Do You Need to Watch the Old ‘Resident Evil’ Movies or Play the Games Before the 2026 Reboot?

Zach Cregger’s name has become a ticket-selling powerhouse this year, and now the director of ‘Barbarian’ and ‘Weapons’ is diving into Capcom’s zombie-infested universe. His upcoming film ‘Resident Evil’ is set to hit theaters on September 18, 2026, prompting a practical question among casual moviegoers.

If you’ve never completed a single ‘Resident Evil’ game or watched Milla Jovovich take on the undead, can you still enjoy this new film? The short answer, as indicated by critics and the film itself, is a reassuring yes.

Cregger’s version is not a continuation of previous films. This new installment features an original screenplay that Sony Pictures acquired after a competitive bidding process for Cregger’s unique vision. The film is based on the video game franchise that depicts a world overrun by zombies due to a viral outbreak from a malevolent corporation.

There are no returning characters from previous films to catch up on. The narrative centers around a hapless courier named Bryan, played by Austin Abrams, who is tasked with delivering a package to a remote hospital. He soon finds himself in the midst of an outbreak, fighting through hordes of mutated creatures to survive. Bryan’s night takes a turn for the worse even before the outbreak begins, as he learns that his girlfriend Michelle is pregnant, and his reaction is far from positive. This fresh perspective is designed for those who have never picked up a controller.

Fans of the franchise’s cinematic history need not worry about needing a refresher course. The most recognized ‘Resident Evil’ movie adaptations were directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and starred Milla Jovovich, but those six films leaned heavily into post-apocalyptic action. Cregger’s approach marks a clean break from that franchise, sharing only the name and the essence of the source material.

Critics have noted that the tonal shift is intentional. The Anderson-led films diverged significantly from the video games, which focus on spine-chilling survival scenarios featuring unkillable creatures. Cregger has clearly pursued that survival horror tone. If your only experience with ‘Resident Evil’ on screen was Jovovich dodging lasers in the Hive, you’re not missing any continuity; instead, you’re in for a completely different cinematic experience.

There are no legacy characters to remember before the film. Iconic figures like Leon Kennedy or Claire Redfield do not appear, and some fans expressed frustration over this decision before the film’s release.

For gamers concerned about needing to replay old titles for references, early audience reactions provide reassurance. One viewer noted that the film made them laugh and jump more than anything else this year, describing it as an absolute rollercoaster from start to finish, and emphasizing that you don’t need to have played the games to enjoy this movie.

That said, the film respects its origins. Although familiar characters are absent, it is described as one of the most video game-inspired cinematic experiences available, featuring dwindling supplies and a structure that feels mission-based, with Bryan navigating a series of increasingly impossible tasks. In essence, the spirit of survival horror gameplay is woven into the plot, allowing longtime players to recognize the franchise’s essence even without familiar faces.

Cregger has been clear about wanting full creative control rather than simply adapting existing game plots. In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, he stated that he only wants to direct scripts he personally writes, confirming that his ‘Resident Evil’ script is original material he is passionate about. This approach clarifies why prior knowledge of Capcom’s lore is optional rather than mandatory.

Early reviews indicate that the risk of an original story is paying off. One review described the film as a fantastic 90-minute horror comedy, praising the chemistry between Cregger and Abrams as clever, scary, and surprisingly timely. Another critic remarked that the film feels almost too brief when it concludes, which they framed as a compliment, likening it to a video game that leaves you eager for the next installment.

The humor appears to be a defining characteristic rather than a distraction. Cregger reportedly removed even more comedic elements from his initial cut following early test screenings, and what remains showcases his talent for delivering jokes at just the right moment. According to one review, the film maintains a tight 90 minutes of terror interspersed with moments of comedic relief, making audiences scream one moment and laugh the next.

Ultimately, this ‘Resident Evil’ seems crafted to function as a standalone horror comedy first and a video game adaptation second. Whether you are a series veteran or someone who has never touched a controller, entering the theater without prior homework appears to be exactly what Cregger intended.

So if you hesitated to buy a ticket because you thought watching old movies or playing games was necessary, consider this your green light to just show up. Now that you know Bryan’s challenging night in Raccoon City stands entirely on its own, will you be going in fresh, or do you still plan to revisit the nostalgia before the credits roll?