Resident Evil

Year: 2002

Runtime: 100 min

Language: English

Director: Paul W.S. Anderson

Budget: $33M

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At the dawn of the 21st century, the American multinational Umbrella Corporation leads the way in computer technology and pharmaceutical development, wielding significant political and economic influence. Unbeknownst to many, the corporation’s primary focus lies in biological weapons research and genetic cell manipulation. Following a deadly virus outbreak within "The Hive," a secret underground laboratory, a team of elite soldiers is dispatched to contain the situation and prevent a wider catastrophe.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Resident Evil (2002)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Resident Evil (2002). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 21st century

The early 21st century marks a period of rapid technological advancements and growing corporate dominance, exemplified by the Umbrella Corporation's near-absolute power. This time frame also reflects societal ignorance regarding the sinister implications of such advancements, where the allure of technology hides dark secrets beneath the surface. The events in the film unfold during a pivotal moment of crisis that tests the limits of human endurance and morality.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:57

Main Characters – Resident Evil (2002)

Meet the key characters of Resident Evil (2002), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:57

Major Themes – Resident Evil (2002)

Explore the central themes of Resident Evil (2002), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:57

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Claustrophobic Containment Horror movies like Resident Evil

Stories of desperate survival against a deadly threat in an isolated, locked-down environment.If you liked the trapped-in-the-Hive feeling of Resident Evil, explore movies like it that feature desperate survival in isolated locations. This section features similar sci-fi horror and thriller stories with containment failure, zombie outbreaks, and biological threats in claustrophobic settings.

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Narrative Summary

Narratives typically begin with a containment failure, forcing a group to navigate a series of locked-down areas while facing a multiplying, adaptive threat. The plot is a linear race against time, often involving discovering the cause of the disaster and a desperate attempt to escape or prevent a wider catastrophe.

Why These Movies?

These films share a core experience of oppressive, enclosed settings, high-stakes survival against an immediate biological or monstrous threat, and a fast-paced, tense atmosphere where every corner could hold danger. The similarity lies in the visceral feeling of being trapped.

Bleak Corporate Apocalypse stories similar to Resident Evil

Grim thrillers where corporate greed unleashes a plague, leading to a hopeless world-ending scenario.For viewers who enjoyed the corporate conspiracy and hopeless ending of Resident Evil, this section collects movies with similar themes of shady companies, zombie plagues, and apocalyptic scenarios. Find other thrillers and horror films like it featuring biological weapons and a bleak outlook.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative arc often follows protagonists uncovering the truth behind a powerful corporation's dangerous experiments. The journey reveals a cover-up and betrayal, culminating in a failure to contain the threat and a devastatingly bleak ending that confirms a wider, unstoppable apocalypse.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared thematic focus on unethical corporate power, the terrifying consequences of biological weaponry, and a consistently dark, heavy tone that results in a catastrophic and hopeless conclusion for the world.

Unlock the Full Story of Resident Evil

Don't stop at just watching — explore Resident Evil in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Resident Evil is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Resident Evil Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Resident Evil, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Resident Evil Timeline

Track the full timeline of Resident Evil with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Resident Evil Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Resident Evil that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Resident Evil

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Resident Evil: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to Resident Evil

Discover movies like Resident Evil that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.