Resident Evil Requiem is launching on February 27th, bringing a new chapter to one of gaming’s most iconic survival horror franchises. With over 25 years of scares, zombies, and memorable characters, the series has delivered some truly exceptional games alongside a few misses. If you’re jumping into the franchise for the first time or looking to revisit the best entries before Requiem drops, this ranking covers the top five Resident Evil games that defined survival horror and set the standard for the genre.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Resident Evil Games
| Rank | Game | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Resident Evil 4 Remake | 2023 |
| 2 | Resident Evil 2 Remake | 2019 |
| 3 | Resident Evil 7 | 2017 |
| 4 | Resident Evil (2002 Remake) | 2002 |
| 5 | Resident Evil Village | 2021 |
1. Resident Evil 4 Remake
The Resident Evil 4 Remake takes everything that made the 2005 original a masterpiece and modernizes it without losing what made it special. The gameplay is tight, responsive, and intense. Leon’s campaign through a Spanish village infected with Las Plagas parasites balances action and horror perfectly. The remake improves the original’s weaker sections, particularly the island segment, and adds depth to characters like Ashley and Luis. The combat feels weighty and satisfying, and resource management still matters even with the updated controls. This is the complete package and the best entry point for new players.
2. Resident Evil 2 Remake
Capcom’s 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2 is a masterclass in atmospheric horror. The Raccoon City Police Department feels oppressive and dangerous, with Mr. X stalking you through the halls creating genuine tension. Playing as both Leon and Claire offers different perspectives on the outbreak, and the game never feels repetitive despite covering similar locations. The tight corridors, limited resources, and constant dread make this one of the scariest entries in the franchise.
3. Resident Evil 7
Resident Evil 7 saved the franchise by completely reinventing it. The switch to first-person perspective made every encounter more personal and terrifying. The Baker family mansion in Louisiana is one of the most memorable horror settings in gaming, and enemies like Jack Baker create unforgettable chase sequences. The game strips away the action focus of RE5 and RE6 and returns to the series’ survival horror roots. This game proved Resident Evil could evolve while staying true to what made it great.
4. Resident Evil (2002 Remake)
The 2002 remake of the original Resident Evil remains the definitive classic survival horror experience. The Spencer Mansion is meticulously detailed, and the addition of Crimson Heads forces you to think carefully about every zombie you kill. The tank controls might feel dated now, but they add to the deliberate, tense gameplay. Puzzle solving, limited inventory space, and carefully planned backtracking define the experience. The atmosphere is unmatched, with pre-rendered backgrounds that still look impressive today. This is old-school survival horror done perfectly.
5. Resident Evil Village
Resident Evil Village takes the first-person perspective from RE7 and expands it into a more action-oriented experience without losing the horror elements. The village setting and four distinct lords create variety that keeps the game fresh throughout. Lady Dimitrescu’s castle is pure gothic horror, while Heisenberg’s factory leans into industrial terror. Ethan’s story concludes in a satisfying way, and the Mercenaries mode adds solid replay value. The game finds a sweet spot between RE4’s action focus and RE7’s horror atmosphere, making it accessible while still delivering scares.
With Resident Evil Requiem launching on February 27th, now is the perfect time to experience these classics. Whether you prefer pure survival horror or action-heavy gameplay, these five games represent the best the franchise has to offer.
