The original 1996 game introduced tight inventory limits, a vitals monitoring system instead of a health bar, and coined the term “survival horror”, setting a new standard for the genre.

By December 1996 the game had sold more than 4 million copies, making it the highest‑grossing title on PlayStation at that time.

The brand later expanded to cinema, launching six films and a 2021 cinematic reboot that failed to meet critics’ expectations, prompting another restart.

In 2026 director Zach Cregger will helm a new Resident Evil movie that follows courier Bryan. Cregger says his version is “a love letter to the games”, using over‑the‑shoulder shots, careful bullet collection and the series’ iconic typewriter save points to capture the original horror‑forward tone.

What keeps the franchise alive is a blend of pioneering gameplay, a strong, recognizable brand and storytelling that moves easily between games, books and film, allowing each new entry to feel fresh while staying true to its roots.