The live-action adaptation of Capcom’s survival horror franchise, directed by Zach Cregger and released today, has already surpassed Sonic the Hedgehog 3 to become the highest-rated video game movie in history on Rotten Tomatoes. At the time of publication, the film holds a 96% critics’ score, placing it multiple percentage points above its nearest competitors and marking an unprecedented milestone for adaptations of video games that have long struggled with critical reception.
The achievement lands just hours after the film’s theatrical debut, when reviewers had already coalesced around praise for Cregger’s distinctive approach to the material. Rather than retelling any existing game narrative, the director chose to craft an original story set in a live-action Raccoon City that channels the atmosphere and tension of playing the games themselves. The result appears to have resonated strongly with both professional critics and general audiences alike.
A Historic Score for Game Adaptations
The 96% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes comfortably edges out Sonic the Hedgehog 3, which currently sits at 86%, along with Werewolves Within (also 86%) and The Angry Birds Movie 2 (72%). While those marks represent some of the better-received adaptations in recent memory, Cregger’s film now stands alone atop the pile. It is worth noting that this ranking reflects a relatively short window; as more reviews accumulate over coming weeks and months, the standings could shift accordingly.
The broader context for video game films has historically been grim. From 1993’s Super Mario Bros. to 2001’s Tomb Raider, early attempts frequently drew scorn from critics, and recent years have offered little relief. Both Five Nights at Freddy’s movies earned devoted audience followings yet failed to impress reviewers, while 2024’s Borderlands narrowly avoided becoming the worst-rated game movie of all time. The competition Cregger has edged out was never particularly formidable, but his film still represents a genuine breakthrough for a category long dismissed as inherently un-filmable.
A Bold Creative Choice
Cregger arrived at the project with considerable credibility, having built a reputation through his previous two horror films. Yet he acknowledged facing an uphill battle from fans who hoped to see familiar characters like Leon S. Kennedy or Nemesis brought to life. Instead, Austin Abrams stars as Bryan, an original protagonist thrust into a Raccoon City that diverges visually from what many enthusiasts had imagined.
“I did not really appreciate the sentiment that, ‘We’ve been waiting forever for Leon’s story.’ And I appreciate that, and I’m sorry that’s not the story I’m bringing. I get it, I understand the frustration. I understand it so well because I haven’t seen the earlier movies, because they don’t look like the Resident Evil that I love, so how could I be frustrated with fans who have that same attitude?”
Zach Cregger, director
The decision to prioritize mood over canon has proven divisive online, yet it seems to have won over critics and a broad swath of audiences. After more than 500 verified ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, the film carries an impressive 91% audience score—a figure that suggests the movie’s appeal extends well beyond its most devoted fans.
A Director Defending His Vision
Cregger has been candid about his intentions throughout the film’s promotion, insisting that his project is a genuine tribute to the franchise rather than a cash grab. Speaking with IGN during a recent conversation, he expressed hope that viewers would look past their skepticism and discover the affection for the games embedded within every frame.
“My only hope is that they’ll see the movie regardless of their skepticism or their disappointment that I’m not telling some of the stories that the games tell so well, and they will feel seen when they do watch the movie, and they will recognize all of the love for the games that are in this movie. This is not me just telling a story and slapping Resident Evil on it so I can get a budget. This is me telling a Resident Evil story.”
Zach Cregger, director
The film has also earned critical recognition beyond Rotten Tomatoes’ aggregate scores. IGN awarded the movie an 8 out of 10, praising its focused approach to survival horror and crediting Cregger’s distinctive sensibilities for elevating the material.
Looking Ahead
Beyond critical acclaim, Resident Evil is expected to clear the franchise’s box office record, signaling strong commercial momentum alongside its artistic success. The film remains in its early innings when it comes to reception, and only time will reveal whether this glowing start endures across weeks, months, and years.
For a genre that has endured decades of critical skepticism, however, the impact is undeniable. Cregger’s Resident Evil has not merely succeeded as an adaptation—it has redefined what such films can achieve, setting a new benchmark for everyone who follows.
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