All The Evil Dead Movies Ranked From Worst to Best

Covering both Sam Raimi's classic trilogy and two different sequels Evil Dead films range from effective horror films to true classics of the genre. The Evil Dead a rarity in the genre thanks to the inventive nature of series creator Sam Raimi. The original trilogy became more comedic over time and developed a loyal fan base who came to love the antics of Bruce Campbell's hapless protagonist Ash Williams. It doesn't mean that Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness It lacks horror, even the first Evil Dead completely humorless.

Raimi eventually stepped away from the director's chair, leaving the last two films to be helmed by directors who still respect Sam Raimi's filmography. Evil Dead movies. 2013 year Evil Dead the remake took things back to the original, exploring a similar setting but with additional decades of influence beyond the original films. Ten years later, Rise of the Evil Dead shifted the focus to an entirely new setting with fresh characters. Each one Evil Dead The film was noted by critics, however there is one Evil Dead the film that stands out most iconically and gang fun.

5 Evil Dead (2013)

63% on Rotten Tomatoes Tomatoes

2013 year Evil Dead is the worst of the five entries released in the franchise — but it's still a solid horror movie. Unlike most horror series, where there's a clear dividing line between beloved entries and disappointing ones, fans like basically everyone. Evil Dead films of varying degrees. The fact is Evil Dead Just because 2013's champion is less of a fan doesn't mean it's not worth watching. Fede Alvarez's remake reinvents some of the original's ideas in fun new ways and is impeccably directed.

The film changes an intelligent protagonist in the middle of the plotand features an excellent performance by Jane Levy as Mia. The biggest loss Evil Dead is a commitment to pure horror, meaning it lacks the unique tonal balance that elevates the best entries in the series. Instead, Evil Dead The sequel sports even more blood and gore Evil Dead 2. It's a solid scare that's admired by horror fans, but doesn't quite recapture the magic of Sam Raimi's original films.

4 Army of Darkness (1992)

69% on Rotten Tomatoes Tomatoes

The least scary one by far Evil Dead movies, Army of Darkness still a classic on its campy merits. Thrown back in time and forced to fight the Dead in the 14th century, Ash's fantastical adventure feels like a throwback to the Ray Harryhausen sagas (with a touch of self-aware humor). This commitment to silliness costs the film much of the tension and terror that defined its predecessor Evil Dead movies, but remains entertaining nonetheless.

Thanks to a really entertaining performance by Bruce CampbellPushing Ash to new comic heights, Army of Darkness it's still a fun ride, even if it's getting funnier. After the critical embrace Evil Dead 2to take more mixed Army of Darkness It was tailored to an audience less interested in Ash's fantastical exploits. A flop at the time of release and still criticized by fans who disliked the overly humorous tone, Army of Darkness remains a cult classic.

3 Evil Dead Rise (2023)

84% on Rotten Tomatoes Tomatoes

In 2023 Lee Cronin brought Evil Dead franchise is coming back to life with dark and scary Rise of the Evil Dead. He wants to emphasize the connection between his new film and his original films, Cronin's Rise of the Evil Dead it moves the environment into the city and introduces new elements to the heritage. This includes building on small elements such as a line Army of Darkness to show that there are three Necrominko.

to bring The Evil Dead focusing on an apartment building and a family struggling to survive a Deadite attack, Rise of the Evil Dead it was different enough from the original to please most fans and critics. He doubled his budget in one weekend, Rise of the Evil Dead's gruesome horror approach has long been embraced by fans. However, it was also very harsh and leaves out much of the humor baked into the original (although Evil Dead). Ultimately, Cronin's mastery of the series' thrills and chills elevated the film, even without the humor to balance it.

2 The Evil Dead (1981)

86% on Rotten Tomatoes Tomatoes

Original entry The Evil Dead franchise and Sam Raimi's directorial debut, The Evil Dead is the filmmaker's impressive opening salvo which lacks the elegance of his later, better works. Introducing the audience to Bruce Campbell's Ash Williams, The Evil Dead The amateur elements (reflecting Raimi's youth during production) are gritty and poignant, adding to the film's unique hairy elements. The film is unrelenting in its horror, with Deadites inflicting psychological and physical torment on the campers.

Although as dark as later entries, the special effects bring an unnatural edge to the film that helps it stand out visually. Campbell is truly excellent as Ash, infusing the more grounded character with seeds of personality that will come alive with each subsequent appearance. Finally, The Evil Dead only really suffers in comparison. Evil Dead 2 is a remake of the original from a more subtle director, improving on the original's more memorable elements. The first film is perhaps the most impressive for its micro-budget and level of creativity, and remains a gonzo blast.

1 Evil Dead 2 (1987)

88% on Rotten Tomatoes Tomatoes

A hallmark of the horror genre and at the same time One of the funniest comedies of the 1980s, Evil Dead 2 takes the strengths of the first film and amplifies them. Although it introduced the original franchise to the world, Evil Dead 2 is the best Evil Dead movie. What really determines Evil Dead 2 separate from the other Evil Dead movies is Ash's transformation into an iconic horror hero who can be engaging and believable in dramatic moments, goofball sequences, and action scenes. Bruce Campbell is the perfect match for the challenge, delivering a stellar performance.

Starting out as a remake of the original before taking more dramatic turns, Evil Dead 2 balances horror and comedy with a deft hand that few other filmmakers can match. Sam Raimi proves himself a master of tone and style with the film, drawing on his hands-on experience from the original to add stylish flourishes and special effects. What it adds to the mix are absolutely hilarious bits of physical comedy from Campbell, Ash's chained hand, and more gore than several minor horror movies combined. Evil Dead 2 is the best Evil Dead movies and overall one of the best horror movies of its time.