Resident Evil Movie Director Zach Cregger Reveals His Four Favorite Video Games

Zach Cregger, the director behind the newly released Resident Evil film, has publicly shared the four video games he considers his favorites, citing titles that span survival horror, action RPGs, and narrative-driven masterpieces. Speaking to Regal ahead of the movie’s release, the filmmaker listed The Binding of Isaac, Dark Souls 3, Resident Evil 4, and The Last of Us Part II as his picks, noting that the choices came “off the top of my head.” The revelation arrives as the film’s marketing campaign highlights its deep ties to the franchise’s gaming roots, and it has been widely shared across gaming media outlets.

While Cregger cautioned that his list was not exhaustive, the selections nonetheless underscore the influence of the medium on his creative sensibilities. The Binding of Isaac, a roguelike dungeon crawler known for its punishing difficulty and hand-drawn art style, sits alongside Dark Souls 3, a critically acclaimed action RPG celebrated for its challenging combat and atmospheric storytelling. Resident Evil 4, the game that effectively revived the survival horror genre in the 2000s, and The Last of Us Part II, a narrative-heavy PlayStation exclusive praised for its emotional depth, round out the quartet. Together, the titles reflect a director who clearly draws inspiration from some of the most influential games of the past two decades.

A Director’s Gaming Credentials

Observers have noted that Cregger’s list lends weight to his reputation as a genuine gamer, a point that has been discussed extensively across the gaming press. His selection of Dark Souls 3 was not entirely surprising, given that the director was known to stream the title on Twitch over the years. Similarly, his inclusion of Resident Evil 4 carries particular significance, as he borrowed directly from that game for his film. In the same interview, Resident Evil actor Austin Abrams, who plays Bryan, revealed that Cregger asked him to play Resident Evil 2, 4, and 7 to prepare for his role, further illustrating how deeply the director immersed himself in the source material.

His Dark Souls 3 pick was not surprising given Cregger was known to stream the game on Twitch over the years. It’s also not surprising that he called out Resident Evil 4, as he borrowed from that game for his movie.

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The emphasis on Resident Evil 4 is especially telling, since the 2005 classic served as a foundational blueprint for the film’s tone and structure. By openly acknowledging these influences, Cregger signals to the audience that his adaptation is informed by a genuine appreciation for the games rather than a superficial nod to the franchise’s brand.

Reconciling Backlash With Critical Success

The director’s willingness to share his gaming influences comes at a pivotal moment for the film, which has faced considerable backlash from core fans of the Resident Evil series. Cregger received criticism over the direction he took the movie, particularly for not featuring any stories or characters from the games. He later admitted that he was naive to think fans would embrace his ideas, acknowledging the friction between his creative vision and the expectations of the established fanbase.

Despite the controversy, the film ultimately found commercial and critical success. Resident Evil scored fantastic reviews from critics and enjoyed a gigantic opening weekend at the box office, validating Cregger’s approach and demonstrating that his departure from traditional franchise conventions resonated with a broad audience. The director’s candid reflections on his influences and his relationship with the fanbase suggest a filmmaker who is both confident in his vision and reflective about the challenges of adapting a beloved property.

Looking Ahead

As the film continues its theatrical run and its marketing campaign rolls forward, Cregger’s list of favorite games is likely to remain a talking point among fans and critics alike. The director’s openness about his inspirations may help bridge the gap between the gaming community and the film’s more unconventional approach, particularly for those who appreciate the creative risks he took. With the movie’s strong box office performance and positive critical reception, the door appears open for further collaborations between Cregger and the franchise, potentially including future installments that could explore new directions while honoring the legacy of the games that shaped his craft.

For now, the revelation stands as a fitting tribute to the medium that inspired one of Hollywood’s most ambitious horror directors, and a reminder of the enduring influence of video games on the broader entertainment industry.

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borrowed from that game for his movie

naive to think fans would embrace his ideas

scored fantastic reviews

gigantic opening weekend at the box office