‘Resident Evil’ Breaks Franchise Records Ahead of China and Japan Releases
Video game adaptations have often struggled at the box office, making the success of the ‘Resident Evil’ reboot a remarkable turn of events. Directed by Zach Cregger, this film has quickly transformed a faltering franchise into one of the year’s standout successes.
Released on September 18, 2026, by Sony, the film features a cast that includes Austin Abrams, Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Paul Walter Hauser. As the eighth installment in the series, it follows 2021’s ‘Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City‘, which only managed to gross $41.9 million worldwide. Expectations for the new film were modest.
Sony had initially projected a global opening around $80 million, but the reboot exceeded those expectations, debuting with an estimated $108.3 million worldwide. This total comprised $60.0 million from North America and $48.3 million from 62 international markets, setting a franchise record for a single weekend and marking Cregger’s biggest opening to date.
The context of this success is even more impressive. Cregger’s previous hit, ‘Weapons’, opened with about $70 million worldwide and concluded with $142 million against a $20 million budget. The opening weekend of the new film alone surpassed the global total of the original 2002 movie, which earned $102.9 million.
As the second weekend rolls in, the reboot has reportedly reached an estimated $196 million worldwide after just two weekends. It added $27 million internationally across 65 markets, a 45% drop, bringing its overseas total to $93 million.
This positions the film close to the $200 million mark, with significant openings still pending in two major territories. China is set to open on October 5, followed by Japan on October 9. Reports indicate that the film was produced on a budget of approximately $75 million.
Sony’s financial calculations have been favorable. A common industry guideline suggests that marketing expenses typically match the production budget, placing the break-even point around $150 million. The film reportedly surpassed that threshold on Saturday, September 26, just nine days after its theatrical release.
Positive reviews have also played a crucial role in its success. The film currently holds a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the highest-rated film based on a video game on both Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic. Such favorable word of mouth is a rarity for this franchise.
The first trailer for Zach Cregger’s ‘RESIDENT EVIL’ has been released.
In theaters on September 18. pic.twitter.com/eeVCAGzy6M
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) April 30, 2026
The significance of the Chinese and Japanese markets cannot be understated. According to Box Office Mojo, ‘Resident Evil: The Final Chapter’ earned approximately $159.5 million in China and $36.5 million in Japan, together accounting for nearly $196 million of its $312.2 million worldwide total. This previous film remains the highest-grossing entry in the series.
While Cregger’s version may not replicate those figures, the potential is evident. Achieving the record would require around another $116 million, a target that now seems attainable with two major markets yet to open.
The film has also achieved notable milestones in format. IMAX screenings contributed $14.5 million to the opening, setting a record for a horror film in comparable markets. These figures suggest a strong audience interest in experiencing the film on the big screen.
This success aligns with a broader trend, as horror has emerged as one of the most dependable genres at the box office. Cregger has established himself as one of its most bankable directors, seamlessly transitioning from the smaller-scale ‘Barbarian’ to a major studio franchise while continuing to deliver hits.
Sony now finds itself with a genuine franchise revival. If China and Japan deliver box office numbers similar to those of the past, the total could soar to heights that few anticipated just weeks ago.
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