We’ve ranked all the Evil Dead movies, including the ones not directed by franchise creator Sam Raimi. The rankings are based on each installment’s Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes. This comes ahead of the July 10 release of Evil Dead Burn, which is also featured on this list.
All Evil Dead movies ranked by RT score
6) Evil Dead (2013)
At the bottom of the list is the 2013 reboot of Evil Dead, which was directed by Fede Álvarez and produced by Raimi. During its theatrical run, the film received a mixed reception from critics and fans. It has a 64% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Most reviews praised Jane Levy’s leading performance as Mia Allen, acknowledging her commitment to such an intense and physically demanding role. Critics were also impressed with Álvarez’s cinematic vision for the movie, as he managed to add a new depth to the franchise’s usual “cabin in the woods” setup. Despite this, many expressed their disappointment over the reboot’s lack of humor, which was one of the Sam Raimi-directed Evil Dead movies was famous for. Due to its gory and gritty tone, some critics also didn’t appreciate the film’s brutal and violent sequences.
5) Army of Darkness (1993)
Next up on the list is 1993’s Army of Darkness, the third installment in Raimi’s original Evil Dead trilogy. It garnered a 68% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while its Popcornmeter score is higher at 87%. The 1993 movie is by far the most unique film of the franchise. It shifted the franchise’s genre from horror to a dark fantasy adventure by adding a time travel element to its story. The movie featured Bruce Campbell’s Ash Williams battling the army of the dead in medieval times. Many critics loved Campbell’s iconic performance and the film’s slapstick comedy. However, horror fans, who loved the terror and gore from the first two installments, were understandably disappointed with the genre shift.
4) Evil Dead Burn (2026)
Taking the fourth spot is the upcoming Evil Dead Burn from French filmmaker Sébastien Vaniček. The standalone sequel centers around a widow who reunites with her husband’s family after his death. Their gathering turns into a full-on nightmare when each of them starts transforming into Deadites. So far, it has already garnered a Fresh score of 80% on Rotten Tomatoes. Many critics are calling it the franchise’s bloodiest and most violent installment ever. Vaniček is also receiving praise for his compelling vision and masterful technical direction. Even though some are disappointed over its lack of dark humor, others are delighted with the sequel’s relentless, fast-paced sequences.
3) Evil Dead Rise (2023)
Ranking third is Lee Cronin’s 2023 standalone sequel Evil Dead Rise, which received a Fresh score of 85% on Rotten Tomatoes. For the first time, the franchise moved away from its usual cabin setting and into the city. It follows a family whose life turns into a living nightmare when one of them gets possessed by Deadites. Alyssa Sutherland’s portrayal of a loving single mother who gets transformed into a terrifying Deadite was universally praised by critics and fans. Many reviews also acknowledged the added tension and gravity that the family aspect and young characters bring to the story, making Sutherland’s Deadite transformation more heartbreaking.
2) The Evil Dead (1981)
Raimi’s groundbreaking 1981 horror movie The Evil Dead takes the second spot with an 85% Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes. Although it technically ties with Evil Dead Rise’s ratings, the first installment takes precedence for its massive influence and impact on the horror genre. Raimi’s feature directorial debut film was commended for its inventive camera techniques and practical effects. The cult classic helped launch Raimi and Campbell’s respective careers as a filmmaker and an actor. Unlike the sequel, the first installment was more nightmarish and terrorizing.
1) Evil Dead II (1987)
Claiming the top spot is the 1987 sequel Evil Dead II, which garnered an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Just like the first installment, Raimi’s direction and Campbell’s unforgettable performance were also universally praised. Many critics and fans loved the sequel’s perfect blend of horror and humor, particularly with its absurd and bloody sequences that highlighted Campbell’s physical comedy.
