Encoming both Sam Raimi's classic trilogy and two different sequels, the Evil Dead movies range from impressive horror movies to true classics of the genre. The Evil Dead is a rarity within the genre, thanks to the inventive nature of series creator Sam Raimi. The original trilogy grew more comedic over time, developing a loyal fan-base who came to love the antics of Bruce Campbell's hapless hero, Ash Willias. That's not to say that Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness are devoid of horror, or even that the first Evil Dead is entirely humorless.

Raimi eventually stepped away from the director's chair, leaving the latest two films to be helmed by directors who still paid tribute to Evil Dead movie that stands out as the most iconic and entertaining of the bunch.

5 Evil Dead (2013)

63% On The Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer

The 2013 Evil Dead is the worst of the five released entries in the franchise — but is still a solid horror film. Unlike most horror series, which tend to have a clear dividing line between the beloved entries and the disappointing ones, fans mostly like all Evil Dead movies to varying degrees. The fact that Evil Dead 2013 is the one that fewer fans champion does not mean it isn't worth watching. Fede Alvarez's remake reinvents some of the original's ideas in fun new ways and is impeccably directed.

The film pulls a clever lead character swap partway through the plot, and features a great performance from Jane Levy as Mia. The biggest let-down of Evil Dead is the commitment to pure horror, which means it lacks the unique tonal balance that elevates the best entries in the series. Instead, the Evil Dead sequel sports more blood and gore than even Evil Dead 2. It's a solid scary film that is ired by horror fans, but doesn't fully replicate the magic of Sam Raimi's original films.

4 Army of Darkness (1992)

69% On The Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer

Far and away the least horror-toned of the Evil Dead movies, Army of Darkness is still a classic on its own campy merits. Thrown back in time and forced to combat the Deadites in the 14th century, Ash's fantastical adventure feels like a throwback to the epics of Ray Harryhausen (with a touch of self-aware slapstick humor). That commitment to goofiness costs the film much of the tension and terror that defined the previous Evil Dead films, but remains entertaining nevertheless.

Thanks to a truly fun performance from Bruce Campbell, who pushes Ash to new comical heights, Army of Darkness remains a fun ride even as it becomes more and more ridiculous. After the critical embrace of Evil Dead 2, the more mixed reception to Army of Darkness was matched with an audience that was less interested in Ash's fantastical exploits. A lop at the time of release and still decried from fans who dislike the overly humorous tone, Army of Darkness remains a cult classic.

3 Evil Dead Rise (2023)

84% On The Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer

In 2023, Lee Cronin brought the Evil Dead franchise roaring back to life with the bleak and grisly Evil Dead Rise. Seeking to underscore the connections between his new film and the original movies, Cronin's Evil Dead Rise shifts the setting to the inner city and introduces new elements to the lore. This includes building on small elements like a line from Army of Darkness to show that there are three Necromincons.

Bringing The Evil Dead to an apartment building and focusing on a family struggling to survive a Deadite attack, Evil Dead Rise was just different enough from the original to please most fans and critics. Doubling its budget in one weekend, Evil Dead Rise's grisly approach to horror was embraced by longtime fans. However, it was also very hardcore and abandons much of the humor baked into the original (though not to the degree of Evil Dead). Ultimately, Cronin's mastery of the thrills and chills of the series elevated the movie, even if lacked humor to balance it out.

2 The Evil Dead (1981)

86% On The Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer

The original entry in The Evil Dead franchise and Sam Raimi's directorial debut, The Evil Dead is an impressive opening salvo from the filmmaker that lacks the refinement of his later, better works. Introducing audiences to Bruce Campbell's Ash Williams, The Evil Dead is a grim and effective film whose amateurish elements (reflecting Raimi's youth at the time of production) adds to the uniquely shaggy elements of the film. The movie is relentless in its horror, with the Deadites tormenting the campers psychologically and physically.

While it's just as bleak as the later entries, the special effects bring an unnatural aspect to the film that helps it stand out visually. Campbell is genuinely great in the role of Ash, imbuing the more grounded character with the seeds of a personality that would only grow more animated with each subsequent appearance. Ultimately, The Evil Dead only really suffers in comparison. Evil Dead 2 is effectively a remake of the original from a more refined director, improving on the original's more forgettable elements. The first movie is perhaps most impressive for its micro-budget and level of creativity, and remains a gonzo blast.

1 Evil Dead 2 (1987)

88% On The Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer

A hallmark of the horror genre and simultaneously one of the most entertaining comedies of the 1980s, Evil Dead 2 takes the strengths of the first film and amplifies them. While the original introduced the franchise to the world, Evil Dead 2 is the best Evil Dead movie. What really sets Evil Dead 2 apart from the other Evil Dead movies is the formation of Ash into the iconic horror hero who can be compelling and believable in dramatic moments, goofball sequences, and action scenes. Bruce Campbell is perfectly game for the challenge, delivering a stellar performance.

Starting out as a remake of the original before taking some more dramatic turns, Evil Dead 2 balances the horror and comedy with a deft hand that few other filmmakers could match. Sam Raimi proves himself a master of tone and style with the film, building off the practical experience he acquired from the original to enhance the stylish flourishes and special effects. What it adds to the mix are absolutely hilarious bits of physical comedy from Campbell, Ash's chainsaw hand, and more blood than several lesser horror movies combined. Evil Dead 2 is the best of the Evil Dead films, and is one of the best horror films of its era as a whole.