The Evil Dead franchise is a horror comedy phenomenon that has captivated audiences for decades. From its humble beginnings as an independent film to its current status as a multi-media franchise, the series has evolved and reinvented itself successfully. This article ranks every entry in the franchise, including the original trilogy, the modern revivals, and the spin-off series Ash vs. Evil Dead. Each film is analyzed for its contribution to the series, its impact on the genre, and its entertainment value. The ranking is based on a combination of critical reception, fan feedback, and personal interpretation, offering a comprehensive guide for fans and newcomers alike.
- The Evil Dead (1981)
Why it's the best: The original film is still my favorite and the one I revisit the most. It's the only horror movie that ever truly scared me after I became a fan of the genre, thanks to its atmosphere, unnerving sound design, and the portrayal of the demonic threat. While I eventually came to love the sequels for their blend of horror and comedy, the original remains the franchise's most troubling nightmare. Years later, learning the story behind its difficult production only deepened my appreciation for what Raimi and his collaborators accomplished, making The Evil Dead not just one of my favorite horror films, but one of the most inspiring independent productions ever made. I would love to see a biopic about the making of this movie.
Personal commentary: The Evil Dead is still my favorite film in the franchise and the one I revisit the most. It's the only horror movie that ever truly scared me after I became a fan of the genre, thanks to its atmosphere, unnerving sound design, and the portrayal of the demonic threat. While I eventually came to love the sequels for their blend of horror and comedy, the original remains the franchise's most troubling nightmare.
- Evil Dead II (1987)
Why it's great: One of the most purely entertaining films ever made, Evil Dead II takes the traces of dark humor found in the original and runs with them, creating a live-action horror cartoon fueled by Raimi's love of slapstick and inventive filmmaking. Bruce Campbell delivers one of the great physical performances in horror history, balancing hysterical comedy with relentless punishment as Ash evolves into the iconic hero fans know today. The creature effects, gore, cinematography, and nonstop visual creativity are all outstanding, making this not only one of the greatest horror comedies ever made, but also one of the most endlessly rewatchable entries in the genre. It's spookshow perfection.
Personal reflection: Evil Dead II is often considered the definitive horror comedy of the franchise because it combines Raimi's terrifying visual style with slapstick humor and Campbell's legendary physical performance. It's a film that I can watch over and over again, and it never fails to entertain.
- Army of Darkness (1992)
Why it's a classic: Army of Darkness expanded the Evil Dead series in every possible way, transforming the franchise from a claustrophobic horror story into a medieval fantasy adventure with horror elements. Director Sam Raimi co-wrote the screenplay with his brother Ivan Raimi, creating a much larger-scale story that sent Ash Williams back to 1300 A.D. after the events of Evil Dead II. With a bigger budget, elaborate sets, and an army of stop-motion skeleton warriors inspired by the work of Ray Harryhausen, the film became a very different kind of Evil Dead experience while still maintaining Raimi's visual energy and Bruce Campbell's larger-than-life performance.
Personal take: Army of Darkness and I got off to a rocky start. When I first saw it after discovering the Evil Dead films, I was disappointed that it had moved so far away from the terrifying original, embracing a much broader and sillier style of comedy. But over time, repeated viewings helped me appreciate what Raimi and Campbell were doing, and I eventually joined the legion of fans who consider it one of the most entertaining movies ever made. Bruce Campbell is fantastic as Ash fully embraces his role as a wisecracking hero, the visuals are awesome, and the film's medieval adventure tone makes it unlike anything else in the series.
- Evil Dead (2013)
Why it's a modern classic: While Evil Dead (2013) doesn't reach the heights of Sam Raimi's original trilogy, it succeeds as an incredibly brutal and bloody horror experience. The story and Deadites never quite match the creativity or personality of the earlier films (the Deadites are too chill, reminiscent of the average shambling flesh-eating ghoul but without the appetite), but Fede Álvarez delivers some punishing brutality and unforgettable gore, pushing the franchise into a far more intense and visceral direction. With gallons of blood, shocking practical effects, and a willingness to go places few mainstream horror films would, this version of Evil Dead is a savage nightmare that earns respect even if it doesn't inspire the same affection as Raimi's films.
Personal opinion: Evil Dead (2013) is a modern classic that showcases the evolution of the franchise. While it may not be as creative as the original trilogy, it's a brutal and bloody horror experience that pushes the boundaries of the genre.
- Evil Dead Rise (2023)
Why it's a success: After the success of the 2013 Evil Dead and the end of Ash vs. Evil Dead, Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, and Rob Tapert continued expanding the franchise by giving another up-and-coming filmmaker the opportunity to tell a standalone story. Impressed by Lee Cronin’s debut feature The Hole in the Ground, they hired him to write and direct Evil Dead Rise, shifting the action from an isolated cabin to a rundown Los Angeles apartment building. The film became the highest-grossing entry in the franchise, earning widespread praise from critics and audiences while proving the Evil Dead series could thrive even without Ash Williams.
Personal view: I know I’m in the minority on this one, but Evil Dead Rise simply doesn’t work for me. While I appreciate the attempt to move the series into a new setting and the film certainly has some memorable ideas, I find the extremely dark cinematography to be irritating, making it difficult to appreciate what’s happening on screen. The story goes through the Evil Dead motions but fails to keep me engaged, and the climactic Marauder creature feels more silly than satisfying because, instead of making the Deadites more dangerous, it actually makes them easier to defeat. The movie was a commercial success and has earned plenty of fans, but despite multiple viewings, it’s the only entry in the franchise that I don’t enjoy revisiting.
- Evil Dead Burn (2026)
Why it's a promising addition: Evil Dead Burn doesn’t reinvent the franchise, but it doesn’t need to. It understands exactly what makes these movies work and pushes those elements to new extremes. Vaniček delivers an intensely grim and relentlessly violent entry filled with incredible practical effects, inventive kills, and an atmosphere of constant dread. While the original trilogy balanced horror and comedy in unique ways, Burn embraces a darker approach, proving the series can continue evolving while still honoring its roots. With memorable characters, shocking gore, and a direct connection to the mythology fans love, this is another strong chapter in one of horror’s most consistently entertaining franchises.
Personal take: Evil Dead Burn is a promising addition to the franchise. It's a darker and more intense entry that honors the roots of the series while pushing its elements to new extremes. I'm looking forward to seeing what Vaniček has in store for us.
- Ash vs. Evil Dead (2015-2018)
Why it's a continuation: After more than two decades of fans asking for another Evil Dead sequel, Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, and producer Rob Tapert finally brought Ash Williams back not in a movie, but in the Starz series Ash vs. Evil Dead. Set approximately 30 years after the original trilogy, the show reunited Raimi and Campbell with the character that launched their careers, expanding the franchise with a larger story, new characters, and a return to the mix of horror, comedy, and nauseating gore that made the films beloved. The series premiered with Raimi directing the first episode and immediately proved that Ash's time away had not diminished his appeal.
Personal reflection: Ash vs. Evil Dead was exactly what fans had been hoping for: a true continuation of the original franchise that allowed Bruce Campbell to return to the role of Ash Williams in all his arrogant, ridiculous glory. Campbell is amazing, bringing the same physical comedy and sarcastic charm that made Ash an icon, while Raimi's influence helps the series feel like a natural extension of the movies. The show hit some bumps along the way, but it delivers plenty of memorable Deadites, creative gore, hilarious moments, and genuine affection for the franchise. Seeing Ash back in action after all those years was a joy, and Ash vs. Evil Dead stands as one of the best horror TV shows ever made.
