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The horrific world of Evil Dead is set to return. The fifth movie, Evil Dead Rise, looks to be a return to the terrifying roots of the bloody franchise. The original film was made by Sam Raimi, who is returning to produce this installment. Raimi has made a name for himself as one of today’s most unique and entertaining filmmakers. Sam’s involvement is usually a great sign whether directing, writing, or producing. In preparation for the latest installment, here are ten of the best movies from Raimi.
10. The Grudge (2004)
When people think of Sam’s filmography, odds are they don’t think of the 2004 remake of The Grudge. While he didn’t have a hands-on role, he did serve as one of the film’s producers. His love for horror is still evident in the final project and is a treat for fans. This film was realized during the wave of American-made remakes of Japanese horror films, and it is one of the best. If this film turned out so well with Raimi simply producing, Evil Dead Rise will likely be a similar case.
9. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
Many moviegoers are claiming that the MCU is begging to become stale. Marvel critics state each film is beginning to feel the same, with few standing out. With Sam Raimi in the director’s chair, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness manages to be one of those few. The movie manages to stand out from the typical Marvel fare by being visually and structurally unique. Sam is known for his work in horror, and that experience leaks into this movie. The movie is a mind trip with sprinkles of horror, ensuring even the harshest critics will find it different.
8. Darkman (1990)
When thinking of Sam and superheroes, most fans will think of his work for Marvel. However, one of his most iconic films is a superhero flick of his own design. Darkman follows a scientist who, after surviving a brutal attack, seeks vengeance on those who wronged him. Liam Neeson stars as the titular character and gives one of his most underrated performances. The film pays homage to the Universal horror films of the 30s, acting as a warning to those who dare meddle in science.
7. Drag Me To Hell (2009)
Those who think a good horror movie needs to be R rated have clearly never seen Drag Me to Hell. The movie was co-written by Raimi alongside his brother Ivan. The film is filled to the brim with incredible visual effects, both practical and physical. The movie manages to be scary but also doesn’t shy away from Raimi’s trademark dark comedy fans hope to see return in Evil Dead Rise. Regardless of being filled with terrifying effects and situations, the film proudly manages to boast a rating of PG-13.
6. Evil Dead 2 (1987)
Six years after Sam Raimi enjoyed massive success with the first Evil Dead, a sequel was released. Unable to obtain the rights to show footage from the original, Sam had to remake some scenes for this film’s introduction, making this part remake, part sequel. The first movie was a straight horror film, while this one introduced the franchise’s trademark screwball comedy elements. Bruce Campbell returns as Ash and here begins to form the character into what fans know him as. Complete with his chainsaw arm and groovy catchphrases.
5. Spider-Man (2002)
For many modern fans, this is where they first heard of Raimi. Thanks to box-office bombs such as Batman & Robin, comic book movies were once seen as box-office poison. Blade and X-Men helped ease audiences back into theatre seats, but Spider-Man ensured comic book movies were back with a vengeance. The film has Raimi’s fingerprints all over it, and this helped the movie plant the seeds for the box-office juggernauts superhero movies would later become.
4. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Everything the first film did, Spider-Man 2 did better. Sam Raimi managed to perfect the superhero genre formula with this film. The movie dives deep into the character of Peter Parker and puts him to the test in a way many superhero movies still struggle with. Spider-Man 2 dissects what it means to be a hero and perfectly showcases why fans love these modern myths. When mentioning the greatest superhero movies of all time, Spider-Man 2 is almost always near the top, thanks in no small part to Sam.
3. Evil Dead (2013)
Like Evil Dead Rise, the last movie in the franchise saw Sam in the role of producer, letting Fele Álvarez take the reigns as director. The film is gory, visually stunning, and scary. While not a straight remake, the film does lean away from Ash and the previous movies. Even though he wasn’t involved with the writing, Sam’s fingerprints are all over the movie. Everything that makes the previous films as beloved as they are presented to a new generation, and fans adore it.
2. The Evil Dead (1981)
This is where it all began. Along with best friend Bruce Campbell, Raimi made a low-budget horror film that utterly changed the genre. With a small budget and a lot of imagination, The Evil Dead created a dark, terrifying world. A group of friends retreats to a cabin for a getaway, but they accidentally unleash dark forces that change their lives forever. A young Bruce Campbell makes his debut as Ash here. Instead of the goofball Deadite slayer fans have come to love, here he is played completely straight. The entire movie is played straight and remains one of the scariest from the decade.
1. Army of Darkness (1992)
When fans think of the Evil Dead franchise, this is where their mind often wanders. The third entry, Army of Darkness, completely embraces the comedy aspect. It is filled with quotable one-liners courtesy of a now fully realized Ash. Following immediately after the last movie, Ash finds himself trapped in Medieval times. Before he can return to his time, he must help take out the Deadites he unknowingly unleashed in the original movie. While Evil Dead Rise looks to be a self-contained story, fans wouldn’t be surprised if this classic is somehow referenced.