The latest live-action Resident Evil film has achieved a notable box office performance, currently ranking as the third highest-grossing movie in the franchise worldwide. Directed by Zach Cregger, the new installment has garnered approximately $250 million globally, positioning it as a significant contender within the series' cinematic history. However, it has yet to surpass the franchise's top earner, 2016's Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, which grossed $312 million worldwide, or the 2010 film Resident Evil: Afterlife, with $300 million globally.
The franchise, produced by Constantin Films, has a long history of theatrical releases. The films directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, starring Milla Jovovich, collectively earned over $1 billion across six entries. While these films often received poor critical reception, they maintained a dedicated fanbase. The new Resident Evil movie's success is partly buoyed by its strong performance in China, where the franchise remains particularly popular. Projections suggest that with continued success in the Chinese market, the film could reach $280 million, potentially becoming Cregger's highest-grossing film to date.
Notably, Cregger's Resident Evil movie is the first in the live-action series to achieve a higher domestic gross than international. This is a significant departure from the franchise's typical performance, though the final international figures, especially from China, may alter this balance. The film's predecessor, Johannes Roberts' 2021 Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, stands as the lowest-grossing live-action entry in the series, with a worldwide total of just over $41 million.
Despite the success of the current film, Constantin Films had reportedly considered pausing the franchise after Welcome to Raccoon City's underperformance. Cregger's pitch revitalized the series. While Cregger has expressed interest in directing another Resident Evil film, his immediate next project is an original movie titled The Flood, signaling a potential shift away from franchise work.