Evil Dead
Evil Dead is a horror franchise that began with the 1981 low-budget film The Evil Dead, written and directed by Sam Raimi. The franchise encompasses several films, television series, comic books, and video games, all centered around the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis, a Sumerian Book of the Dead, and the protagonist Ash Williams.
The original film tells the story of five college students who vacation in a remote cabin in the woods, where they accidentally unleash demonic spirits, referred to as "Deadites," by playing a tape recording of incantations from the Necronomicon.
The franchise is known for its blend of horror, gore, and slapstick comedy. The films generally feature over-the-top violence, practical effects, and Raimi's signature directing style, including dynamic camera angles and fast-paced editing.
The core entries in the film series are:
- The Evil Dead (1981)
- Evil Dead 2 (1987)
- Army of Darkness (1992), also known as Evil Dead III or Bruce Campbell vs. Army of Darkness
The television series, Ash vs Evil Dead (2015-2018), continued the story of Ash Williams, played by Bruce Campbell, three decades after the events of the original films.
A standalone film, Evil Dead (2013), serves as a soft reboot/sequel to the original trilogy and features a new set of characters battling Deadites.
Evil Dead Rise (2023) is the fifth film in the franchise, featuring a new story and characters, focusing on a family in an apartment building terrorized by Deadites.
The Evil Dead franchise has achieved a cult following and is considered influential in the horror genre. It is recognized for its unique tone and blend of horror and humor, as well as its contributions to special effects and makeup artistry.