The Evil Dead franchise, a cornerstone of horror cinema, boasts a complex and often debated filmography. While the immediate answer to how many Evil Dead movies exist is arguably five, the full picture encompassing related films, remakes, and reboots necessitates a more nuanced exploration.
A Chronicle of Carnage: The Core Films
The heart of the Evil Dead universe resides within a specific lineage of films that directly continue the story of Ashley “Ash” J. Williams and the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis. Understanding these films is key to appreciating the franchise as a whole.
The Evil Dead (1981): Where It All Began
Sam Raimi’s debut feature, The Evil Dead, unleashed a torrent of low-budget gore and terrifying imagery on the world. Starring Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams, this film sees a group of college students vacationing in a remote cabin who inadvertently unleash demonic forces by playing a tape recording of passages from the Necronomicon.
Evil Dead 2 (1987): Humor Meets Horror
Blending horror and slapstick comedy, Evil Dead 2 is a re-imagining of the first film with a significantly larger budget and more polished special effects. While it essentially retells the story of The Evil Dead, it adds a comedic element that becomes a defining characteristic of the franchise.
Army of Darkness (1992): Hail to the King, Baby!
Army of Darkness transports Ash to the medieval era after being sucked through a time portal. Here, he must retrieve the Necronomicon to return to his own time, battling armies of undead and delivering iconic one-liners along the way. This film cemented Ash’s status as a cult icon.
Evil Dead (2013): A Brutal Reimagining
Fede Álvarez’s Evil Dead is a reboot of the original film, presenting a darker and more brutal take on the story. The film features a new group of characters who unleash the Kandarian Demon while attempting to help Mia, played by Jane Levy, kick her drug addiction. While not directly connected to Ash Williams, it remains firmly rooted in the Evil Dead mythology.
Evil Dead Rise (2023): Apartment of Horrors
Lee Cronin’s Evil Dead Rise takes the franchise in a new direction, moving the setting from a remote cabin to a dilapidated apartment building in Los Angeles. When a family discovers the Necronomicon, a terrifying demonic force is unleashed, forcing them to fight for their survival. It’s another standalone installment within the broader Evil Dead universe.
FAQs: Unearthing the Necronomicon’s Secrets
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the complexities of the Evil Dead franchise:
FAQ 1: Is Evil Dead Rise a Sequel or a Reboot?
Evil Dead Rise is considered a standalone installment within the Evil Dead universe. While it doesn’t feature Ash Williams, it maintains continuity with the existing mythology and expands the scope of the Deadites’ influence. It acknowledges the previous films without directly continuing their narratives.
FAQ 2: Is Bruce Campbell in Evil Dead Rise?
Bruce Campbell does not appear on-screen in Evil Dead Rise. However, he serves as an executive producer on the film and provides his voice for a brief, uncredited cameo, further solidifying his connection to the franchise.
FAQ 3: What’s the Deal with Evil Dead 2 Being a “Re-quel”?
Evil Dead 2 is often described as a “re-quel” because it reboots and sequels the first film simultaneously. Due to rights issues, Raimi was unable to fully use footage from the original Evil Dead in Evil Dead 2. Therefore, he essentially remade the first part of the story with a comedic tone and more elaborate special effects.
FAQ 4: Are All the Evil Dead Movies Connected?
While The Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2, and Army of Darkness form a direct trilogy centered on Ash Williams, Evil Dead (2013) and Evil Dead Rise are standalone stories within the same universe. They share similar mythology, demons, and the Necronomicon, but feature different characters and plotlines.
FAQ 5: What is the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis?
The Necronomicon Ex-Mortis, also known as the “Book of the Dead,” is an ancient Sumerian text that contains dark spells and incantations capable of raising the dead and unleashing demonic forces. It is the central catalyst for the events in all Evil Dead films.
FAQ 6: What is the “Klaatu Verata Nikto” Spell?
“Klaatu Verata Nikto” is a fictional phrase from Army of Darkness used to disarm the Necronomicon. Ash is instructed to recite these words perfectly to safely handle the book, but his mispronunciation unleashes the undead army. This phrase has become a popular catchphrase among Evil Dead fans.
FAQ 7: Will There Be More Evil Dead Movies?
The future of the Evil Dead franchise is looking bright. With the success of Evil Dead Rise, further installments are highly likely. Bruce Campbell has expressed interest in returning as Ash in animated form, and discussions about further sequels and spin-offs are ongoing.
FAQ 8: Is There an Evil Dead TV Show?
Yes, Ash vs Evil Dead is a three-season television series that continues the story of Ash Williams decades after the events of Army of Darkness. Bruce Campbell reprises his role, battling Deadites alongside new companions. Many consider it canon to the original trilogy.
FAQ 9: Where Can I Watch Ash vs Evil Dead?
Ash vs Evil Dead was originally broadcast on Starz. Currently, it’s available for streaming on various platforms, including Starz (subscription required) and can often be purchased digitally on platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video. Availability may vary depending on your region.
FAQ 10: Is the Evil Dead Video Game Canon?
The Evil Dead video games, particularly Evil Dead: The Game, feature Ash Williams and other characters from across the franchise, including those from Ash vs Evil Dead. While their canonicity is debated, they offer a fun and engaging way to experience the Evil Dead universe and are generally considered soft canon.
FAQ 11: What Makes Evil Dead So Unique?
The Evil Dead franchise stands out due to its unique blend of graphic horror, slapstick comedy, and over-the-top special effects. The character of Ash Williams, with his chainsaw hand and unwavering determination, has become an iconic figure in popular culture. The franchise also frequently breaks the fourth wall, engaging directly with the audience.
FAQ 12: What Order Should I Watch the Evil Dead Movies In?
For the best viewing experience, the core films should be watched in chronological order of release: The Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2, Army of Darkness, Evil Dead (2013), and Evil Dead Rise. Ash vs Evil Dead can be watched after Army of Darkness or anytime before Evil Dead Rise, as it doesn’t directly impact the events of the newer films.
The Legacy Lives On
The Evil Dead franchise has left an indelible mark on horror cinema, influencing countless filmmakers and captivating audiences with its unique blend of terror and humor. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, exploring the world of Ash Williams and the Necronomicon is a journey into a truly unforgettable cinematic experience. From the low-budget beginnings to the modern reimagining, the Evil Dead franchise continues to prove that even in the face of unimaginable horrors, there’s always room for a chainsaw and a well-placed one-liner.