The story of Resident Evil: Vendetta
Resident Evil: Vendetta is a 2017 animated action-horror film set squarely within the video game universe that's spawned dozens of games, live-action films, and now, anime adaptations. The plot centers on a conspiracy unfolding in New York City, where soldiers and special agents must race against time to prevent a madman from releasing a catastrophic virus. What makes this installment distinct is its focus on the clash between survival and sabotage — the heroes aren't just fighting infected hordes, they're battling an enemy with a personal vendetta. The 97-minute runtime keeps the action brisk, moving from tense combat sequences to quieter moments of tactical planning, all while the threat of bioterrorism looms larger. It's the kind of film that doesn't waste time on exposition; it trusts you know the Resident Evil universe and throws you straight into the chaos.
Behind the making of Resident Evil: Vendetta
Resident Evil: Vendetta represents the third CG film in the franchise, following Degeneration (2008) and Damnation (2012), and it's the third major film to feature Leon Kennedy as a protagonist. The film was produced by Marza Animation Planet in collaboration with Capcom, with producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi overseeing the project to ensure it honored the source material's tone and lore. Director Takanori Tsujimoto helmed the project, while Takashi Shimizu served as executive producer — a pedigree that signals serious investment in the animation and narrative quality. The voice cast brought considerable talent to the table: Kevin Dorman, Matthew Mercer, Erin Cahill, and others lent their performances to bring these iconic characters to life in English-language voice work. Released in Japan on May 27, 2017, the film arrived at a moment when anime adaptations of Western franchises were gaining traction, though Vendetta's critical reception proved mixed — it holds a 43% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 6.2/10 on IMDb, suggesting that while fans of the series found enjoyment, mainstream critics weren't entirely convinced. The film earned an R rating, reflecting its violence and horror elements. A sequel, Resident Evil: Death Island, would follow in 2023, proving that despite the mixed reviews, there was still appetite for this animated corner of the Resident Evil universe.
What makes Resident Evil: Vendetta stand out
What's striking about Vendetta is how it commits to being a straight-up action film rather than trying to reinvent the franchise. The animation—crisp, detailed CG work—gives the zombie encounters a visceral quality that wouldn't feel out of place in a live-action blockbuster. Matthew Mercer's voice work as one of the leads carries real weight; there's a weariness to his delivery that suggests these characters have been through hell (literally) and aren't expecting things to get better. The film doesn't shy away from gore or moral ambiguity. You've got soldiers doing questionable things in the name of stopping a bigger threat, which is messy and uncomfortable in ways that feel earned rather than gratuitous.
That said, it's not a perfect film. The pacing can feel rushed in places, and some character moments don't land with the emotional heft they're reaching for. The script occasionally leans on exposition-heavy dialogue when it could show more and tell less. But here's the thing—if you're watching Resident Evil: Vendetta, you're probably already invested in this universe, and the film respects that investment by diving straight into high-stakes action rather than hand-holding newcomers. The virus plot, the personal vendettas between characters, the infected creatures—it all threads together in a way that feels cohesive even if the execution isn't flawless. There's real tension in the third act. The character interactions feel grounded despite the fantastical premise. It's a film that knows exactly what it is and doesn't apologize for it.
How to watch Resident Evil: Vendetta online
Resident Evil: Vendetta is widely available across streaming platforms, making it easy to catch if you've been curious about this corner of the franchise. You can stream it on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video (both with and without ads), and through various à la carte rental services including Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. International viewers have options too—the film is available on U-NEXT, Rakuten TV, Sky Store, and other regional platforms. Movie OTT tracks real-time availability across all these services, so you can check exactly where it's streaming in your region and whether it's included with your current subscription or requires rental. The "Where to Watch" widget at the top of this page shows you all active options right now, so you don't have to hunt across multiple apps. If you're a fan of the Resident Evil games or the earlier CG films, it's worth adding to your watchlist.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is Resident Evil: Vendetta connected to the live-action Resident Evil movies?
No, Vendetta exists in the video game continuity, not the live-action film universe. It features characters like Chris Redfield, Leon S. Kennedy, and Rebecca Chambers from the games and ignores the Hollywood adaptations entirely.
Q: Do I need to have played the Resident Evil games to understand this film?
Not necessarily, but familiarity with the franchise helps. The film assumes you know what the T-virus is and why bioweapons are bad, so newcomers might feel a bit lost in the lore. That said, the basic plot—stop a madman from releasing a deadly virus—is straightforward enough to follow on its own.
Q: Who directed Resident Evil: Vendetta?
Takanori Tsujimoto directed the film, with Takashi Shimizu serving as executive producer and Capcom's Hiroyuki Kobayashi supervising production to maintain franchise continuity.
Q: How long is Resident Evil: Vendetta?
The film runs 97 minutes, making it a brisk action thriller that doesn't overstay its welcome.
Q: Is there a sequel to Resident Evil: Vendetta?
Yes. Resident Evil: Death Island was released in 2023 as a follow-up, continuing the animated film series within the video game universe.
Final thoughts on Resident Evil: Vendetta
Resident Evil: Vendetta isn't going to convert skeptics into franchise devotees, and critics' mixed response tells you it's got rough edges. But it's a solid action film that respects its source material and delivers what fans of the games want: high-stakes combat, character moments that matter, and a villain with genuine menace. It's the kind of film that works best if you come to it already invested in the Resident Evil universe—and if you are, you'll find plenty to appreciate here. Worth streaming if it's on your subscription, worth renting if it's not.
