ stands well ahead of all other video game adaptations. Previously, ‘Werewolves Within’ held the highest critical acclaim with an 86 percent Rotten Tomatoes score and a 66 on Metacritic, followed closely by ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ at 86 percent and 56.

‘Pokémon Detective Pikachu’ and ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’ complete the top five, scoring 68 percent and 53 on Metacritic, and 69 percent and 47 on Metacritic, respectively. None of these films approached the “Universal Acclaim” threshold that Cregger’s ‘Resident Evil’ has now surpassed.

The contrast between this reboot and its predecessors is striking. The previous six ‘Resident Evil’ films, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, all fell below a 49 Metascore, with 2021’s ‘Welcome to Raccoon City’ earning a mere 44.

Cregger’s version not only improved upon that record but shattered it, more than doubling the franchise’s prior best critical performance. Critics have praised the film for capturing “the spirit, if not the letter, of the games,” labeling it one of the best video game movies ever made.

Screenshot 2026 09 18 at 08 18 54 Resident Evil 2026 Rotten Tomatoes

Much of the acclaim has focused on lead actor Austin Abrams, who portrays Bryan and has been recognized for a standout performance. He is supported by a talented cast that includes Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, Johnno Wilson, and Paul Walter Hauser.

The film’s technical execution has also garnered attention, with its cinematography mimicking the third-person camera style familiar to fans of the games. Reviewers have lauded its creature design, describing it as home to “some of the grossest monsters you’ll ever see.”

Audience reactions have also been positive, with ‘Resident Evil’ receiving a B+ from opening-night viewers on CinemaScore, marking the highest grade the franchise has ever achieved in its 24-year history, surpassing the B grades of the original 2002 film and 2004’s ‘Apocalypse.’

This audience approval aligns with a 92 percent Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating that the acclaim extends beyond critics. Preview numbers leading up to the film’s September 18, 2026 release have reportedly shattered the franchise’s previous records, suggesting a strong opening weekend in line with the reviews.

Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some reviewers have noted an abrupt ending and occasional pacing issues with the film’s comedic elements as drawbacks. A few critics have also questioned the protagonist’s survival instincts at certain moments, though these critiques seem minor compared to the overall praise.

For a franchise that has spent over two decades struggling for critical acceptance, achieving Metacritic’s “Universal Acclaim” status marks a significant new chapter. Whether this reboot signals a lasting change for video game movies remains to be seen, but ‘Resident Evil’ has undoubtedly set a new standard.

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