Austin Abrams stars in Constantin Film and Columbia Pictures Resident Evil Courtesy of Sony Pictures Logo text Resident Evil is back! Again. Sony’s second reboot of its long-running action horror movie franchise, based on the popular video games, had its premiere at the 2026 Fantastic Fest on Tuesday night, and early reaction to the film has already hit social media.
Sony has allowed festivalgoers to post brief thoughts on the film after its screening, with full reviews for Resident Evil embargoed until 9.a.m. PT on Sept. 16. The film hits theaters globally on Sept. 18.
Directed by Weapons and Barbarian filmmaker Zach Creggar, Resident Evil takes us back to Racoon City, and another viral outbreak that is turning people into monsters. The film stars Austin Abrams as a medical courier who gets caught up in the outbreak and must try to survive. The cast also includes Zach Cherry, Kali Reis and Paul Walter Hauser.
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Resident Evil has had various screen adaptations over the years. The Milla Jovovic-led original film series debuted in 2002, and was followed by six films in 14 years — Resident Evil (2002), Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004), Resident Evil: Extinction (2007), Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010), Resident Evil: Retribution (2012) and Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016).
Sony and Constantin Films first rebooted the film franchise in 2021, with Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City. Johannes Roberts’ film had an all-new cast led by Kaya Scodelario, Hannah John-Kamen, Robbie Amell and Tom Hopper. The film was a commercial and critical flop, however. The franchise took a further knock in 2022, when Netflix canceled the Resident Evil TV series after one season.
Read below for the social media reaction to Resident Evil.
RESIDENT EVIL is absolutely relentless! Hysterical and brutal from top to bottom, the movie never really lets up, with something always lurking over your shoulder. But it delights in every gory detail as it grows bigger and bigger. A true survival horror flick. Dug it. pic.twitter.com/iu3Y7NFmzo
— Daniel Howat (@howatdk) September 16, 2026
RESIDENT EVIL is a psychological horror and survival horror thriller that reconfigures the franchise. Cregger uses claustrophobic tracking shots, a minimalist sound design, and expressionistic lighting to prioritize spatial tension over digital gore. It is extremely fantastic! pic.twitter.com/xshA3KM8Rg
— Jairo Jiménez (@jairojimenez_) September 16, 2026
#ResidentEvil may not feature recognizable characters/storylines, but by tapping into the relentless tension of the games, Zach Cregger has actually delivered the most faithful take yet. Very bloody, very funny, and it made me jump at least 3 times (no easy task). The fella… pic.twitter.com/QjgumVECDH
— Mark Cassidy (@RorMachine) September 16, 2026
With #ResidentEvil Zach Cregger once again proves his title as one of the best horror directors this decade. A story that simultaneously makes you laugh with the chaotic Bryan but also anxious and tracing around the screen. Cregger perfectly combines both in an attempt to… pic.twitter.com/MrDDXORrQA
— Ryan (@ryaieon) September 16, 2026
RESIDENT EVIL: one of those films you have to see on the biggest screen with a big crowd! A true horror blockbuster. Zach Cregger goes bigger, scarier, and at his most fun. This is how you make horror into a cinematic spectacle More coming to @flickeringmyth #ResidentEvil pic.twitter.com/HFCtTlggsI
— EJ Moreno (@EJKhryst) September 16, 2026
#ResidentEvil is absolute CHAOS! High energy, intense horror with witty humor, brutal gore, nonstop action, and plenty of creepy monsters. Cregger brings the game vibes to life with incredible cinematography, plenty of easter eggs & outstanding sound design that hits you with… pic.twitter.com/ggPdoEq4Nu
— Andre Saint-Albin (@AndreSaintAlbin) September 16, 2026
HOLY SHIT!!! #ResidentEvil has its foot on the gas from the opening scene and NEVER hits the brakes. Zach Cregger delivers relentless suspense, gloriously gory action, and some seriously twisted, Thing-esque creature designs. Pure SURVIVAL HORROR and easily the best Resident… pic.twitter.com/LR6f828fMf
— Kellvin_Chavez (@Kellvin_Chavez) September 16, 2026
Think it's safe to say that Zach Cregger's #ResidentEvil is best video game ever made! Consistently exhilarating, hilarious (sometimes to a fault), and tense all at once, this is a tight 90-minute thrill ride that never lets up. As a huge fan, I couldn't be happier with this. pic.twitter.com/wLBMZHiF4u
— Jeremy Crabb (@That_Short_Nerd) September 16, 2026
#ResidentEvil Is a heart pounding blast of a time! I loved the tone and pacing Zach Cregger built. Lot of laughs w/ several horrifying moments. Big fan of all the creature designs. Austin Abram’s , much like this movie, is so engaging. I hope the doubters give it a chance🩸 pic.twitter.com/HulsggIPN2
— Cris Parker (@3CFilmss) September 16, 2026
Zach Cregger fucking nailed RESIDENT EVIL. Scary, gross as hell and very, very funny. Austin Abrams is the best. Disgusting creature designs, great set pieces and really fun. Completely nailed the tone of the games while making something modern and fresh #ResidentEvil pic.twitter.com/2hsMXfLQOX
— Follow Me On Bluesky @DaveScheidt This Place Sucks (@DaveScheidt) September 16, 2026
Zach Cregger’s #ResidentEvil was such a fun watch! The first half was damn near perfect and the second half dragged a tad but overall it was great. LOTS of video game nods, humor and holy cow some of the best scares I’ve ever seen. 4/5 ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/kuHyEz7hj5
— Mollie Damon (@MollieDamon) September 16, 2026
Zach Cregger’s #ResidentEvil is straight up a pedal-to-the-metal blast of film, very violent and gory as well as funny, Austin Abrams was kinda made in a lab to play dumbasses who have no idea what to do in wild and intense situations, a great time in the movies. pic.twitter.com/IAvfBmzLMf
— Carlos (@MattBlakeStan) September 16, 2026
#ResidentEvil is a wild ride that never lets off the gas. Zach Cregger delivers a delightfully demented smorgasbord of creepy creatures, non-stop suspense and gory action set pieces that make your heart pound out of your chest. A movie that lives up to the Resident Evil name. pic.twitter.com/pSkOR5JMKF
— Epic Film Guys ® (@EpicFilmGuys) September 16, 2026
Zach Creggers #ResidentEvil is without a doubt one of the best video game adaption of all time, as this film is a roller coaster full of horrors and laughs. Austin Abram does an amazing job portraying this character full of humor but grounded to the new world surrounding him.… pic.twitter.com/AtaS54e56A
— The3dReviewer (@Pharrel97546671) September 16, 2026
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