Resident Evil Hits 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, Tops All Video Game Films

There's something quietly remarkable happening with Resident Evil. Zach Cregger's film adaptation has landed a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the highest-rated live-action video game movie ever made — a distinction that matters more than you might think, given how often these films stumble.

The achievement is particularly striking because the movie takes a deliberate step away from the franchise's most recognizable faces. There's no Leon Kennedy, no Claire Redfield — the characters fans have followed through countless games and previous adaptations. Instead, the film charts its own course, following Austin Abrams as Bryan, a character navigating the nightmare of Raccoon City. It's a choice that could have felt like a misstep, but critics and audiences have responded warmly to what Cregger has built: something that captures the spirit of the games while offering a genuinely fresh perspective.

The 97% score edges out The Last of Us Season 1 and Fallout Season 2, both of which hold 96% on the platform. It's a meaningful distinction in a landscape where video game adaptations have historically struggled to find critical footing. The film does face some reservation around its final act — nothing's perfect — but that hasn't dampened the overall reception.

Since its theatrical release on September 18, Resident Evil has proven that there's real appetite for adaptations willing to respect the source material while taking creative risks. It's the kind of result that might actually change how studios approach these projects going forward, which feels like the real win here.

Personally, I saw it last Thursday and it's quite fun. I would describe this movie as a movie that both veteran fans, but also people new to the franchise can enjoy.