The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) Movies
This legendary horror film was perhaps one of the most obvious inspiration for Resident Evil 7 as it helped define that grimy, bloody, and dirty aesthetic. Following the story of a group of friends attacked by a family of cannibals, it’s full of iconic chase scenes, great dialogue, and of course moments of sheer terror. If you’re looking to dive back into the world of Resident Evil 7 again, make sure to give this movie a watch.
Cabin in the Woods (2012) Movies
On the flip side of things, if you’re looking for that classic campy horror that Resident Evil is known for, consider giving Cabin in the Woods a viewing. This horror movie is equal parts gore, humor, horror, and self-awareness. To discuss the story beyond the title itself would spoil all of the enjoyment so make sure to avoid all spoilers before starting this movie – trust us.
I Spit On Your Grave (1978) Movies
Okay, back to uncomfortable amounts of terror. I Spit On Your Grave is not for the faint of heart, as it effectively boils down to a gritty, brutal, horror revenge story that’s punctuated with fast and dirty violence. Much like Resident Evil 7, this film embraces that down to earth, up close and personal brutality that you’ll find around every corner in this horror video game.
V/H/S/2 (2013) Movies
One of the most unique aspects of Resident Evil 7 are playable sections that are based around VHS tapes scattered across the plantation. V/H/S/2 follows this idea and features several different tapes that are set during different periods of time and allow viewers to feel as if they’re peering into an unsettling scene. While this film also has the same visual concepts as Resident Evil 7, it’s that overwhelming sense of dread that it nails perfectly since much like the games, viewers already know these vignettes can only end badly.
The Strangers (2008) Movies
The Strangers is a slower paced horror film, but it still embraces that growing sense of tension and terror that Resident Evil 7 has implemented with The Baker family. There’s always a feeling of vulnerability in both this movie and video game which makes every scene a nail-biting thrill ride.
Cabin Fever (2002) Movies
Another bloody film, Cabin Fever follows a group of college graduates that become victims to an incredibly deadly virus that eats away at their flesh. It’s bloody and violent, however, where this film truly succeeds is the gritty brutality that the newest Resident Evil title captured wonderfully.
The Hills Have Eyes – Remake (2006) Movies
Another film that had clear inspirations for the design of Resident Evil 7, The Hills Have Eyes is full of gory violence, psychotic family members, and a protagonist that’s more than willing to hit back when pushed. It’s a wonderful horror movie and one that every fan of the game should see at least once.
You’re Next (2011) Movies
A mix of new and old, You’re Next is a horror movie that’s both smart, violent, and actually pretty funny at times. Much like Resident Evil 7 it pulls from a long history of horror to mold something rather unique that takes the best aspects from a variety of different grindhouse style titles.
Don’t Breath (2016) Movies
The most modern film on our list, Don’t Breath is a claustrophobic tale about a group of thieves trapped in a house with a blind psychopath. There’s rarely any time to relax once the scares begin and much like the seventh Resident Evil it’s full of in your face terror.
Evil Dead – Remake (2013) Movies
This incredibly violent movie is a metamorphosis of the campy horror classic that was released in the early 80s. The entire film has a sense of grime and filth about it that’s hard to shake given how claustrophobic the movie can feel at times. If you want something that will make your stomach turn just like the game then Evil Dead is the film for your.
Wrong Turn (2003) Movies Resident Evil 7 Movies
Wrong Turn follows a group of friends stalked through the rural mountains of West Virginia by a psychotic family and is a classic grindhouse style film. Not only is this movie gritty and violent, but there’s always a sense of unease that masterfully works with the tension that’s produced. For those who haven’t gotten enough of being stalked by The Baker family then these crazed cannibals will fill that horror void.
Saw (2004) Resident Evil 7 Movies
While the Saw series may have fallen into senseless torture for the sake of scares, the first title in this series is still a rather raw and violent movie. While it also has that dirty look that Resident Evil 7 is known for, it’s the balance of violence and tension that’s showcased most. This is not a movie just about over the top violence, but one that smartly builds up to it over time, using it more as a punctuation to finish off the terror.
The Last House on the Left (1972) Resident Evil 7 Movies
Another exploitation film, there’s a very nasty, up close and personal feeling to every shot in this movie. While there is brutality, it’s the kind that helps push the story forward in a meaningful way which in many ways is the same as Resident Evil 7. It’s violence with purpose and that makes it only more impactful as the story goes on.
House of a 1,000 Corpses (2003) Resident Evil 7 Movies
The first installment in Rob Zombie’s Firefly family, House of a 1,000 Corpses is a mix of raw grindhouse style filmmaking and the psychedelic craze that took place during the 1970s. This psychotic family is the closest thing you’ll find to a film version of The Bakers which makes every scene both unpredictable, terrifying, and also rather amusing.
The Devil’s Rejects (2005) Resident Evil 7 Movies
If any film inspired Resident Evil 7’s villains and design it’s The Devil’s Rejects which is the second installment in the story of the Firefly family. This horror movie actually follows the crazed members instead of the victims, which both lends itself a sense of tragedy and intrigue. The filmmaking is gritty and dirty, as director Rob Zombie makes every kill and moment feel truly personal. There is no movie better that represents everything great about Resident Evil 7 then The Devils Rejects.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Cabin in the Woods (2012)
I Spit On Your Grave (1978)
V/H/S/2 (2013)
The Strangers (2008)
Cabin Fever (2002)
The Hills Have Eyes - Remake (2006)
You're Next (2011)
Don't Breath (2016)
Evil Dead - Remake (2013)
Wrong Turn (2003)
Saw (2004)
The Last House on the Left (1972)
House of a 1,000 Corpses (2003)
The Devil's Rejects (2005)
About the author
Collin MacGregor
Collin is a Senior Staff Writer for Twinfinite and is a lover of all things horror. When he's not healing his teammates in Overwatch, raiding in Destiny, making poor choices in Dark Souls, or praying for a new Ape Escape you can find him writing for Twinfinite.net and Nerd Much.com.