15 Shows Like 'Resident Evil' You NEED To Watch

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but be captivated by ‘Resident Evil’, a series that masterfully combines the chilling terror of zombie horror, the intrigue of corporate conspiracies, and the raw intensity of survival action, all drawn from the legendary video game franchise. The show skillfully weaves together elements of viral outbreaks, grotesque creatures, and intense human struggles in a post-apocalyptic landscape, keeping you on the edge of your seat. If you’re craving more shows that share this unique blend of suspense, sci-fi horror, and unrelenting danger, I’ve got a list of 15 series that promise the same pulse-pounding excitement.

Moving from post-apocalyptic landscapes overrun by zombies, to enigmatic diseases and supernatural conflicts, these series embody the thrilling narrative style of ‘Resident Evil’. If you’re captivated by the turmoil of apocalyptic backdrops or the struggle against malevolent entities, this collection presents exciting journeys to embark upon next.

15. The Last of Us (2023)

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that “The Last of Us” isn’t just another zombie show; it’s a heart-pounding drama set in a post-apocalyptic world infested with infected beings, all victims of a deadly fungal outbreak. This gripping HBO series stands out amongst its peers.

Joel, a seasoned smuggler with a hardened exterior, is the protagonist in this tale. His mission? To safeguard Ellie, a resilient teenage girl who possesses an enigmatic immunity to the outbreak. Together, they navigate a perilous journey across a devastated United States, facing threats not only from the infected but also from ruthless survivors.

Their odyssey unfolds into a captivating narrative of survival, loss, and an unexpected friendship that may hold the secret to mankind’s future.

Similarities with Resident Evil: Similar to Resident Evil, The Last of Us is based on a highly praised video game, merging elements of horror, action, and deep emotional storytelling. The mutated creatures in this series resemble the terrifying bio-organic threats found in Resident Evil. Both share a common ground of featuring nail-biting survival situations and critical missions set in collapsing worlds, providing a blend of heart-pounding horror and human drama.

14. The Witcher (2019 – Present)

The Witcher isn’t strictly about the undead, but it does feature gruesome beasts and creatures that make it an exceptional fantasy series on Netflix. This show revolves around Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster hunter known as a Witcher. Despite his profession, he becomes entangled in a complex set of events that may determine the destiny of the world. As a protective father, he must safeguard his adopted daughter, who possesses ancient powers, from various malevolent forces seeking to exploit her abilities.

Just like Resident Evil: Similar to Resident Evil, The Witcher is a series that originated from books but also has a video game version. This series is unique because it combines fantasy with horror, featuring numerous terrifying and nightmarish creatures. Unlike Resident Evil, which is set in the modern world, The Witcher doesn’t have a contemporary setting, but it does share elements of horror and action, much like its counterpart.

13. Glitch (2015 – 2019)

The TV show named “Glitch” is set in an Australian small town and shares some similarities with the series “The Returned.” The unique aspect of both shows lies in the return of deceased individuals, who are now mysteriously alive and well. A police officer embarks on a mission to unravel the mystery behind this peculiar event, as he deals with these people who have no recollection of their past lives.

Glitch Shares Similarities with Resident Evil but with a Different Focus: While Glitch doesn’t feature flesh-eating zombies like Resident Evil, it does share the intrigue factor. In Glitch, the investigation revolves around people mysteriously returning from the dead. Conversely, in Resident Evil, the mystery lies in uncovering the events of the past that led to the catastrophic zombie outbreak which ultimately devastated the world.

12. Helix (2014 – 2015)

The show “Helix” was brief and failed to garner the same level of attention as other zombie-themed productions, despite its promising premise. It follows a group of CDC researchers embarking on an expedition to the Arctic to study a viral outbreak. Upon arrival, they discovered that the Arctic harbored a unique virus capable of transforming humans into either lethal killers or rampaging zombies. The narrative centers around these scientists seeking a cure for the disease or finding ways to halt its spread to urban areas.

The primary reason Helix resembles Resident Evil lies in their shared theme of a viral epidemic transforming humans into zombies. Both narratives share survival as a common thread, but Helix emphasizes understanding and potentially finding a cure for this virus.

