Zach Cregger is having a moment. After his Oscar-winning turn with Weapons and the cult favorite Barbarian, the filmmaker has now delivered what critics are calling the greatest video game adaptation ever put on screen. His Resident Evil reboot hits theaters this weekend, and it's already making history.
The film debuted to a staggering 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, surpassing all previous video game movies and shows. That puts it ahead of acclaimed adaptations like The Last of Us season one and Fallout season two, cementing Cregger's status as a master of genre reinvention.
A Fresh Take on a Beloved Franchise
Cregger's Resident Evil isn't a direct retelling of any single game. Instead, it weaves a new narrative into the established lore, much like the approach taken by Fallout. The story centers on Bryan, a medical courier played by Austin Abrams, who finds himself plunged into a nightmarish race for survival when a routine delivery goes horribly wrong. Paul Walter Hauser co-stars in this terrifying reinvention.
The official synopsis teases "an action-packed, non-stop race for survival as one fateful, horrifying night collapses around him in chaos." Early reviews praise the film's tension, practical effects, and Cregger's ability to balance scares with emotional depth.
From Barbarian to Box Office Royalty
Cregger first caught Hollywood's attention with Barbarian in 2022, a micro-budget horror hit that grossed over $46 million worldwide. He followed that with Weapons, which earned critical acclaim and an Oscar for Amy Madigan's supporting performance. Now, with Resident Evil, he's tackling one of gaming's most iconic franchises—and the pressure was immense.
Given the franchise's previous live-action iterations, fans had high hopes but also lingering doubts. Yet Cregger has delivered a film that satisfies both newcomers and longtime devotees. The early buzz suggests this could be his biggest commercial success yet.
A New Benchmark for Video Game Adaptations
The 96% score isn't just a win for Cregger—it's a milestone for the entire genre. Video game adaptations have long struggled to earn critical respect, but recent hits like The Last of Us and Fallout have raised the bar. Resident Evil now stands atop that mountain, proving that faithful yet inventive adaptations can resonate with audiences and critics alike.
For those who enjoy fun R-rated action movies, this is a must-see. And if you're curious about how other game-to-screen projects have fared, check out our look back at Resident Evil: Retribution.
What's Next for Cregger?
With Resident Evil poised to dominate the box office, all eyes are on Cregger's next move. Will he continue exploring horror, or branch into other genres? Given his track record, anything seems possible. For now, audiences can catch Resident Evil in theaters worldwide starting this weekend.
Stay tuned for more updates, and if you're planning a movie night, consider pairing this with some of the most fun R-rated films ever made.
