Resident Evil Death Island – Guide to Cast Plot and Reviews

In the sprawling universe of the Resident Evil franchise, few events have generated as much excitement among long-time fans as the release of Resident Evil: Death Island. This 2023 animated feature represents a milestone: for the first time in any medium, the five core protagonists of the series—Leon S. Kennedy, Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, Claire Redfield, and Rebecca Chambers—share the screen together. Directed by Eiichiro Hasumi and written by Makoto Fukami in collaboration with Capcom, the film serves as a direct sequel to Resident Evil: Vendetta (2017) and continues the narrative thread of the CG-animated film series.

Set in a world still grappling with the legacy of Umbrella Corporation’s bioweapons, the story transports viewers to San Francisco and the infamous Alcatraz Island. The film blends high-octane action sequences with a mystery centered on a new T-virus outbreak. As of 2025, it stands as the most recent feature-length entry in the animated canon, offering fans a visually polished experience that pays tribute to decades of Resident Evil lore.

Where to Watch Resident Evil: Death Island

For those asking where to find the film, availability depends on the preferred format and region. Resident Evil: Death Island was released digitally on July 25, 2023, followed by physical media on August 21, 2023. The film is available for purchase or rental on major Video on Demand (VOD) platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, where prices have been observed at roughly $23 for the DVD, $35 for the Blu-ray + Digital combo, and $34 for the 4K UHD + Digital edition. Physical copies, including DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD, are sold through retailers such as HMV and Amazon. It is not currently confirmed as a free streaming title on Netflix, although previous animated entries like Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness have streamed there. For the most current options, checking Sony Pictures or local VOD services is recommended.

• Release Dates: Japan theatrical on July 7, 2023; US digital on July 25, 2023; physical media on August 21, 2023.
• Director: Eiichiro Hasumi, known for live-action films like Assassination Classroom.
• Runtime: 91 minutes (1 hour, 31 minutes).
• Age Rating: Rated R in the United States for bloody violence and language.
• Production Companies: Capcom, Stage 6 Films, Sony Pictures, TMS Entertainment.
• Notable First: The first film in the series to feature all five main protagonists together.
• Genre: Adult animated biopunk action horror.

What Is the Plot of Resident Evil: Death Island?

The narrative of Resident Evil: Death Island begins with a flashback to 1998 during the Raccoon City incident. Umbrella Corporation hires a private military firm, and surviving soldiers JJ and Dylan Blake are forced to eliminate infected comrades—an event that sets the stage for Dylan’s later antagonism. In the present day, a mysterious T-virus outbreak strikes San Francisco, with victims sharing one commonality: all recently visited Alcatraz Island.

Who Investigates the Outbreak?

Chris Redfield leads his BSAA team in an investigation, while Jill Valentine analyzes biological samples. Their paths cross with Rebecca Chambers and Claire Redfield, who reports an infected orca near the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, linked to missing whales in the area. Posing as tourists, Jill, Chris, Claire, and Rebecca board Alcatraz, where a zombie outbreak separates them. They soon reunite with Leon S. Kennedy, who has been pursuing a lead on missing tourists. Together, the group battles zombies, Tyrant-like B.O.W.s, and forces loyal to Dylan.

What Happens in the Ending?

Dylan, now enhanced by a new strain of the T-virus, merges with a bio-organic weapon. Claire and Rebecca manage to reprogram Dylan’s drones to infect him with the virus he created, weakening him. This allows Jill, Leon, and Chris to finish the fight with explosives. The group awaits rescue by the BSAA, with Chris offering praise for Jill’s skills. The film concludes with the five heroes united on the island, underscoring their bond forged through survival.

Who Stars in Resident Evil: Death Island? (Full Cast)

Voice casting for the English-language version brings back familiar performers and introduces new ones. Matthew Mercer voices Leon S. Kennedy, continuing his role from previous animated projects. Stephanie Panisello returns as Claire Redfield, Kevin Dorman voices Chris Redfield, Nicole Tompkins portrays Jill Valentine, and Erin Cahill takes on the role of Rebecca Chambers. Additional cast members provide voices for antagonists like Dylan Blake and other supporting characters. Many fans have praised the vocal performances, noting how the cast captures the essence of their game counterparts.

How Does Resident Evil: Death Island Fit Into the Timeline?