11. In The Flesh (2013 – 2014)

As a captivated viewer, I must express that “In the Flesh” stands out among zombie series, given its unique twist as a teenage drama. The narrative unfolds around a teenager who, remarkably, was resurrected after death, only to find himself back home amidst a group of individuals dealing with Partially Deceased Syndrome. Their struggle for acceptance is complicated by religious groups that view them as anathema. Essentially, the story delves into the protagonist’s journey to find his place in a society that has shunned him, making it more of a coming-of-age tale laced with supernatural undertones.

Although In the Flesh and Resident Evil share the common theme of zombies, they have fewer similarities overall. However, both series display characters grappling with survival in a transformed society due to the rise of the undead.

10. The Returned (2012 – 2015)

The French series, ‘The Returned’, shares a resemblance with the Australian show ‘Glitch’. Both are supernatural dramas set in small towns where deceased individuals mysteriously return, seemingly unaffected by their deaths. The townsfolk struggle to accept this strange occurrence as they grapple with the enigma unfolding around them. This chilling and suspenseful series is sure to engage your intellect and leave you guessing about what will transpire next in its captivating narrative.

In Comparison with Resident Evil: While The Returned is less graphic and action-packed than Resident Evil, they share a common element of enigma. Despite their distinct narratives, both series maintain an atmosphere of mystery. The Returned primarily centers around characters trying to decipher the strange occurrences happening in their environment, whereas Resident Evil follows protagonists attempting to understand the past events that led to the world’s destruction.

9. iZombie (2015 – 2019)

iZombie stands out in the zombie genre with its non-traditional approach to horror, offering a captivating narrative instead of typical frightening elements. The show revolves around a medical examiner who transforms into a zombie and, to control her condition, consumes the brains of the deceased to gain their memories and personalities. This allows her to assist in solving murders. With its humorous tone and lack of intense fear, iZombie manages to be both entertaining and gory, despite not being overly scary.

In essence, iZombie and Resident Evil share only one commonality: the presence of zombies. Yet, both narratives revolve around strong female protagonists who juggle their personal lives while coping with a universe where the undead are real.

8. Z Nation (2014 – 2018)

Z Nation sets itself apart from shows like The Walking Dead within the zombie apocalypse genre by focusing not just on survival, but on finding a solution to the entire zombie epidemic. Instead of following a group trying to stay alive, the story follows a team tasked with transporting a survivor of the zombie virus across the country. Her blood sample and DNA could hold the key to a cure. Despite its dark subject matter, Z Nation is known for its campy and humorous tone, showcasing that even in the midst of a plague, there’s still room for laughter.

What Z Nation Shares with Resident Evil: Both series revolve around survival, as their storylines depict characters struggling against all odds to survive a zombie apocalypse and find a cure for a global plague that has turned the world into ruins. Despite the comedic elements in Z Nation, this underlying goal of survival remains central.

7. Ash vs. Evil Dead (2015 – 2018)

Ash vs. Evil Dead shares the same universe with the Sam Raimi Evil Dead films. The story unfolds thirty years later, placing Ash in another Deadite outbreak scenario that could potentially wipe out the world. This means Bruce Campbell reprises his famous role, battling a zombie apocalypse alongside his companions. Although it was ultimately canceled, Ash vs. Evil Dead remains one of the most captivating zombie apocalypse series to emerge during the 2010s television era.

The Similarity Between Ash vs. Evil Dead and Resident Evil: The primary likeness between Ash vs. Evil Dead and Resident Evil lies in their shared zombie combat scenes. However, Ash vs. Evil Dead distinguishes itself by incorporating a playful, often humorous tone, much like the original Evil Dead films. This makes Ash vs. Evil Dead generally less somber than the serious tone that Resident Evil usually adopts.

6. Fear The Walking Dead (2015 – 2023)

Fear the Walking Dead is a prequel series to The Walking Dead that shows how one family survived at the start of the zombie apocalypse before the world turned into a living nightmare. Some viewers prefer this show over the original because it doesn’t seem to stick to the same repetitive formula that The Walking Dead sometimes does. Like its predecessor, Fear the Walking Dead follows a group of survivors battling through a world that has become increasingly hostile.

