Zach Cregger's 'Resident Evil' Hits Digital Platforms After $400M Box Office Run

3 min read
Source: Gizmodo
Zach Cregger's 'Resident Evil' Hits Digital Platforms After $400M Box Office Run
Photo: Gizmodo
TL;DR

Zach Cregger's 'Resident Evil' is now available for digital purchase and rental, following a worldwide box office run exceeding $400 million. The film, which stars Austin Abrams as a medical courier in Raccoon City, has become the highest-grossing entry in the franchise's history. While it remains in select theaters, it is expected to arrive on Netflix in early 2027.

Key points

  • The film is available for digital download and rental starting November 3, 2026, with prices ranging from $19.99 to $24.99 depending on the platform.
  • It has grossed $157.4 million in North America and $242.6 million overseas, totaling exactly $400 million, surpassing the 2016 entry 'Resident Evil: The Final Chapter'.
  • The movie is set to return to IMAX and premium large format screens, extending its theatrical run despite the digital release.
  • Netflix is expected to acquire streaming rights in late January 2027 under a multi-year output deal with Sony Pictures.
  • Director Zach Cregger has stated he will not pursue further 'Resident Evil' projects, focusing instead on original works like 'The Flood'.

Background

This release follows the film's September 2026 theatrical debut, which broke franchise records for opening weekend performance. Previous coverage noted the film's critical acclaim and its departure from traditional franchise lore, focusing instead on survival mechanics. The 2021 reboot, 'Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City', failed commercially, making this 2026 entry a significant turnaround for the property.

How outlets are covering it

Variety highlights the financial milestone, noting the film's $400 million global total against a $75 million budget, and contrasts this success with recent Sony flops like 'The Social Reckoning'. Decider focuses on the consumer aspect, detailing the November 3 digital release and predicting a January 2027 Netflix debut based on Sony's 'Pay 1' window. GameSpot notes the film's continued theatrical presence in IMAX and Cregger's decision to leave the franchise, while Gizmodo emphasizes the narrative shift to a courier protagonist and the film's success in capturing the video game's escalating tension. Some hardcore fans criticized the lack of traditional characters, but the box office performance suggests broad audience approval.

Why it matters

The film's commercial success validates a new direction for the 'Resident Evil' franchise, moving away from the Milla Jovovich-led series. Its strong performance despite fan criticism of its lore deviations indicates a successful pivot to a more grounded, survival-horror tone. The digital release and upcoming streaming availability will further extend its revenue potential and audience reach.

What to watch

The film is expected to stream on Netflix in late January 2027. A physical Blu-ray release has not yet been announced. Cregger is moving on to 'The Flood', a sci-fi film starring Jennifer Lawrence, and has no plans for a 'Resident Evil' sequel.

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