Understanding where Resident Evil: Death Island sits within the broader Resident Evil chronology requires looking at both the game timeline and the series of CG animated films. The movie is a direct sequel to Resident Evil: Vendetta (2017) and is considered canon to the main game universe, as confirmed by Capcom. It takes place after the events of Resident Evil 6 (set in 2013) and before Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017). Fans generally place the film around 2015 or 2016, though the exact year is not officially stated.

Where Does It Fit in the Animated Series Order?

The animated CG series timeline is as follows:

1. Resident Evil: Degeneration (2008)
2. Resident Evil: Damnation (2012)
3. Resident Evil: Vendetta (2017) — Direct prequel to Death Island
4. Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness (2021 Netflix miniseries)
5. Resident Evil: Death Island (2023)

Resident Evil: Death Island Ratings and Reviews

Reception for the film has been mixed to positive, with clear divergence between critical and audience opinions. On Rotten Tomatoes, critics have given it a 55% Tomatometer score, while the audience score sits at a higher 76%. On IMDB, the film holds a rating of approximately 5.9/10 as of early 2025. Reviewers have praised the high-quality CG animation, the fan-service of the ensemble cast, and the fluid action sequences. However, some critiques point to a thin plot that recycles familiar themes from earlier entries in the series.

“Resident Evil: Death Island is a fan-pleasing ride that brings all your favorite characters together.” — IGN

“The animation quality is stunning, but the story feels like a reused plot from prior entries.” — Polygon

Is It Worth Watching?

For dedicated Resident Evil fans, the film offers significant value due to the ensemble cast and the distinctive Alcatraz setting. The movie excels in zombie-slaying spectacle, gore, and callbacks to the games. Viewers new to the series may find the plot derivative, but the character dynamics and action make it a worthwhile entry point for those interested in the animated canon.

Is There a Resident Evil: Death Island Manga or Other Media?

According to available sources, no manga adaptation of Resident Evil: Death Island was released. Unlike some other entries in the franchise, this film is an original story created directly for the animated canon rather than being adapted from a game or comic. A manga adaptation was reportedly released in 2023 to tie into the film’s promotion, but concrete details on its availability remain scarce. No novels, concept art books, or dedicated soundtrack releases have been confirmed in major retail channels. The film stands as a standalone piece of media within the broader Resident Evil ecosystem, connected to the games and animated series but not directly tied to any print version.

Resident Evil Animated Film Timeline: Key Events

1. 2008: Resident Evil: Degeneration — First CG animated film, set after Resident Evil 4.
2. 2012: Resident Evil: Damnation — Follows Leon S. Kennedy in an Eastern European conflict.
3. 2013: Resident Evil 6 (game) — Major event in the game timeline, referenced later.
4. 2017: Resident Evil: Vendetta — Direct prequel to Death Island, featuring Chris and Leon.
5. 2023: Resident Evil: Death Island — Released, set between RE6 and RE7, likely in 2015-2016.

What Is Certain and Uncertain About Resident Evil: Death Island?

What Is the Context for Resident Evil: Death Island in the Franchise?

Resident Evil: Death Island continues the trend established by Vendetta and earlier CG films: high-octane action with a focus on fan service. It serves as a team-up movie, reminiscent of large crossover events, uniting characters whose paths rarely crossed in the games. The Alcatraz setting provides a contained, atmospheric location that recalls classic Resident Evil environments. The film bridges the gap between the conclusion of the classic story arc in Resident Evil 6 and the new direction taken in Resident Evil 7. For new fans, it introduces the core cast before they appear in later games. For veterans, it rewards years of investment with meaningful reunions and references to the series’ history.

What Are the Sources for Information on Resident Evil: Death Island?

Primary sources for details on the film include Wikipedia, which provides a detailed plot summary, cast list, and production information, as well as IMDB for ratings and user reviews. Rotten Tomatoes offers aggregated critic and audience scores, along with official trailers. Capcom’s official website and blog, along with reviews from outlets like IGN and Polygon, offer additional quotes and analysis. For physical media purchasing, HMV lists product details.

“It’s the most ambitious crossover in Resident Evil animated history.” — Capcom Unity

What Is the Bottom Line on Resident Evil: Death Island?

Resident Evil: Death Island is a visual milestone in the CG-animated series, delivering the long-awaited team-up of the franchise’s most iconic characters. While its plot may feel familiar to genre veterans, the animation quality, voice acting, and action sequences offer a rewarding experience for fans. For complete context, viewers may wish to watch Resident Evil: Degeneration, Damnation, and especially Vendetta beforehand. More details on the Resident Evil: Death Island plot and timeline are available in our dedicated guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Resident Evil: Death Island