In what way does Fear the Walking Dead resemble Resident Evil? Both series share similarities due to their post-apocalyptic settings overrun by zombies, requiring characters in both to battle for survival. The key distinction lies in the cast size; while Resident Evil primarily focuses on a select group of individuals, Fear the Walking Dead presents an ensemble of diverse characters who must collaborate and persevere together amidst the chaos.

5. Black Summer (2019 – 2021)

The Netflix original show, titled “Black Summer,” shares its universe with the series “Z Nation.” The primary theme revolves around survival as a mother and daughter were separated at the onset of the apocalypse, striving to reconnect. To achieve this, they’ve joined various groups of survivors in order to traverse the harsh new world. Compared to Black Summer, it possesses a more somber and intense atmosphere overall.

Black Summer shares similarities with Resident Evil: Just like Resident Evil, Black Summer focuses on a group trying to survive amidst a zombie outbreak. The storyline prioritizes survival and shares the same theme as Resident Evil, although it doesn’t delve into the causes that led to the apocalypse.

4. All Of Us Are Dead (2022 – Present)

Among the most watched Netflix originals in 2022 was the South Korean production titled “All of Us Are Dead,” which kept many zombie genre enthusiasts on edge, eagerly waiting to see what the show had in store for them. The narrative centers around a group of students who find themselves trapped within their school, as a city-wide zombie outbreak originated from the school lab. With the apocalypse now unfolding, these students are forced to not only endure the chaos but also deal with one another, as this series delves into the personal growth and self-discovery of each high school student during their struggle for survival.

The primary reason All of Us are Dead resembles Resident Evil is because both series feature characters who are in survival mode and are compelled to battle for their lives amidst a city-wide zombie apocalypse. Similar to Resident Evil, All of Us are Dead also delves into the origins of the zombie virus.

3. Kingdom (2019 – 2020)

Following the triumph of the Train to Busan movie from South Korea, there emerged a flood of Korean zombie films and shows. Among them, Kingdom stood out as one of the most successful. Unlike many other zombie apocalypse series, Kingdom is set in an era centuries past in South Korea where monarchs held sway over a less developed country. Yet, even amidst this ancient setting, a zombie epidemic began to resurrect the dead, and a prince embarked on a mission to safeguard his people while finding means to halt the spread of the outbreak across the entire kingdom.

Kingdom’s Unique Twist on the Zombie Apocalypse: Unlike other zombie series where characters rely on modern firearms for survival, Kingdom stands out by setting its story during a zombie outbreak and equipping its characters with traditional weapons such as swords and bows. This gives it a Resident Evil-like intensity, but with an original twist.

2. The Walking Dead (2010 – 2022)

The Walking Dead stands out as the most enduringly popular zombie series ever made, having been on air for over a decade. However, some viewers may have grown tired of its recurring themes. Despite this, the show’s primary emphasis has always been on portraying the characters’ struggle to survive in a world infested with zombies. What they found out along the way was that the real danger often came not from the undead, but from other survivors.

The Walking Dead shares similarities with Resident Evil in that they both follow an action-survival narrative set against the backdrop of an apocalypse, where characters struggle to stay alive. Yet, The Walking Dead emphasizes a human conflict over a human vs. zombie scenario, making it distinct from Resident Evil.>

1. Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness (2021)

Without a doubt, nothing resembles Resident Evil quite like the Resident Evil series itself. The latest installment, Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness, focuses on Leon and Claire, iconic characters from the highly successful Resident Evil 2 game of the late ’90s. Once again, they must join forces to tackle a zombie outbreak that seemed to have been contained by the United States government. It’d be beneficial if you’ve played Resident Evil 2 for a better grasp of their characters.

There’s no other series quite like Resident Evil, except perhaps another installment in the same series. The unique factor here is that this is an animated adaptation of the video game events, while the new live-action Resident Evil series presents a completely fresh storyline with potential disconnection from the games. Yet, they both retain the horror-survival essence that has consistently captivated audiences in the Resident Evil franchise.

2025-06-07 10:46

15 Shows Like ‘Resident Evil’ You NEED To Watch