The method of processing a sequence of digital images, in the context of coding according to a bit stream comprising compressed output images organized according to at least two temporal hierarchy levels in accordance with a predetermined scalable format, comprises the following steps: obtaining and storing original images, and generating output images, by the transformation of original images and/or intermediate images, and/or output images, in a first chosen order so that the number of images to be stored, simultaneously necessary for the transformation of the original images into output images, is minimal.