“The Evil Dead” (1981) was one of the most infamous films of all time. Entirely banned in some regions of our planet earth, a 21 year old Sam Raimi and his pal Bruce Campbell crafted a Lovecraftian supernatural horror tale that takes place in a remote forest cabin. Under a handful of few hundred thousands dollars ($375,000 to be exact) and copious amounts of frenetic energy, we witness a story about demonic possession, Deadites and the infamous Necronomicon supported by macabre make up effects, schlocky acting, several now iconic horror moments and one of the most enduring horror characters this side of Ellen Ripley and Sidney Prescott, Ashley Williams.

Favored by a vintage presentation, stories erupted in cine-circuits regarding its violence and innovative, frantic direction. Despite its censorship, word of mouth spread like wildfire and like the most persistent Deadite, the franchise was transformed under the creative reigns of Raimi and Campbell who added two further entries: the brilliant “Evil Dead 2” (1987) is an all time great remake and sequel (!) and the way funnier and more grandiose “Army of Darkness” (1992) is a cult classic for different reasons. After two decades, a visceral remake (i.e., “Evil Dead” (2013)) was released trading the tongue-in-cheek horror approach of the original trilogy for something more sinister followed another decade later by the appropriately titled “Evil Dead Rise” (2023). But which one is the best? While it is hard to put any of these entries at the bottom as none of them is actually bad, mediocre or just good, we still nonetheless attempt to rank them.

5. Evil Dead (2013)

After a 21 year hiatus, a new incarnation of “Evil Dead” took place on the big screen. Backed by both Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell and a hearty (for a horror film) budget, this new take on the Necronomicon sought out to outdo the original trilogy by pushing the boundaries for on-screen Deadite carnage, horrific mutilations and disgusting body fluids. Lacking black humor and embracing the dark side of demon possession and all the visceral and atmospheric elements that come with it, “Evil Dead” attempts a more serious take on the isolated cabin in the woods trope by featuring a more relatable cast and convincing motivations for this trip. Despite a profound sense of love for all things “Evil Dead” which is backed by technical proficiency and a visually stimulating blood soaked climax, something is missing. This updated version of the original feels more like a rehash rather than a fresh entry. Still, Jane Levy’s acting is superb stealing every scene she is in it.

4. Evil Dead Rise (2013)

Lee Kronin’s sequel took the franchise away from its gloomy forest setting all the way to an apartment complex in L.A to the outrage (?) of some vocal fans. Placing strong emphasis in the first atmospheric half, all hell breaks loose inside a flat when a mother gets possessed leaving her (estranged) sister and her three children to fight for their lives. Occasionally, there is some belief suspension to the proceedings where guns shots, mirror shuttering screams, chainsaws, earthquakes, and dismemberments do nothing to cause any suspicion from the neighbors. However, Kronin’s stylish directional take would make you think that indeed the complex is empty under a gloriously decaying cinematography by Dave Garbett. Built upon a truly demented and creepy performance by Alyssa Sutherland who oozes menace at every single body mannerism or line delivery (e.g., “Mommy is with the maggots now“) and goes toe to toe with an excellent new heroine in the face of guitar technician Lily Sullivan, “Evil Dead Rise” has quite a few inventive set pieces and seeks to expand the lore for future entries.

3. The Evil Dead (1981)

The film that started all and offered a more gruesome take to supernatural horror after all the “Exorcists”, “Omens” and “Amityville Horrors” that prevailed in the 70s. Its cheap student aesthetic works in its favor giving it an appropriate vintage vibe. With a misleading poster (it is the ladies who are the main antagonists), “Evil Dead” gave us hero supremo Ash Williams in a way over his head situation around Lovecraftian books, Deadites, a cabin straight out of someone’s nightmares (it is a real location mind you) and a ferocious direction by a 21 year old Sam Raimi. The demon perspectives (shot on a mountain bike) are sensational and a force to be reckoned with. While it was considered to be quite graphic in the time of its release and the bearer of some questionable material (e.g., “tree scene"), it is an excellent addition in the genre. A rough diamond but a diamond nonetheless.

2. Army of Darkness (1992)

Love it or hate it, Raimi and his pal Campbell ditched the supernatural aspect of their franchise in favor of dark fantasy (!) and why not, laugh out loud comedy. Putting a time travelled Ash in the middle of medieval England where King Arthur is facing an army of ghouls, the screenplay allows Raimi to go full gonzo on various set pieces (both small and large in scale), one liners and comedic pay offs that match those of “Airplane” (1980). Bruce Campbell is the epitome of the likeable, capable and occasionally buffoon-ish hero, boomstick at one hand, chainsaw as a replacement for the other, delivering plenty of famous quotes (“Good, bad. I am the guy with the gun”) while squaring off skeletons, witches and an evil version of himself under impeccable comic timing. It is pretty bonkers really and a bold experiment by a filmmaking duo who never saw the need to compromise or commercialize their creative output (“Honey, you got real ugly!”).

1. Evil Dead 2 (1987)

Serving both as a sequel and as a remake (“Take that Bembridge scholars!”) which might (and has actually) confuse(d) simple horror goers, Raimi and Campbell get a bigger budget to play with their Deadite creations and the always trouble inducing Necronomicon. Featuring the birth of Ashley Williams, the hero we love and we deserve, “Evil Dead 2” is packed with amazing and original direction which remains a breath of fresh air after so many decades later on. Imbued with a strong sense of black and slapstick humor, we witness Campbell in the role of a lifetime. While it replicates some elements of the first film almost shot to shot, this sequel makes an 180 turn to become a solo vehicle of survival setting up simultaneously the lore rules for future entries to follow. It is a remarkable achievement, a landmark in supernatural terror that bears auteur characteristics and enough novelty to demolish the cookie cutter horror efforts of today. “I will swallow your soul!”. “Swallow this!” instead!